Spiritual Self-Defense –Roy
J. Waggoner
Part Three: Access the Armor of God
On February 22, 1998, a band of killer tornadoes swept through central Florida packing winds of up to 260 miles per hour. Thirty-eight people were killed and another two hundred and fifty were injured. Freddie Padgett, a resident of Geneva, Florida, was one of those injured. A tornado ripped through his motor home, sucked him up into its funnel, and deposited him into nearby Lake Henry over a mile away. The crew of a rescue helicopter later spotted him floating in the water. Padgett, who suffered broken ribs and other minor injuries, escaped certain death because he was wearing a life jacket. As had been his habit for years, he had worn a life preserver to bed that night after hearing the storm warnings. Thirty-eight people lost their lives that night, but Freddie Padgett was not among them because he took a seemingly unnecessary, but simple precaution. His lifelong fear of the water served him well¾he was ready for the approaching danger.[i]
Anticipating danger and preparing for the worst is often a critical factor in survival situations. The same principle holds true in the face of spiritual danger. As Christians we need to have a healthy respect for Satan and the continual danger he poses to us. However, we often go about our daily lives without any conscious thought of the opposition we face. It is easy to become so preoccupied with the physical realm that we are oblivious to the spiritual. Yet, the Bible tells us that we have an active archenemy in the spiritual realm. Consider 1 Peter 5:8, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The New Testament refers to Satan fifty-two times and uses the term “devil” another thirty-five times. Satan’s existence is a reality, and he is a very real threat. He tempted Jesus, sidetracked Peter, destroyed Ananias and Sapphira, and hindered Paul. None of us are beyond his reach or far from his mind. A state of war exists between us. Whether we realize it or not, a spiritual battle rages and we are under attack. Those who are routinely unaware of this conflict become easy prey for the enemy. This is why so many Christians, so often, fall into sin. Precautions must be taken. Paul makes this clear in Ephesians chapter six.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the
full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full
armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your
ground, . . . (Eph. 6:10-13a)
It is necessary to prepare ourselves for the enemy’s inevitable attack. How do we do this? Paul tells us that a three-fold state of readiness is needed.
ARMED FOR BATTLE
Being faced with ongoing hostilities requires defensive measures. We need to access the spiritual armament that God provides. This is the first stage of readiness.
With God’s Armor
As spiritual combatants, we must be “strong in the Lord.” Mere men, even those who are born-again, cannot prevail alone. Verses ten and eleven make it clear that we must put on the armor of God in order to be strong in the Lord. Paul does not yet discuss the armor itself, but here merely stresses its importance for victory. Sufficient to our discussion at this point is the fact that spiritual warriors must be equipped for battle. In any army, enlistment or conscription is the first step. Those placed under command are then provided with the weapons of war. As Christians we are soldiers in the Lord’s army. Our King is under attack and we are under attack by virtue of our relationship to him. Therefore, he has made his armor available to us.
Another crucial element is involved in a soldier’s success. A soldier must be obedient to his commander. This holds true in the spiritual battle as well. We are soldiers and although we are provided with all the resources needed to be victorious, we must also be obedient soldiers. The spiritual warrior must be Spirit-controlled (Eph. 5:18). In short, we must be submissive to God, our commander, in all things. If so, we will be successful soldiers. If we take up the weapons that have been provided and use them to do the will of God, our King, we will prevail because we will be strong in the power of God’s might.
In Advance of Battle
A soldier’s provision and training in the proper use of his equipment must be completed in advance of any challenge mounted by the enemy. The verb translated “put on” in verse eleven is an imperative that commands us to dress ourselves in the armor that God has provided. The Greek verb tense specifies a single action taken at some point in time, obviously prior to any anticipated opposition. It would be dangerous, even ridiculous, for a soldier to go on patrol wearing only a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. It would be too late to retrieve his body armor and rifle in the case of an enemy attack. The same is true in the spiritual realm. It is up to us to prepare ourselves in advance of temptation by putting on the armor of God. Putting on the armor of God renders us strong in the power of the Lord’s might and able to resist Satan’s advances.
Martin Luther’s picturesque description of his battle with Satan and temptation illustrates the importance of spiritual preparation.
