The follower of Christ is in a spiritual battle. As we struggle with temptation, Satan does what he can to defeat us, pull us from full devotion to Christ, and make us ineffective. Thankfully, we are not left alone to face temptation. As His
children, God gives us His Holy Spirit to be with us, and He equips us with everything we need to stand against those forces that seek to pull us into sin.
Because of our tendency to desire ease and comfort, we need to be reminded that the Christian life is a spiritual battle. But the good news is that we do not fight in our own strength. God strengthens us as we make use of the resources He has already provided us: “the whole armour of God.” We don’t suit up in
our own armor or try to engage the enemy with our own resources. We suit up in the armor that the King of kings put on to save His people and judge His enemies.
THE PASSAGE
Ephesians 6:10-18
THE SETTINGS
In Ephesians, Paul didn’t combat error or attacks on the church; rather, he addressed points of Christian doctrine and the behaviors they should produce. He spoke of God’s plan for the church and His people. Scholars generally divide the letter into two sections with the first three chapters comprising the doctrinal section and the last three the behavioral section. However, Ephesians 6:10-18 could be viewed as a separate section altogether since it addresses
the topic of spiritual warfare.
THE POINT
God equips us to stand our ground against temptation.
During the closing months of World War II, Nazi Germany became so desperate that they initiated the Volkssturm (the people’s army). This was not a part of the regular army, but an attempt to boost their numbers by conscripting males from ages sixteen to sixty to step up and fight. There was no real time to train these men. With continual fighting and a lack of weapons, these untrained soldiers were often only able to familiarize themselves with their equipment
while actually engaging their enemy.¹
Anyone who has ever served in the military can attest to the importance of training and being properly equipped. Knowing how to properly engage the enemy is critical to victory. The Christian life is a battle. In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul pointed to the equipment God provides to His followers. Like
an experienced general, Paul pointed to the spiritual armor God has provided for the spiritual battle we face. Our enemy, the devil, is vicious, but in Christ, our victory is sure. The battle against temptation means we must be strong, suit up, and stand firm.
