The Armor of God

A Call to Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20)

In Ephesians 6:10-20, the Apostle Paul powerfully illustrates the Christian life as a soldier preparing for battle. This vivid metaphor emphasizes that following Christ is far from a passive or leisurely endeavor; it is an active and often intense spiritual struggle. As Paul reminds us in verse 12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This battle is against the spiritual forces that seek to undermine our faith and lead us away from God.

Each piece of armor—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit—represents different aspects of our faith and the ways in which we can stand firm against spiritual opposition. The belt of truth, for example, symbolizes our commitment to honesty and integrity, while the breastplate of righteousness represents living a life that reflects God's standards.

The passage reaches its climax with a call to prayer: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of constant and vigilant prayer, not just for ourselves but for all believers. Prayer is not just an add-on to our spiritual armor; it is the means by which we engage in the battle, staying connected to God and interceding for others.

This passage reminds us that the Christian life is not a leisurely walk but a battle against spiritual forces of evil. Let's break down this passage and explore how we can apply it in our daily lives.

1. Be Strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10)

Paul begins with a call to be strong, not in our own strength, but in the Lord’s mighty power. He exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." This call to strength is not about self-reliance but about depending on God's power, recognizing that our own abilities are insufficient for the challenges we face. This echoes the encouragement found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Our strength is not enough to withstand the attacks of the enemy, but when we rely on the Spirit of Christ, we are empowered to stand firm. He then instructs us to "put on the full armor of God," a symbolic representation of the spiritual resources God provides to protect and equip us.

Standing Firm

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" — Ephesians 6:10

Eugene Peterson, in The Message, paraphrases Ephesians 6:10-12 with striking immediacy: "God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials." Peterson’s interpretation emphasizes the accessibility of God’s strength for believers. The armor is not about relying on our own power but about embracing God’s divine provision, crafted specifically for our spiritual battles.

2. The Armor of God: Our Spiritual Protection (Ephesians 6:11-17)

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." — Ephesians 6:11

From the confines of a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul penned these words to the Ephesians, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith by donning the "full armor of God." This passage isn't just a poetic metaphor; it's a vivid call to spiritual readiness, emphasizing the reality of the spiritual warfare we face daily. The imagery of armor, inspired by the Roman soldier’s attire, would have been familiar to Paul’s audience, but it carries a deeper, spiritual significance that resonates with believers today. Let us look at Paul’s outline of the spiritual armor that every believer must wear to stand against the devil’s schemes. Each piece of armor represents a critical aspect of our spiritual defense:

• The Belt of Truth: Truth is foundational to our defense against deception. As Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” We must gird ourselves with the truth of God's Word to stand firm.
• The Breastplate of Righteousness: This represents the righteousness we have through Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul reminds us, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Our righteousness in Christ protects our hearts against the accusations of the enemy.
• The Gospel of Peace: Our feet are to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. This readiness is grounded in the peace that comes from knowing Christ, as described in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace, then, is both our foundation and our motivation. It steadies us when we are under attack and propels us forward as we carry the message of Christ's peace to a world in desperate need of it. By having our feet fitted with this readiness, we are prepared to stand firm in our faith and to walk boldly in the path that God has set before us.
• The Shield of Faith: Faith is our defense against the flaming arrows of doubt and fear. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” With faith, we can extinguish every attack of the enemy.
• The Helmet of Salvation: Salvation protects our minds and assures us of our eternal security in Christ. As Isaiah 12:2 declares, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.”
• The Sword of the Spirit: This is the only offensive weapon in the armor, representing the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 describes it as “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.” We must wield God’s Word skillfully to counter the lies of the enemy.

The Battles We Face

William Barclay insightfully reminds us that Paul's use of the armor metaphor is deeply practical, not merely poetic. He writes, "Christianity is the religion of the open-eyed. It is the religion of courage." The Christian life requires active engagement in spiritual warfare, not passivity. We are called to be vigilant against the devil’s subtle and deceptive schemes, using the armor not only for defense but also to advance in truth, righteousness, and peace.