Well, when he comes knocking upon the door of my heart, and asks, “Who lives here?” the dear Lord Jesus goes to the door and says, “Martin Luther used to live here, but he has moved out. Now I live here.” The Devil seeing the nail-prints in his hands, and the pierced side, takes flight immediately.
Victory depends on our relationship with the already victorious Christ and his power - not our own. Therefore, we must do what is required to have his power at our disposal in advance of any temptation
INFORMED ABOUT THE ENEMY
The second stage of readiness involves being informed about the enemy we face so that we will be ready for his advances. Paul provides us with this information in verse twelve.
His Prowess
The Devil is our primary enemy. In eternity past he rebelled against God and attempted to elevate himself to God’s level. Consequently, he was cast out of God’s presence (Isa.14:12-15, Ezk. 28:7-9, Rev. 12:7-9). It is important to remember that Satan is a spirit being that once dared to challenge God himself. He is not an ordinary flesh and blood enemy. Is it any wonder that we need to rely on God’s strength to resist him? His intentions toward us are threefold. First, he seeks to defeat us by inducing us to sin. Then, he proceeds to defame us by accusing us before God (Rev. 12:10). His accusations, in effect, make us trophies in his ongoing conflict with God. Finally, Satan seeks to destroy us by enslaving us to sin and its inevitable results.
His Tactics
If we are to stand, we must be able to stand against the devil’s “schemes” (v. 11). The word translated “schemes” in verse eleven refers to “methods” or “methodologies.” His methods¾merely referenced here¾can be easily identified in scripture. They involve the methods discussed in chapter three: his subtlety, deception, and enticement. They also include the avenues of approach discussed in chapters four through six; the Apostle John refers to these avenues as: “the cravings of sinful men, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does” (1 John 2:16). Satan targeted these human desires in the garden when he tempted Eve (Gen. 3:1-6). He appealed to her flesh when he tempted her to eat the forbidden fruit. He also appealed to her desire to possess what was forbidden. And, finally, he approached her from the standpoint of pride telling her she would become like God if she ate the forbidden fruit. Satan employed the same approach when he tempted Jesus (Mt. 4:1-11). He appealed to his flesh when he suggested turning the stone into bread. He counted on the desire for material gain when he showed him all the kingdoms of the world. He tempted him on the basis of pride when he suggested that he cast himself off the highest point of the temple. Satan always uses subtlety, deception, and enticement along with these three avenues of approach to produce powerful temptations in our lives. Paul refers to all of these tactics as, “the devil’s schemes.”
Satan’s tactics have not changed or varied over the years. Discipleship Journal asked its readers to rank their greatest temptations. The results in order of rank and their identification with the three avenues of temptation follow: 1) materialism (the lust of the eyes), 2) pride (boasting), 3) self-centeredness (boasting, a pride issue), 4) laziness (the craving of the flesh), 5) anger (a pride issue), 6) bitterness (a pride issue), 7) sexual lust (the craving of the flesh), 8) envy (the lust of the eyes), 9) gluttony (the craving of the flesh) and 10) lying (a pride issue).[ii]
His Virtual Omnipresence
When Satan (Lucifer) rebelled against God, many
other angels joined with him in his rebellion and were judged with him by God
(Rev. 12:4, 9). These fallen angels are called demons elsewhere in scripture.
They are spirit beings as is Satan. Our enemies are not mere flesh and blood,
and they are many. This is why believers need God’s strength. Paul further
identifies the demonic spirits we face in regard to the various roles they play
in opposing God’s children. Mark Bubeck offers the following explanation as to
what these roles may be. He connects the Greek word translated “rulers” to the
possible delegation of geographic authority. He suggests that the “authorities”
may refer to those demons that seek authority over the lives of individual
believers. He further suggests that “powers of this dark world” may be a
classification of demons assigned to world leaders (Dan. 10:13). Finally, he
contends that “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” may refer to
those demons assigned to various religions.[iii]
Nothing can be stated about the above terms with absolute certainty, but it is
obvious that we face a numerous and highly organized army. Satan is their
commander-in-chief and his demons give him virtual omnipresence. Although we
often give Satan the credit, individual believers are not routinely tempted by
Satan, but by one or more of his demons. In a similar way, we might say that
the United States and its allies defeated Hitler in World War II, when in
reality it was Hitler’s army that was defeated. So, although it might be said
that an individual resisted Satan or was tempted by Satan, in reality it was
one or more of his demons that was directly involved.
