Ephesians 6
This final section shows how to walk in victory with the whole armor of God. Every child of God soon learns that life is filled with challenges and spiritual and physical warfare. Our victory over the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness of this age is dependent upon the victory that Christ has already gained on the cross.
Colossians 2:15 NIV84 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
In Ephesians 1, Paul prayed that believer’s eyes would be enlightened so that we may know our glorious inheritance and incomparable power. That power is like the working of God’s mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given. When God place all things under Christ’s feet, it impacted the victory we enjoy over the adversary. We must learn to live in the victory that Christ has attained. Satan’s evil hosts are committed to destroy what Christ has achieved. As a result, we will face conflict against these forces of darkness that seek to steal, kill and destroy. Without the armor that has been provided, no Christian is equipped to stand against Satan and his strong powers. Paul has been discussing the believer’s walk in victory. Now suddenly he tells us our life will be a battlefield and the only way to overcome is in Christ’s power.
Be strong in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10 NIV84 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
The word “finally” is related to the rest of the whole as a result of what we have attained in Christ. This strength remains as a part of what we have gained. Before we can stand against the wiles of the devil, principalities, power, rulers of darkness and hosts of wickedness, we are commanded to be strong in the Lord.
How can you be made strong enough to stand and combat all the enemies that are coming against you?
The first half of Ephesians shows our position of being seated with Christ in the heavenly places far above all of Satan’s principalities and powers (1:19–23). The power of God is available to us through the indwelling Spirit (3:14–21). Since we are connected to Christ in such a vital way and sit with Him in heavenly places, we can walk and not grow weary and stand against every evil attack. There is a progression to our strength. We must walk with Christ before we can stand against Satan’s powers. As we understand our spiritual position in Christ, we gain spiritual power. It is imperative therefore for us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
As we abide in Christ we gain a daily renewing of our strength from His mighty power.
Before spiritual warfare, we must be strengthened with the might of Christ’s ability or strength.
Spiritual warfare
Ephesians 6:11-12 NIV84 Put on the full armor 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.
The believer’s enemy
Our spiritual enemy is Satan and every evil power of darkness. Satan was the anointed cherub whom God placed in charge of the newly created earth, (Ezekiel 28:11–19). Through pride and rebellion, he fell (Isaiah 14:9) and took with him ⅓ of the host of angelic beings, who now make up the principalities and powers and hosts of wickedness. Satan has access to heaven (Job 1–3) to accuse us before God, but one day he will be cast from heaven (Revelation 12:9). He is the deceiver and the destroyer who goes about as a serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3) and a lion, (1 Peter 5:8–9).
1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV84 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
We do not war against flesh and blood.
We fight against the “spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,” (Ephesians 2:2, NKJV). Just as the Spirit of God works in believers to make them holy, so the spirit of disobedience (Satan and his demons) works in the lives of unbelievers.
Romans 6:16 NKJV Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?
Ephesians 2:2 NKJV In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.”
Believers may contend with individuals that cause distress, conflict, and strife but our real struggle is not against flesh and blood. Our foes are not human or physical, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness. This is a clear revelation that we are called to stand against forces of evil that are powerful and have diverse methods. This conflict may come in several areas of life with various methods or means to deceive, destroy and kill.
The force or power behind the conflict is clear.
We are engaged in a battle between the kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of God and light. Satan’s dark kingdom is against the truth and against Christ. He gains strength and power when we live without knowledge of the truth. Since Satan is a liar, he attempts to deceive any who will be prey to his devices.
The only way to fight spiritual enemies is with spiritual weapons.
Paul encouraged believers to be properly equipped so that they can take a stand against the forces of evil in this world. We must be filled with the Spirit, take up the Word of God, and pray always. At the same time, we must beware of the devil’s strategy (Ephesians 6:11), devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), and snares (1 Timothy 3:7).
The Believer’s Armor
Ephesians 6:13 NIV84 Therefore put on the full armor 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 your ground
It is important for the believer to not “give place to the devil” (4:27). This refers to the believer’s vigilance. We must leave no area unprotected so Satan can get a foothold.
Ephesians 6:14 NIV84 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
We must learn to stand firm.
