Stand Firm Against the Devil’s Strategies
We stand firm against the devil’s strategies in two complementary spiritual ways, growing up in Messiah and putting on the whole armor of God.
Stand Firm: Growing up in Messiah
In Ephesians 4, Paul tells us how we grow up. As we grow up in Messiah, we are no longer taken in by the devil’s strategies.
“And it is he who gifted some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, and still others to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints, to do the work of ministry, and to build up the body of the Messiah until all of us are united in the faith and in the full knowledge of God’s Son, and until we attain mature adulthood and the full standard of development in the Messiah. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed like waves and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, or by clever strategies that would lead us astray. Instead, by speaking the truth in love, we will grow up completely and become one with the head, that is, one with the Messiah, in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16 ISV (1 Corinthians 3:11; 3:19; 14:20; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 11:3; Hebrews 13:9; Jude 1:12)
Stand Firm: Putting on the whole armor of God
By putting on the who armor of God and using it in our daily life, we stand firm against the devil’s strategies.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, relying on his mighty strength. Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the devil’s strategies. For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand whenever evil comes. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13 ISV (Haggai 2:4; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 1:19; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 John 2:14)
Stand: Using the whole whole armor of God.
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:14-20 ESV emphasis added.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…
“The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born† Son of the Father, full of grace and truth…..
…… For the Torah was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Yeshua the Messiah.” John 1:14, 17-18.
Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” John 14:6.
In Ephesians chapter 4 above, we saw that evil foes work in the body of Christ. The remedy. Speaking the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)
… and having put on the breastplate of righteousness….
“Because of him (God), you are in Messiah Yeshua, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, as it is written, “He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Messiah Yeshua, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 (Romans 3:25-26; 4:11-13; 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 6:2-10)
“…and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. “
Acts 4:33; 1 Corinthians 1:6; 1 Timothy 1:6-10; Revelation 1:2,9;12:17;19:10;20:4.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one….
“… for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (Ephesians 3:14-17).
… and take salvation as your helmet
We take salvation as our helmet. Which protects our mind, emotions and will and gives us the determination to stand against the worst the devil and his dominions can deliver.
“You, too, have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed in the Messiah, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until God redeems his own possession for his praise and glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 ISV.
… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...
… praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
“What should I do? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also . I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn’t know what you say? For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up. I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all. However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.” 1 Corinthians 14:15-19.
~ Bill Bremer
Bill Bremer is Founder and Managing Director at Kingdom Relationships Colorado.