Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:13

Yesterday we considered the invisible enemy of our souls – the one Peter also warned about in his first epistle-

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

1 Peter 5:8-9

How should we respond? What is expected of us? Peter tells us to be aware and to take the spiritual battle seriously.

The verse from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians begins with the word “therefore.” Therefore is used to describe how we respond to the spiritual war. Paul tells us first to “put on the whole armor of God” so that we will be able to stand our ground so that when all is said and done we will remain standing firm in our faith,

We are facing challenges and attacks from all sides, but it is God’s armor that will provide us the ability to stand firm.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Ephesians 6:14-17