“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11
God’s Word tells us about our ultimate enemy. This enemy affects the total man: body, soul and spirit. Jesus called Satan a thief because he steals spiritual light from lost souls (cf. II Cor. 4:3-4). He also steals harmony from relationships, humility, and the desires of saints. When he is finished stealing these qualities, he can then wreak havoc. Therefore, the Lord told us to put on all of his protection (read: armour) of God (Eph. 6:10-17). This armour of God protects us from Satan’s fiery darts (cf. Eph. 6:16).
The armour is the Word of God protection that has been put on and lived. This is what covers us. Satan cannot win against God’s Word. Our victory is to learn it and live it. Satan’s darts come in the form of lies that tempt the person into thinking a certain way and then acting on it. This is what happened to Eve, Cain, King David, Peter, and also Ananias and Sapphira.
II Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us to “cast down” thoughts that are against God’s truth. They are designed to bring damage. The reason is that they are from the enemy. Jesus said that the truth sets us free (cf. John 8:32). It is no wonder Satan hates the Bible! Lies lead to bondage and victory is in the Bible. We can’t afford to leave it out or omit it from our lives. Faith comes from it (see Rom. 10:17), growth in Christ comes from it (I Peter 2:2), and a changed life also is evidence from it (Rom. 12:1-2). —D.B.