Are You Able to Stand?

(Ephesians 6:10-17)

Are you able to stand? At every point, this world is trying to tear you to the ground, trample you, and leave you for dead. Maintaining a life of repentance from dead works makes the endurance of a marathon look like a quick sprint. This side of eternity, it is the never-ending battle of each Christian. Quite literally, it is spiritual warfare. The enemy on the battlefield wants you dead… dead in your sins. Paul exhorts us that the only way we will be able to remain on our feet through this struggle is by putting on the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:11).

We might call Paul a drill sergeant of sorts. I’ve never heard of military basic training that didn’t involve leaders equipping trainees. Paul did that very work, from the time he was converted to the day of his death. His goal was to prepare the saints to do everything “to stand” in battle (Eph. 6:13). He did what we can do for each other: help to inventory our strengths and weaknesses and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy.

First, we need to put on the “belt of truth” (vs. 14, NIV). It is otherwise referred to as “girding your loins with the belt of truth” (NAS). This is a common phrase throughout the bible. Usually the outer garment of clothing was a long robe. To “gird up” the robe meant to pull it up and tie it off, usually above the knees, so that you can have freedom of movement. Elijah girded his loins so that he was able to outrun the chariot of Ahab (1 Kings 18:46). When a Christian saturates his heart and mind with the truth, he becomes a much more efficient and unhindered warrior in battle. The restraining nature of truth (like a belt) keeps all areas of life in check, allowing you to keep your balance in the spiritual arena. Whether it is false doctrines, faulty philosophies, or a full-on assault by temptation, with truth, we are able to outmaneuver the enemy.

Next, we are to be equipped with the “breastplate of righteousness” (vs. 14). In 2 Cor. 5:21, Paul calls us to be the righteousness of God in Christ (also cf. Eph. 2:10). William Barclay comments that “words are not a defense against accusations, but a good life is.” In his first epistle, Peter identifies good works as the fortress in which we can stand against evil accusations (2:12).

Then we need to put on our shoes. Paul spells it out as “shodding your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (vs. 15). This is part of our offense in battle. The sign of a Christian warrior is that he is eager and ready to take the gospel to those who don’t have it. These shoes make one agile… light on their feet. This is a person of purpose and action. Think the opposite of concrete shoes.

Next, we rest in the fact that “God is for us” (Rom. 8:31). This means that He has made ready for us an arsenal that is of His might and strength, not of our own. We have the “shield of faith” (vs. 16) ready to take in hand, so that we can defend ourselves against the onslaught of the wicked one. The attack of Satan is described as “fiery darts” that our faith can easily extinguish. God gives us truths that we believe and act upon. This is faith… not allowing ourselves to be injured by a world of lies.

The head is the most vulnerable part of the body. One hit there can mean certain and even sudden death. But, God offers us salvation through Christ. The sin of our past is of no threat… we are wearing the “helmet of salvation” (vs. 17). Because of this, we can work our way through battle with the assurance that sin cannot bring that deathblow. And it gives us the confidence to conquer future sins. It is the simple reality that we cannot die, because Christ died in our place. His death-conquering resurrection nullifies sins power to kill (1 Cor. 15:54-58).

Finally, we must take our weapon in hand. Paul calls it “the sword of the Spirit” and defines it as “the word of God” (vs. 17). When Jesus found Himself face to face with the Enemy, His single weapon was that word of God (Matt. 4). Satan tempted Jesus in every aspect of life, with his sword of lies, if you will. But Jesus, being the Word in the flesh (Jn. 1:14), was a master-swordsman. He was able to defend and answer the attacks of Satan with His own counterattacks. In John 17:17 Jesus prays for us saying, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The word of God is what sets us apart from the world. But it is not by being “conscientious objectors” or pacifists to spiritual conflict. It is by charging headlong into the fray of battle with the sharpened Word in hand.

-Cary Gillis D.Min.

February 24, 2021