We are nearing the end of our journey through Ephesians as we come now to a powerful and crucial passage in the final chapter. Paul exhorts us here to be strong in the Lord and to take advantage of the full spiritual armour God has provided. This passage provides us with essential guidance on how to stand firm against the spiritual forces of evil and to live victoriously in our daily Christian walk.
Ephesians 6:10-20 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
This passage can be divided into three main sections: the call to be strong in the Lord (verses 10-13), the description of the full armour of God (verses 14-17), and the exhortation to pray in the Spirit (verses 18-20). Each section provides us with practical guidance on how to stand firm in our faith and to live victoriously in the face of spiritual warfare.
The Call to Be Strong in the Lord (6:10-13)
Paul begins this passage with a powerful exhortation: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” This call to be strong is not about relying on our own strength but about drawing our strength from the Lord and His mighty power. The Christian life is a spiritual battle, and we need God’s strength to stand firm. Paul continues, “Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” The armour of God is essential for standing against the enemy’s attacks. The devil is a cunning adversary who uses various schemes and tactics to deceive and destroy. We must be vigilant and prepared for battle. God has given us everything we need in Christ and Paul uses the image of military armour here to explain the extent of God’s resources for us to withstand the enemies of God.
Paul emphasizes that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This reminder shifts our focus from earthly conflicts to the spiritual battle that lies behind them. The spiritual forces of evil are powerful and organized, operating in the heavenly realms. They seek to oppose God’s work and to hinder our faith. Recognizing the true nature of our battle helps us to understand the importance of spiritual armour and the need for divine strength. Paul reiterates the need for the full armour of God: “Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” The day of evil refers to times of intense spiritual attack and temptation. In these moments, we need to be fully equipped and ready to stand firm.
The Description of the Full Armour of God (6:14-17)
Paul provides a detailed description of the full armour of God, using the imagery of a Roman soldier’s armour to illustrate the spiritual resources available to us. Even though this is a great illustration Paul uses, and one which would have been very clear to original readers or hearers, WE NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL WE DO NOT MISINTERPRET THIS ANALOGY. ALL too often I hear people emphasising the two words, “put on” and by inference, they imply that believers do not have this armour unless they put it on through prayer or some ritualistic process. This is a complete misunderstanding of our reality in Christ and it sets a very dangerous precedent for what is often akin to witchcraft. When we unpack each of these ‘pieces’ of armour, we will realise that all of them are characteristics of Jesus Christ. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith etc. are all gifted to us in Christ and as believers, Christ is already in us. We never wake up one morning without Christ within us. So, we never wake up without our armour on. Millions of people ‘put on’ the armour of God in prayer each morning and when they forget to, they attribute anything bad that happens that day to their neglect in putting on the armour of God. This is absolute nonsense and complete heresy.
You have the armour of God by virtue of the gift of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to ‘put on’ Jesus every day and nor are you without Jesus if you forget to put Him on. So too with the armour of God. I really wish the Greek in this passage would have been translated differently so as to avoid this confusion. To be consistent with the truth of who we are in Christ, it would be better to say, “Remember you have the armour of God …” or “Stand firm in the armour of God.” When we say, “Put on the armour of God” it makes it sound like we didn’t have it before we made a conscious choice to put it on. The fact that some people do this every day, makes it even more ridiculous. If you put on the armour of God yesterday, why are you putting it on again today? When did you take it off? Did it fall off? Did you lose it in battle? Pretty poor armour if it doesn’t even stay on! The fact is this: God put His armour on you when He redeemed you in Christ and filled you to the measure with all the fullness of Christ. It is an affront to God Himself for you to even suggest you have to put on something which only God can put on you! So, in all our discussion of this illustration, always understand that when we talk about “putting on” the armour of God, we are actually talking about embracing, using, applying or standing in the armour of God which is already ours in Christ. So, let’s work through the various aspects of the armour which has been given to us on Christ.
The belt of truth:
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” The belt of truth represents the foundational role of truth in the Christian life. Truth holds everything together, providing stability and integrity. It involves a commitment to God’s truth and a rejection of falsehood and deception. Truth is essential for standing firm against the enemy’s lies. It involves knowing and living by the truth of God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. The belt of truth empowers us to discern and reject the enemy’s schemes.
The breastplate of righteousness:
“With the breastplate of righteousness in place.” The breastplate protects the vital organs, particularly the heart. The breastplate of righteousness represents the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ. It involves living a life of integrity and moral uprightness. Righteousness protects us from the enemy’s attacks on our character and conduct. It involves pursuing holiness and living in accordance with God’s standards. The breastplate of righteousness empowers us to resist temptation and to stand firm in our faith.
The shoes of the gospel of peace:
“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” The shoes enable a soldier to stand firm and to move swiftly. The shoes of the gospel of peace represent the readiness and stability that come from the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel of peace provides a firm foundation for our lives. It involves being grounded in the message of salvation and being ready to share it with others. The shoes of the gospel of peace empower us to stand firm in our faith and to advance God’s kingdom.
The shield of faith:
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” The shield provides protection from the enemy’s attacks. The shield of faith represents our trust and confidence in God and His promises. Faith is essential for deflecting the enemy’s flaming arrows – doubts, fears, temptations, and accusations. It involves trusting in God’s character, promises, and power. The shield of faith empowers us to stand firm and to resist the enemy’s attacks.
The helmet of salvation:
“Take the helmet of salvation.” The helmet protects the head, the seat of the mind. The helmet of salvation represents the assurance and security that come from knowing we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ. Salvation guards our minds from the enemy’s attacks on our identity and security. It involves having a confident assurance of our salvation and living in the reality of God’s saving grace. The helmet of salvation empowers us to stand firm in our identity as children of God.
