Ephesians 6:11-12: Schemes of the Devil

Ephesians 6:11–12
[11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (ESV)

One of the greatest dangers for the believer in Jesus Christ is to underestimate our enemy. We are told to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the scheming of the enemy. Do not underestimate your enemy. He was clever enough to deceive the very first human couple in the Garden. He has been clever enough to deceive family members, loved ones, co-workers, etc.

2 Corinthians 4:4
[4] In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

It is the scheming of the devil that keeps the unbelievers blinded, and unable to see the glory of Christ. If you do not recognize how powerful your enemy is, you are sure to be defeated. I don’t want you to think that in any way the devil is a match for God’s power. He is not! But he is a match for OUR power. If you are going to disobey God’s command that you be strong in the Lord, you will surely fall.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
[12] Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. [13] No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

How many times do we say, “I can stand.” I’ve got this. Take heed, lest you fall. Satan will tempt us. He is very good at it. He has thousands of years of practice. God is involved in providing what you need to counter the schemes of Satan. He provides a way out so that you can escape. But, you will only take that way of escape if you are close to the Lord! You must be strong IN the Lord.

Think of the words that the slithering serpent used in the Garden of Eden. “Did God really say?” Satan will place that sinful woman in your path, and whisper, “Did God really say not to have a relationship with her?  Doesn’t he want you to be happy?” If you are not strong in the Lord, I am afraid of the choice you will make.

Satan will breath his disgusting breath into your ear and tell you, “Go ahead and gossip about that person.  After all, you’re only sharing the truth.  And doesn’t God want you to share the truth?” And another member of the body of Christ is destroyed.

I can assure you, the battle is real. The enemy is real. His scheming is far more clever than yours. If you are not aware of your enemy you will tragically underestimate his power. He is not unable to be defeated. But, his defeat comes through the power of God, not your power. Your only strength comes from being strong “in the Lord.”

Are you "strong in the Lord?" That implies relationship.  You need to be in prayer and in the Word of God to be "strong in the Lord."  Why not take a few moments right now to pray and read His Word.  There is a battle afoot.