Confidence in the Commander
Ephesians 6:10-13
Daniel as a young man probably a teenager, had etched biblical principles on his heart that when the time came and the Babylonians snatched him out of his home town and drug him off to a pagan foreign land he was able to STAND and having done all to stand. When he looked death in the face he trusted God and his word and continued to praise the one true God. There came a time just after he had received the vision from God concerning the 70 weeks of Israel that Daniel became so burdened he fasted and prayed EARNESTLY – he was doing battle. The Scripture says Daniel was mourning for 3 weeks which indicates that was the length of his fasting and praying.
That is a long time. I don’t know about you but I have trouble at times praying for one minute without being distracted.
The Bible says an angel appeared to Daniel and tells Daniel that he was dispatched 3 weeks ago at the time Daniel set his heart to pray.
What took so long? He was doing battle with the prince of the kingdom of Persia.
It took Michael the archangel to come and help him in this battle and he also announces that after he tells Daniel what he has been sent to tell him he is going right back to battle. This time it is with the prince of Persia AND Grecia.
The devil and his troops are real beings this is not a fiction story – this is totally true. Paul says even the devil can transform himself into a minister of light. In other words don’t look for the devil in the dark alleys or the crack houses or the pornographic shops or in the ABC store. You see he would rather you stir up division in the church than you become a drug addict. No wonder the Bible says nothing upsets God more than someone spilling out PUTRID discord in the church.
I outline the text the following:
I. The Strength to be Received
Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. That tells the believer who is walking with the Lord that he is called into action. These are military type commands. Receive the strength that Jesus gives us. Then he says put on the whole armor of God. PUT ON the provisions that God has given. Why? That you might be able to stand. The ability comes from God who doesn’t call us to fight but rather STAND.
II. The Strategy of the Devil
Against the WILES of the Lord. He is cunning, deceiving, and crafti. He is a real personality not a fiction book character. And God’s church is under attack by a well organized army that Paul describes as principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness. These are the ones we wrestle with and NOT flesh and blood. The next time a brother or sister gets under your skin just remember we don’t wrestle with flesh and blood. Even governments are satanically controlled.
III. Self Control must be Exercised
Wherefore take unto you the full armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand.
This isn’t an offensive assignment but rather defensive. Put on all the God provided and given armor and keep it on. That takes discipline. And always remember God doesn’t call us to victory He has already won, He simply says STAND. In other words hold your position. Don’t give the devil your testimony, your family, or your church – STAND!
