How NOT To Treat Your Enemies

ROMANS 12:17-21  

SUBJECT: ENEMIES & CHRISTIAN LIVING

THEME: as the redeemed, we have gracious responsibilities to the Lord Jesus concerning how we treat our human enemies.  

INTRODUCTION:                                                    

The believer who seeks to obey God will have some enemies. Even our Lord had powerful and dangerous individuals and institutions opposing him and his message. Likewise, for Paul and the other apostles there were people who aggressively opposed the gospel and their ministries. The Lord Jesus warned us that our worst enemies may be those of our own households (Matt. 10:36). Unfortunately, some believers have enemies because they lack godly character, and not because they are faithful witnesses. There is a difference between sharing in “the offense of the cross” (Gal. 5:11; 6:12-15) and being an offensive Christian!

Satisfying God-given responsibilities toward our human enemies is an important facet of Christian living.  We are essentially called to overcoming evil with good. So, if you have been mistreated, disenfranchised, marginalized, disregarded, or disadvantaged because of your ethnicity, social standing, race, age, or gender, the counsel in this passage is for you. In this study, let us consider some things we must not resort to with our flesh and blood enemies.

LESSON:

CONSIDER SOME THINGS WE SHOULD NOT DO TO OUR ENEMIES

We are not to repay anyone for the evil acts against us; we are not to avenge ourselves, nor should we allow ourselves to be overcome by evil. Rather, we are to overcome evil with good.  

Consider these carnal reactions we must resist and avoid at all cost remembering the counsel is individual and personal. God is not addressing judicial systems or legitimate governmental authorities. Personal injuries are in view here.

Do Not Retaliate Against Your Enemies (Vs. 17 & 19)

Romans 12:17, Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

When we have been hurt, we instinctively want revenge or to retaliate. The need within us to secure some form of recompense is strong, and these feelings of retaliation are further bolstered by the counsel and expectations of society in general. Retaliation is precisely how a person without divine life and resources would react to provocation. Telling them off, striking back, and escalating the conflict with greater collateral damage. God says not so for His people.

Recompense to No Man Evil for Evil (Vs. 17)

Repaying evil for evil is so natural and common that if you refuse to follow this course of action, people will literally question your sanity. Folks regard this as weak, passive and allowing others to walk all over you. Some may even label you a coward for not striking back. Lost people understand giving tit for tat, or repaying in kind. They advocate for giving someone what he or she deserves; they want their pound of flesh! In contrast, God’s people are not to be driven by vengeance and retaliation—getting even is not a priority or a value of the redeemed.

Provide Things Honest in the Sight of All Men (Vs, 17)

Instead of reacting in kind, we should act honorably in the face of abuse and injury, as in all the circumstances of life. To “provide” means to have regard for beforehand or take thought for in advance or be careful to do. With such forethought, we can guard against responding in a way that will prove dishonoring to Christ, embarrassing to our families and potentially a violation of the law. We must not wait until we are in the heat of the provocation and then decide what we should do. No, God prescribes that we make the decision well in advance. This is incredibly important if we have a short fuse. It is also helpful to know what circumstances make your blood boil or frustrate you. I have been saved now for 28 years and traffic in Washington, DC still occasionally irritates me. As a countermeasure, I try to keep something spiritually edifying playing in the car to help me behave in traffic in a manner that pleases Christ. Beloved, we must consciously plan to purposefully act with honor!

To be “honest in the sight of all men” refers to the visible outward expression of an inward goodness. When this outward expression conforms to the inward goodness, then such Christian expression is an “honest” one, conforming to the inner facts. In other words, the goodness that people see is an honest expression of the goodness within resulting from the grace of God at work within. In contrast, if a Christian assumes an outward expression which is patterned after the ways of the world, then that expression is not “honestly” representing what he or she is as a child of God.  Such behavior leaves the observer the impression that the believer is deeply worldly, and such expression is dishonest and inconsistent with the internal reality.

Scripture exhorts believers to live with integrity and authenticity. Note the counsel of Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2:12, says, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Christians are challenged to take careful forethought to ensure our lifestyle—outward expression—conforms to inward reality. We must honestly represent the good work God is doing within us; Beloved, be consistent with who you truly are as a child of God (Rom. 12:17).