DETERMINED TO RESIST
Since we are faced with this ongoing battle, we need to be determined in our resistance. This is the third state of readiness. Verses eleven through thirteen emphasize this steadfast state of mind.
Refusing to Yield.
It is our obligation to “stand against the devil’s schemes” (v. 11) and to stand our ground (v. 13). In physical combat the soldier’s goal is to hold his ground and if possible advance against the enemy. In spiritual combat, believers must hold their moral ground. Satan wishes to move believers away from their commitment to do what is right. Believers must be determined to withstand Satanic attack. Many run up the white flag at the first sign of the enemy believing they are unable to resist. They give up and to give in to temptation rather than resist it. They often describe temptations as too powerful to resist, but this is a lie. No temptation is beyond the believer’s power to resist. When we are tested, God always provides a way for us to handle it (1 Cor. 10:13). The key to successful resistance is our attitude toward the conflict.
At the first battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson and his men refused to retreat from a federal attack although Confederate troops were being driven back in mass. Jackson and his men through their heroic efforts stopped the Union advance, earning General Jackson his famous nickname. Jackson’s men, inspired by his leadership, stood their ground. So, it is in the spiritual battle. Those of us who believe we can resist, those who are determined to resist, with God’s help, can and do resist temptations. Withstanding temptation must be our unwavering goal.
Personally Engaged
Holding one’s ground begins with determination, but requires active resistance. Paul says that, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (v. 12). The word translated “struggle” means to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Hand to hand combat requires personal involvement. When we are attacked, we must put up a fight. We must engage in active resistance against the enemy. James tells us that the only way to make the devil flee (i.e. cease his attack) is to resist him (Jam. 4:7). Peter also emphasizes the need for active resistance, advising us to “resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Pet. 5:9).
CONCLUSION
At the battle of Gettysburg an officer told Confederate General James Longstreet that he could not bring his men up again—meaning that he could not convince them to make another attack upon the enemy. Longstreet’s response was, “Very well; never mind, then; just let them stay where they are; the enemy is going to advance, and that will spare you the trouble.”[iv] What was true on that day and in that battle is also true of every spiritual battle in which we are engaged. Satan will attack. We cannot avoid the conflict. The only question is whether we will stand or fall. We must be prepared, informed, and determined. Are you ready?
In September of 1977 Terry Schafer purchased a Christmas gift for her husband, David, a police officer. She was so excited about the gift that she couldn’t wait until Christmas and gave him the gift early. On October first, David pulled over a robbery suspect. As he approached the car, the suspect shot him in the abdomen with a .45-caliber pistol. Christmas came early for David Schafer, and it saved his life. He was wearing the new vest that his wife had given him for Christmas, a bulletproof vest.[v] Officer Schafer was not seriously injured because of his wife’s foresight. Furthermore, he had taken the time to put on the bulletproof vest that evening before his shift began. His life was spared because he was prepared for the assault.
Almost any successful endeavor requires preparation. Athletes must condition themselves before they compete. New businesses begin with a business plan. Successful careers require years of educational preparation. Successful trips are planned in advance. Retirement requires financial planning. Even doing something as simple as staying warm in cold weather requires putting on warm clothing before going outside. It is only reasonable to conclude that spiritual success also requires preparation.
Every believer is involved in a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:10-13). We are tempted on a daily basis and must wrestle against demonic powers. Being prepared for this conflict is the key to victory. We need the Lord’s power. It is only in his strength that we can be victorious (v. 10). This requires putting on the full armor of God (v. 11). Ephesians 6:14-15 describes the first three components of spiritual armor.
And after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with
the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of
righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes
from the gospel of peace. (Eph. 6:13b-15)
Every believer needs to access God’s provision for spiritual protection. These two verses tell us how.
ACKNOWLEDGE TRUTH
The first way to access God’s protective power is by acknowledging truth. Consider the first half of verse fourteen in this regard.
