As we continue learning how to be effective in spiritual warfare, we turn our attention to the armor God has given us to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. No soldier enters battle without the necessary protection; likewise, we cannot effectively engage in spiritual warfare without taking up the full armor God has provided. The Apostle Paul therefore exhorts us, saying, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). God has equipped us with everything we need to stand against the enemy’s deceptions and strategies; we simply need to take up what He has provided.
The first thing we must understand is that our warfare is not against people. Paul reminds us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy wants us to fight spiritual battles with fleshly responses, producing strife, division, and confusion. But Scripture reminds us that “though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Paul continues, saying, “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). Saints, our posture is to stand firm in what Christ has already accomplished. We do not retreat nor surrender, nor do we wait for a crisis before putting on the armor. We must remain ready and watchful because “the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).
Paul then explains how each piece of the armor equips us for warfare, beginning with the instruction to gird our waist with truth (Ephesians 6:14a), which protects us from deception. When we know God’s Word, we become better equipped to recognise and reject every lie that contradicts what He has spoken. Next is the breastplate of righteousness (vs.14b). This righteousness is not based on our own works, but is a gift we have received through Christ. Knowing this protects our hearts from Satan’s condemnation, accusation, and the lie that we are unworthy of God’s love. Paul continues, saying “having shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). This reminds us that we are also called to advance the Gospel. As Scripture declares, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace” (Romans 10:15). We must remain ready to carry the message of Christ wherever God sends us.
We are then instructed to “take the shield of faith, with which we will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). Faith protects us against attacks that seek to make us doubt God’s character, promises, and Word. As we continually meditate on God’s Word, our faith is strengthened to extinguish the enemy’s fiery arrows. We also “take the helmet of salvation” (vs.17), guarding our minds with the knowledge that we belong to God. As Paul teaches, “to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). So we must continually renew our minds to align with God’s truth, remaining conscious of the blessings and promises we have through Christ Jesus. Finally, we are instructed to take the “sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). God’s Word is an offensive weapon, “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). We must declare the Word we have received by faith. Just as the Lord Jesus responded with the Word when He was tempted, we too must speak God’s Word when faced with adversity.
Paul concludes by emphasising the importance of prayer, saying, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). We are not called to fight independently of God, but to remain watchful, prayerful and dependent on Him. Furthermore, our warfare is not only for ourselves; we are called to stand together and pray for one another, because we are one Body in Christ. Church, this is how we stand in the victory Christ has already secured, by taking up the armor God has provided for us. Hallelujah.
Prayer
Father, thank You for equipping us with everything we need to stand firm in spiritual warfare. We choose to put on the whole armor of God daily, walking in Your truth and righteousness, carrying the Gospel, holding firmly to faith, guarding our minds with the assurance of salvation, and speaking Your Word with boldness. Teach us to remain watchful and prayerful, not only for ourselves but for our fellow believers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
