*Ephesians 6:10-20
Paul uses the metaphor of armor to urge believers to draw strength from God to resist spiritual evil.
- Spiritual Strength and Armor:
- Paul encourages believers to draw strength from the Lord and His immense power.
- He advises them to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes.
- The passage emphasizes that the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.
- The armor of God is necessary for believers to stand their ground on the day of evil.
- Components of the Armor:
- Belt of Truth: Symbolizes sincerity and truthfulness, essential for the Christian’s defense against deception.
- Breastplate of Righteousness: Represents moral integrity and virtue, protecting one’s heart and emotions.
- Footwear of Peace: Signifies readiness and the spreading of the Gospel of peace, essential for stability and preparation.
- Shield of Faith: Enables believers to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, representing trust and belief in God’s promises.
- Helmet of Salvation: Stands for hope and certainty in salvation, protecting the mind from doubts and fears.
- Sword of the Spirit: Described as the word of God, it is the only offensive weapon in the armor, used to confront and dispel falsehood.
- Prayer and Alertness:
- Believers are urged to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
- They are instructed to be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
- Paul requests prayers for himself as well, that he may declare the Gospel boldly as he ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:10-20 teaches us to stay strong in our faith by relying on God’s power. Life can be challenging, but God gives us spiritual armor—truth, righteousness, faith, and His Word—to help us stand firm. Just like a soldier prepares for battle, we need to pray, trust God, and stay focused on His truth. We can apply this by turning to God in tough times, standing up for what is right, and staying connected to Him through prayer and His Word every day.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (WEB)
6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, 16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints. 19 Pray for me, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.