Morning Moments

What can we do when there is nothing more we can do?

(Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Focus now upon verse 13 -

Wuest:

(6:13) “Wherefore” (dia touto (δια τουτο)), “on this account,” because the fight is with such powers as the demons of Satan, “take unto you the whole armor of God.” “Take unto you” is analambanō (ἀναλαμβανω), “to take up” in order to use, “to take to one’s self,” thus, “take up” as one takes up armor to put it on. The verb is aorist imperative, which construction issues a command given with military snap and curtness, a command to be obeyed at once and once for all. Thus, the Christian is to take up and put on all the armor of God as a once-for-all act and keep that armor on during the entire course of his life, not relaxing the discipline necessary for the constant use of such protection. The historian, Gibbon, relates how the relaxation of discipline and the disuse of exercise rendered soldiers less willing and less able to support the fatigue of the service. They complained of the weight of their armor, and obtained permission to lay aside their cuirasses and helmets.

“Withstand” is anthistēmi (ἀνθιστημι), “to stand against, resist, oppose,” here to stand against the onslaught of the demons. The definite article before “day,” marks it out as a particular day, probably, as Expositors says, “the day of violent temptation and assault, whenever that may come to us during the present time.” “Evil” is ponēros (πονηρος), “pernicious, evil in active opposition to the good.” “Done” is katergazomai (κατεργαζομαι), “to perform, accomplish, achieve, to do that from which something results, to carry something to its ultimate conclusion.”

The good soldier doesn't seek sick bay! The good soldier doesn't desert! The good soldier is always ready to go above and beyond the call of duty and never leaves a buddy behind. Remember the words of Jesus - "This kind goeth not out but by fasting and prayer." Sometimes the greatest offense against the enemy is just that! As true believers in full armor, we are prepared for whatever the enemy might bring our way. We have God's wisdom, which is greater than the enemies. We have God's weapons, which are greater than the enemies. We have God's warriors beside and around us which are greater in strength and authority than the enemies. We are not a house divided! We are a BODY united! We are not cowards on the run. We are CONQUERORS under the banner of righteousness. We are not fighting each other, but we are fighting the ENEMY! Is this too hard for us to understand? We should and must stand against ANY who would cause schism, faction, division, or strife in the true BODY of CHRIST, and mark those.

The hymnist wrote: "Like a mighty army moves the Church of God! Brothers we are treading where the saints have trod!" This is our battle cry! His banner over us is love, by which all men know that we are his disciples. We shall carry this battle to its ultimate conclusion! We shall tend our wounded, support our fellow warriors, and fight the good fight of faith without flinching or fleeing. We shall identify the enemy, isolate the enemy, and by the grace, power, and authority of God in Christ, defeat the enemy. AMEN!

BLESSINGS!