The apostle Paul wrote, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). As believers, we must take his warning to heart. The reality is that we don’t always stand firm against the devil’s strategies. In fact, there are times when we play into them. We put ourselves in vulnerable positions. We make it easy for the devil to tempt us.
Paul’s warning resonates especially powerfully today because we’re living in what I believe to be the last days. And one of the prophetic signs we sometimes forget about is that in the last days, there will be a great apostasy, meaning that people will fall away from the Lord. According to 1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”
This means that in these critical days in which we’re living, the devil is walking around like a roaring lion, looking for people that he can drag down (see 1 Peter 5:8). He’s looking for people who are content to run only half the race that’s been set before them. He’s looking for people who have taken their eyes off Christ and become distracted by the things of this world. He’s looking for people who are tired, frustrated, and struggling with doubts. He’s looking for people who are trying to “go it alone” instead of relying on the fellowship and accountability of other believers.
The book of Hebrews warns about the perils of spiritually turning away. Hebrews 3:12 tells us, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” Notice this verse doesn’t address unbelievers. Rather, it’s a warning specifically for Christians. The passage continues, “but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end” (verses 13–14).
Did you catch that? You will “share in all that belongs to Christ”—if you are faithful to the end. In other words, you need to cross the finish line.
