Timeless and Timely 2
Where spiritual strength comes from.
The Ephesians were instructed at the end of Paul’s letter to suit up for battle.
They needed to do this back then for the persecution they were facing and that would continue to grow as the gospel spread. This is because the gospel is good news for some and not for others. Back then, as it spread awakening mostly the downtrodden to an abundant joyful life within a community of fellow believers, it was undermining Rome’s control of its subjects. (Timely).
And today? It often does the same thing. It unites some while it separates others.
Jesus warned us this would happen.
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.
Matthew 10:34-36 (ESV)
For this reason, that believing the gospel comes with a cost in this world, true believers need to suit up today for the same reason they did back then — to protect their hearts.
What most of us miss now in a first-world technology-infused world is seeing and understanding that this is the same battle mankind has always been in — the one waged inside people first where fear and shame reside. From there it inevitably spreads out to infect and harm others. (Timeless).
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:13
Stand firm.
Even when it feels like your heart is melting.
Plant your flag.
Don’t waver or cut and run.
What is it we are we to stand and resist?
Evil powers, forces, and influences.
How?
By standing fully covered by a spiritual suit of armor.
What is not mentioned, but implied, is we stand in formation with others.
Imagine how hard it is to put on a real suit of armor. We have to help and encourage one another to suit up and then, together, we face the our unseen enemy.