June 24

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand.” —EPHESIANS 6:13

In Chapter 6 of Ephesians, there is a recurring word Paul uses in our defensive strategy against Satan, and it is the word ‘stand’. “Take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (6:11). “Stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand ” (6:13). “Stand firm then…” (6:14). That does not sound like a very active role in warfare, does it? We are in the midst of a spiritual battle and we are told just to stand? How are we to interpret this?

In the battle between God and Satan, we must not get the notion they are two equal forces engaged in a dualistic cosmic fight. We cannot think God is a bit stronger and has the edge, so He will gain the victory. They are not forces of good and evil fighting equally. The differences are immense. God has no beginning, but Satan was created by God, and can only operate under God’s restraint. God is omnipresent; in all places at all times, but the devil is local in his operation and existence. Job 1:7 speaks about Satan going back and forth, roaming the earth. His movements are limited, but while he may be in one place, his demons or fallen angels can be working in many other locations, carrying out his work. 

God is omniscient. He knows everything there is to know, but the devil is clearly limited in what he knows. He certainly did not understand the consequences of the cross, or he would have fought against it rather than entering Judas to make it happen. God is eternal, but Revelation tells us Satan, along with his angels, will be cast into the lake of fire and that will be their end. It is God’s illimitable power against a limited one. It is the Creator against the created.

As Christians, our task is to stand and that is because the battle has already been won. On the cross, Jesus defeated Satan, sin and death. Satan’s future is unambiguous in Scripture. He will come to an end, but in the meantime, when under his attack, we are to stand, not in our strength, but in a strength that is supernatural. This is God’s battle and a battle that’s already been won. We are not fighting for victory, but from a position of victory, which is why our defensive strategy is simply ‘to stand’.

PRAYER:  Dear Jesus, thank you for protecting me from the evil forces of this world.  May I always stand firm in You. 

TO REFLECT UPON: How would I respond to anything that tries to lure me away from God?