You are in a place Satan does not want you to be. Satan does not want you to be built up by others. Satan does not want you to share the Gospel. Satan does not want you to be a "light on a hill that cannot be hidden." Brothers, you are in grave danger. More danger than you would like to admit.
We are in the middle of Satan's stronghold and he is laying siege on you every moment of every day. He is not a dim-witted enemy either. He will do whatever he can to tear you down and cause you to sin. Sin is no laughing matter. Sin is dangerous, and will bring you away from G-d. But G-d does not leave us alone to face this deadly siege of Satan. In Ephesians 6 He give us very effective tools in which to defend ourselves with. He says,
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (11-13)”
First He gives us the Belt of Truth: We must equip ourselves with the truth of who G-d is through the reading of the Word. Our Fraternity verse says to “study to show thyself approved unto G-d, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” The bottom line is: read your bible!
Second He tells us to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate is not something that we can acquire by our own power, but only because Christ has bestowed it upon you. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus is there for you and on your side. Go boldly into battle with Satan knowing that Jesus is with you! p.s. Isaiah 59:17 also speaks about the breastplate of righteousness.
Next, we are to put on the Shoes of the Gospel: In verse 15 it says, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” Notice that having these particular shoes on mean that you are ready and prepared to share the Gospel. Jesus commands us to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). You cannot go barefoot to go share the gospel with the nations, so be prepared at all times!
Furthermore, we are in “all circumstances” to take up the Shield of Faith: Verse 16 very specifically says, “you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;” with the shield of faith. It is your faith that will save you from all the temptations of Satan. Remove any doubt from your mind and put all of your trust and faith in G-d. You are weak when you put your trust in yourself, but when you put your faith in G-d, you can overcome any temptation.
Make sure that you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation: If you are truly a child of G-d, you will be equipped with the helmet of salvation. Check yourself, make sure you are wearing this helmet. Without it, your mind is open to attack and every other piece of armor is worthless! p.s. Isaiah 59:17 also speaks about the Helmet of Salvation.
Finally, fight back with the Sword of the Spirit: Contrary to popular belief, the sword of the Spirit is not just the Bible, but it is “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Satan cannot withstand an attack from you if you come at him with the Word of G-d and are in prayer. Study your Bible, meditate on it day and night, and store it up in your heart so that you might not sin against G-d. Pray constantly. Prayer does not have to be a formal ordeal. The Holy Spirit is always with you and you have the ability to be in constant communion with Him. These are your two biggest weapons against Satan. He will not be able to stand against them.
In conclusion, remember to always check yourself. You in so much danger and you will become injured if you are not equipped with the Whole Armor of G-d. With these there is no way that Satan will be able to tempt you and bring you down.
