Stand Firm

Sunday we begin a new series on the spiritual warfare we experience as believers. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul explains that God sent Christ to unite all of his creation under one Lord, 1:10. This is God’s response to the corruption of his creation, especially his image-bearers. His purpose in Christ is to create “one new man,” the church, under one head, Jesus. Through the church, God is administrating his renewal and reconciliation program for the creation.

Though Jesus won the decisive victory over Satan and his forces, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, evil forces continue to oppose his plan for renewal. They fight God’s plan to unite all creation under Christ’s redemptive work. These forces are active today, opposing the church and her work in the world.

In this context, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand strong in opposition to the forces of evil scheming for our demise. Before we consider the armor, we must understand the ground we are defending! So come Sunday, and let’s worship our Lord and prepare for battle.