Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Application: 

After discussing how to live in these relationships, Paul wants to stress that people are not our main problem. Humanity’s real struggle isn’t against flesh and blood but against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens (6:12). What we call spiritual warfare is the struggle in the spiritual realm that impacts the physical world. The daily issues we face are rooted there. But, importantly, the resources you need to fight the battle are also available there.

Paul told the Ephesians that through Christ, God has granted them every blessing they need in heavenly places (i.e., the spiritual realm) (1:3). The risen Christ is present at God’s right hand (1:20), and Christians are spiritually with him there (2:6). However, the cosmic powers of this darkness also exist in the spiritual realm (6:12).

The battle Christians face every day is rooted in the schemes of the devil (6:11), in his efforts to deceive us. He is happy for you to picture him as a cartoon character wearing a red jumpsuit with horns and carrying a pitchfork so that you won’t take him seriously. Meanwhile, like an opposing football team, his demonic realm studies your game film. They know your history, your weak spots, and your sin patterns. Their goal is to prevent you from experiencing God’s will for your life. You’re not their first assignment. They’re skilled at what they do.

You, then, must fight the spiritual with the spiritual. Your human strength won’t suffice. Your only hope is to be empowered by the Lord and to wear the full armor of God (6:10–11). Through Christ’s cross and resurrection, victory is already secured. The devil has lost. The only power he possesses is the one you give him. We are called to stand firm in Christ’s victory.

Paul repeatedly tells the Ephesians: stand (6:11, 13–14). In other words, stay in the area where victory has been secured under God’s armor. When you stand under an umbrella, it doesn’t stop the rain, but it keeps you from getting wet. You have to dress for success in this thing called the Christian life. On the evil day, when your moment comes and you face a full-frontal Satanic attack, you must be wearing the full armor of God (6:13).

Ref: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1232-1233.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write or post articles that glorify God. I invite you to view this post as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have posted is true. Always consult your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be grammatical or spelling errors. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.

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