3. The Power of Prayer (Ephesians 6:18-20)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people -  Ephesians 6:18

Paul concludes by emphasizing the importance of prayer. Prayer is the means by which we stay connected to God, receive His guidance, and intercede for others. James 5:16 reminds us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Through prayer, we maintain our spiritual armor and stay alert to the enemy’s schemes.

The Call to Stand Firm

Richard Foster, known for his writings on spiritual disciplines, often speaks about the necessity of prayer and meditation as integral parts of our spiritual armor. He notes, "Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us." In the context of Ephesians 6, prayer is more than just a defensive posture; it is an active stance in spiritual warfare. Through prayer, our hearts are aligned with God’s will, enabling us to stand firm against evil by being deeply rooted in God’s truth.

Dallas Willard expands on this concept by linking spiritual disciplines with the armor of God. In The Spirit of the Disciplines, he writes, "The disciplines are the wisdom of the ages, with their power to enable us to become what we cannot by direct effort alone." Willard emphasizes that the armor of God is not merely about protection but about transformation. Each piece of armor—truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word—represents a spiritual discipline that, when practiced, shapes us into Christlikeness and equips us for the spiritual battle.

Praying at All Times

Paul concludes his exhortation with a call to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18). This call to prayer is not an afterthought; it is the culmination of the armor of God. It is through prayer that we maintain our connection with God and remain vigilant in the spiritual battle. William Barclay notes, "To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world." Prayer is both our defense and our weapon. It is how we engage with the spiritual realities around us and how we draw strength from God.

Eugene Peterson captures the urgency of this prayerful stance, encouraging believers to "keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." The communal aspect of spiritual warfare is crucial—we are not alone in this battle. The Church stands together, each member supporting the other in prayer and encouragement.

Conclusion: Standing Firm in the Spiritual Battle

Ephesians 6:10-20 is a call to arms for every believer. We are engaged in a spiritual battle, and our victory depends on wearing the full armor of God and standing firm in His power. As we face the challenges of this world, let us remember Paul’s words in Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” By relying on God’s strength, wielding the truth of His Word, and remaining steadfast in prayer, we can stand firm and emerge victorious in our spiritual battles.

As we put on the full armor of God, let us remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. Standing firm in truth, righteousness, and peace, we are called to pray continually and support one another in the fight against the forces of evil. In doing so, we faithfully fulfill our calling as followers of Christ, equipped and ready for the spiritual battle that lies before us. As 2 Chronicles 20:15 reminds us, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."

Questions for Reflection:

How can you strengthen your spiritual armor in your daily walk with Christ?

• Immerse in the Word of God: Strengthening your spiritual armor begins with knowing the Word of God, which is the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). Regular Bible study and meditation help you internalize truth, which equips you to stand firm against spiritual challenges.
• Practice Righteousness: Living a life of integrity and righteousness strengthens the "breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14), protecting your heart from the attacks of sin and guilt.
• Exercise Faith: The "shield of faith" (Ephesians 6:16) is vital to extinguishing the fiery darts of doubt and fear. Strengthen your faith through trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God’s power rather than your own strength?

• Personal Struggles and Temptations: Often, it is in the face of personal weaknesses or recurring temptations that we need to rely on God's strength rather than our own. Recognizing that the battle is spiritual, we must lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome.
• Decision-Making: In areas where you feel uncertain or where the stakes are high, relying on God's wisdom through prayer and guidance can lead to better outcomes than relying on human logic alone.
• Relationships and Conflicts: When dealing with difficult relationships or conflicts, relying on God's grace and guidance can lead to reconciliation and peace, rather than trying to manage things with our limited patience or understanding.

How can you make prayer a more integral part of your spiritual defense?

• Consistent Prayer Life: Ephesians 6:18 emphasizes "praying at all times in the Spirit." Developing a habit of consistent prayer throughout the day, not just in the morning or evening, can keep you spiritually alert and connected to God's strength.
• Intercessory Prayer: Pray for others, especially those in your community of faith, as part of your spiritual defense. Intercession not only helps others but also strengthens your sense of unity and support in the body of Christ.
• Prayer as a First Response: Make prayer your first response to any challenge or spiritual attack. By immediately turning to God in prayer, you reinforce your reliance on Him and invite His power into your situation.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and encourage others to stand firm in their faith.

Soli Deo Gloria