Paul has taught us about prayer, relationships, the church, etc., but he concludes his letter by telling us how to win over the enemy. This is so important! Many Christians have no idea we are in a spiritual war. They live as if life is a playground, not a battleground. We have to be prepared, and learn how to win!
Win Over His Adversary
Ephesians 6:12 says, “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.” We are fighting a plurality of evil, not the devil singular. You are no match for the devil and his demons. Only by being strong in the Lord (v. 10) can we win. We have the victory as believers.
Verse 11 tells us to stand against the wiles of the devil. He is a master counterfeiter who works to trick and deceive. He wants to destroy God’s people and defame God’s glory. The good news is that Satan is not omnipresent. Satan and the demons are limited by God’s control and power (remember the story of Job). God is sovereign and Satan is subordinate. The devil did everything he could to keep Jesus from dying on the cross and shedding His blood. Why? We are overcomers through the blood of the lamb!
Win With His Armor
Verses 13-17 tell us to put on the armor of God. Taking up the armor is how you become “strong in the Lord.” Paul tells us “to stand.” You can’t escape this fight and you must do your part. You can’t run and hide. There are only two places in the Bible that say a believer can flee: sexual immorality and the love of money. Everywhere else, you must stand.
We are to stand with the belt of truth around us. A belt is for looks today, but to a soldier in that day, it was a tool belt to hold their sword. We have the truth of God’s word and we need it because the devil is a liar and the father of all lies (John 8:44). We are also to put on the breastplate of righteousness. A breastplate covers your vital organs. Guard your heart. Do right. Any area of your life that you can’t control or won’t control is open to the influence of the enemy. Paul says to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. Shoes help us hold our ground. Cleats for football, tennis shoes for basketball, etc. We stand firm on the gospel. The shield of faith is how we “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (v. 16). A shield protects a soldier from arrows. The enemy shoots fiery darts of deception, discouragement, lies, and temptations, but we respond with faith in God’s word, and in His promises. We are also to put on the helmet of salvation. A helmet protects your head. If you are not sure about your salvation you are going to be tossed to and fro. Satan attacks the mind. Finally, we are to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. God’s word helps kill sin. It heals, giving life. Jesus overcame the temptations of the devil with… “it is written.” Get up early and get in the word! Memorize it and pray it.
Put on Jesus every day and do battle.
The armor is a picture of Jesus. Jesus is the truth, our righteousness and peace, the one in whom we have put our faith, our salvation, and He’s the Word that became flesh! Put on Jesus every day and do battle. King David fell into sin when he was not engaged in the battle. Idle time is the devil’s workshop.
Win Through His Ability
Verse 18 begins with, “praying always….” When you pray you get what God can do! The fervent prayers of righteous people availeth much (James 5:16). Jesus told us to watch and pray lest we fall into temptation. When it is hardest to pray, pray hardest!
Jesus gives us the victory over His adversary, with His armor, through His ability. The best way to get the devil out is to get Jesus in your life!
