If you have ever seen the movie Gladiator then you may have an insight into Paul's teaching in Ephesians 6 about the weapons of spiritual warfare. You see when the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus the life of a gladiator in the coliseum would have been a very real experience in culture; and a vivid image that Paul knew would be able to solidify in the minds of those who would hear his message the reality of spiritual warfare. Ephesians6:11 tells us to "Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil". Our opponent in the amphitheatre of the spiritual realm is the devil,but Paul reminds us that the battle is also waged by four separate entities being rulers,against the authorities,against the world powers of this darkness,and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. Just as a gladiator would cover his body with a shield and stab into the flesh of a vicious tiger charging him according to 1Pt5:8 in the spiritual battle the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking,seeking for anyone he may devour.So be alert to resist him. The word devour means "to eat greedily,consume,destroy,and graze at eagerly." I can use a personal example. I remember being on a recent mission trip that really proved to be greuling and on the night before we were set to depart I was exhausted and worn with despair and I found myself alone and sitting at a desk in front of an open laptop with incalcuable internet possibilities. Now I remind you that at this moment in terms of service this was a peak experience in Christ. Beth Moore would describe this moment as seduction. Im thankful that through grace I was able to walk away unscathed and did not yield to temptation eventhough there was an enemy seeking to devour prey with teeth poised to strike and claws to rip apart and tear away. Imagine the consequence if I had of been destroyed. There was too much at stake such as my immediate reputation being "destroyed" and reproach brought to the church that comissioned us to serve. Yielding in this case to spiritual forces in the heavenly realms would have undermined the sanctity of the mission and all that had been gained in our rich crosscultural exchange. But you know what the siege of the rulers in spirtual places does not always have to be so clear and sinister. Busyness can be used to keep us so tied up in activity that it blinds us to the devil lurking until its too late and we are completely taken off guard. If we dont know there is a devil then what easy prey we can become. I wonder if all the vigorous blackberry activity we are confined to actually leads to productivity. We also have a preoccupation with sports in this country. I mean do we really need 32 televisions in Taco Mac to be complete. The environmental agenda probably serves a valid purpose,but it has become a religion in this country of exaggerated proportion. It is the seat of conviction for so many. At the supermarket where I work if customers forget to bring there green,cloth bags they can be devestated. It seems to me that matters of the soul that springs eternal should be awakened. What do you gain by conserving mother earth yet lose your own soul in the process. If you want conviction and guilt think of all the innocent babies that are aborted every day. President Obama has designated $426million toward abortion in the foreign world. You know its some of the change that has been promised.
The greatest weapon in our battle is the sword of the Spirit,the word of God,the Bible.In the book of Genesis it says that God spoke and creation came into existence by the word "Let there Be" The word of God and wisdom span the very laws of the universe(Jb38:33)"Do you know the laws of heaven? Can you impose its authority on earth?" "For the Lord gives wisdom;from His mouth come knowledge and understanding"(Prv2:6). "Lord your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven"(Ps119:89) "Sustain me so that I can be safe and be concerned with Your statutes continually"(Ps119:117). "I understand more than the elders because I obey your precepts"(Ps119:100). Jesus Christ is the word of God made flesh who dwelt among us. So you see the word of God is worthy of our trust. This is not a theoretical, abstract notion,but it is foundational to life. In fact scripture teaches us that the word of God is "sharper than any two edged sword and piercing to the deepest thought, intent,and marrow itself". We must seek the Lord in prayer and meditate on His word. "Let my plea reach you; rescue me according to your promise"(Ps119:170). This is how we are able to put on the armor of Jesus Christ in the arena of our faith to not only withstand the ancient wiles; but to leave the role of gladiator to enter heaven as a welcome contender one day. Jesus has been overseeing your battle in the stands,and calls you victor through perserverance.
I wonder how many of us have been mauled by lies of the adversary. Lets get real all of us at one time in our lives have been overtaken by the devil which can tear apart the life of the heart; and leave only bone and scrap of our remains. Its never too late to be restored. In Ezekiel37 the prophet says "This is what the Lord says to these bones:I will cause breath to enter you,and you will live. I will put tendons on you,make flesh grow on you,and cover you with skin"(Ez37:4,5,13)