The Devil is Behind It

INTRODUCTION

We are in a series for the month of October called “Semper Reformanda”

Semper Reformanda means “always being reformed”

This phrase was popularized by the Reformer Jodocus Van Lodenstein in 1674

Jodocus Van Lodenstein said, “The Church is reformed and always being reformed according to the Word of God—not according to men, not according to councils, but according to the Word.”

Tabletalk Magazine, November 2014: Semper Reformanda: What It Really Means Coram Deo—Before the Face of God: The True Reformers

When it was first used, semper reformanda was part of the larger statement

So as we focus on “being reformed according to the Word of God,” I was us to consider the forces that were at work behind the Reformation

First, the conflict was demonic, even Satanic

During the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation was a response to theological corruption and spiritual darkness perceived within the Roman Catholic Church

Salvation was tied to works and indulgences, not grace alone

Scripture was withheld from ordinary people

Tradition and papal authority was elevated over biblical authority

Moral and financial abuses were among the clergy and hierarchy

The Reformers aimed not to destroy the Church but to call her back to the gospel—to the authority of Scripture and salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8–9; Rom. 1:17)

Martin Luther said, “Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason…my conscience is captive to the Word of God” (Diet of Worms, 1521)

Luther’s statement shows that the Reformation was about returning to Scripture’s authority

The real conflict of the Reformation wasn’t merely between Luther and Rome; it was a clash between:

Truth vs. deception

Grace vs. merit

Scripture vs. human authority

Light vs. darkness

John Calvin said, “The truth of God, once darkened by lies, must shine again. For where the light of the Gospel breaks forth, the darkness of Satan cannot endure.”

Martin Luther frequently wrote about Satan working through corrupted leadership, describing the papacy as the tool of the devil and equating the pope with the Antichrist

He said, “The devil, the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of God’s Word.”

John Calvin and others labeled Catholic churches as “synagogues of the devil,” arguing that Catholic refusal to embrace the gospel was a sign of satanic opposition

He said, “We must remember that so long as Christ reigns, Satan ceases not from pursuing his warfare; and his assaults are more vigorous against the Church than against others.” (Commentary on Ephesians 6:12).

So our message today deals with that same spiritual warfare the Reformers recognized

As we consider this, this morning, I would like to invite you to turn in your Bible to Ephesians chapter 6

Martin Luther again said, “Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved.”

Read Ephesians 6:10-13…

Ephesians 6:10–13 NASB95

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes, “The first thing we have to realize is that the Christian life is a warfare, that we are strangers in an alien land, that we are in the enemy’s territory. This is a warfare that you and I have to wage.” (The Christian Warfare, 20).

What is the first thing Paul tells the Ephesians, and us, to do?

Be Strong (v.10)

The Command: “Be strong”

The phrase “be strong” translates the Greek verb ἐνδυναμόω (endynamoō), which means “to be empowered,” “to be made strong,” or “to receive strength.”

It is in the present passive imperative form, which tells us two critical things:

The present tense is a continual process, not a one-time burst of courage

The passive voice refers to the strength that is received, not self-generated

Paul isn’t saying, “draw on your own strength” or “Be tough” — he’s saying, “Allow yourselves to be continually empowered by God.”

“Our strength lies in knowing that we are weak, but He is strong.” (Martin Luther)

We don’t create spiritual strength; we receive it. We are the recipients, not the producers

Spiritual strength is something God does in us, not something we do for Him

We are not the source of the strength, the next phrase tells us who the source is…

The Source: “in the Lord”

Our empowerment is found in our union with Christ, not in circumstances, personality, or willpower. We stand strong because we stand in Him.

“All that we need for salvation and strength is found in Christ alone; whatever is in ourselves is nothing but weakness.” — John Calvin, Institutes III.15.5

He is the One “who arms me with strength” (Ps.18:32; 28:7)

He is “my strength” (Hab.3:19; Phil.4:13; 2 Tim.4:17)

The Sphere: “in the strength of His might”

This points to God’s inherent power — the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph.1:19-20)

It’s not just any strength; it’s divine strength — limitless, victorious, unstoppable

The word “Strength” (kratos) refers to manifested power, power that shows itself in action”

The word “Might” (ischus) — points to inherent power, the ability God inherently possesses

Put together, the phrase means, “Be constantly empowered by the manifested power that flows from God’s inherent might.”

