“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.” — Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV)

“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.” — v. 13.

 

Paul begins Chapter six by giving the Church at Ephesus a set of ground rules for Christian living. First of all, he instructs the children; he then gives further instruction to the fathers, the bond servants, and their masters. Paul then addresses his Christian brothers in general with the verses above.

What does he mean by “Put on the whole armor of God, or, take up the whole armor of God”?

To understand these commands, we must first understand what the “full armor of God” is. Beginning in verse 14 the components are listed, their order is not significant except that the first, “Truth” is absolutely necessary in order to begin. 

Truth is knowing Jesus as the Truth, and trusting Him as Lord and Savior, knowing and accepting the truth will protect us from believing the lies of Satan. We must settle this in the heart if we are to be able to proceed with arming ourselves for Spiritual Warfare. 

Next, Paul calls for righteousness to be our breastplate, it protects the heart from the temptations of the Devil which will destroy the heart if given in to. In verse 15 Paul calls for us to be prepared to take with us the Gospel of peace; knowing the Gospel gives us great advantage when the evil one tries to turn our hearts away from God; sharing the Gospel promotes confidence in our position as followers of Jesus. 

“Above all”, he says in verse 16, “take the shield of faith…” It is our faith, bolstered with the truth, and a life lived in the righteousness of Christ, believing the Gospel, that allows us to stand against Satan’s attacks. 

The last three components, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, and finally but certainly not least, prayer. Praying always, and always praying.

The Christian so armed is prepared to stand against the evil one’s attacks, and to be found standing at the end.

 

Rev. Bobby Thornhill is a retired Methodist preacher.