Refuse to Repay Enemies with Evil, this Requires Divine Love

Obeying this guidance requires love because our first inclination is to fight back. It also requires faith, believing that God can work and accomplish His will in our lives and in the lives of those who hurt us. We must give place to “the wrath”-the wrath of God (Deut. 32:35). Read carefully and thoughtfully the wisdom and counsel of our Lord Jesus, in Matt 5:43-48, saying,

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46, For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47, And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Yes, our Lord prescribes loving, doing good for, praying for, and saluting even our enemies because such behaviors mirrors the gracious love of our heavenly Father. Clearly, such love is more a matter of how we treat them and seek to serve their welfare. You can see that God is not prescribing a form of passivity where we merely avoid doing something wrong in return. No, He expects us to be intensely active, conciliatory, and pursuing positive ends! We don’t just sit there and take it on the cheek! Even when our hearts are not motiving us to act in these ways, we must spring into action as the people of God in gracious ways as a matter of confidence in God’s wisdom. We trust the way God says to handle these matters; therefore, we act. In addition, trust the Lord for the most powerful force in the universe to be dynamically wielded through you. Remember, Charity “beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth” (1Cor 13:7, 8). Love is still a part of the fruit of the Spirit of grace.

Do Not Assume the Role of God by Taking Vengeance Against Your Enemies

Romans 12:19, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

It is normal for us to wonder if our feelings matter, and if we must resign ourselves to a doormat for anyone to walk all over. When we feel belittled, we crave to make ourselves larger in the perceptions of those who make us feel small. If we are the victims of abuse, we long for these offenses to be made right. When mistreated at work, at home, or at church we must guard against the powerful desire to make it right ourselves.

The Christian Must Not Play God Attempting to Avenge Himself

God can handle the wrongs we are confronted with and must endure. He alone holds this option, and we cannot assume His role or responsibilities. God is not looking to subcontract someone else to handle this kind of thing either! Returning evil for evil, or good for good, is the way most people live. But the Christian must live on a higher level and return good for evil. Let us decidedly focus on doing our duty and executing our responsibilities leaving God to manage His.

Vengeance is God's Prerogative

Romans 12:19, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

“Vengeance” is not spitefulness, vitriol or vindictiveness! It refers to “that which proceeds out of justice,” and is not related to people’s actions stirred by personal injury, feelings of hurt, resentment or ugly bitterness. You see none of this stuff is in the nature and character of a holy God! Therefore, He is the best person to handle matters of this nature. Beloved, the judgments of God are holy and right (Rev. 16:7), and they are entirely free from any element of self-gratification, nastiness, or maliciousness.

We must resist the tendency to avenge wrongs that are done to us. The expression, “give place unto wrath” encourages us to allow God to take care of it for us. Without any doubt this is the correct view of this instructive passage. Yes, we are to stand back and let the wrath of God take care of it. This form of vengeance is God’s prerogative alone, and He does not need our help, advice, or timetable! It is not our place to interfere with what is His exclusive right. He will repay at the proper time and in the correct manner. Lenski writes:

God has long ago settled the whole matter about exacting justice from wrongdoers. Not one of them will escape. Perfect justice will be done in every case and will be done perfectly.  If any of us interfered, it would be the height of presumption.

I read the story about a gentleman who once heard a preacher criticize him over the radio stating things that were not only unkind, but also untrue. The man of course became very angry and was planning to fight back, when a godly preacher advised, “Don’t do it. If you defend yourself, then the Lord can’t defend you. Leave it in His hands.”  The gentlemen followed that wise counsel, and the Lord vindicated him.  Remember, vengeance is God’s prerogative; simply step back and give room for His wrath to be poured out on them!

Do Not Curse Your Enemies (Vs. 14)

Romans 12:14, Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Knowing that God will take vengeance can lead to desiring and wishing for it. We must monitor our hearts and motives to ensure such godless desire do not creep in.  

To “Curse” means to Doom or to Wish Evil upon  

This is not speaking of the use of profanity, thought that too is wrong because it tears people down. The idea here is that of calling down divine curses upon someone.  God warns and admonishes us to “Stop cursing your enemies” or “Stop wishing the worst upon them” and wish the best for them instead. Bless and curse not! Perhaps all of us have heard someone joking say, “I hope you dog dies,” but we have also heard people call down death upon another because of some offense that transpired over 30 years ago!

