Ephesians 6:10-20 English Standard Version
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Outline
1. Know the Energy (vs. 10)
2. Know the Enemy (vs.11-12)
3. Know the Equipments (vs.13-20)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Ephesians 6:10 ESV
Paul tells us that we are strong in the Lord. We are to become stronger, and this strength comes from God. We are not called to be strong in strength, finances, relationships, or anything else from this world. We are called to be strong in God and His might.
He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
Daniel 11:32 ESV
The book of Daniel tells us that those who know God will be strong. We cannot overcome temptations in our own strength. Our strength comes from the Lord. It is easy to get tired when we use our own energy. We have to use the energy from the might of God.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:11-12 ESV
Paul also makes it clear that we need to know who the enemy really is. An enemy you cannot see is very powerful. Our enemy will camouflage himself to look like something else and we see others as our enemies. The devil can use people, but it is spiritual powers that we must fight those spiritual powers and not the people. The real enemy is not the government or your nasty neighbors.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ESV
Paul takes time to show what equipment we need to win against the enemy. Our warfare is spiritual and needs spiritual armor and weapons.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Ephesians 6:13-17 ESV
Every piece of equipment is needed. You cannot ignore one piece.
Belt of truth
Breastplate of righteousness
Shoes of the Gospel
Shield of faith
Helmet of salvation
Sword of the spirit
Why was prayer not listed as a specific weapon.
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Ephesians 6:18 ESV
Prayer is not an offensive weapon or a defensive weapon; however, it is a coordinating weapon. Prayer shows how and when to use weapons effectively.
We need to know our energy, our enemy and our equipment.
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