Text: Ephesians 6:10-18

In the text the Apostle Paul lets the church know that they are in a spiritual battle by warning of the powerful and deceptive strength of the principalities and powers. “It is true that these spiritual authorities were created by Christ to be used by Him in ordering human and heavenly society. But they have now become corrupt and evil with a seduction that can take Christians captive and a strength that requires of us ‘the full armor of God’” (Linthicum, page 69).

Yet Paul also lets the church know that the dangers posed “by these organized powers of darkness can be overwhelming—left on our own. Christians, however, are not alone. They are untied to the exalted Lord who defeated the forces of evil and now imparts his power and authority to the church” (Clinton E. Arnold, Powers of Darkness, p. 154).

Arnold continues, “Paul further defined and clarified God’s power by specifying various ways God bestows power on the church…and enumerated seven weapons. Five of these were objective endowments from God (truth, righteousness, the gospel, salvation, and the Spirit/word of God) and two stress our responsibility (faith and prayer).” And while the list is not exhaustive it “represents the essence of all that is vital to waging successful warfare against the powers of darkness.”

Of all that is listed above it is prayer that stands out as our chief weapon in this spiritual battle. Notice also that prayer has no corresponding physical weapon to illustrate its use (like a helmet and shield). Why? Prayer needs no natural illustration, no picture to assist in understanding its use; rather, prayer is its own image, it provides a self-definition and, because of such, is given prominence in this passage on spiritual weapons.

Because of the Fall we are in a struggle, wrestling against principalities and powers, rulers and spiritual wickedness, who are out to destroy us. The battle is not always easy, but it is one that can always be won through the strength Jesus promised to provide. Ask the Father for that strength today; also ask it for those in your church. Memorize Psalms 18:39 (KJV) “For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.” Rejoice that you do not have to wage war alone.