This Requires a Correct Heart Attitude

Proverbs 24:17-20, Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18, Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. 19, Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; 20, For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

Remember, the best the wicked will ever know is this life on earth; eternity will be marked by intense and prolonged suffering cut off from God in the Lake of Fire. They may appear to get away with “murder” presently, but not one of us wants their future. They need someone to love their souls to Christ. Will you take the challenge?  

This Requires Constant Tongue Control

Job 31:28-30, This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. 29, If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him: 30, Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.

Job maintained his integrity and defended his sympathy towards those experiencing social and economical reverses. He insisted he had not secretly wished for the destruction of his foes. He was careful about what he said about those who sought his ruin.

Another example of this can be found in Joseph the favorite son of Jacob. Because of jealousy and envy Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but he never uttered a word of hatred. He did not wish them any wrong. Instead this abused servant of God exercised great heart and tongue control. When he had the opportunity to get revenge he refused and instead sought to take care of them in Egypt. Joseph preserved their lives and that of their families (Gen. 37-50). He had the perfect opportunity to destroy his brothers in Egypt after Jacob’s death and burial, yet he refuses to curse, he instead blessed them. Read the account for yourself in Genesis 50:14-21,

And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. ¹⁵And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. ¹⁶And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, ¹⁷So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. ¹⁸And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. ¹⁹And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? ²⁰But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. ²¹Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

CONCLUSION:

As the redeemed, we have spiritual responsibilities to our Lord Jesus concerning how we treat our enemies. While our human enemies may indeed be guilty of abusing, mistreating, defaming, or hurting us, we are not to respond in kind. Christian living means treating all people like God treats us—affording grace and goodness regardless of how they treat us. God counsels us to avoid three specific behaviors and attitudes:

1.  Do Not Retaliate Against Your Enemies    

2.  Do Not Assume the Role of God by Taking Vengeance Against Your Enemies

3.  Do Not Curse Your Enemies     

These three things I should not and must not do to my enemies. Many will say, “We need to organize and fight back!” Others have perhaps chosen a subtler form of revenge to get even and make things right. While our sense of justice may be screaming loudly for redress, God calls us to love and faith! It is that simple…no, it is not easy, but it is that simple! Yes, to obey will certainly require divine love and real confidence in God’s ways. Beloved, we must make room for this kind of supernaturalism if we desire real change and substantial healing personally, professionally, ecclesiastically, socially, economically, and nationally! As the children of God, we must live on the highest level-returning good for evil. Anyone...and I mean anyone can return good for good and evil for evil. Such attitudes and behavior require zero supernatural power or grace from God; it is all natural, and it only perpetuates the same injustices upon future generations. The only way to overcome evil is with good. If we return evil for evil, we only add fuel to the fire—escalation and ciaos will ensue. God’s way affords a hopeful and happier future! And even if our enemy is not converted, we have still experienced the love of God in our own hearts and have grown in His grace. We give evidence of God’s presence and power operating in a very broken world when we honor this counsel. 

Wisdom from Below

James 3:15-16

Theme: Examine your values, principles and behaviors to determine their source.

Most of us are aware that Believers have three spiritual enemies: the world, the flesh, and the Devil (Eph. 2:1-3). All of which seek to control the way we think in order to control our behavior and our lives. Obviously, we want to understand what is driving our actions, influencing our decisions, and shaping our performance and perspectives. It does not require a rocket scientist to figure out such control can be dangerous to us and our loved ones. Likewise, in our text, James pinpoints the corrupt sources of godless wisdom as “earthly, sensual, and devilish.” This is wisdom from below! So, the question is, how can we recognize when this type of ‘wisdom’ is operating in our lives and those of our loved ones? Let’s take a moment to examine the sources for these godless forms of wisdom.

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (James 3:13–16, KJV).

When we examine James 3:15, closely, we discover a self-centered brand of godless wisdom that is consumed with personal ambitions. Beloved, this is not at all from the Lord God above. Unmistakably, James frankly describes it as “earthly, sensual, devilish.” Now such self-aggrandizing behavior is not of the Lord. No, this wisdom belongs to this earth; it is the product of an un-sanctified human heart, and it originates with Satan and his fallen forces (1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 11:14, 15). Let us examine each of these closely to prevent their influence in the way we think.

Wisdom from Below is Earthly!