Objective Truth
The Greek word translated “truth” in verse fourteen refers to the content of truth. The world in which we live typically denies the existence of objective truth, but God’s Word presents truth as unchanging, precise, and objective in content. As Christians, we often wonder about such things, as how the world can accept the practice of abortion and at the same time oppose capital punishment for convicted murderers. This is because the world perceives truth as situational and relative. One survey found that sixty-seven percent of Americans agree that there is no such thing as objective truth.[vi] Satan has done his work well. Jesus called him the, “father of lies” (Jn 8:44). He is a master deceiver that has deceived the world into believing that there is no objective, unchanging truth. His ability to deceive is his primary weapon, and he is not content with deceiving the unsaved world alone. He knows that if he can cause us to doubt God’s Word, then he can influence our thinking as believers and ultimately our behavior as well.
Two lies accompany every temptation. Satan tells men that sinful behavior will do no harm, and that there is actually something of value to be gained by it. This is illustrated by the devil’s temptation of Eve. He told her that she would not die as a result of eating the forbidden fruit, but instead that she would actually become like God (Gen. 3:4-5). This, of course, was a direct contradiction of God’s Word (Gen. 2:17). If we are to resist temptation, we must first know the truth and then maintain an unwavering commitment to it.
Protective Truth
Paul was under the guard of Roman soldiers when he penned the letter to the Ephesians. Therefore, he was well acquainted with the Roman soldier’s protective armor. It was this armor that he used to illustrate for us the spiritual armor of God that we need to wear.
A Roman soldier wore a heavy leather belt around his waist. This was an essential piece of equipment because every other piece of armor connected to it. Paul says that we should have the belt of truth buckled around our waist. In Paul’s day, the abdomen was considered the seat of emotions. Truth, when it is acknowledged and heeded, protects us from emotional trauma. In contrast, when we doubt God’s Word, we are left to the mercy of our own emotions. Deprived of any sure foundation for our actions, our lustful desires soon overwhelm us (1 Jn 2:15-16).
DO WHAT IS RIGHT
The second way we can access the protective power of God is by choosing ahead of time to do what is right. This means having in place the “breastplate of righteousness” (14b).
Practical Righteousness
Paul is not referring to the doctrine of justification here. Believers are justified—declared righteous—by God when they accept Christ by faith (Rom. 5:1). Justification establishes positional righteousness before God. Positional righteousness is based on Christ’s death in our place and not in any way by our own efforts. What Paul is referring to in verse fourteen is practical righteousness¾not positional righteousness. This is clear because while it is God who gives us positional righteous, it is the believer’s responsibility to put on the armor of God for himself.
A Predetermined Choice
The Roman soldier’s breastplate covered his chest and protected his heart. In Paul’s day the heart was considered the seat of the will. A person’s will is what determines his actions¾whether right or wrong. The breastplate of righteousness protects the Christian soldier in that it shields him from wrong choices. Again, since the armor of God is to be put on prior to the battle, the breastplate of righteousness is a predetermined choice—a choice to do what is right. Those who have not made-up their minds to follow the right course in advance of temptation are in greater danger of making the wrong choice when temptations come. The breastplate of righteousness can be equated with the believer’s dedication to God (Rom. 12:1-2).
I accepted Christ at eight years of age, but it was not until I was nineteen that I gave up control of my life to Christ. I have not lived a perfect life, but I have lived much closer to Christ since that time because my decision to serve him was made those many years ago.
Too many pay lip service to Christ but have not made up their minds to serve him. A ruthless businessman whom Mark Twain encountered in Boston announced his intentions to travel to Mount Sinai, climb to the top, and read the Ten Commandments at the top of his voice. Unimpressed, Twain advised him to stay home instead and try keeping the Ten Commandments.[vii] All too often Christians fall into sin because they haven’t settled the issue of obedience.
APPROPRIATE GOD’S PEACE
Finally, God’s protective power is available
through his peace. This component of spiritual armor is equated with the Roman
soldier’s footwear (v. 15).
Good News
The footwear mentioned in this verse is, “the gospel of peace.” In this case, the word “gospel” is not used in its technical sense to refer to the message of salvation. Instead, it simply means “good news” and is used as a simple modifier of the word, “peace.” Possessing the peace of God is certainly good news. Note also that the peace mentioned here is not peace with God, which is positional and received at salvation (Rom. 5:1). Rather, it is the peace of God, which is available to the believer through prayer (Phil. 4:6-7).
Freedom from Fear
The Roman soldier wore sandals that were rough soled to give him traction and stability. His footwear was part of his preparation for battle. In enumerating the armor of God, Paul says that the peace of God is our footwear, and that such peace readies us for the spiritual battle. Just as the Roman soldier’s footwear gave him better mobility and stability, the peace of God does the same in the spiritual arena. A lack of peace means the presence of fear, and fear paralyzes us.
