Equipment for Spiritual Warfare
Robert Louis Stevenson once said: “You know the Caledonian Railway Station in Edinburgh? One cold, east windy morning, I met Satan there.” We do not know what actually happened to Stevenson. What manifestation of Satan is not definite. It may have been a person being used by Satan or even a demonic presence. We have all experienced the force of that evil influence.
Our loving Lord knowing this has provided us with what is needed to counter Satan. The Apostle Paul was the penman used to describe it. He was in prison in Rome at the time chained to Roman soldiers. Using the equipment used by the soldiers as a ready-made illustration he describes our equipment.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation. and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6: 10 – 17)
We are to:
Have our waist girded with truth. A wide belt was worn around the midsection. From it, readily accessible, were other weapons and provisions. They represent the truth upon which we are to rely.
Wear the breastplate of righteousness. Our lifestyle is to protect our reputation. Once a man accused Plato of certain crimes. “Well then,” said Plato, “we must live in such a way as to prove that his accusations are a lie.” The only way to meet the accusations against our character is by a superior lifestyle.
Have our feet shod with the gospel of peace. The sandals worn by Roman soldiers had short spikes like on older golf shoes. They enable him to be surefooted in battle. The gospel of peace enables us to be surefooted.
Utilize the shield of faith against the fiery darts of the wicked one. These were not the smaller oval shields. These were the larger oblong ones providing a defense against fire tipped lances. Faith is our shield against the assault of the evil one.
The helmet of salvation is essential. Our salvation provides us forgiveness for the sins of the past and strength to conquer sin in the time of temptation.
The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. We can never conquer in a contest without the word of God. Study to know this asset.
Like Robert Louis Stevenson you are sure to meet Satan in some form daily. Now that you are mindful of your armament, go forth and conquer.