The Sword of the Spirit:
“And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon. The sword of the Spirit represents the Word of God, which is powerful and effective for spiritual battle. The Word of God is essential for countering the enemy’s lies and for standing firm in the truth. It involves knowing, meditating on, and applying God’s Word in our lives. The sword of the Spirit empowers us to stand firm and to advance God’s kingdom.
The Exhortation to Pray in the Spirit (6:18-20)
Paul concludes this passage with an exhortation to pray in the Spirit: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”Prayer is an essential part of spiritual warfare. It involves constant communication with God, seeking His guidance, strength, and protection. Praying in the Spirit means praying in alignment with God’s will and being led by the Holy Spirit. Paul emphasizes the importance of being alert and persistent in prayer. We are called to pray on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. This involves being watchful and vigilant, recognizing the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for God’s intervention.
Paul also asks for prayer for himself: “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Paul’s request for prayer highlights the importance of supporting one another in prayer. He recognizes his need for God’s strength and guidance in proclaiming the gospel. This reminder encourages us to pray for our leaders, missionaries, and fellow believers, that they may stand firm and boldly proclaim the gospel.
Practical Applications
Be strong in the Lord …
Reflect on the source of your strength and seek to draw your strength from the Lord and His mighty power. Recognize that the Christian life is a spiritual battle and that you need God’s strength to stand firm. Take time to cultivate your relationship with God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. Seek His guidance, strength, and protection in all areas of your life. Establish a regular time for daily devotions, where you read the Bible, pray, and meditate on God’s Word. Daily devotions help you draw strength from the Lord and His mighty power. Engage in regular worship, both privately and corporately. Worship helps you focus on God’s greatness and power, reminding you of His strength and majesty. Incorporate prayer and fasting into your spiritual disciplines. Prayer and fasting help you seek God’s guidance and strength, deepening your reliance on Him.
Put on the full armour of God …
Make it a daily practice to remember what God has given you in Christ to combat the enemy. Reflect on each piece of armour and consider how it applies to your life. Ask God to remind you of His truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Word. Take time to memorize and meditate on key Scriptures that remind you of the armour of God which is yours. Use these Scriptures in your prayers, asking God to help you stand firm against the enemy’s attacks.
Stand firm in truth …
Commit to knowing and living by the truth of God’s Word. Reject falsehood and deception and seek to live a life of integrity and honesty. Truth is essential for standing firm against the enemy’s lies. Take time to study and meditate on God’s Word daily. Allow His truth to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Seek to apply His truth in all areas of your life. Join a Bible study group to deepen your understanding of God’s Word. Bible study helps you know and live by the truth, providing a solid foundation for your faith. Practice honesty and integrity in your relationships. Seek to live a life of truth and transparency, reflecting God’s truth in your interactions with others. Be discerning in your consumption of media. Choose content that aligns with God’s truth and avoid content that promotes falsehood and deception.
Pursue righteousness …
Commit to living a life of righteousness and moral uprightness. Pursue holiness and seek to live in accordance with God’s standards. Righteousness protects you from the enemy’s attacks on your character and conduct. Reflect on areas of your life where you need to pursue greater righteousness. Ask God to help you grow in holiness and to live a life that honours Him. Seek to make decisions that align with God’s standards of righteousness. Ask for His guidance in your choices and strive to live a life that honours Him.
Be grounded in the gospel of peace:
Reflect on the message of the gospel and seek to be grounded in its truth. Allow the gospel to provide stability and readiness in your life. Be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Take time to reflect on the significance of the gospel in your life. Ask God to help you live in the reality of His peace and to be ready to share the gospel with others. Live a life that reflects the truth of the gospel. Seek to embody the peace, love, and grace of Jesus Christ in your interactions with others.
Strengthen your faith …
Cultivate a strong and unwavering faith in God and His promises. Trust in His character, promises, and power. Faith is essential for deflecting the enemy’s flaming arrows of doubt, fear, and temptation. Reflect on areas where you need to strengthen your faith. Take time to pray and ask God to help you trust Him more fully. Seek to grow in your knowledge of His character and promises.
Guard your mind with the helmet of salvation:
Reflect on the assurance and security that come from knowing you are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ. Guard your mind from the enemy’s attacks on your identity and security. Take time to reflect on the significance of your salvation. Ask God to help you live in the reality of His saving grace and to guard your mind from doubts and fears.
Wield the sword of the Spirit:
Commit to knowing, meditating on, and applying God’s Word in your life. The Word of God is powerful and effective for spiritual battle. Use it to counter the enemy’s lies and to stand firm in the truth. Take time to memorize and meditate on key Scriptures that remind you of God’s truth and promises. Use these Scriptures in your prayers and in your daily life.
Pray in the Spirit:
Make prayer a central part of your spiritual life. Pray on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. Be alert and persistent in prayer, recognizing the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for God’s intervention. Take time to develop a habit of prayer. Set aside regular times for prayer and seek to pray continually throughout your day. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers and to help you pray in alignment with God’s will.
Conclusion
In this passage, Paul exhorts us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armour of God, emphasizing the importance of standing firm against the spiritual forces of evil. We are called to draw our strength from the Lord and His mighty power, to put on the full armour of God, and to pray in the Spirit on all occasions. As we reflect on these verses, and indeed the whole letter to the Ephesians, let us be inspired by Paul’s exhortation and encouraged by the resources that God has provided for us. Let us seek to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ, standing firm in our faith and living victoriously in the face of spiritual warfare.