Ephesians 6:10

“Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” With those words Paul introduces the last part of Ephesians. He’s been talking about our wealth in Christ in chapters 1, 2 and 3. We’re seated with Christ in the heavenlies. Then in chapters 4 and 5 our walk in Christ. Walk in love and walk circumspectly, walk as children of light. Now he’s talking about our warfare in Christ. You see, our wealth means we’re seated with Christ in the heavenlies. Our walk means we’re walking with Christ here on earth. Our warfare means we’ve got to take our stand and “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

What are the essentials for victory in the Christian life? Well, number one, you have to know the enemy. Paul tells us that we have an enemy out there; “principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world” (v. 12, paraphrase). Don’t joke about Satan. Satan is no joke. He is a roaring lying out to devour. He is a slithering serpent out to deceive. He’s the god of this world who wants your worship and obedience. He is the dragon who destroys. “He’s the thief who comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy” according to Jesus in John 10:10. Know the enemy.

Secondly, use the equipment. God has given to us all of the equipment we need to be able to win the battle. And thirdly, trust in the energy that God provides. We can’t fight in our own strength. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Strong in the Lord means getting power through the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God. Remember, we don’t fight for victory we fight from victory. Jesus Christ has already won the battle.

We’re like Joshua before he took Jericho. He met the Lord Jesus Christ and the Lord Jesus says, “I have given Jericho into your hand.” All that Joshua had to do was go and claim the victory by faith. Today God will give you the strength that you need. Stand in the power of His might alone.