Recently, my wife stayed in the car while I took care of some business. I thought I had locked the doors, but I had not. Seeing that my headlights were still on and not noticing my wife, a kind stranger opened the driver’s door and reached in to turn off the headlights. Upon noticing my wife, he embarrassingly excused himself and quickly departed. My wife never moved and never said a word. I asked her later why she didn’t open her door and get out when she saw the man opening the other door; she explained that she was so frightened that she couldn’t move or speak. Fear paralyzes. Where there is worry and fear, obedience is inhibited. Worry over finances can inhibit our giving. When we fear failure we may not volunteer our services. Fear paralyzes.
Peace, on the other hand, frees us from the fears that Satan preys upon to induce disobedience. We need to take every fear to the Lord in prayer, and the peace of God that passes understanding will soon replace it (Phil. 4:6-7).
CONCLUSION
For years we have played Electronic Battleship at our house. It’s a game of strategy that pits two opposing toy fleets against each other in battle. When each fleet's positions are programmed into the game, a commanding voice says, “Prepare for battle!” This too is Paul’s message to us in Ephesians 6:14-15—“Prepare for battle!” The conflict will soon be upon us. Prepare now. Prepare beforehand. Prepare before it is too late. Put on the armor of God so that you may stand.
On March 8, 1862, the CSS Virginia, operating alone out of Hampton Roads, Virginia against a squadron of blockading Union vessels, sank two Union ships—the USS Congress and the USS Cumberland—and scattered the rest of the squadron, while sustaining practically no damage to herself. How was it that a single ship could accomplish so much against a superior force? The Virginia was an armored ship¾an ironclad¾better known historically as the “Merrimac,” the name it bore before it was captured by the Confederate navy, fitted with iron plates, and renamed. The next day, March 9, the Virginia fought its famous battle with the Union ironclad, the “Monitor.” The four-hour, close-range duel ended in a draw. Neither ship was able to pierce the other’s armor.
Defensive armor has always been an asset in warfare. Ancient warriors and medieval knights wore armor. Modern warships and battle tanks depend on armor. Even the modern infantryman wears lightweight body armor. Armor provides essential protection against enemy attack.
In the spiritual realm, armor is equally essential. Christians are constantly under attack. Satan wants to defeat, defame, and ultimately destroy the lives of believers (Eph. 6:11-12). In order to defend themselves, believers need to be outfitted with the armor of God (Eph. 6:11, 13). Paul was well aware of the Roman soldier’s armor, and he used it to help his readers picture the unseen armor of God that believers need. It is this armor that we need in order to protect us against temptation.
So far Paul has described the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace. Each of these is crucial, but more is needed. Now, in verses sixteen and seventeen, he describes three more pieces of spiritual armor we need to wear.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you
can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of
salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:16-17)
Along with the three pieces of armor already described, we need to put on these three additional pieces of armor. Again, Paul tells us how we can access God’s protective power.
EXERCISE FAITH
The fourth way to access God’s protective power is by exercising faith. Notice what Paul says in verse sixteen.
Faith is Trust in God
The faith referred to here is not initial saving faith, but faith exercised on a daily basis. It involves living one’s life with complete confidence in God. The shield that was carried by the Roman infantryman was nearly large enough to protect his whole body. A line of advancing soldiers often held their shields together to protect them from enemy arrows. These shields were made of leather and were often dipped in water prior to battle so that they would extinguish flaming arrows. With such protection, the soldier could confidently advance against the enemy in battle. Likewise, faith gives spiritual warriors the confidence to trust God and resist temptation.
Temptation Involves Doubting God
The fiery arrows Satan shoots at us are arrows of doubt. When someone yields to temptation, it is almost always because that person was induced to doubt God rather than trust him. Satan tempted Eve to doubt God’s truthfulness, saying, “You will not surely die” (Gen. 3:4). He also suggested to her mind the idea that God was holding out on her when he said, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5). Peter is another example. He denied the Lord out of fear, doubting God’s ability or willingness to protect him if he was truthful (Mk 14:60-72). Resisting temptation requires faith in God. The best way to develop faith is by feeding on God’s Word and saturating one’s mind with the promises of God. Consider what Paul said in Romans 10:17: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
OBTAIN ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
Another way to access God’s protection is by obtaining assurance of our salvation. This is indicated in the first part of verse seventeen.