Earthly rightly indicates this wisdom is not from God in heaven! Instead it is from this earth and is limited to earthly rationalization, logic, reason, and philosophies. It is not truth, it is not inspired of God; therefore, it is not reliable in its concepts or premises. It is devoid of the strength of divine wisdom and marred by the flawed thinking of mere earthlings. Earthly wisdom is riddled with the assumptions of ill-informed people living without God’s illuminating perspective.

What would such wisdom lead a person to do? Well since it is worldly it will set a person on a trajectory of being covetous for more material things, yearning for selfish pleasures, accumulating excessive wealth, lurching out on senseless quests for prideful distinctions or recognitions, and pursuing more luxurious comforts in this life. John, the beloved Apostle, says such behaviors are typical evidences of worldliness (1Jn. 2:15-17). The focus is on the temporary and this life and not eternity and life with the Eternal One. Note the words of MacArthur,

It spawns a society whose watchwords are “Do your own thing,” “Have it your way,” and “Look out for number one.” It pervades philosophy, education, politics, economics, sociology, psychology, and every other dimension and aspect of contemporary human life (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (pp. 172–173).

Such wisdom is not helpful in the long run; it erodes relationships, breeds distrust, fuels conflicts, and inspires inhuman behavior. As human beings we can rationalize just about anything. For example, nearly everyone would be up in arms if a pregnant woman drinks hard liquor daily, smokes two packs of cigarettes a day, and habitually uses hard drugs. Most of us would regard these behaviors as extremely harmful to the child she is carrying as well as to the mother. However, if she decides to abort the child in the third trimester for next to no reason, too many people will claims she has the right to do this!?! Really...think about the flawed logic that leads to such decisions or positions on these type issues. This is where earthly godless wisdom leads. Many such examples could be mentioned here, but I'll spare you. In addition, the observations of Dr. Wiersbe are also helpful,      

The world by its wisdom knew not God, and in its wisdom rejects the very Gospel of God. “For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness” (1 Cor 1:18). Any person enamored with the wisdom of this world ought to read the first two chapters of 1 Corinthians and notice how much Paul has to say about God's wisdom and man's wisdom. Man's wisdom is foolishness to God (1Cor 1:20), and God's wisdom is foolishness to man (1Cor 2:14). Man's wisdom comes from reason, while God's wisdom comes from revelation. Man's worldly wisdom will come to nothing (1 Cor 1:19), while God's wisdom will endure forever. Because the world has turned from God, it has lost its wisdom. Every increase in man's knowledge only magnifies the problems. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Prov 9:10). "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Rom 3:18). (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 363)).

Yes, earthly-worldly wisdom cannot appreciate the things of heaven and our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is entirely unfit for genuine Christian living. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a news article, TV show, book, radio program, or internet product that is not greatly influenced by this type of earthly wisdom.

Wisdom from Below is Sensual! 

The word “Sensual” reminds us of the fact that it is not the fruit of the Holy Spirit, but from man’s fallen nature. Such a person teaches only the wisdom of this natural life. It is the difference between knowing how to make a living and how to make a meaningful life. It can be seen in the emphasis on gathering more information as opposed to using information in the best ways. Read carefully the words of James in 3:14 once more, “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.” The verse is jam-packed with sensual motives and values. Jealousy, bitterness, resentment, conflict, pride, lies, deceptions, and bragging are common in the life of the sensual individual. They tend to cling to these devices to make themselves feel worthwhile, likable, marketable, or attractive. Such behaviors have no place in the Spirit of grace; they are rooted in human depravity and self-centeredness.  

Such motives, feelings and behaviors are light-years away from the genuine marks of godly wisdom. These individuals are not living displays of the meek spirited person who is entirely submissive to the Lord’s power and grace! No, such wisdom is sensual and is based on human feelings and human reasoning alone--especially when the decisions are made with the emotional parts of the brain. Such desires are devoid of God’s life-changing insight or aid. Some sensually motivated actions can be detected quite easily, but others are far more camouflaged and cleverly concealed. All can be correctly discerned by the Word and the Spirit of God though.

