Ephesians 6:10-11 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
The word “schemes” in the Greek is methodeias meaning methods and travel with. His schemes are not just paying attention to major things or moral sin that is obvious to us. It also includes Jesus’ warning of the tradition (paradigms) of men and the elders. It is how things are usually done without God, including cultural things we tend to accept naturally that the Holy Spirit is not a part of.
Therefore, one of the schemes of the enemy is to make us believe God is into all the cultural and religious traditions that we have been taught, believed and participated in. Step one is for us to take notice and begin to challenge some of these schemes!
Verse 13 says, “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” We are also exhorted in verse 14 to stand firm again with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, as we pray at all times in the Spirit.
Even though these weapons are not literal, they are significant spiritual weapons, which are extremely important! In other words, come prepared, not to make an attack, but to stand firm and hold ground that God wins for you. Don’t retreat! We are protected as God is destroying the enemy around us. We trust in His battle plan and stand firm, which is the Hebraic idea of truth. In addition, we should not be presumptuous to engage in a battle that we have not been asked to enter.
Even though comfort, peace, security and walking with God is much more pleasant, sometimes He does ask us to stand or engage in the battle. Putting on the whole armor of God does not always imply we are at war. Actually, Scripture never tells us to take it off. I encourage you to wear His armor every day.
We should always walk prepared for difficulties and challenges that will eventually come. Rather than just focusing on comfort and peace as the goal of a believer; putting on His spiritual armor and standing firm seems to be an equally important part of our walk. Recognizing cultural traditions or paradigms of men and elders, that we may have accepted as being from God, will also help you to stand firm in His truth as He fights your battles and alerts you to engage when necessary.
Father, we thank you for teaching us in your Word how to wear your armor, stand firm, and only engage in those battles that You are fighting.
In His Covenant Love,
