Langley Presbyterian Church

Prayer for Illumination:

Gracious God may Your messages come to us through Your Holy Spirit’s power, so that our faith might not rest on the understanding of the human mind, but upon Your power and presence. Speak our Lord, Your servants are listening. Amen.

The Screwtape Letters is a satirical work of Christian apologetics by C.S. Lewis, presented as a series of fictional letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior tempter.

The uncle's guidance focuses on the nephew's duty to ensure the damnation of a British man referred to only as "the Patient."

In the book's preface, C. S. Lewis mentioned, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They, themselves, are equally pleased by both errors.”

This is certainly true, isn’t it? Some people completely disregard Satan as an impersonal force or a cute little boy in a red suit with two horns and a pitchfork.

On the other hand, some people attribute too much power and importance to Satan and believe he is God’s equal.

What about you? Do you think Satan is real? If so, do you see us as Christians as being engaged in a spiritual battlefield?

Some might be acutely aware of spiritual warfare in their daily lives. Others may not want to even think about those things and prefer to view life's challenges as mere accidents, coincidences, or the natural trials of existence.

But let me tell you the truth. We’re in a vicious warfare, and many don’t realize it. Once you become a Christian, you’re in battle whether you like it or not.

In the Book of Ephesians, Paul discusses the mystery of God's plan to unite all things in Christ, emphasizing God's grace, redemption through Christ, and the unity of believers as part of the Church, which is described as the body of Christ. The letter also provides practical guidance on how Christians should live out their faith.

Paul starts today’s text with ‘finally’, signifying he’s wrapping up his letter to the Ephesian believers. And the whole letter, in a sense, is built conceptually on spiritual warfare.

The Good News is that through His death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus achieved the ultimate victory, defeating sin and death once and for all, so that we might be reconciled to God the Father.

However, until the final day - until Jesus returns - we remain in a spiritual battle. Yet, we must remember Jesus, our Commander-in-Chief, had already won the victory. The task of His Church - our role now is to stand firm, holding fast in defense.

V 10 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” The source of our strength is in union with Christ. He is the one who strengthens us in our spiritual warfare, not our own strength, education degree, intelligence, wealth, or social status, but Jesus Christ our Lord.

Satan is not afraid of your muscles, how smart you are, how rich you are, or how good a person you are. Armed with those weapons, you cannot stand in spiritual warfare.

Paul tells us what this spiritual warfare is about and who our enemy is. “Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Often we hear that God has plans for our lives - but so does the devil. He wants to take the church down. The devil’s schemes to kill, steal, and destroy believers and the church. The devil prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour.

Yet, they do not wander around aimlessly, or poke anywhere randomly. Having a highly organized hierarchical system, they move with strategies and tactics. If you’re weak and ignorant, you are easily devoured.

Spiritual warfare is very real in the life of the believers. Paul wants us to open our eyes to the power of our spiritual opposition, and realize that our real battle is not against people or the circumstances of life.

In his book, The Art of War, Sun Tzu, a Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher wrote, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Your enemy is not your neighbours, not your supervisor, not your colleagues, not your in-laws, not your child, and certainly not your spouse.

Don't take it so personally when your brother or sister in Christ upsets or hurts you. The devil takes great pleasure in damaging our unity in Christ.

The devil will do everything to destroy your relationships with God and people. The real battle is spiritual, and to stand in this battle, it is necessary to put on full spiritual armour.

Then what is the armour of God? Paul mentions 6 pieces of armour. Each of them has its unique purpose and function. These pieces do not automatically jump on you. You have to put them on to use it.

The first piece of armour is the Belt of Truth, which we must fasten securely around our waist. This truth in the Gospel holds everything together as we prepare for battle.

In John 8:44, Jesus calls the devil the father of lies, emphasizing that Satan's attacks are not with brute force but through clever deception, whispering half-truths.

Just as a mosquito finds its way into a house through the smallest gap, Satan exploits even the tiniest vulnerability. He knows precisely where we are weakest, using subtle and cunning lies to wound, destroy, and draw us away from God — just as he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden.

He whispers to your ear, “God doesn’t listen to all your prayers. You know how busy He is. So stop praying about it.” “Jesus doesn’t love a sinner like you. You’re not good enough.” “You failed again? How can you call yourself a Christian?” “Look at what your child is going through. See… God doesn’t love you, He is punishing you.” Resist. Resist the devil’s lies with the truth of the Gospel.

