Protected

Firey darts of the wicked one…Ephesians 6:16

For this reason, God has given us the shield of faith. We notice the source of the fiery darts: the wicked one. This means the temptation to sin comes from without and not from within. Not only do we have faith, we have the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we have the ability to resist the devil. 

We have been sanctified; sanctified by faith. Paul’s testimony is recorded in Acts 26. Notice his words. Listen to what Jesus said to Saul that day: I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people and well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you. To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:15-18

Like Saul, you have been washed, you have been sanctified, you have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God, 1 Corinthians 6:11.  You have been separated from your old life. You have been separated from the power of sin. You have been given the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one, Ephesians 6:16.

We are all tempted. But the thoughts that tempt us do not define who we are. Because these thoughts do not originate within us. They come from the wicked one who is outside of us. Do not allow such thoughts to re-define who you are. You are justified, sanctified, soon to be glorified in Christ. You are dead to sin. Believe it; live it. For this reason, God has given us the whole armor of God! You are fully protected, stand therefore in Christ Jesus.