Ephesians 6:10-20 - Spiritual Warfare

v 10. Our strength comes from Jesus (Philippians 4:13). He is our might (Matthew 13:53-54). All of the armor is from God and we receive it in our baptism.

v 11. In the military sense, this means stand your ground to hold the front lines while under attack by the enemy, who is the devil (1 Peter 5:8). Notice that none of the armor mentions protect the back, so there is no provision for retreat. The devil is a schemer, which means he attacks using stealth and deception, not a full on frontal attack (Ephesians 4:14).

v 12. While the enemy leader is the devil, he has a whole army that he sends against us (see previous post on demons). We are in a full-out spiritual war (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

v 13. We need all of the armor of God, not just any part of it.

v 14. Belt of Truth: A belt was defensive because it kept the soldiers loose undergarments from being a hindrance in battle. We are to live in the truth (John 3:21), which means loving the truth and being truthful. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6).

Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate protected most of the solider and the vital organs. Our righteousness come from faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). The devil wants to attack our faith, but Christ's righteousness covers all of us (Isaiah 61:10).

v 15. Shoes of Readiness by the Gospel of Peace: Soldiers continually marched, so good shoes were important. To be ready for battle, or marching or anything else, they needed shoes. The Peace of God guards your hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). Walking by the spirit will keep you from gratifying the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). The gospel is about what Jesus has done for you.

v 16. Shield of Faith: The shield is defensive. The devil wants to attack our faith, so it must be strong to withstand him. This is why we must go to church to get our faith strengthened continually.

v 17. Helmet of Salvation: The helmet protects the brain, which is the most vital organ. It was, therefore, the most often attacked by the enemies' broadswords. Jesus is the source of our salvation (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus being the source of our salvation is the Gospel. Our assurance of the gospel and of our salvation is vital for us and what the devil attacks. When he does this, it is with pride and/or despair, which are the two sides of the devil's sword.

Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Lastly, the sword could be used either defensively or offensively. Staying in the word defends us by helping us identify and combat false doctrine, which is the attack of the devil, but it is also our offense (1 Peter 3:15). Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-18). Jesus' words are spirit and life (John 6:63). The two edges of Jesus' sword are law and gospel. Notice that the Word of God is a good defense, with the other things, but it is our only offense.

v 18. Pray, Stay Alert, Persevere. Wearing the armor should be continual. We must always be prepared.

v 19-20. Preaching should be about the Gospel (1 Corinthians 2:2)