In Ephesians 6, Paul has been teaching on some very important subjects. Now he is giving us the backbone of how to stand by putting on the whole armor of God.

Be Strong In the Lord

“Sara received strength to conceive because she judged God faithful on His promise. (Hebrews 11:11).” Even though Sara’s first reaction was to laugh within herself (Genesis 18:12). Then, she denied it (Genesis 18:15)! She is in the “Faith Hall of Fame – Hebrews 11.” I love that in the New Testament, Sarah is listed as an elder!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. – Ephesians 6:10 KJV

You Put on the Whole Armor

This is our responsibility. God’s ability is providing us with the armor. We are told to put the whole armor on which requires intentional action and thought. This is our response to His ability.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. – Ephesians 6:11 KJV

Paul also explains why we must put on the whole armor of God! That we may be able to stand. Does that mean that if we don’t put on all of it we will not be able to stand?

YES. That’s exactly what it means.

We Are Wrestling

We are wrestling against principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high [they added places for clarity]. Notice in the verse, the word against is in front of each item listed! Five times Paul specifically says “against.”

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]. – Ephesians 6:12 KJV

James 4:7 tells us to resist the devil. But he tells us how first.

Submit to God!

We resist the devil by submitting to God and the devil has to flee because he has no authority. So how does the devil cause trials, tribulations, and persecutions in our lives?

Going Through It

Streaking Christians

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. – Ephesians 6:13 KJV

You take! That’s right. We are commanded to take unto ourselves the whole armor of God. This includes the helmet of salvation, but that’s not all! No, that’s not all.

Truth

So, in obedience, you have already taken the whole armor of God! Now, having your loins girt about with truth. Jesus is the Truth. The Word of God is the Truth. Jesus is the Word. Abide in Him and He abides in you and your hips (and everything in between) will be protected. Luke 8:13 says that the time of temptation for those on the rock is coming!

You have to build on the rock and lay that firm foundation for yourself! Only then will you have a place of refuge for your people. Again, see “Going Through It.”

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; – Ephesians 6:14 KJV

Breastplate of Righteousness

Again, you have taken the whole armor of God and now have on the breastplate of righteousness. Jesus became sin so that you may be made the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Believe and receive it or doubt and be disobedient (Mark 11:24). You have already been made a faithful saint by Christ’s finished work on the cross. He said, “It is finished.” I believe Him!

Faithful Saints

What does this mean for you? Believe what the Bible says Jesus has already done in you so that you can do what He wants to do through you. Take on the truth and protect yourself from temptation. And, take on the breastplate of righteousness and protect/guard your heart from everything contrary to the Word of God.

The Gospel of Peace

Romans 10:15 defines the gospel of peace as “glad tidings of good things.”

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; – Ephesians 6:15 KJV

Don’t come up to me telling me that God is good all the time and then accuse Him of the evil and chaos that is going on in this world.

The Devil

The devil is the accuser of the brethren and the evil one (Revelation 12:10)!

Jesus calls you brethren, and He is not ashamed to call you brethren (Hebrews 2:11).

The Shield of Faith

Taking the shield of faith is something you continue to do. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of God. As we looked at Sara above in Hebrews 11:11, she received strength because she judged God faithful. That verse starts off by telling us that she did this through faith.

She heard the word of God spoken to Abraham outside her tent (Genesis 18:10). At some point, she stopped laughing, denying, and trying to make it happen (Genesis 18:11-15). She finally believed God’s Word and counted Him faithful. Laying her unbelief to the side, she counted God faithful to His Word.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. – Ephesians 6:16 KJV

Paul starts this sentence off with “Above ALL!”

Why?

When you have taken upon yourself the full armor of God, you are fully protected! Now, above all, you can use this shield of faith to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked. You can protect your spouse from the fiery darts of the enemy! Protect your children. You can protect your church. Protect your community!

Everything you do and say is now said and done in faith in the Word of God (2 Corinthians 4:13). Jesus said that He only does what He sees the Father doing (John 5:19). Jesus is God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16).

The Helmet of Salvation

Thank God that the church teaches and preaches salvation!