Second, to guard our hearts, we must put on the breastplate of righteousness. In ancient Jewish thought, the heart was considered the center of the emotional and intellectual life. These are the very areas where Satan most fiercely attacks believers—clouding our minds with falsehoods and stirring our hearts with anger, disappointment, dissatisfaction, rage, immorality, greed, envy, hate, or criticism.

When we give in to sinful behaviors and thoughts, we allow the enemy to wound our hearts at their core. Therefore, do not give Satan a foothold. Instead, put on the breastplate of righteousness to protect your mind and heart.

Third, we need to put on the shoes of the Gospel of Peace. Just as we choose our shoes based on what we do or where we’re going, we wouldn’t walk rocky roads or climb mountains in high heels or flip-flops. The same applies to the spiritual battles we face.

Satan's goal is to keep the lost away from the gospel. But the gospel of peace is the restoration of fellowship with God through the work of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. Our mission is to spread this Good News of Peace and Reconciliation.

We are the fulfillment of Isaiah's words. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.”

We have Christ who is the Prince of Peace. We proclaim Peace, not division,  judgment,  or discrimination. Not hatred, prejudice, or hostility. Isn’t it interesting that we proclaim Peace in battle?

Next, we have the shield of faith, which enables you to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The brilliance of the Roman shield was its ability to resist almost any attack, especially fiery arrows—a common strategy in ancient warfare.

These shields were lined with leather and soaked in water before battle, making them highly effective. In the same way, use your faith, trusting in God's promises and power.

An interesting aspect of ancient warfare is that soldiers typically fought in formation, interlocking their shields. This meant that each soldier, not only protected himself but also those around him.

In the same way, when we come together in faith, we create a united front—a wall of protection that strengthens the entire body of believers. You don't have to fight this battle alone. Together, in prayers of faith, we stand stronger.

Now look at verse 17: 'Take the helmet of salvation.' The assurance of our salvation is an impenetrable defense against anything the enemy throws at us, for nothing—not even Satan—can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

So, reject the doubts that arise from circumstances. When life feels like it’s crashing down, remember to look up. Our salvation is the most precious gift we've received. By putting on the helmet of salvation each morning, our minds are better insulated against the enemy’s suggestions, desires, and traps.

Finally, we have the sword of the Spirit; which is the word of God. The sword serves as both an offensive and defensive weapon.

Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, 'For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.'

In Acts 2, Peter stood up and boldly proclaimed the Gospel. Do you remember the result? Verse 37 says, 'When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart' and asked, 'What shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized.'

Remember, Jesus used Scripture strategically when He was tempted. Those who study and know the Word are best equipped to 'strike back' against temptation and prevent the Devil from knocking them off their post.

After detailing the armour of God, Paul adds one more essential element to the spiritual battle: prayer. While not a piece of the armour, prayer is vital to victory.

Why? Because prayer connects us to God's power—it is the foundation that enables the armour of God to function effectively. Without it, we cannot hope to defeat our spiritual enemies.

Paul says, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

He urges us to pray continually—not only for ourselves but also for others. Paul also asks for personal prayers, and in that same spirit, I humbly ask for your prayers. As the pastor of Langley Presbyterian Church, I face spiritual attacks regularly.

Please pray for me, that whenever I speak, I may proclaim the power of the Gospel with courage and wisdom. Pray that as I lift each of you in prayer, I do not grow weary but instead pray with greater power, authority, and effectiveness.

Friends, the devil wants you, as a Christian, to be weak, ignorant, and ineffective. He will do anything to distract, disrupt, and ultimately destroy you. But we don’t have to fear him.

Our God is stronger than anything or anyone. He has no equal, and He has already won the victory. God's power working through you is immeasurably greater than any evil working against you

Throughout the day—at home, at work, on the road, or when you're alone—you may feel defeated, but my prayer is that by the end of the day, you are still standing firm. You may stumble but rise again in the mighty power of God.

Stand firm. Put on the full armour of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the Good News of Peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. And above all, PRAY. Victory is already ours.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, open our eyes to the spiritual battle we are in. Grant us the courage, wisdom, and faith to put on the full armour of God and stand firm. We trust in Your victory, knowing that the battle has already been won. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.