For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
Before
giving us the armor, God continues to stress the importance of why we need this armor. Our battle is
not physical - thus, we cannot rely on physical resources (example: Psalm 20:7,
"Some trust in chariots, and some in
horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."). To fight
the spiritual battle warring, we must arm ourselves with spiritual resources.
We
cannot be ignorant against whom we are fighting. The Bible helps us to
understand the enemy: "Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the
same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."
(1 Peter 5:8-9)
The
devil is as a roaring lion.
He
walks about.
He
seeks to devour.
But,
he can be resisted.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand.
Just
as we must "put on" the
armor, we must also take the armor.
These words give the implication that it is our choice whether or not we will
receive the armor that God has provided. It is there. It is available. But do
we take it?
After
warning us about the devil, the challenge again to pick up the armor of God and
use it is given - very similar to verse 11. We do not have to be defeated by
the wiles of the devil. Instead, we can withstand (stand against, oppose) and
stand (to stand).
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