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Read: Ephesians 6:10-12
Listen: Ephesians 6

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

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.

We are also in a spiritual battle, whether we recognize it or not. We have an enemy who wants to destroy us. He does not bite or devour our flesh, but he speaks lies that can sink deep into our hearts. This has been his tactic from the very beginning—to plant seeds of doubt and disbelief into the hearts of God’s people. These lies can be about the nature or character of God, ourselves or even the destructiveness of sin. Our responsibility as followers of Jesus is to take every thought captive by identifying lies and turning to the truth.

TODAY: Make a list of some of the major thoughts you have been thinking lately. Then identify whether these thoughts are lies or the truth. If lies, write out truths from God’s Word that contradict and replace them.