Archenemies are not just for imaginary superheroes. All of humanity has a very real archenemy. Who is the archenemy that we need to defend ourselves against?
READ: Ephesians 6:10-20
In the Lord strong is our dependence on God to STAND FIRM in our BATTLE against the DEVIL! Humanity’s archenemy is the devil or satan. DEVIL = A spiritual being who arrogantly OPPOSES God by trying to destroy PEACE with His creation (especially HUMANITY). 1 Peter 5:8 says, “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Deceptively, satan doesn’t appear in a form that is as ferocious as he really is, 2 Corinthians 11:14 says, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light”. From the very beginning the devil has been making efforts to create antagonism between us and God (Gen. 3:1). While the devil has been allowed to have some power, God has provided us with everything we need to confidently stand firm against the devil’s schemes. How do we stand firm against the devil?
We stand firm against the devil by putting on the whole ARMOR of God (Eph. 6:11-17) – All superheroes have a special skill, weapon, or armor that helps them in battle against their archenemy. Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s suit, Thor’s Hammer, Spiderman’s webs, Hawkeye’s bow and arrow, etc. Without this equipment it would be dangerous for a superhero to do battle against their archenemy. We too are defenseless against the devil’s attacks unless we take with us the spiritual armor and weapons that God has given to us. A few of the armor and weapons we must put on to stand firm against the devil include “truth”, “righteousness”, the “gospel”, “faith”, “salvation”, and the “word of God”! These are powerful spiritual tools necessary to, as James 4:7 says, “resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. The devil is powerless against these weapons and armor, therefore, we should make effort to take them with us all the time, everywhere we go.
We stand firm against the devil by PRAYING at all times (Eph. 6:18-19) – It’s pretty obvious in the Avenger’s movies that all of the superheroes have a high tech device in their ear that allows all of them to be in communication with one another. Communication together is an important part of them coordinating their efforts against their enemies. After listing all the spiritual armor and weapons, Paul instructs those who are strong in the Lord to be, “praying at all times”. Prayer is a believer’s unique ability to communicate with God and receive guidance and direction from Him. We are not only to pray for ourselves, but for others as well, as we individually and collectively fight together against the devil. God is fully aware of the activity of the devil and can give us important tactical information about how to defend ourselves and others against his attacks. Without prayer, we are disconnected from the Lord who is our greatest source of strength and might!
CONCLUSION
The devil’s evil schemes have eternally destroyed innumerable human lives since the beginning of creation! We are the target of his attacks today. That is why Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, in order that, “He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil (Heb. 2:14)”. We must not allow ourselves or anyone we know to be the victim of the devil’s diabolical efforts to destroy us. We must “armor up” every day and be strong in the Lord! Are you standing firm in the Lord or are you vulnerable to the devil’s attack?
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