We wrapped up the Ephesians series this past Sunday in Ephesians 6:10-20, where we discussed the power to stand against the evil schemes of the devil. We were reminded that the battles we face on Earth are not primarily against one another, but against the spiritual forces of evil. The most powerful thing we can do in spiritual battle is to remind ourselves and our enemy of what is true: God chose me in Christ that I should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined me for adoption as his son or daughter, and he has blessed me in the Beloved. In Him I have redemption, the forgiveness of my sins, which he lavished upon me. In Him, I have obtained an inheritance, and I have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Therefore, I have put off my old self and put on my new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness and I stand strong in the Lord and the power of his might. (Ephesians 1:3-14, 4:22-24, 6:10)
