EPHESIANS 6:13

“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

Man, do I love bread! Just ask my wife. I could eat a dozen hot biscuits with honey. And those Red Lobster garlic biscuits are to die for. But I have to withstand temptation or bust my britches, lol. The temptation is great. I am easily led astray, I’ll admit it. But when I am successful and withstand the freshly baked bread, I feel better. I know I have made the right choice.

Now, Paul is not talking about sticking to your diet in today’s verse. But he is talking about fully resisting the evil one and all his lures. The Greek word for “resist” is “anthístēmi (from antí, ‘opposite/against’ and hístēmi, ‘to stand’) – to take a complete stand against, i.e. a ‘180 degree, contrary position’; to establish one’s position publicly by conspicuously ‘holding one’s ground,’ i.e. refusing to be moved (‘pushed back’). (HELPS Word studies)

APPLICATION

This word can also mean to “forcefully declare one’s personal conviction.” It was a military term meaning to strongly resist an opponent. I think you get the picture. You have to resist. You have to take a stand. You have to be prepared (thus the armor) for anything that comes your way.

Anthístēmi is also used in James 4:7 that says, “Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” It is also 1 Peter 5:9 where we read, “So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world.” Paul, James and Peter all knew the importance of resisting the devil. They had all personally experienced his attacks and knew how to resist him.

You have to equip yourself with the Word. Jesus used the Word to battle Satan in the wilderness. Why should we try anything else? Know the Word. Use the Word. Watch the Word repel the devil’s attacks. We have no reason to fear him. Withstand Warrior!

Lord, I am so thankful that You have equipped me to withstand the evil one in evil days.