Ephesians 6
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.
Paul was involved in the good fight of faith. The majority in SA call themselves Christians but very few fight this good fight of faith.
This battle is intense. You cannot take it half-heartedly. So it is essential that you put on the whole armour of God. You must not neglect any of the armour-pieces.
Christians are you fighting for the faith? You are told to be strong in the Lord. Are you strong in the Lord? Do not trust in your own strength.
John Bunyan writes about Mr Pliable. He simply accepted any situation and was driven about by various winds. Such Christians are useless. We don’t need Christians who don’t know where they’re going or what they stand for.
God’s command is that we must be strong in Him.
There is no time to be weak in the time we are living in. There is nothing as tragic and pitiful as a weak Christian.
We need to be one and united, not bearing a grudge against another.
You cannot call yourself a Christian, neither can the power of God work through you, while there is pride, jealousy, hatred, etc. in your life.
You must put on the whole armour of God. You dare not leave any gap for that is where the devil will attack.
Put on the belt of truth. Speak the truth. If you want strength and power speak the truth.
The story is told of a young man who was walking home with a lot of money when some robbers accosted him and stole all his money. They asked him if he had given everything and he answered yes. As they ran off he still found one coin in another pocket. So he ran and shouted after them, “stop, stop, for I’ve told you that I’ve given you everything but I’ve still had this coin left.” The criminals were so dumb-founded that they gave him back all his money, saying, “we cannot steal from such an upright man.”
But some Christians tell blatant or white-washed lies and do not even feel guilty. That is where the devil will get into your life.
Prepare your feet to spread the Gospel, even to your family and children.
Protect your thought-life. Watch and resist the devil to be strong in the Lord.
If God works the devil will also work but then we must persevere and obey the Lord. If you are not strong in the Lord you are disobedient. Be obedient and take the steps necessary that you might be strong in the Lord.