As Christians, we often think of the enemy as being some external force, an absolute evil that we can fight against. But in reality, the enemy is much closer than we imagine.
The Enemy Is Inside Us, Often Taking Over Our Thoughts And Manipulating Our Minds
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. This means that our enemy is not some physical entity that we can externally identify and fight against but a spiritual force that is constantly battling against us from within.
The enemy within us is often referred to as the flesh, described in Galatians 5:19-21 as:
“adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders…and such like.”
Attitudes And Behaviors Arising From Our Sinful Nature Are Not Just External Forces That Can Be Easily Identified And Fought Against.
These words may seem harsh and condemning, but they reveal the depths of our human brokenness and the need for spiritual transformation. Adultery and fornication are not just physical acts, but expressions of a heart that seeks pleasure and satisfaction outside of God’s design for intimacy. Uncleanness and lasciviousness reveal a lack of reverence for the sacredness of our bodies and the gift of sexuality. Idolatry and witchcraft expose our tendency to worship false gods and seek power outside of God’s authority.
Hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, and murders are all manifestations of a heart that is consumed with self and seeks to control and dominate others. These attitudes and behaviors are not just external actions, but they reveal the state of our inner being and the need for spiritual healing and transformation.
The armor of God, as described in Ephesians, is not just a physical shield and sword, but it is a spiritual armor that protects our hearts and minds from the attacks of the enemy. We need to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. These internal weapons help us to resist the temptations of the flesh and the lies of the enemy, and they empower us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
All Of These Items Hold Spiritual Significance, For The True Battle Lies Within Our Own Souls
As believers, it is crucial to safeguard our innermost being from the adversary’s assaults. This can be achieved by putting on the complete armor of God. By doing so, we reinforce ourselves against the enemy’s schemes and remain steadfast in our devotion to God.
Let us put on the armor of God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds, so that we may live a life that is pleasing to God and brings glory to His name.