So when Paul says, “Be strong in the Lord,” he’s urging believers to draw their strength from the inexhaustible resources of God Himself

We have to fight this spiritual battle with God’s strength

Lenski says, “Christians dare never be weaklings. They are joined to a Lord who is their inexhaustible source of power, who is himself filled with strength and might, the Stronger One who conquered the strong one (Luke 11:21, 22).”

Our power is His strength, our protection is His armor…

Paul says, not only do you need to be strengthen in the Lord, but you also need to…

Put On the Full Armor of God (vv.11-12)

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

The Command: “put on” (endonysasthe, aor.mid.imp.)

The Greek verb enduo literally means “to clothe oneself” or “to dress in” something

It’s the same root word used elsewhere for putting on clothing, but Paul often uses it figuratively for putting on spiritual qualities or Christ Himself

It carries the sense of fully enveloping oneself, not just “adding on” something external, but being covered with it

He is saying, “Clothe yourself once and for all with the complete armor of God”

“The Christian is not naked in battle, but clothed with Christ; therefore he must show forth that garment against his enemies.” — Ulrich Zwingli

It’s a deliberate, intentional act of spiritually clothing oneself with what God provides

We are told to:

“put on the armor of light” (Rom.13:12)

“put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.13:14)

“put on the new self…put on a heart of compassion” (Col.3:10, 12)

Galatians 3:27, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

The Purpose: “So that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (v.11)

John Knox said, “The kingdom of Satan is maintained by lies and falsehood, but the kingdom of Christ is upheld by truth.”

Paul gives the reason for putting on the armor: “so that you will be able to stand.”

The phrase “to stand firm” (στῆναι stēnai) means to hold your ground, to resist assault, and not to give way

It’s a military term describing a soldier holding his position when the enemy attacks

It doesn’t primarily mean advance and attack, but stand and endure—to hold the territory that Christ has already won

In the spiritual life, victory doesn’t mean avoiding battle; it means remaining unmoved in the midst of it

Martin Bucer said, “We are not called to win the victory, but to stand in the victory that Christ has already won.”

The believer’s duty is not to win ground that Christ has already captured — but to stand firm in the victory He’s secured

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

The Enemy: “the schemes of the devil”

The word “schemes” (methodeias) gives us the English word “method”

It literally means “craftiness, cunning strategy, or deliberate deceit”

It conveys the idea of well-planned, systematic trickery—an adversary who thinks, plots, and waits for opportune moments

The one doing this is the devil, which means slanderer or accuser

Satan doesn’t fight randomly; he attacks strategically

His chief weapon is deception—he is the “father of lies” (Jn.8:44)

He twists truth, undermines faith, fosters division, and seeks to destroy confidence in God’s Word (Gen.3:1-5)

2 Corinthians 2:11, “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”

1 Peter 5:8, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

The Warfare (v.12)

It’s defined as a “struggle”

“struggle” (pale) only appears here in the NT

It literally describes hand-to-hand combat, wrestling that involves close contact and personal exertion

This imagery reminds us that the Christian life is not fought from a safe distance — it’s up‑close spiritual warfare

Every believer is personally engaged; no one is exempt

So Paul’s word choice emphasizes intensity, nearness, and endurance

The conflict is real, relentless, and personal — but it’s not physical…

It’s “not against flesh and blood”

“flesh and blood” refers to human beings (the relationships that Paul mentions in chapter 5)

We do not fight people

Behind the visible opposition lies an invisible spiritual influence

John Calvin said, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood—for the devil employs men as his instruments; yet our conflict is not with them, but with him who rules them.”

