Reading Ephesians 6:10-18 brought to my mind that image of the famous Battle of Thermopylae fought between the Spartans and the massive Persian army in 480BC.
The battle portrayed in the movie 300 is, to me, still the best description of what we face as Christians. Not from other people, but from the unclean hoards of Satan coming to kill, steal and destroy.
In that first battle we see thousands of Persian soldiers running in against the small group of Spartan warriors. At this King Leonidas shouts out, “This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.”
Ephesians 6:10-13, “Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore…”
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According to The Spirit Filled Life Bible the phrase in verse 11 “to stand against” means to hold at bay aggressively or to stand in front of and oppose. This is how we need to stand our ground against the attacks of Satan in our lives.
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To “wrestle” in verse 12 means to engage actively in one-on-one combat. Confronting the enemies of our lives actively, making war in the heavenlies.
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“To Stand” in verse 13 means to be found standing after an active battle. To still be strengthened in will, being found victorious and faithful on the battlefield.
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“Stand” in verse 14, speaks of taking your stand for the next battle. Being ready for the next onslaught. Not giving up, but remaining focused and prepared.
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Satan is your enemy, and he has strategies to take you out. Will you fold? Or will you stand your ground and fight? Gird yourself Soldier.