The Enemy

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with important reminders about who they are in Christ. They are adopted, redeemed, forgiven and sealed by the Holy Spirit. In the closing chapter of Paul’s letter, he transitions by reminding these blood-bought followers of Jesus that though their identity is secure, they are in a real spiritual battle. They have an enemy that seeks to take them down. This enemy, the devil, is elsewhere described as a lion who seeks to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and the father of lies (John 8:44). Paul’s point is that these believers need to know who their enemy is and put on the full armor for battle.