Church of the Nazarene
Brian Charette unpacks Ephesians 6:10-14 and a biblical approach to standing firm in our time.
Ephesians 6:10-14a
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then…
Ephesians 5:16 NIV
The Greek word, histemi (throughout the Ephesians 6 text) is an important one throughout the New Testament as it relates to how a believer is to act. It means "make a stand," "stand before/among others," "rise up," "stand unshakeable," etc.
Standing Lessons
1. Standing is standing as individuals together - in unity
Philippians 4:1-2 NIV
Just as in the church at Ephesus, there were those in Philippi taking stands against each other instead of the real enemy.
John 17:22-23 NIV
Standing Lessons
2. Standing is sacrificing
Acts 14:8-20 NIV
Standing Lessons
3. Standing is an expression of love
Matthew 24:10-13 NIV
John 15:13 NIV
Ultimately, to stand firm – to take your stand - in a biblical sense, is to love.
And perhaps, in the middle of a love drought, those of us carrying living water are needed more than ever.
Luke 21:19 NIV