The idea that we are engaged in a great spiritual battle can seem somewhat overblown in our middle-class culture full of creature comforts.  Advertisers invite us to sample their latest product so we can kick back and enjoy the good life.

Yet the Bible is clear that if we are serious about pursuing God and his kingdom, that we should expect to encounter resistance, opposition, and even downright hostility.  We have an opponent who is both vicious and strong.  

It was a common practice for generals to rouse their troops before battle with an inspiring speech to remind them of who they were and what they were fighting for, to help them summon courage for the dangerous battle ahead.  Paul does just his in Ephesians 6:10-20, a passage that serves as the culmination of everything he has written them so far.  

The major difference between Paul's words and those of some great general is that Paul exhorts his followers to be strong in God's strength, to put on God's armor, that they won't secure victory through their own efforts, but rather by trusting in the God who is fighting on their behalf.  

We stand and fight depending upon God's strength, not our own.  And we fight with the words he has given us through the Bible and through prayer.