War requires communication. Communication is essential to victory in battle. Failing to realize this was one of the reasons why Germany so easily defeated France in the Battle of France in World War II. The German tanks had wireless radios that provided a means of instant communication. In contrast, from 1923- 1939, only 0.15% of the French military spending was used on communication equipment. Because the French were not able to communicate with one another as quickly as the Germans were, the Battle of France also became known as the “Fall of France.”
As we wage war against Satan every day, we are to rely on God’s strength by putting on His armor (Ephesians 6:10-20). As we conclude our study of the armor of God, we see the importance of communication. We cannot and will not be victorious over Satan if we do not communicate. Like France, if we have not invested in communication, we will fall.
As we stand against our enemy, we must communicate with God. In the military, those who are in charge must communicate with those who they are in charge of. The other way around is also true; those who are of lower ranks have to be able to communicate with their generals. God, the One who is in charge, has communicated with us through His word; as we talked about last week, we need to be willing to listen to Him. As we attempt to overcome the devil and his schemes, we must also be dedicated to communicating with our Father. This is what Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 6:18, when he says, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Unlike armies, we do not need technology to communicate with our General. We can speak to the Father anywhere at any time. We are to not only pray for ourselves but also for our spiritual brothers and sisters. As Clinton Arnold said in his commentary on Ephesians, “Prayer is the means by which believers depend on the Lord and request his empowerment for themselves and others in the body of Christ.”
As we stand against our enemy, we must also communicate with one another. Communication in armies not only take place between different ranks; those who are of the same rank must communicate with one another. The same is true in the church. As Paul communicates with the Ephesians, he offers the following request: “and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20). As Paul is in prison in Rome, he requests for the Ephesians to pray for him. Paul does not just communicate his desires to God; he communicates them to the church at Ephesus. Paul communicated with them so that they could communicate with God on his behalf. We are in this battle together; therefore, we must communicate with and for one another.
Communication in battle is key to victory. As we wage war against our crafty, cunning enemy, let’s dedicate ourselves to communicating with God and with one another. Let’s pray to God and share with one another. We are not in this battle against Satan alone. Let’s communicate with the One we are fighting for and those who we are fighting alongside.
-Tyler Alverson
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