The Certainty of Salvation
Since we are told to put on the “helmet of salvation,” the helmet here cannot possibly refer to our eternal salvation, because we cannot save ourselves. Salvation is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8). Yet, the helmet that we must put on is somehow connected to salvation because it is called the “helmet of salvation.” It can only be that it refers to our certainty of salvation. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39). The Spirit of God has sealed us unto the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30). The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is God’s down payment on our eternal inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14). Without a doubt, our final salvation is certain. However, we still need to have a firm personal assurance of this fact. This assurance is our “helmet of salvation.”
Spiritual Protection
The settled assurance of eternal salvation is necessary protection for our minds as we wage spiritual warfare. My own experience is an example. I was not taught as a young Christian that salvation is eternally secure. I thought that I had to avoid sin in order to hold on to it. Those who hold this view believe it is the only reason for believers to live right, and that those who teach the security of the believer are only giving people an excuse to sin. I found the opposite to be true. A person who believes he can lose his salvation, as I once did, will assume that he has lost it the moment he yields to any significant temptation. Now, if you think that you have lost your salvation, what is the point of resisting temptation any longer? There is none. Of course, we might reason that we can be saved again later, but why be in a hurry? At the moment, we might as well indulge ourselves. There cannot possibly be any further consequences. On the other hand, when we know that we are eternally secure, we have the only real reason to steadfastly resist temptation¾a deep sense of gratitude. Recognizing that salvation is a wonderful gift of grace that we do not deserve, we will want to please the Lord. Herein is the protective aspect of assurance.
It is said that when the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was being constructed that many workers became overly fearful of falling due to the knowledge that typically one man died for every million dollars spent on such projects. The Golden Gate was budgeted at thirty five million dollars, meaning that nearly three-dozen men would likely lose their lives before the bridge was completed. At some point during the construction, the chief engineer, Joseph Strauss, ordered a net to be placed under the structure. The result was dramatic. The pace of construction rapidly increased. More work was done when the workers felt secure.[viii] So it is in the Christian life. We are more highly motivated to do what we should be doing, when we realize that our salvation is secure,
Our security is based squarely on God’s promises. Assurance is maintained when we fully understand what God has done for us and what he promises. Such assurance comes from exposure to God’s Word wherein the promises are recorded. In 1 John 5:13 the Apostle John said, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Assurance of our salvation is possible. We can know that we are saved. We can be certain, based on God’s promises, and if we are, it is of great benefit in the spiritual battle.
APPLY BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES
Finally, we need to access the protective power of God by applying biblical principles to each and every situation we encounter in life. Notice the latter part of verse seventeen.
Specific Principle
In the phrase “the word of God,” the usual Greek term translated “word” (logos) does not appear. If it did, the entire “word of God” would have been meant. Instead, a less frequently used term (rhema) appears, which refers to the individual words that make up the text. Therefore, precise and specific principles are indicated rather than the entire Word of God. The word translated “sword” gives further confirmation of this idea. The Romans used two types of swords, and two different Greek words were used to designate them. Mounted troops used a long, heavy sword, and infantrymen carried a short sword along with their spear. In this verse, it is the word for the infantryman’s short sword that appears. The infantryman’s sword was about eighteen inches long, similar in size to the large Bowie knife. It was used for precise work in hand-to-hand combat. The “sword of the Spirit” must also be used precisely in order to be effective. Again, specific biblical principles are indicated.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he quoted a specific Old Testament verse each time he was tempted by Satan (see Matthew 4: 4, 7, 10). In so doing, he was indicating the specific biblical principle or command that he was choosing to follow in contrast to what Satan suggested. The point is not that Satan is frightened by the Word of God, but that specific knowledge of God’s will contained in his Word is necessary for one’s obedience in the face of temptation. Martin Luther once said, “When I find myself assailed by temptation, I forthwith lay hold of some text of the Bible, which Jesus extends to me.” This is the idea.
