To Stand Firm

Ephesians 6: 10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 

We need to be spiritually strong to stand against our enemy, the world around us, and our own flesh. 

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 

We need every piece, in order to stand firm, with no cracks or vulnerabilities.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

This suggests a whole hierarchy of supernatural evil beings, all arrayed against us. 

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, 

We need the full suit, every part, no piece can be left out, it must be complete.

so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 

To be able to stand our ground when the onslaught of evil pours down on us, and having overcome, to remain standing in victory. 

Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with Truth, 

Your loins refers to your waist-to-knees portion of your body, to protect your most private and vulnerable parts; safeguarding your chastity and purity. The first step in putting on this armor. And the belt is the holster for all the tools of battle to hang from as well. It is the foundation of the whole suit of armor. Truth is that important. Whatever does not conform to Truth is deceptive.

and having put on the breastplate of Righteousness (Isaiah 59: 17), 

This covers your full chest area, to ensure that your heart is filled with right attitudes in order to protect your feelings and emotions.

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace (Isaiah 52: 7); 

We must prepare ourselves to run with the Good News that brings peace. 

in addition to all, taking up the shield of Faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

The Roman shield was made in layers that would catch, secure, and extinguish flaming arrows before they could do any harm. Our shield will catch and put out the flames of the logical and believable lies our enemy throws at us. Believing God shows us the deception of whatever is not true.

And take the helmet of Salvation (Isaiah 59: 17), 

Our brain is our base of operations of our whole body, which must be surrounded by the protection of God's deliverance from all that falls short of His perfect ways.

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 

This is our only offensive weapon, all the rest are defensive. Our sword is double-edged and razor-sharp, a very dangerous tool. We need to wield it very carefully, skillfully, and wisely. We need to train in it, regularly, to attain the precision of a brain-surgeon. 

Jesus used the Word in response to the tempter, and the tempter also quoted Scripture. So we need the Holy Spirit's direction to out-wit our enemy as Jesus did. 

This armor God provides for me is very strong and impenetrable, yet light of weight and resilient of movement; it fits me perfectly and comfortably, as it was custom-made by my Father for me. As yours is for you. 

O my Father, thank You for providing armor to wear in the war against evil. Please help us put on Your armor every day as Your soldiers. We need You to strengthen us, and to teach us how to use each piece with skill and precision. To win the battles and gain the victories. 

Every eye shall see, every knee shall bow, every tongue will proclaim that Jesus Christ is our Lord God Almighty, King over all Creation; to the everlasting glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Even so, come swiftly, Lord Jesus!