Wake Up, In War - Be Strong in the Lord
Wake Up, In War – Be Strong in the Lord
How absurd it would be for United States, Nigeria, France, Israel, other countries of the Middle East and the rest of world governments to take for granted the diabolic, barbaric acts and atrocities by Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and ISIS or any other such groups. Imagine the U.S. President and citizens declaring that September 11(9/11) destruction of over 3000 lives was just a coincidence and no big deal so let’s just move on and live our lives as usual. How even more absurd when you and I as believers go about living as if there is no warfare from our arch enemy Satan whom Jesus said has one purpose – to steal, kill and destroy our lives (John 10:19).
In light of all God has done in our lives – saving us from sin and death by His grace, filling us with His Spirit, calling us into His Church family, equipping us for the work of ministry and the fact we have to live as His witnesses with conducts that bring Him glory, Apostle Paul concludes his Ephesian Epistle with a command (not a suggestion):
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 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. Ephesians 6:10-12.
In this final command, Paul by the Holy Spirit wants us to be strong, to know there is a war and who our real enemy is – Satan; and to take on the rightful armor for the warfare.
Let’s wake up Saints! We are in war and in warfare between good and evil. The real enemy is not your husband, wife, brother, sister, children, siblings, neighbor, boss or any other human being. The real enemy is the devil. “12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood”. People may irritate, hurt or despise you, but we must focus on the instigator – the devil. It is very clear. Apostle Peter also warns us to this regard:
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[c] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world (1 Peter 5:8-9).
We don't go about looking for the devil. We just need to be alert, vigilant to his opposition especially when God has spoken clearly on what we ought to do. You must realize we are in war when we are assaulted by the movie and book series “Fifty Shades of Grey”. This is not just an entertainment but a plot from hell to destroy the honor of our marriage beds and marriages. We are in war when everything has to be politically correct and there is no right or wrong or absolute truth. It is a war out there – family break ups, delinquent children, drugs etc.
Every suffering is not from the devil. Like any good Father, God does chastise his children from time to time. However we cannot believe in God and not believe there is a devil and he is on to do havoc. We must also keep in mind that the devil is God’s devil and under God’s control. So the devil cannot do us anything unless God permits it (see Job 1:6-12).
We are being asked to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” because the days are “evil”. We are to be strong but not in our own power. Right from Jesus, He said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). The battle is Lord's and it is already won in the spirit by the Spirit. Paul already prayed for us “16 That he (God) would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” Ephesians 3:16-17. The ability and grace to resist the devil comes from God.
Of course in any war, there are wounds and casualties inflicted but it will not be fatal for us. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord”. (Isaiah 54:17). “10 But may[d] the God of all grace, who called us[e] to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” 1 Peter 5:10-11.
Next week we go into details of arming ourselves properly for this spiritual warfare. The call today is a wake-up call and to know that our strength is in the Lord. We must run to Him thru prayer and His word. Our responsibility is to “6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you… be vigilant and to resist the devil” (1 Peter 5:6). Pray without ceasing. Those who wait on God renew their strength (Isaiah 40). Let’s give God thanks and praise for all past and present victories in our lives.
What is harassing you right now - family and marriage issues, health, job and financial issues and etc.? Cast it to the Lord and not to man or woman. Let's stop attacking one another or other humans but pray for them like Jesus said, “love and pray for your enemies (those who have hurt you) and by so doing, we resist the real enemy Satan. Do an act of kindness (e.g. forgive) to one who has irritated and hurt you and watch what God will do.
Remember, there is no power sharing between God and Satan. It is not 50/50. God is in total and absolute control. “18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).
How absurd it would be for United States, Nigeria, France, Israel, other countries of the Middle East and the rest of world governments to take for granted the diabolic, barbaric acts and atrocities by Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and ISIS or any other such groups. Imagine the U.S. President and citizens declaring that September 11(9/11) destruction of over 3000 lives was just a coincidence and no big deal so let’s just move on and live our lives as usual. How even more absurd when you and I as believers go about living as if there is no warfare from our arch enemy Satan whom Jesus said has one purpose – to steal, kill and destroy our lives (John 10:19).
In light of all God has done in our lives – saving us from sin and death by His grace, filling us with His Spirit, calling us into His Church family, equipping us for the work of ministry and the fact we have to live as His witnesses with conducts that bring Him glory, Apostle Paul concludes his Ephesian Epistle with a command (not a suggestion):
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 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. Ephesians 6:10-12.
In this final command, Paul by the Holy Spirit wants us to be strong, to know there is a war and who our real enemy is – Satan; and to take on the rightful armor for the warfare.
Let’s wake up Saints! We are in war and in warfare between good and evil. The real enemy is not your husband, wife, brother, sister, children, siblings, neighbor, boss or any other human being. The real enemy is the devil. “12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood”. People may irritate, hurt or despise you, but we must focus on the instigator – the devil. It is very clear. Apostle Peter also warns us to this regard:
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[c] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world (1 Peter 5:8-9).
We don't go about looking for the devil. We just need to be alert, vigilant to his opposition especially when God has spoken clearly on what we ought to do. You must realize we are in war when we are assaulted by the movie and book series “Fifty Shades of Grey”. This is not just an entertainment but a plot from hell to destroy the honor of our marriage beds and marriages. We are in war when everything has to be politically correct and there is no right or wrong or absolute truth. It is a war out there – family break ups, delinquent children, drugs etc.
Every suffering is not from the devil. Like any good Father, God does chastise his children from time to time. However we cannot believe in God and not believe there is a devil and he is on to do havoc. We must also keep in mind that the devil is God’s devil and under God’s control. So the devil cannot do us anything unless God permits it (see Job 1:6-12).
We are being asked to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” because the days are “evil”. We are to be strong but not in our own power. Right from Jesus, He said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). The battle is Lord's and it is already won in the spirit by the Spirit. Paul already prayed for us “16 That he (God) would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” Ephesians 3:16-17. The ability and grace to resist the devil comes from God.
Of course in any war, there are wounds and casualties inflicted but it will not be fatal for us. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord”. (Isaiah 54:17). “10 But may[d] the God of all grace, who called us[e] to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” 1 Peter 5:10-11.
Next week we go into details of arming ourselves properly for this spiritual warfare. The call today is a wake-up call and to know that our strength is in the Lord. We must run to Him thru prayer and His word. Our responsibility is to “6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you… be vigilant and to resist the devil” (1 Peter 5:6). Pray without ceasing. Those who wait on God renew their strength (Isaiah 40). Let’s give God thanks and praise for all past and present victories in our lives.
What is harassing you right now - family and marriage issues, health, job and financial issues and etc.? Cast it to the Lord and not to man or woman. Let's stop attacking one another or other humans but pray for them like Jesus said, “love and pray for your enemies (those who have hurt you) and by so doing, we resist the real enemy Satan. Do an act of kindness (e.g. forgive) to one who has irritated and hurt you and watch what God will do.
Remember, there is no power sharing between God and Satan. It is not 50/50. God is in total and absolute control. “18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).
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