A high school student whose band was performing on a Caribbean cruise was enticed to drink alcohol by some friends, but he had memorized Scripture verses from the book of Proverbs on alcohol abuse, and so he quoted it to his friends. First he said, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise (Pro. 20:1).” Being enticed again, he said, “In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper (Pro. 23:32).” Finally, upon being accused of rejecting their company, he said, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them (Pro. 1:10).” “Leave him be,” said one of his friends, “He’s so full of Scripture we can’t do a thing with him.”[ix] Likewise, we also need to be full of Scripture.
Spirit Application
Paul refers to the words of God as “the sword of the Spirit.” It is the Holy Spirit who wields the sword. He inspired the Word of God. It is his book, and he is our teacher, according to John 14:26. It is the Spirit who helps us understand and apply the Word of God, even though his presence and work is not always obvious. What is obvious is that we have to cooperate with the Spirit. How could any teacher be expected to teach a student that did not show up for class? Similarly, how can the Holy Spirit teach us, if we do not spend any time reading or studying the scriptures? Yet, George Barna, the social researcher, tells us that only 45 percent of American Christians read the Bible at all, and that only 12 percent of those read it daily.[x]
CONCLUSION
Spiritual self-defense depends upon the armor of God. In addition to the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace, believers need to carry a shield of faith, wear a helmet of salvation, and arm themselves with the sword of the Spirit so that they will be able to stand against the devil’s schemes.
In Charles Allen’s book, All Things are Possible Through Prayer, he writes the following:
In Hugh Price Hughes’ story, the “City of Everywhere,” a man arrived in a city one cold morning. As he got off the train, the station was like any other station with the crowds and redcaps, except that everybody was barefooted. They wore no shoes. He noticed the cab driver was barefooted. Pardon me,” he asked the driver, “I was just wondering why you don’t wear shoes. Don’t you believe in shoes?” “Sure we do,” said the driver. “Why don’t you wear them?” “Ah, that’s the question,” came the reply. “Why don’t we wear shoes? Why don’t we?” At the hotel it was the same. The clerk, bell-boys, everybody was bare-footed. In the coffee shop he noticed a nice-looking fellow at a table opposite him who was also barefooted. He said, “I notice you aren’t wearing any shoes. I wonder why? Don’t you know about shoes?” The man replied, “Of course I know about shoes.” “Then why don’t you wear them?” “Ah, that’s the question. Why don’t we? Why don’t we?”[xi]
So, why is it that we do not always access the armor of God? We believe in it, do we not? We know about it—do we not? Why not put on the armor of God? —Why not?
On Sunday morning of December 7, 1941, without warning or provocation, Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor. Nineteen ships, including eight battleships, were either sunk or badly damaged, decimating the United States’ Pacific Fleet. One hundred and eighty-eight American planes were destroyed. Over two thousand U. S. servicemen were killed, and more than one thousand others were wounded. Pearl Harbor was heavily armed. In addition to the naval base at Pearl Harbor, both an army air base and a naval air station were located nearby. The means to fight back was at hand, but the attack caught the U. S. completely off guard.
It is no different in the spiritual realm. Those who are caught off guard are easily defeated. We must be prepared for temptation. We must put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace and take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:14-17). However, all this preparation is pointless if we are not watchful. We also need to be continually alert or we will falter under the enemy’s attack. Note Paul’s words in the eighteenth verse of Ephesians six.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and
requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the
saints. (Eph. 6:18)
We need to remain alert in order to resist temptation. Having enumerated the pieces of armor that are required to defend against temptation, Paul now adds two equally important activities that the Christian soldier must practice in order to remain alert: praying continually, and watching for the enemy’s approach.
PRAYING FOR HELP
Prayer is the first essential activity that is required for us to be alert. Consider Paul’s words in the first part of verse eighteen where he says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Praying Continually
The activity of prayer is indicated by the present tense participle that is translated “pray.” The present tense designates an ongoing activity. Whereas the Christian is called to put on his armor just once, prayer on the other hand, must be a regular discipline. The modifying phrase, “on all occasions” adds further emphasis. We should be continually praying. It is impossible to miss Paul’s emphasis. Perpetual prayer is crucial in spiritual warfare. As Samuel Chadwick said, “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.”[xii]
Praying Purposefully
Continual prayer is important, but we also need to be purposeful in our prayers. The word that is translated “prayers” is a word that is used only of prayers directed toward God. It is amazing how often we seek the help of everyone except God. Paul is not here concerned with any other type of request. It is only when we are continually dependent upon God that spiritual alertness is achieved. When we pray, we should make specific “requests” in regard to resisting temptation. The context indicates that potential temptation was what Paul had in mind. Likewise, Jesus taught his disciples to pray about potential temptations, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (Matt. 6:13).” He was not implying that God would ever lead anyone into temptation. This God does not do (James 1:13). Instead, he was encouraging a specific kind of prayer request¾asking for God’s help in resisting temptation, or perhaps avoiding specific temptations altogether. In general, prayer insulates the believer from sin. As Charles H. Spurgeon said, “Praying will make you leave off sinning, or sinning will make you leave off praying.”[xiii] Like oil and water, prayer and sin do not mix.
