Text: Ephesians 6:10-17
As Paul closed his letter to the church in Ephesus, he admonished them to be “strong in the Lord” (v. 10). This was necessary because of the challenges and opposition they faced (v. 11-12). This was done by putting on “the full armor of God” (v. 11, 13), which would enable them to “stand firm” (v. 11, 13-14). We face challenges and opposition to our faith today just as they did then. The way we can deal with it is the same – “put on the full armor of God.” What does this mean? How do we do it? Let us consider the passage.
A Spiritual Warfare
- The NT regularly uses military language to describe the conflict between right and wrong
- We are to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12) – necessary to receive the reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
- Yet this fight is spiritual, not carnal (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) – the Lord has equipped us to fight and win
Be Strong in the Lord
- Warning not to rely on our own strength (v. 10) – that would be disastrous in this spiritual battle
- This enables us to stand firm (v. 11, 13-14) – not compromise or retreat
- Know the opposition (v. 12) – do not underestimate them; but remember that God is on our side
- Arm yourself (v. 11) – with the FULL armor of God; if we are partially equipped, we are vulnerable
Put on the Armor
- Loins girded with truth (v. 14) – God’s word is truth (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160); this is the starting point; everything must be built and based upon that
- Breastplate of righteousness (v. 14) – to be righteous is to be justified before God; this is what we practice (1 John 3:7; cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17); this protects our life spiritually (Romans 8:10)
- Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (v. 15) – the gospel is a message of peace (Ephesians 2:13-16); we take this message to others, but we must prepare ourselves to do so (1 Peter 3:15)
- Shield of faith (v. 16) – trust in God and His promises (Hebrews 11:1); based upon His word (Romans 10:17); protects us from Satan’s attacks (1 Peter 5:8-9) of doubt, discouragement, deception, and temptation
- Helmet of salvation (v. 17) – saved from sin (Romans 6:23) and delivered from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14); protects our mind; we can know we are saved (1 John 2:28; cf. Acts 16:30-34)
- Sword of the Spirit (v. 17) – the word of God; sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12); this is our only offensive weapon; we must use it, not our opinions, traditions, or human commandments
This Is the Armor of God
- God has armed himself (Isaiah 59:16-18) – we put on this armor in order to be like God (godly)
- Many have the concept that militancy is incompatible with the way of Christ – but this is His way
- Jesus leads His army into battle (Revelation 19:11-16) – we will be victorious if we are on His side (Revelation 17:14)
Conclusion
- We cannot escape the spiritual war that is going on around us
- But we know the Lord will be victorious – we need to make sure we are fighting on His side
- Our success will come from our dependence upon Him and our reliance on the armor He provides
