Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
We have an actual opponent. He is much too powerful for us. But just like Ironman, while no match without his suit, is made battle ready with it. Our enemy is invisible, because He is spirit. This passage speaks of an army. Reference is made to rulers (generals, captains, etc.), powers and world forces. We think of the devil, but he has many demons. It sounds like there is some organization, much like an army.
I remember sitting with my high school football coaches on a Saturday morning watching scouting films. These were teams we would play the following week. The 2nd string offense would run their plays. This would prepare the defense for what to expect. While we don’t have films, we have the bible. It gives us examples of how he attacked Eve and Jesus. While these are the biggest, there are more examples throughout scripture. New Testament epistles also give his tactics.
The next several passages in Ephesians explain different parts of our armor. It would be like
Ironman getting a tutoral on each aspect of his armor. All the parts of our armor are defensive. The only offensive piece is the sword, the Bible.
His attacks are mainly mental. He will plant thoughts in our head. They also may be said by others on his inspiration. We all know what it’s like when the words of others are crippling. A common defense against bullies was “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We know this isn’t true. Words can be very destructive. Hollywood is built on the drama of what words can do.
A common phrase in our culture is “don’t let someone get in your head.” This is when we mull over words that hit a soft spot in us. They can wound us for days, if not longer. This is how the devil attacks us. He can plant a thought in us or it can be delivered by another. They can be spoken on a tv show or by a teacher. The devil has many sources.
A big deal is always made when communities ban books. There may be more to it, but I see it as an attempt by adults to protect young people. Very dramatic arguments are made by both sides. Movies are rated to protect young people from inappropriate content.
Lord, help us to learn of his tactics, so we can have a proper defence.
I remember sitting with my high school football coaches on a Saturday morning watching scouting films. These were teams we would play the following week. The 2nd string offense would run their plays. This would prepare the defense for what to expect. While we don’t have films, we have the bible. It gives us examples of how he attacked Eve and Jesus. While these are the biggest, there are more examples throughout scripture. New Testament epistles also give his tactics.
The next several passages in Ephesians explain different parts of our armor. It would be like
Ironman getting a tutoral on each aspect of his armor. All the parts of our armor are defensive. The only offensive piece is the sword, the Bible.
His attacks are mainly mental. He will plant thoughts in our head. They also may be said by others on his inspiration. We all know what it’s like when the words of others are crippling. A common defense against bullies was “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We know this isn’t true. Words can be very destructive. Hollywood is built on the drama of what words can do.
A common phrase in our culture is “don’t let someone get in your head.” This is when we mull over words that hit a soft spot in us. They can wound us for days, if not longer. This is how the devil attacks us. He can plant a thought in us or it can be delivered by another. They can be spoken on a tv show or by a teacher. The devil has many sources.
A big deal is always made when communities ban books. There may be more to it, but I see it as an attempt by adults to protect young people. Very dramatic arguments are made by both sides. Movies are rated to protect young people from inappropriate content.
Lord, help us to learn of his tactics, so we can have a proper defence.