Today evil is prevalent throughout the world, our country and even our neighborhoods. Evil has accelerated at such a great pace over the last few years to the point where it may be impossible to be reversed. Daily we witness global evils of terrorism, racial injustice, the tragic plight of refugees, starvation, poverty and the persecution of Christians. We also face struggles against evil in our personal lives----- temptation, sin and addiction. Although there is a power of evil, there is also a power of good.


In the Old Testament we read about physical battles against the forces of evil. In the New Testament the struggle against evil is most often described as a spiritual battle. When fighting against the forces of evil, we face a triple threat: the enemy around us (the world), the enemy within us (the flesh) and the enemy above us (the devil). In today’s New Testament passage, Ephesians 6:1-24, Paul encourages the brethren to not just rely on God’s victorious power but to ‘put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.’ (v.11). What are the
pieces of the armor and how can they be actively used to fight the forces of evil?


1. Belt of Truth (v.14a). Ultimate truth is found in God’s Word and in the person of Jesus Christ and is used to protect ourselves against our flesh, the world and the devil.


2. Breastplate of Righteousness (v.14b). We have no righteousness apart from which has been given us by Christ and which gives us the power to live a right life.


3. Gospel of Peace (v.15). We have a firm foundation in the Gospel and can experience peace in knowing we are secure in what Jesus has done for us.


4. Shield of Faith (v.16). Trusting in God’s power and protection is imperative in remaining steadfast especially when the battle rages.


5. Helmet of Salvation (v.17a). Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, salvation empowers us to fight and protects us in our weaknesses.


6. Sword of the Spirit (v.17b). Our sword is the Word of God, both the written and the incarnate Word. As Christ used scripture to defeat Satan, we must also rely on scripture as a strong defense when we are under attack.


7. Prayer (v.18a). In prayer we show our reliance in God’s strength. Without his presence, we are powerless in the fight.


We often hear the phrase, “the devil made me do it” from someone who has committed a sin. In reality
we all have a free will and can easily fall into sin if we yield to temptation. But the good news is that we
can have victory over the devil’s schemes. We are powerless on our own strength, but we have God’s
victorious power if we simply put on all the pieces of the armor that he has so graciously provided us to
fight the forces of evil.