Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
Paul speaks about the Christian life as a battle because it is a battle. It is one. We're on a battleground. We are in a war zone. There is a very real enemy. There is an evil day, and we need to be prepared. We need to be ready to deal with that opposition. He brings up, in the context here, the armor of God. I encourage you to read the verses around this verse and think about what Paul is getting at as he describes the kind of armor a Christian puts on.
The Defensive Posture
Here's what stands out in this verse in particular. What stands out to me is the goal. That is at the very end of the verse when it says, we've put on the armor of God. It says that after the battle, you will be standing firm. Sometimes we think of the Christian life and these verses about it being a battle, and we think of it being offensive, but sometimes we need to also consider what we have here, and that is the defensive posture.
Sometimes the Christian life might mean that you're equipped and you are able to advance and you're able to spiritually conquer, but there are other times where you are tempted. You're even attacked by the enemy, who the Bible says prowls around like a lion seeking whom he can devour. You're accused. You're pressured, you're exhausted, but you're still standing firm. You don't back down.
The Power of Christ and the Armor of God
What enables you to do that is not your own strength. It is the very armor of God. Because of the armor of God, you're still standing. You're still believing. You're still worshiping. You may not be advancing or progressing as much as you'd like to, but here you are. After temptation, after battle, after pressure, still clinging to Christ. That's an amazing thing. It's because of the power of Christ and the armor of God.
William Gurnall, he's got this quote that captures the seriousness of this verse very well. He said, "In heaven we shall appear not in armor, but in robes of glory. But here on earth armor is to be worn night and day. We must walk, work and sleep in them." That's exactly right. There is no neutral day. We must always be prepared for temptation, for the attacks of the enemy. The armor of God is not occasional equipment we wear. Think of a soldier in battle. He's not only putting on his armor when he thinks or sees what is an obvious threat. No, he's got the armor on when he's in battle because he doesn't know when the threat is going to come.
Sometimes the Battle Is Quiet
Sometimes the battle is very obvious. Sometimes there's a fierce temptation or a crushing trial, or you're under a sense of spiritual darkness. Sometimes it's much quieter. Sometimes the battle is you're anxious. You're afraid. You are discouraged. You're under an accusation. You're feeling alone. You're not praying and in communion with God the way you know you ought to be.
In every case, the call is the same. Take up the whole armor of God. I don't know how you feel today. I don't know what pressures you are under today. You may feel worn out, but by God's grace, you are still standing. That is not a small thing. That is a great victory.
