Walk in Victory

Background Scripture: Ephesians 6
Lesson Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–18

Introduction

The Christian walk is one of spiritual warfare. Although the struggle is not pleasant for the flesh, it is necessary for sanctification. Sometimes when the struggle becomes intense, we may lose courage and wish for an easier way. In the heat of battle, we may be tempted to give our flesh some room, but doing so is yielding to the enemy of our soul.

But let us take heart! God has provided everything needed to secure our soul’s salvation. And we have the promise of victory over the enemy, not only now, but for eternity.

Key Verse

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the Lord wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil (2 Sam. 23:10).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The apostle Paul was a well-traveled citizen. His missionary journeys took him to most of the Roman world. He had ample time to observe people in various walks of life. He mingled with statesmen, priests, merchants, tradesmen, and soldiers.

Let us imagine Paul sitting on a wall near the Roman baths, or walking in the market one day, when he noticed a Roman soldier. He was familiar with these legionaries, but this day Paul observed the soldier casually scanning the crowd. He took note of his apparel, and a sudden illumination filled him. Here was a man who possessed the necessary things to engage the enemy and defend himself.

Paul illustrated each item of clothing and weaponry, making a connection to an attribute of spiritual warfare. When he wrote this epistle, the details carried meaning for the Ephesian Christians, and we are inspired as well. In these verses a soldier of the cross is revealed. He is thoroughly armored for the defense of his faith. He has likely gone through extensive training in the skillful use of his weaponry, gaining practice through difficult battles. We can picture this figure moving carefully with balanced calculation as he fends off the foe and counters him with strikes of his own. He is not fearful but courageous, refusing to show the enemy that he has any qualms.

With firm resolve and confidence in the abilities God has bestowed, the Christian soldier is prepared for the inevitable hostilities. He understands the foe and knows how the enemy fights. Not only has he learned how to combat the forces against him, but he also realizes his own weaknesses and limitations. The true soldier carries an awareness that this warfare not only engages him with brute force but often assails him with subtlety, and he adjusts his methods to counter these deceptive and treacherous tactics.

Practical Truths for Today

When an inner conflict is raging, we may not be seeing the bigger battle; the reason we are fighting may be somewhat obscure. The devil as our arch enemy often brings confusion with his attacks, but God is greater and has provided understanding and victory in Christ Jesus.

As we wield our spiritual weapons, we must remember that while they belong to us, their power is not of us. If we become overconfident in our strength and minimize the power and authority behind the weaponry, pride will lead us to thinking that we have control over the enemy. Satan lays a trap for us if we use the arm of flesh. We must carefully assess the enemy, not charging recklessly into the fray without soberly recognizing our own frailty (1 Cor. 10:12).

Victory in spiritual warfare requires our attention to little things. When we are casual and lukewarm, our armor and weapons lose their effectiveness. We may stand guard against obvious temptations and diligently insulate ourselves from death sins but ignore minor offenses and make allowances for the flesh that seem harmless. Before we realize the consequences, the evil one may use a petty offense or a selfish possession to defeat us. May God help us to identify our weaknesses.

Let us consider the armor provided the Christian, beginning with the helmet, which protects the mind. The mindset of the Christian ­soldier is crucial; from the mind comes thought and reasoning that dictate actions, forming the soldier’s character. If the mind is not protected by the work of salvation, we will suffer from wrong thinking ­patterns. Without having renewed minds, we will not discern the good and acceptable will of God. Not surprisingly, salvation is associated with the helmet, for without salvation there is no spiritual life or hope of victory.

A shield is an extension of armor that is not worn but held. The shield of faith is the first line of defense, absorbing the assault of doubt on our beliefs, which can even challenge the existence of the Creator. Faith is our response when we wholeheartedly believe in the grace and truth of the gospel. As we embrace and love it, there is a protecting power that intercepts the fiery darts of doubt, disobedience, and indifference. In medieval warfare the shield was also an offensive weapon, used to bash the enemy. This illustrates how faith may also deal a stunning blow to any foray of darkness. The shield also provides balance. When held properly, faith provides an assurance in difficult situations and gives an unwavering trust in our source of strength (Isa. 26:3).

The sword, which is the Word of God, commands the respect of the enemy like no other piece of the soldier’s furnishing. We may not identify Christian life as being offensive in nature, and perhaps we think only of deflecting blows from a persistent foe. We may feel overwhelmed at times when we consider the evil forces at work and envision spiritual warfare as only standing on guard against endless assaults. Aware that we are outnumbered, we may cringe at our vulnerability. Fear may hijack our resolve. The sword, however, is the Christian’s primary instrument and is designed for offensive movement. When threatened, the soldier removes the sword, displaying its edge and point to the enemy.

We must become more adept at handling the sword. By reason of use we can exercise and deal a serious, well-put blow directly on the enemy with the Word of God. We must pray for vision and enlightenment as Elisha did on behalf of his fearful servant, remembering that prayer is the beginning of a successful conquest. Prayer opens the door to increased grace, and we are filled with strength and assurance. The Holy Spirit is linked to the sword. Many martyrs, filled with God’s Spirit, prayerfully confounded the enemy with their answers from the Word of God. Brandishing the sword, we press forward with rejuvenated purpose. God’s people, living faithful, Spirit-filled lives, cannot be deterred. Let us confidently wield our weapon of offense and challenge the foe.

Truth is likened to a belt around the waist and is the first article of armor mentioned. This belt girdles the waist, and the scabbard, which holds the sword, is fastened to the belt. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:13). The truth embodied in Scripture encircles and embraces the believer as a belt when Satan, as the accuser, attacks him. Being firmly grounded in truth prevents our tendencies to error from leading us into deception.

God enlightens us with truth, and as we follow his truth, He leads us into righteousness. This breastplate of righteousness protects the heart, the seat of affection. As God bestows his righteousness upon our heart, it is a covering that hides our life in Him, a firm and solid defense. If we squander truth or lack faith in God’s teaching, our capability of defense is jeopardized. We cannot attain righteousness by what we do, but with steady growth in the knowledge of truth, we can become more deeply acquainted with the grace of God and our need of it. We can walk in confidence on the road to victory with the armor God has provided.

Questions

1. If our faith is strong enough, do we need other weapons?
2. Having “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel” is in the lesson text. How is this a weapon?
3. Which is your most useful weapon? Can you think of examples?
4. Is “making peace” a victory in spiritual warfare?
5. It is easy to criticize those in power. Do political discussions have a place in a Christian’s life?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).