Standing Strong in the Battle”
Ephesians 6:10–18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For 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 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. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
The Call to Strength (v.10–11)
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Source of Strength: Not in ourselves, but in the Lord
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Spiritual Armor: “Put on the whole armor of God” — total protection for total victory.
I Samuel 17:38-40
So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39 David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.
40 Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.
Purpose: “That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
II Corinthians 10:3–5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him
The Conflict We Face (v.12)
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…”
I Peter 5:8–9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
James 4:7
Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
The Command to Stand (v.13–14)
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God…”
Exodus 14:13
And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
I Corinthians 16:13
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
The Armor (v.14–17)
Belt of Truth (v.14):
The believer’s integrity and foundation in God’s Word.
John 8:32
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Breastplate of Righteousness (v.14):
Protection of the heart through a right relationship with God.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
II Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (v.15):
What is the Gospel?
Romans 5:1-3
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10:15
“Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Shield of Faith (v.16):
Defense against doubts, temptations, and fiery darts of the enemy.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the [a]substance of things hoped for, the [b]evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Helmet of Salvation (v.17):
Guards the mind and assures our eternal security.
I Thessalonians 5:8
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
Doubts come.
II Corinthians 10:5
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
Sword of the Spirit (v.17):
The first of two offensive weapon s— God’s Word.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Romans 4:17
(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;
Praying always
Constant Prayer: Stay connected with God at all times.
Comprehensive Prayer: “All prayer” — worship, confession, thanksgiving, intercession.
Spirit-Led Prayer: Guided by the Holy Spirit.
Watchfulness: Stay alert and persistent for all saints.
I Thessalonians 5:17
pray without ceasing,
Luke 18:1
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,