So, this false ‘wisdom’ truly has another source: remember it is “sensual,” or we could say “natural.” This fact relates to its “life,” or “soul,” it is rooted in the natural man.  In 1Cor. 2:14; 15:44, 46, we learn that the “natural,” is the opposite of the “spiritual” (Gal. 5:16-18). Such carnal wisdom is completely incompatible with Christ-filled expression! While it is natural to have a slightly inflated view of ourselves because we have comparatively more intellectual acumen, such estimations are not anchored in a Spirit-informed perspective.  You see... real wisdom, the kind God gives, consists of righteous skills for daily living--it is intensely practical and not primarily intellectual. Certainly, our lives are the product of our thinking, but merely being mentally sharp does not make a wholesome God-honoring life. It is the difference between wanting to be our children’s best friends, and choosing to be the parents they really need. Godly wisdom is also expressed by the person who intensely yearns to “fit in with the crowd” refusing immediate gratification choosing instead the course of discipline and delayed satisfaction. Someone may say, ‘If it feels right, then it is right’; the wisdom from God says right and wrong are already defined by God in the Scriptures. We must choose objective absolute truth over the world’s unfounded sensual relativism.   

In Jude 19, sensual people stylize themselves as free or emancipated, but they are the slaves of their fallen nature. Yes, they do their own thing…they make their own decisions…they are free-thinkers…independent and autonomous is how they describe themselves. God says, “they walk after their own ungodly lusts” (Jude 18). Their lives do not transcend the immediate, this life, or the mundane…. They are stuck with nothing but their feelings, thoughts, ideas, and Christ-less philosophy to guide them. Yes, they jump from one bed to another, they drink this that and the other, they smoke, shoot up, free base, and party until the clubs or bars close. They sleep it off in another strange place...as soon as they can reengage they do it all over again. They have near zero restraints or precious few limits. Their rule is simple, "If it feels good...do it." It may seem like ‘fun’ now, but payday is coming. Jude describes them as “sensual” signifying the absence of the Holy Spirit's influence.  The focus is on the dominant fallen nature as opposed to the new nature, which is given by God, influencing their lives. Beware, there is a ‘wisdom’ that has its origin in man’s depraved nature totally apart from the Spirit of God.

Recall helpful passages like Galatians 5:19-21, which describes for us the “works of the flesh.”  Accordingly, flesh refers to the sinful facet of our depraved human nature which is diametrically opposed to the “Spirit” of God (Rom 6:19; Matt 16:17).  Therefore, being “in the flesh” refers to being unsaved (Rom 7:5; 8:8, 9), and to live “after the flesh” is to live and act sinfully (Rom 8:4, 5, 7, 12). Sensual wisdom is not a viable option for God’s people! God expects all His children to walk in and live in the Spirit (Gal. 5:24-26).

Wisdom from Below is Devilish! 

Devilish means that it stoops to actions that resemble the behavior of demons rather than men. It denotes that which is evil, malicious, sinister, mischievous, and befitting of devils. The Spirit of God greatly assists us by unmasking the “wisdom of Satan” at work, fighting against the wisdom of God. Satan characteristically seeks to inspire doubting God and stimulating the elevation of humanity through prideful lusts (Gen. 3). Satan was behind Eve’s desires to become wise like God and become as God. Since then, people have continued to believe Satan’s lies and have tried to become their own gods (Rom 1:18-25). Rugged individualism and hyper-independence are just two manifestations of this. To say that Satan is cunning is to verbalize the obvious; he is the slick old serpent! He has wisdom that will confound and confuse us if we do not know the wisdom of God.

Again, the real source of these thoughts and desires is the devil. How disturbing to realize he can control our thoughts if we allow him! It is ridiculously reckless for believers to assume that Satan does not have access to most of the knowledge available to us. Furthermore, Satan even used Scripture during the temptations of Jesus making his suggestions to him seem reasonable. He failed because he was up against real wisdom!

The devil still makes use of the same resources that God has provided for us. But his purposes are destructive; they can produce a climate in the church, at home, and at work that damages relationships. Think of how quickly our words, language, and tone of voice can create a destructive climate. –The Life Application Commentary Series

Beloved, do you now understand how our beliefs, values, governing principles, and behaviors can be tampered with by the Devil? If the Lord did not expose our enemies’ strategies here and in other Scriptures, we would be entirely vulnerable to these kinds of spiritual attacks. The Lord truly is good to free us from such seductions with the truth! Beloved, it is the truth that makes us free!

