The spiritual battle is fierce and the day of evil can be especially intense (think of Peter’s denial and Job’s suffering.)
Satan’s aim is always to lead us into rebellion (consider Adam and Eve.)
We have been set free from his control in Christ and we need to guard our freedom.
The armor needs to be worked on NOW since you will only stand firm through temptation if you have prepared (“done everything” 6:13) by living a life of righteousness.
Temptation will overtake those who through compromise or indifference slip into sinful habits. An athlete cannot run a marathon unless he trains; or else he will fail miserably on the testing day.
Paul speaks the kind of life we are to live in the following passages
* Eph. 4:23 “.... put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
* Eph. 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love,
* Eph. 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
Joseph showed how to put on the armor of God when he stood firm against temptation, being aware of God and saying, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9.)
On the day of evil Joseph gives and example of how to stand firm.
1. Resist. He said ‘NO!” Joseph refused Potiphar’s wife’s temptation. “Speak to the hand.”
2. Don’t go there: He refused even to be with her. Don’t go to places and situations where you will be tempted till you are strong enough to stand.
3. Flee. When cornered he ran from the situation. Don’t stay where you will be tempted.
In this way we can resist the Devil knowing that Jesus has conquered him and that if we resist the devil he will flee.
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