Believers in Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:10-24

In this section (Ephesians 6:10-20) Paul informs us that Christians must be prepared for spiritual warfare because Satan attacks believers who advance the cause of Christ.  Believers must be prepared for the battles they would face.  He outlined what is needed to stand firm and emerge victorious.  Ephesians 6:10-24 may be outlined as follows:  I. The Need to be Prepared for Spiritual Combat – Ephesians 6:10-13; II. The Need to Stand Firm in Spiritual Combat – Ephesians 6:14-20; III. Closing Remarks by Paul – Ephesians 6:21-24.

1. The Need to be Prepared for Spiritual Combat – Ephesians 6:10-13

The final section begins with a general exhortation: “Be strong in the Lord.”  As believers we must allow ourselves to be strengthened by the Lord.  We are wholly inadequate for the challenge that lies ahead; but “in the power of His might,” we are invincible (v. 10).  Paul indicated the reality of the conflict by urging believers to be prepared for spiritual conflict with the command: “Put on the whole armour of God” (v. 11).  We are called not to comfort but to combat, and God will afford us all the protection that is needed.

Paul may have been spurred to use the imagery of putting on armour by the Roman guards who were overseeing his house imprisonment.  In Isaiah 59:17 God Himself is described as wearing armour.  He wars against the forces of evil.  If God Himself can be described as wearing armour, how much more do we need to avail ourselves of it!  We need to put on the whole armour supplied by God to stand against the “wiles of the devil” (v. 11).  We must be combat ready because we never know when we might be assailed by Satan (I Peter 5:8).

The word “wiles” denotes the stratagems that Satan uses against believers.  We need to be equipped to stand against all of his stratagems!  To stand effectively, we must know the nature of the enemy and the nature of the battle (v. 12).  Our struggle is primarily spiritual, not physical.  We may face oppositions from others but our real conflict is “not against flesh and blood” (v. 12).  Our main enemies are not evil people but evil spiritual beings.

The real conflict is with “principalities and powers.”  Principalities and powers refer to authoritative figures within the demonic realm.  Because of the spiritual forces arrayed against us, Paul admonished us to put on the whole armour of God (v. 13).  This armour properly used, will give us the ability to “withstand in the evil day.”  The word “withstand” denotes that we are to hold firmly to our position.  We are to stand our ground against an onslaught.  The onslaught come “in the evil day” which denotes anytime Satan’s attack becomes intense.  When we have made our preparations by putting on the armour of God, we are ready “to stand.”

1. The Need to Stand Firm in Spiritual Combat – Ephesians 6:14-20

In this section Paul will now explain the armour that believers should put on for spiritual combat.  The first piece of equipment to be worn is the “belt of truth” (v. 14a), which is to be “girt” around the waist like a belt.  A Roman soldier’s belt held his tunic in place and provided freedom of movement.  Likewise, a believer’s truthfulness and integrity give him freedom spiritually.

The second item of protective equipment is “the breastplate of righteousness” (v. 14b).  A Roman soldier’s breastplate protected his entire upper body.  The Christian’s breastplate is his righteous way of living.  The third piece of defensive equipment is the footwear.  The Roman soldiers wore footwear that gave them secure footing!  Believers are to have a secure footing spiritually by having their “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (v. 15).  We must be prepared to share the Gospel even during times of spiritual conflict! (I Peter 3:15)

The fourth piece of armour to be worn is “the shield of faith” (v. 16).  The believer’s faith will enable him to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”  The believer’s faith must be put to action!  By actively exercising trust in God, we can nullify Satan’s military attack.  The fifth item of protection is “the helmet of salvation” (v. 17a).  The Roman soldier’s helmet was made of bronze with leather attachments, providing complete head protection.  As children of God, we must guard our heads from negative thoughts of defeat and worry!

The final piece of equipment Paul mentioned is “the sword of the Spirit” (v. 17b).  Paul was alluding to the short, two-edged sword wielded by a Roman soldier for cutting and thrusting.  The “sword” for the believer is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12).  Whether a believer is under attack, or preparing for spiritual battle, the believer is to be engaged in persistent, continual prayer (v. 18).  For prayer to be effective in the struggle against evil, it must be “in the Spirit.”

The prayer must be in communion with the Spirit or with the Spirit’s power.  In our praying we also need to be alert “with all perseverance,” that is, to be watching in a strong, steadfast manner.  We are called upon to pray “for all saints.”  There should be no limits to the scope of our prayer concerns.

Paul singled out himself as one who was in special need for prayer (v. 19).  He desired that he would be enabled to fulfill his role as an ambassador for the Gospel (v. 20).  Paul was anticipating his upcoming trial; moreover, he saw his trial as an arena for the defense of his claim in being an ambassador for Christ.

III. Closing Remarks by Paul – Ephesians 6:21-24

In verses 21-22, Tychicus, the bearer of this epistle, was to inform the Ephesian brethren of Paul’s welfare in order to encourage them.  In verse 23, Paul mentioned three frequently used spiritual qualities – peace, love, and faith.  Paul wanted these believers to show their love for other believers and to combine that love with their faith in God.

In verse 24, Grace concludes this letter, just as it had introduced it (Ephesians 1:2).  Our love for the Lord should be pure, without wrong motives.

May God Bless!