Ephesians 6:10-14
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth …”
The majority of people in our culture are spectators. They are not on the field competing. They are not in the arena fighting. They are sitting in the bleachers watching.
The Christian faith is not for spectators. The Christian faith is for competitors. It is for warriors and fighters. Jesus did not call us to sit in the bleachers and watch. Indeed, the moment you trusted in Christ you stepped into the arena of combat. The question now is, are you prepared for the battle?
Paul’s message in Ephesians 6 is that the Lord provides us with the strength and the armor that are necessary to be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. “Stand” is a key word in this passage. Paul repeats it in verses 11, 13, and 14.
Also, the word “resist” (6:13) comes from a Greek compound word from the root, “to stand,” meaning literally to stand against. It’s a military term for holding on to a position that is under attack. It is the admonition to hold your ground—to hold our point— in the face of an attacking enemy.
Paul gave similar instructions to the Corinthians. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor 16:13-14). Paul’s admonition here is that a real man stands firm and doesn’t compromise. He stands firm in his faith in Jesus Christ and the standards of the Word of God.
Peter also admonished us to stand firm. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:6-9).
All of these passages refer to our conflict with the enemy. They speak in military terms because they address the reality of the battle we fight. They focus on the Lord’s prime directive of standing your ground. Holding your point.
Trust God and stand firm.