The unbelieving world is not the enemy; it is the mission field ensnared by the true enemy

2 Corinthians 10:3–4, “3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”

In Matthew 16:23, Jesus rebuked Satan working through Peter’s words, revealing the spiritual origin behind human conflict: “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.””

William MacDonald writes, “This warfare is not a matter of contending against godless philosophers, crafty priests, Christ-denying cultists, or infidel rulers. The battle is against demonic forces, against battalions of fallen angels, against evil spirits who wield tremendous power. Though we cannot see them, we are constantly surrounded by wicked spirit-beings. While it is true that they cannot indwell a true believer, they can oppress and harass him.”

It’s against the devil (mentioned in verse 11)

It’s against demonic forces

Demons are fallen angels (Rev.12:4; Jude 1:6)

Angels were created by Jesus - Colossians 1:16

“rulers, powers, world forces of this darkness, spiritual forces of wickedness – describe the different strata and rankings of those demons and the evil, supernatural empire in which they operate

The demonic categories are not explained, just listed:

“rulers” (archas) refers to a high order of demons. The word “arche” describes them as “first ones, preeminent ones, leaders”

“powers” are another ranking

“world forces of this darkness” refers to demons who have infiltrated various political systems of the world, attempting to pattern them after Satan’s realm of darkness

F. F. Bruce thinks [this] may refer to high-ranking fallen angels such as the angel-princes of Persia and Greece who hindered the archangelic messenger in his divine errand (as recorded in the Book of Daniel)

“spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenlies” are demons involved in the most wretched and vile immoralities—such as extremely perverse sexual practices, the occult, Satan worship, and the like

Marvin Vincent says, “The phrase is collective, of the evil powers viewed as a body. Wickedness is active evil, mischief. Hence Satan is called ὁ πονηρός the wicked one.

J. Vernon McGee says, “Satan has a well-organized group, and his organization is manipulating in this world right now. The heartbreak, the heartache, the suffering, the tragedies of life are the work of Satan in the background. He is the cause of the great problems that are in the world today.

We have the enemy located and identified. That enemy is spiritual. It is Satan who heads up his demonic forces. Now we need to recognize where the battle is. I think the church has largely lost sight of the spiritual battle. We feel that if we have a lovely church building and are attracting crowds and if the finances are coming in, everything is going nicely. The financial condition of a church, however, is not where the battle is. I will grant that, if a church which has been supporting itself begins to get into debt, it is an indication that something is wrong: actually, it means the battle is being lost in the spiritual realm. There should be questions such as: Are the members of the church being built up in Christ? Is the Word of God being taught? Is there a spirit of love and cooperation among the members? Is gossip reduced to a minimum? There must not be an exercise in legalism but an exercise in right relationships among those who are the brethren in Christ. Where there is a spirit of criticism and of bitterness and of hatred, the Spirit of God cannot work.

Churches like to talk about the numbers who come to Christ. They like to talk about how many decisions they have had. Yet when the facts are really boiled down and examined and you look for the so-called converts two years later, you often find that they have disappeared. We don’t seem to realize that there is a spiritual warfare being carried on today and that people need to be grounded in the Word of God. It is a manifestation of demonic power that people are being blinded and carried away into all kinds of cults and religions and “isms” with false beliefs. As a result of all this, the Word of God sinks into insignificance in such churches and organizations. This is the work of the enemy, Satan and his demonic hosts.”

The Charge: Take up the full armor of God (v.13)

Paul begins verse 13 with the word “therefore.” This refers us back to verses 10-12

You could translate “therefore” as “on this account.”

“Therefore,” because Paul’s readers must fight a foe that is scheming, inhuman, powerful, and evil, they need to be armed and protected with the equipment God supplies. They do not need to invent or manufacture their armaments; they just need to “put on” (lit., “take up”) the resources God has already made available.

