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Ephesians 6:10–20
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (v. 11).
Demons stand behind at least some of the world’s false religions, encouraging idolatrous devotion (Deut. 32:17). As we continue our look today at the doctrines of angels and demons (angelology and demonology), we will note that not only do demons stand behind idolatry, but they may be behind some world powers as well. The reference in Daniel 10:13–14 to the battle between the “prince of the kingdom of Persia” and the archangel Michael suggests a demonic power that was somehow influencing the affairs of ancient Persia. Also, the two beasts described in Revelation 13 seem to depict nations or other world powers, and they are portrayed in monstrous imagery that may point to demonic influence.
Even though we have been considering the origin and activities of both the good angels and the bad angels (or demons), perhaps the most important thing to know about this subject is how to fight the devil. Ephesians 6:10–20 gives us important guidance here in its exhortation to put on “the whole armor of God” to fight Satan. A few observations are in order. First, the armor that Paul describes exhibits similarities to the armor that God Himself wears (Isa. 59:17). Of course, God does not literally wear armor, but His character is defined by the attributes and acts that the armor represents, including righteousness and salvation. Putting on God’s armor, then, involves putting on the Lord’s character, developing virtues that are similar to His own and fighting in His strength. We fight the enemy effectively only as we become imitators of God (Eph. 5:1).
Second, the weapon that we wield is the sword of God’s Word (6:17). This tells us that fighting the devil does not require any extraordinary means. Instead, we battle by knowing Scripture, seeking to apply it to our lives, and confronting the lies we hear with it. Especially important here is to remind ourselves that we have been forgiven in Christ and declared righteous whenever we are tempted to wallow in the guilt over past sin. Let us never forget that we are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
Finally, Paul tells us that as we wear and wield the armor of God, we must be “praying at all times in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:18). This does not mean praying with some kind of special prayer language; it refers to praying in line with what the Spirit has revealed in Scripture and asking Him to intercede for us. We can be assured that the Holy Spirit will make our prayers effective (Rom. 8:26).
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Some people think that spiritual warfare requires the use of specific formulas and objects. Many so-called manuals on spiritual warfare direct us to go around saying things such as “I rebuke you, Satan.” In addressing the subject in the post-Apostolic church, however, the actual guidance is to pray and know God’s Word. Praying for ourselves and others and bringing God’s truth to bear in the situations that we face is how we fight the devil.
For further study
- 1 Thessalonians 5:8
- James 5:16–18
The bible in a year
- 2 Chronicles 20–22
- John 16:1–15
- 2 Chronicles 23–28
- John 16:16–17:26