WE ARE AT WAR!

Text: Ephesians 6:10-24

Reading the above text shows that truly, we are at war. When we read the Gospels, it seems we neglect the obvious themes of the Demons. Jesus, right from the very onset of his ministry, according to Mark's account had a confrontation with a demon possessed man ( Mark 1: 21-28). 

The Demon in the man recognized Jesus immediately for who he is even when the people have no clue about his identity. This and many other accounts of what Jesus did ( especially the case of the mad man of the Gaderens) should tell us more about the reality of Satan and his army of demons. 

Now, the book of Ephesians concludes with the admonition and exhortation to put on the whole armour of God. This is repeated twice in verses 11 and 13. This is our cue that spiritual battle is something we must take very serious. The battle or warfare that we are in is not child's play. It is a very serious business. 

As people that have accepted the lordship of Christ we've already taken a stand in this age long war between good and evil. We've taken up residence with God. Therefore, we have chosen sides with God, hence, there is no chance of turning back for there is no protection for the back. Turning back simply means certain defeat; certain death. 

"Put on the whole armour of God for we wrestle not against flesh and blood...". 

What more do we need? We are not kept in the dark. We have been given the "expo". Meaning that we are very much aware of what we are into, therefore no backing down, rather, fortifications is very much needed. 

Moreover, it's obvious that each of these weapons has a particular body part to protect. This means that any part left unprotected is exposed and in serious trouble.  They are namely;

*Truth*

*Righteousness*

*Evangelism*

*Faith*

*Salvation*

*Word of God*

*Prayer*

Seven most powerful weapons ever known. The spiritual war supersedes the physical. Any war won in the spirit becomes a smouldering flame in the physical. So what! We've got wars to flight, dearly beloved. Are you ready? You've got to fight for your faith, for your life (physical and spiritual), for your family, for your marriage, for your finances, for the work of the ministry given to you and even for your generations yet unborn. 

The joy, however, is in what Christ has done. We are not just over comers, we are more than conquerors. We've overcome the devil by the blood of the lamb and by the word of our testimony. Alleluia! Victory is ours in Christ Jesus because He has defeated the enemy by dealing him the death blow. He did that by giving us our lives in God back through the shedding of his blood, death and resurrection . By the virtue of our new birth, nothing stands in our way to defeating the enemy of our souls because we stand on a higher pedestal no longer carrying the baggage of sinful self. 

Therefore stand firm in this faith into which you're called. So that after all is said and done you will not be found wanting rather you will be assured of the blessed hope reserved for those who have fought well. 

Prayer: May God bless and keep us focused in this battle ground, never to loose our guards until every foe is vanquished in Jesus name. Amen