Young People's Group

STANDING AGAINST THE WILES OF THE DEVIL

by Pastor Mitch
May 02, 2004

The Problem Of The Wiles Of The Devil

We know that Satan and his armies of darkness are not a force to trifle with. They are powerful and well-established as a spiritual host of wickedness. They are out to wage a great war against the children of God. Furthermore, Satan is an enemy that is truly cunning. He knows human weaknesses and he knows how best to attack us. Paul wrote of how it was vital that we stand against “the wiles of the devil”(Ephesians 6:11). The word “wiles” means scheming methods or devices. Satan will use various kinds of crafty ruses to tempt God’s people. The name “devil” means “slanderer”. He will use ploys to accuse and slander God’s children. The need for us is to stand against these evil wiles of the devil. We must know how to put on the armour of God well.

Putting On The Full Armour Of God

The armour of God must be seen as a panoply.

“Put on the whole armor of God…” 
Ephesians 6:11

We will never be strong if we were to randomly just put on a piece or two of the armour of God. There will always be areas of weaknesses which the evil one will capitalise on. There is the provision of the panoply of God… a full and complete suit of armor and weapons. Every piece of the armor of God is important to the Christian soldier. Furthermore, he must also know how to utilise the panoply of God.

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God…” 
Ephesians 6:13

The soldier of the Lord must be able to use his shield of faith well. He must handle the sword of the Spirit with great skill. The Christian soldier must be strong and skilled enough to put on the full armour of God.

The Prospect Of Being The “Last Man Standing” In Spiritual Warfare

In any battle, the soldier of great strength and skill will be the “last man standing”. While many will have fallen, he remains standing strong. In a similar way, when we have put on the armor of God, we will also be the “last men standing”. There is the prospect of being able to defend ourselves well against the wiles of the devil.

“… that you may be able to stand against…” 
Ephesians 6:11

We will have the strength to stand up against his attacks. Furthermore, we can also resist.

“… that you may be able to withstand in the evil day …” 
Ephesians 6:13

Not only will we be able to stand against the evil one, we will also be able to resist him. As the days grow evil, as sin and wickedness are rampant, we will be able to resist the “darkness”. The Lord will enable us to oppose the forces of evil. After going through all the battles of life, we will still be standing.

“… and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13

We would be one of the “last men standing”. Young people, let’s learn to stand against the wiles of the evil one. Let’s not allow him to win over us. If we are to put on and take up the full armour of God, we will withstand in the evil day. Let’s seek to be the last man standing in this great spiritual battle.

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