The Doorpost: Standing firm against evil

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.
Ephesians 6:12-13

Living as a disciple of Jesus Christ in this world is a struggle. It is not all Sunday school picnics. The unseen opponents we face in our struggle are the authorities and cosmic powers over the darkness that surrounds us—spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. How can we stand firm against them?

Ephesians 6:14-20 tells us that God has provided us with the defensive armor and offensive weapons we must use in the battle. We must put on Truth, the Righteousness of Christ, and the preparedness that comes from the Gospel of peace. We must take up Faith, put on Salvation, and arm ourselves with the Word of God. To do these things we must pray in the Spirit at all times, staying alert in prayer and praying for all the saints.

These are the only adequate weapons for standing firm against forces of evil in this present darkness, and they are all we need.