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: – Ephesians 6:17 KJV

Salvation

Sadly, most church denominations are teaching, “saved and stuck!” I have heard more about how to be wealthy, healthy, and wise from business seminars and the world’s “dignity training” than I have ever heard in a church building. That includes the congregants and the pastors.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. – 3 John 1:2 KJV

God proved His love for every human being when He judged the whole world, yes, the ungodly and sinners included, worthy of the blood of the Lamb (Romans 5:6-8)! If you know Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith the way I do, you will know that 3 John 1:2 not only fits perfectly into the context but was strategically placed there by the One who calls you “Beloved.”

I have experienced just as much or much more prophesying (edification, exhortation, comfort) outside of the church buildings too (1 Corinthians 14:3). I say buildings because you are the church. Each Christian is the church.

I won’t even get into demonic manifestation (Revelation 12:12)! But I will say that if you get so angry about anything that you begin snarling, and drooling, and your face begins contorting, you may need to cast out some demons (James 1:20-22). Jesus broke out the whip and the dab, but it was premeditated and purposeful (John 2:15).

The Whole Armor of God

As important as salvation is as Jesus explains in the following verse:

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. – Luke 10:20 KJV

Jesus did not say, “Forget about it and do nothing but rejoice in your get out of hell free ticket!” He just doesn’t want to have the Matthew 7:21-23 conversation with us!

The Sword of the Spirit

Jesus said, “It is written…” in Matthew 4:4, 7, and 10. But, the devil also tried to use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, against Jesus. He questioned Jesus’ identity just as he twisted God’s Word when he deceived Eve in the garden (Genesis 3). In Matthew 4:6, the devil twists or misquotes Psalm 91:11-12.

Andrew Wommack explains this well in his free online Bible Commentary as follows:

Note 3 at Matthew 4:6

Notice that Satan quoted scriptures in his temptation of Jesus. However, to this passage from Psalms 91:11-12, Satan added the phrase “at any time,” and he also omitted the phrase “in all thy ways” (Psalms 91:11), thereby changing the whole meaning of those scriptures. God’s promise was to keep us in all our ways (in context, ways that would keep us dwelling in the secret place of the Most High). His promise was not to deliver us “at any time” and in any situation, even if we were out of God’s will.

Satan may appear as an angel of light and even use Scripture to tempt us. He will, however, always twist the Scripture. We can detect this, as Jesus did, by comparing scripture with scripture. There is no substitute for having a thorough understanding of the Word of God. Knowing only a few scriptures can be dangerous.

Praying Always

How is it humanly possible to pray always with all prayer for all saints?

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; – Ephesians 6:18 KJV

In the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the difference between walking in power and victory and those described in 2 Timothy 3:

The Spirit of Truth

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. – 2 Timothy 3:5 KJV

The Power of His Might

Believe, ask, and receive or doubt and do without (Mark 11:24, James 1:5-7)!

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? – Luke 11:13 KJV

Make Known the Mystery of the Gospel

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, – Ephesians 6:19 KJV

Paul finally asks for prayer that he may open his mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel.

Did Paul make the mystery of the gospel known?

Yes, he did!

Christ In You!

[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: – Colossians 1:26 KJV
To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: – Colossians 1:27 KJV

God is not mysterious unless you don’t have an intimate personal relationship with Him through abiding in His Word. God is not controlling this world unless you are talking about the god of this world 2 Corinthians 4:4 who is blinding the minds of unbelievers. Why are you praising and giving the devil glory?

“That’s not what I meant!”

It’s time for us to take responsibility for how we represent or misrepresent Jesus! If it’s not what you mean, don’t say it. Say what you mean. If you don’t know, keep your mouth shut. Then you will at least look wise!

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding. – Proverbs 17:28 KJV

It’s okay to keep your mouth shut while you study to show yourself that you are already approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). It is highly recommended. I wish I had done it more often. Now, I am still practicing! Learn from my mistakes and look much smarter in the process than I ever have! Hallelujah!

You Will Want To:

Abide Among the Wise