Spiritual Warfare (Part Two)

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor. Paul teaches, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). To be strong in the Lord, you must know the Lord’s strength. Satan is a powerful opponent, but he is only a created being, whereas God is the almighty Creator of the universe. If the Lord so willed, He could annihilate Satan in an instant. He has already defeated him at the cross and resurrection of Jesus (Colossians 2:15). In His perfect timing and plan, He will throw Satan into the Lake of Fire, where he will be tormented forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). From start to finish, Scripture proclaims the mighty power of God. In one of the most dramatic instances of God’s power, Sennacherib’s army had Jerusalem surrounded. It looked like Israel was doomed. But in response to King Hezekiah’s prayer, the Lord sent His angel who killed 185,000 enemy troops in one night (2 Kings 19:35). Often throughout Scripture, the Lord reminds His people of the obvious that nothing is too difficult for Him (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Romans 4:21). Paul has already spoken of God’s great power towards us, as seen in His raising Jesus from the dead and enthroning Him at His right hand (Ephesians 1:19-20). Paul has prayed that we would know the power of the Holy Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ might dwell in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17). Proverbs 18:10 declares, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” To be strong in the Lord, you must know His strength in a practical way, because you have repeatedly taken refuge in Him and seen His great deliverance in your life. Be encouraged!