WATCHING FOR THE ENEMY
Watchfulness is the second requirement for alertness. Notice Paul’s words in the latter half of verse eighteen, “be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Watching Continually
Just as prayer is to be a continual activity, so also we need to be continually watchful. Again, the present tense imperative participle is used. It is translated “be alert,” but literally means, “to be watching.” It is not good enough to watch for the enemy part of the time or even most of the time. Anytime the believer fails to watch, the enemy may launch an attack. In the seventh chapter of Judges, although Gideon was facing a superior number of invading Midianites, God told Gideon to allow all of those who were fearful to go home, and more than two thirds of his army departed. The Lord then tested the rest by having Gideon take them down to the water for a drink. Of the ten thousand who drank, ninety seven hundred knelt down to drink, rendering them temporarily unobservant. Three hundred brought the water up to their mouths with their hands, allowing them to be continually watchful of the enemy’s approach. These were the one’s God chose to fight the enemy.
Watching Steadfastly
It is impossible to be continually watchful without determination. The prepositional phrase translated “always” in the English text more specifically means, “with all perseverance.” With this phrase Paul intended to reference our utmost devotion and determination. We have to possess unwavering determination to resist the devil and avoid sin. This is necessary because Satan is absolutely dedicated in his opposition to us. Peter emphasizes this in 1 Peter 5:8 saying, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Watchfulness cannot be achieved or maintained, if we are casual about temptation. To be watchful requires being awake and not asleep on the job. On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Upon entering the garden, he posted eight disciples at the entrance, possibly as an outer guard (Mark 14:32). Taking the three inner-circle disciples¾Peter, James, and John¾with him into the garden, he posted them there with orders to watch while he went on a little farther to pray (vs. 34). In addition to his desire for support, in all likelihood, he did not want any of them to be taken by surprise when his enemies came. The disciples were to watch for the enemies’ approach. They failed miserably, however, in their duty falling asleep three times (vs. 37-41). Being at our post is of no value if we are not carefully watching. The soon arrival of Jesus’ enemies would bring Peter’s greatest challenge, and so Jesus admonished him in verse thirty eight, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Peter, however, was not prepared spiritually when the temptation came. At first he struck the High Priest’s servant with his sword, and later that same night he cowardly denied the Lord three times. Both were failures that might have been prevented had he steadfastly watched for the approaching temptation.
Watching Collectively
“Praying for all the saints,” should also be a part of our watchfulness. We need to watch out for each other as well as for ourselves. Our intercessory prayers are usually concerned only with the physical and material needs of fellow believers. No doubt, this is because those are the type of requests we receive. It is certainly difficult for any of us to share prayer requests involving our battles with temptation. No one wants to bare dirty laundry in public. So, we freely make requests concerning our physical and material needs, but virtually ignore our spiritual struggles. Yet, we know all too well that we routinely struggle with certain temptations. With this in mind, we would do well to remember that others need our prayers in regard to temptation as badly as we do theirs¾whether they are requested or not. As we read in Ecclesiastes, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up!” (Ecc. 4:9-10).
CONCLUSION
In a park in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
there is a huge anchor with a plaque attached. It is a memorial to the
battleship Oklahoma and its crew that was sunk at Pearl Harbor.
Inscribed on the plaque are the words of 18th Century Irish orator
John Philpot Curran, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”[xiv]
The same can be said of our standing in Christ. Eternal vigilance is the price
of spiritual victory. The devil may be targeting us at this very moment. We
never know when he might strike, but he will strike. “Watch and pray so that
you will not fall into temptation (Mark 14:38).”
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