These three words . . . describe the so-called wisdom, which is not of divine origin, in an advancing series—as pertaining to the earth, not to the world above; to mere nature, not to the spirit; and to the hostile spirits of evil instead of to God” (Ropes). –Pfeiffer, Charles: The Wycliffe Bible Commentary

With these insights we are prepared to examine our thoughts, motives, and desires with real intelligence. When we say or do something that is not becoming of a Christian, pause to discover the possible origin of that thought or expression. Ask yourself, is this wisdom from below? Is it earthly, sensual, or devilish? Is it based on reason or revelation? Does it promote immediate gratification or delayed satisfaction? Is it appealing to my pride and my desire to behave independently of God?

Realizing the source and kind of wisdom influencing us places us in a powerful position. You can say no to these temptations. You can reject godless wisdom while selecting godly wisdom. You can distinguish important matters from trivial concerns. Life is less confusing and frustrating when God’s wisdom is in operation. You can not only preserve the relationships you treasure, but increase their value to all concerned parties. Remember, wisdom from above is desirable, but the wisdom from below can wreck your life and the lives of those you love. Why not choose the wisdom that is from above?  

Why Do We Need Spiritual Armor?

Why Do We Need Spiritual Armor?

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. (Eph. 6:10-13) 

What is the purpose of spiritual armor? Actually the answer to that important question is found in Ephesians 6:11 and 13. You see, God’s spiritual armor enables us Believers to become strong in the Lord for the purpose of standing firmly while resisting the “wiles of the devil.” Such armor is for engaging in supernatural combat with demonic agents, and continuing to “withstand in the evil day” of temptation. Thus armor is protective gear—a defensive measure that preserves the warrior in combat. As such the Christian warrior can persevere in the battles while facing a formidable foe. Our spiritual armor affords us supernatural and divine protection in a war that is intensely spiritual in nature. In fact based on our passage in Ephesians, the following four observations spell out the incredible benefits of our God-provided armor.

God’s Special Armor Equipment is for Divine Protection (Eph. 6:11).

Since we are fighting against enemies in the spirit world, we need special equipment both for offense and defense. While God’s armor provides the protection we need, the weapons provide effective means of assault. Do not miss the point…complete protection is given to God’s warriors as we engage the enemy under God’s power and authority.

God has provided the “whole armour” for us, and we dare not omit any part. All forms and every form of defense required to engage the enemy effectively has been furnished to us. We must be certain to don the entire armor set. Satan looks for that unguarded area where he can get an advantage. He desires a strategic position that will afford him opportunities for launching life-crippling attacks (Eph. 4:27). God assures each of us of the need to put on the “whole armour”! We must take up the prescribed weapons of this warfare, and by the power of our Lord Jesus withstand Satan. Beloved, any and all of this must be undertaken by real faith. In the middle of battle is not the place to doubt our body armor or our weapons!

The armor is our God-given resource for our protection, power, and effectiveness in the spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness. These supernatural resources are truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. None of these implements are carnal; all are powerful through Almighty God for surviving the spiritual assaults of the wicked one. These are the spiritual resources for God’s embattled people.

God’s Armor is For Resisting the Enemy’s Strategies and Tricks (Eph. 6:11).

Our supreme Commander-in-Chief has issued divine and complete “war gear” to provide all we need “to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Our armor provisions are the result of His careful plan and strategy to help us thrive in the theater of war. It is certain the devil rules the world of darkness, and postures his armies to engage God’s people. Satan leads the evil kingdom in opposition to God and our Lord Jesus. He uses an array of methods to achieve his wicked goals.  

Our objective is to “stand against” his tricks. This ancient military term means to resist the enemy, hold our position, and offer no surrender. Our Lord would have us “stand fast in the faith” (1 Cor. 16:13), with the determination to “stand perfect and complete in the will of God” (Col 4:12). Standing against Satan and his armies is the imperative: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Once more Peter challenges us concerning Satan’s aggression to “resist stead fast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). God’s plan for each Believer is to stand our ground refusing any advances of the enemy. All of this means that God has equipped us for victory through His armor.

Also it is important to understand that Satan will not fight fair; his “wiles” will often include subtle tricks, schemes, and devices of non-material conflict. For instance the word “wiles” means strategies or methods of deception. It implies craftiness, cunning, and scheming—this accurately describes Satan’s tactics. It has been well observed that he often uses “discouragement, frustration, confusion, moral failure, and doctrinal error” (MacDonald).  We must also be aware of the fact that Satan has been using these strategies for thousands of years and so have his armies. We may be new to such battles, but our enemy has vast experience and is highly skilled! He is well aware of the multiplicity of weaknesses and vulnerabilities of humanity—fallen mankind. His armies have been manipulating peoples and nations since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Often without our knowing it the enemy takes aim at our greatest susceptibilities to defeat us. If we are not careful we will think the failures, complications, and troubles we find ourselves in are purely the result of our botched efforts. While we may have some responsibility, we must also wisely recognize that a clever enemy is working to deceive us. If he cannot disable us with one method, he will try again with another. Beware of the “wiles” of the wicked one! Always remember that our “ability to stand” in spiritual battles depend ultimately on our use of “the whole armor of God.”

