Be Vigilant and Watchful
ICS Daily Devotions
Ephesians 6:11-12, 16 (NKJV) Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places….above all, take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
As Christians, we need to know that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but unseen spiritual forces. These spiritual forces are one-third of the angels who had fallen with Lucifer when he rebelled against God. This passage reveals that there is a hierarchy in the demonic kingdom. Nonetheless, we don’t need to fear because Jesus is seated far above all principalities, dominions, and might, and we are seated in Him. The devil, by amplifying his greatness, will try to deceive our minds that he can only be overcome with much effort based on our own strength. However, if we know Jesus’ victory and our position in Christ, we can engage in warfare differently— simply by enforcing the victory by standing on the truth.
Do you realise that there are specific values and practices of today that are demonic? We live in this world. Therefore, we will be exposed to and be influenced by them. Some attacks that come upon us are like fiery darts shot by the wicked, intended to harm, steal, kill, and destroy us and our families.
John 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
The last frontier is in the mind. Even though the devil has been defeated, disarmed, and awaits judgement when he and his demons will be thrown into the lake of fire, they can still speak and influence through people and circumstances. He manipulates people by instigating them to act on his behalf, especially those under the dominion of darkness. Because we live in a fallen and broken world, there is no lack of people or resources for them to transmit their values and influences. Therefore, we need to be vigilant and watchful and ensure that we stand our ground.
Finally, we need to take authority over the demonic influences over our children through prayer by interceding for them, especially since we cannot control or monitor what they are exposed to, such as through social media, liberal thoughts and ideologies advocated by the education system and their peers. We also need to pray that God will minister to their hearts and that the Word of God will minister to them when they go to kids or youth ministries.
Sermon Series： STAND!