“Take up the full armor of God”

The words “take up” is analambano, which refers to “picking up” (Robertson) or “taking to one’s self.” It means “to take up, as one takes up armor to put it on” (Wuest)

“The verb is aorist imperative, which construction issues a command given with military snap and curtness, a command to be obeyed at once and once for all. Thus, the Christian is to take up and put on all the armor of God as a once-for-all act and keep that armor on during the entire course of his life, not relaxing the discipline necessary for the constant use of such protection” (Wuest)

The reason: “so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm”

John Bradford (English Reformer, martyr 1555) said, “Fire tries gold, affliction tries Christians.”

Nicholas Ridley, before his execution in 1555, said, “Pray, hope, and stand fast. God grant me the grace to hold out to the end.”

He is saying that the only way to hold your position and resist in the evil day is to first “take up the full armor of God.” 

To “resist” (anthistemi). It comes from anti, against, histēmi, to cause to stand and together means, “to stand against, to oppose” (Rienecker), or to set up in opposition

James uses this word when he says in James 4:7, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Peter also uses it in 1 Peter 5:9, “But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”

The “evil day” (puneros) is a “pernicious, evil in active opposition to good.”

2 Timothy 3:1, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.”

We must have our armor always on, to be ready against the evil day which may come at any moment, the war being perpetual

This is the third time he has told the Ephesians to stand firm

He’s said it in verses 11, 13-14

Our responsibility is to resist and stand firm

When Martin Luther stood before the Diet of Worms he was accused of heresy. After being condemned for declaring that men are saved by faith alone in Christ alone, he declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. … Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise.” Every believer who is faithful to God’s Word cannot do otherwise than stand firm.” (John MacArthur)

Martin Luther said, “I gave up all for Christ, and what have I found? Everything in Christ.”

John warned, “Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” (2 John 8)

Paul’s one great fear was that, “possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27)

He was not afraid of losing his salvation but his reward and, even more importantly, his usefulness to the Lord

Countless men and women have faithfully taught Sunday school for years, led many people to Jesus Christ, pastored a church, led Bible studies, ministered to the sick, and done every sort of service in the Lord’s name—only to one day give up, turn their backs on His work, and disappear into the world. The circumstances differ, but the underlying reason is always the same: they took God’s armor off and thereby lost the courage, the power, and the desire to stand firm. (John MacArthur)

The words, “and having done everything” (katergazomai) means “to perform, accomplish, achieve, to do that from which something results, to carry something to its ultimate conclusion

Standing firm against the enemy without wavering or falling is the goal

CONLUSION

Satan’s goal is always to distort or obscure the message of salvation

By promoting a system in which grace was mixed with human effort, the true gospel of faith in Christ alone was obscured (Gal. 1:6–9)

That distortion aligns with the devil’s strategy of deception

“The Word of God is all‑sufficient; it needs no addition, no human invention.” — John Calvin

Also, the refusal to allow Scripture in the language of the people—and persecution of those who translated or distributed it—was a direct attempt to keep people in spiritual darkness

Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of Your words gives light.”

“I will cause the ploughboy to know more of the Scripture than thou doest.” — William Tyndale, to a Catholic priest (1521)

Hiding that light serves the kingdom of darkness

Whenever truth is proclaimed, Satan incites persecution (Rev. 12:17)

Those violent outbursts and inquisitions were manifestations of a deeper spiritual rage against the truth of the gospel, not just political control

Satan loves counterfeit religion (2 Cor.11:13–15)

“Satan is exceedingly busy in stirring up false teachers to corrupt the pure doctrine of the Gospel.” — John Calvin

When religious structures promote greed, immorality, or power rather than holiness and humility, they reflect the adversary’s deception, not God’s character

The only thing that can crush this is the true Gospel

Not the gospel the Roman Catholic church preached, but the one Jesus and the Apostles preached

“We preach not grace and works, faith and merit, Christ and the Church, but Christ alone, through faith alone, by grace alone” — Martin Luther

That’s the gospel you have received, unless you believed in vain

Examine yourself today

You don’t want to be deceived into believing the wrong gospel

“Courage, my brethren, for our cause it is the cause of truth, and therefore the cause of God.” — John Knox

Let’s pray