God’s Spiritual Armor is for Complete Victory (Eph. 6:13).

The phrase “having done all, to stand” probably summarize the believers’ victory after the battle. It is well reported that in ancient times, those still standing after the battle were the victors. The whole context of Ephesians six implies that we have the victory. That is correct; without any exception each Christian can experience Christ’s triumph in their individual battles! While it is true we must call every faculty into submission and obedience to Jesus Christ, we can be winners! The passage does not say, ‘having done nothing to stand!’ No, God requires that we give our best energies to this conflict. We are to participate in Christ’s victory over Satan.

It is true that we know the ultimate outcome of this war. Still individual battles can be lost if any Believer has not done all in order to stand (see also James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). The victory comes from the Lord, but we will undoubtedly know we are at war with a terrible enemy. This is not a matter of doing nothing while the Lord fights the battles! It is a matter of our participating in these battles by faith and consecration to the Lord. God will work harmoniously in us and with us to defeat the foe. We must be in concert with Him to secure victory.

Knowing that Christ has already conquered Satan, and that the spiritual armor and weapons are available, by faith we accept what God gives us and go out to meet the foe. Yes, the day is evil, and the enemy is wicked, but “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

God’s Armor Assure us of Ultimate Victory!

When we engage in warfare at Christ’s command and under His authority, we are assured of full triumph and victory. Whenever we feel as though we are losing the relentless battles, there are two key points to keep in mind.

First, the loss of a battle is not the loss of the war. In some cases, you may feel as if you have lost a round in your fight against the devil and his cohorts. You may experience what you perceive to be a setback. It is helpful to remember our setbacks do not surprise our Lord, nor change His designs for us.

When the Lord Jesus sent out His disciples to preach the gospel and heal the sick, He said that if the people in a city did not receive them, they were to wipe the dust of that place from their feet, give a warning to the people, and move on. Jesus anticipated that His disciples might not be successful 100 percent of the time.

Nevertheless, our Lord fully expected His disciples to continue to move forward! They were charged to do the maximum amount of good. They were to continue preaching and praying with the greatest amount of effectiveness possible in any given town, village, or rural area. Christ Jesus expects the same of us. We may not win every battle or realize the results we anticipated every time, but God’s designs for His warriors have not changed. We still have our orders to stand! There is no incentive for quitting because of personal frustrations when we realize this truth. It may surprise us to not realize, but our Lord does not call us to be successful by our reckoning, but rather, faithful to His purposes. We are to do what He calls us to do; the consequences and results are His responsibility.

Secondly, the final victory will be revealed fully in eternity. You and I cannot presently know the 360 degree impact of our lives and ministries on the lives of others. Some of what we accomplish for Christ on earth will be revealed to us only in eternity. And when it comes to eternity, the devil has absolutely no hold on us once we have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord.

Nothing the devil can do to us will change our eternal destiny. Think about when the Lord Jesus sent out seventy of His disciples, two by two. He gave them specific instructions to preach the gospel and heal the sick, which included anything that might keep a person from being whole. This was their concentrated focus for this entire tour of service. The disciples returned to Jesus with great joy, saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us in thy name” (Luke 10:17). Satan’s hindrances and oppositions were no match for our Lord’s power and authority! Jesus responded, “And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. [19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:18–19).

Understand that sometimes in the Scriptures, serpents and scorpions are other terms for demons. Jesus told His disciples then, and He tells us today, that His followers have authority over the devil, and the devil can do nothing to cause eternal harm to those who rest in the authority of Christ. We may have moments of timidity and fear…we certainly will feel real pain from time to time. Still…be assured we will NOT experience any eternal damage at the hand of Satan. Beloved, vested with the power and authority of our exalted Lord Jesus Christ, we can face our enemies with assurance the victory is ours! So, now that we understand better why we need spiritual war gear…suit up!