*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.
6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.