Enemies in the Fight, Armor for the Battle

 

---

Christians will have enemies. We will not seek them, but they will come.   

Jesus Himself said:

• “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26)

• “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13)

• And Paul told Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

The truth is, righteousness will always have an audience of enemies. Stand for what is good, and those who profit from bad will oppose you. Call sin by its name, someone will take offense. Proclaim Christ is the only way, the crowd will thin in a hurry.

But that’s no reason to shrink back. A man stands up for right, good and true.

A man is not measured by how many friends he keeps but by the truths he refuses to betray.

The old poem rings true:

You have no enemies, you say?
Alas! my friend, the boast is poor;
He who has mingled in the fray
Of duty, that the brave endure,
Must have made foes! If you have none,
Small is the work that you have done.

If you never meet resistance, maybe you’ve never stood against wrong. When you do stand, enemies will come. The question is - will you be ready?

You don't just want to put on the helmet of salvation.  That just makes you a streaker! 

The apostle Paul tells us how to be ready:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

• The belt of truth keeps us from tripping over lies.

• The breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts when accusations fly.

• The shoes of the gospel of peace steady our steps when the ground shakes.

• The shield of faith extinguishes flaming arrows of doubt and fear.

• The helmet of salvation fixes our hope where no enemy can reach it.

• The sword of the Spirit, the word of God, gives us more than defense—it gives us the power to advance.

Clothe yourself in Christ’s armor, it will not fail you.  

Even our Lord faced enemies at every turn. The Pharisees sneered. The crowds reviled him and eventually Rome nailed Him to a cross. Yet He stood - armed with truth, righteousness, and unshakable obedience to His Father. He turned wrong to right, and with his light, the darkness could not overcome Him.

So take heart. You do not fight alone.
The enemies you face are proof you are in the fray, and the armor you wear is proof you will endure it.

“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 firm.” (Ephesians 6:13)

So stand. Stand boldly. Stand armored in Christ.

"Deo Gratias,"   

("Thanks be to God")

 Audio Version of Blog Here