This kind of attention requires us to do everything we can to stand our ground. “Having done all, to stand.” The armor is for protection and the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) is for actual battle. Spiritual armor is given to protect us against the adversary. The armor will not automatically be put on us, we must go to the effort of “putting on” the armor. The application of the armor of God enables us to stand. Personal strength is not enough. God has supplied spiritual equipment for spiritual warfare.
Truth
Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist
The Christian who knows the truth will not be deceived by Satan’s lies.
1 Peter 1:13 NKJV Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Wrap your mind in the truth of God’s word. Our convictions must agree with God’s revelation. One of Satan’s greatest tools is the perversion of the truth. Control your mind with truth. Having the “loins of your mind gird about with truth” means to regulate and control our minds with God’s Word.
Philippians 4:8 NKJV Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, … noble, … just, …pure, … lovely, of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Righteousness
Ephesians 6:14 NIV84 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
We must consistently walk in righteousness.Satan is the accuser (Rev. 12:10), but the believer who walks in the light will give Satan no opportunity to attack.
How can we give Satan no opportunity to attack?
This is done by not opening our lives, hearts, minds, or thoughts to anything that will pervert or corrupt.
James 4:7 NIV84 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We stand in the righteousness of Christ.
We walk in the imparted righteousness of Christ. Our heart must be covered with the Lord’s righteousness. This is not self-righteousness or works of righteousness. This righteousness is gained and maintained only by the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit in you. The Holy Spirit will actively purify and sanctify us. The breastplate of righteousness must be worn because we must constantly resist the attacks of Satan. Satan cannot defeat the righteousness of Christ.
Peace
Ephesians 6:15 NIV84 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
We must clothe ourselves in the Lord’s peace. In John 14:27, Jesus said, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” To use peace as armor against Satan’s attack, we must stay in the peace of the Lord. Jesus said, “Let not.” As we refuse to be troubled or afraid, Satan cannot reach us. This is an activity of a Holy Spirit directed and empowered innermost being. The will decides what we do and where we go.
When on the battlefield, we need to know that our standing with God is secure.
We cannot second guess our motives or standing. Our will must be regulated by the Gospel of peace. Having the “feet shod with the gospel” means that wherever we go, we have a stable footing in the Word.
Faith
Ephesians 6:16 NIV84 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 armor that is on the body is augmented and supported by the shield of faith. Faith is a canopy of protection to the mind, heart and will. Faith is essential for survival.
What happens when your faith wavers?
Peter was walking on the water, when his faith wavered. What did Jesus do when Peter began sinking? He cried out in fear and the Lord rescued him. The Lord does not cast us off when our faith wavers. We must cry out to Him for help and He will help us and strengthen our faith.
What is this faith that is a shield?
- This is saving faith.
- It is faith that applies the word of God to every situation.
- It is faith that quenches all of the fiery darts of the evil one.
- It is faith that resists temptation.
- It is faith that appropriates God’s word and promises.
Where do we get this faith?
Romans 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
To properly use the shield of faith, we must be full of the Word of God.
Our faith must be rooted in God’s Word. Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” God’s Word is the source of information on God’s care, power, and victory. His Word gives, builds, and activates faith in us.
Salvation
Ephesians 6:17 NIV84 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Take the helmet of salvation.
We must take what God is giving. Our minds must be settled on the fact of our salvation. We must know that we know that we are saved and be totally convinced on the fact of Christ’s imminent return. The blessed hope is like a helmet to protect the mind.
Word of God
Ephesians 6:17 NIV Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Satan cannot resist or survive against the word of God displayed in faith. The Word of God is our weapon against every power of hell. When Satan came against Christ, Jesus said: “It is written…” The pieces of armor are for the believer’s protection. The sword of the Spirit and prayer are weapons for attacking Satan’s strongholds and defeating him.
2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV84 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV84 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…
Be Active In Prayer
Ephesians 6:18 NIV84 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 saints.
To win in this spiritual warfare, we must have active Spirit-filled prayer to maintain our strength in battle. We are told to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with every kind of prayer and petition. Prayer is an offensive and defensive part of our spiritual armor. Our prayer lives must be active at all times and situations. When the disciples were unable to cast out a demon, Jesus said, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting,” (Matthew 17:14-21).
We are to use the sword of the Spirit, and to pray in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to win the battle. Back in chapter 3, we were encouraged to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner man. That strength and power enables us to use the word of God effectively to overcome the enemy and gain territory for God’s glory.
