You Cannot Be Neutral in This War

Ephesians 6:10-20

A deadly war is being fought in this world between Christ and Satan. You cannot afford to be ignorant—and you cannot possibly be neutral.

Know Your Enemy: Satan

Our sophisticated age thinks of “the devil” as a medieval superstition. But Satan is very real. He pulls the veil of darkness over his kingdom, but he will only disguise himself for so long before he says, “Bow down and worship me.”

How is your enemy described in Scripture?

1.    Satan is a fact.

(See Ephesians 6:11.)

2.    Satan is destructive.

He is strategic. He lets you think you’re getting away with sin, but the dynamite is in place. He is spiritual. (See Ephesians 6:12.) He is strong. You are weak against Satan in your own strength. He is sinister. There is nothing Satan will not do to destroy your life.

3.    Satan is defeated!

The Apostle Paul says, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10) because our God has already defeated Satan. (See John 12:31, 1 John 4:4.)

So why do we need to be warned? Though Satan’s back was broken at Calvary, God still allows him limited power on Earth—which Christians overcome in Christ. God’s plan is to give greater glory to Himself.

Wear the Armor of God

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). God describes that armor: 

1.    The belt of truth

You are to believe, live, and preach the truth. If you do not have integrity in big and small things, you will lose the battle.

2. The breastplate of righteousness

There is to be no unconfessed sin in your life. (See Matthew 5:8). Satan fears a holy Christian.

3. The shoes of peace

Paul tells us to stand, “having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15)­. Peace is the power to meet doubts and problems. (See Psalm 119:165.)

4. The shield of faith

“…Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). Faith is certainty. Satan is always trying to place doubts in your heart. Wherever you go, remember the Word of God.

5. The helmet of salvation

When a person is saved, for the first time, he has his right mind. “Salvation” means going to Heaven, but also means a mind under the control of God.

Join the Battle

Three things guarantee victory:

1. Placement

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore…” (Ephesians 6:13,14a). Withstand, stand, stand! We stand in the victory that Jesus won at Calvary. (See Revelation 12:11.)

2. Power

To fight, God has given you “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17b; see also Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 4:1-11).

3. Provisions

Look to Heaven for your supply—“praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

Unite with Your Allies

We pray for one another, because we fight alongside one another. (See Ephesians 6:18.) The Church is a battle station where you reinforce yourself and get spiritual intuition, power, and encouragement to go out into the fight.

Choose sides carefully—if you don’t follow Jesus, you are on the losing side.

Make sure you wear all the armor of God.

Don’t try to be neutral. Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad” (Matthew 12:30).

Last, rejoice in the victory, and live victoriously every day.