The thrust of this week's article is an examination of why God arms us for this great battle. No one ever uttered more comforting words than did Jesus. Passages like Jn. 10:28-29 make us feel safe, secure. Religions with a Calvinistic agenda take these verses out of context, teaching that once one is "saved" he is always saved. Jesus taught otherwise (cp. Mt. 13:20-21) as did His chosen apostles (cp. 2 Pet. 2:20-22). What He was affirming was that if we really act like sheep; i.e., hearing His voice and following Him everywhere (v. 27), then no one can snatch us out of His hand. It is precisely during this time that we encounter the great battle for the soul.
God arms us because Satan is not just throwing spitballs at us. His devilish "schemes" plot our destruction (v. 11). It is for such "tricks" from his bag that we must be on constant guard (cp. 2 Cor. 2:11). Satan also hurls at us "fiery darts" or "flaming missiles" (v. 16), no doubt intending to burn us with some hellish heat. These verses hopefully instill in us the sense of urgency which accompanies God's "call to arms" for the battle ahead.
Some say God's strength mysteriously appears and envelopes us, and all we must do is sit back and depend on Him to deliver us from Satan without any struggle on our part. When the going gets tough, and such "believers" fold under pressure, they blame God or accuse Him of not standing by them. This shows how stupid man can be when it comes to something this eternally important. This is also why understanding v. 10 makes the rest of the text crystal clear.
We are to "be strong in the Lord." The tense of the verb (present passive voice) clearly shows we are acted upon. The strength needed for our battle will not be found in us. Too many are trying to fight Satan with their own worldly strength, and that is why they are failing. We must "put on" (v. 11) or "take up" (v. 13) this armor [passive voice]. God provides it!! We must continue to wear it [present tense]. Only then will we know our power is firmly in the One who has armed us in the great battle for the soul (cp. 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:17).
