STANDING FIRM TO THE END

“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."Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Background

Though it is natural to assume Paul’s inspiration for armor imagery in Ephesians 6 came from Roman soldiers keeping the peace in Rome or Ephesus, it more likely came from the Old Testament. There you can find images of a belt of virtue (Isaiah 11:5), a breastplate of righteousness (Isaiah 59:17), feet walking in peace (Isaiah 52:7), defensive shields (Isaiah 21:5), a helmet of salvation (Isaiah 59:17), and God’s word as a sword (Isaiah 49:2).

Observation

Paul concludes his letter to the Ephesians with an encouragement to stand firm in the Lord (6:10). He reminds the church that their real enemy is the evil one and his forces of darkness (6:11-12). They wage war against this enemy by holding onto truth, walking in righteousness and peace, stirring up faith, and finding comfort in their salvation and God’s word (6:13-17)

Interpretation

Think about the implications of Paul’s final instructions for the original readers. He reminds the church that people are not the enemy — not even the unbelievers who may be actively opposing them! Instead, their battle is against the devil—that deceitful snake who, from the beginning, has lied and led humanity into death (Genesis 3:1-7; John 8:44). And they fight this enemy not by charging his camp and seeking to eliminate his minions, but by simply standing firm in their identity in Christ and walking out that identity through unity, love, and wisdom.

Application

Your identity in Christ and how you live in light of that identity is the way God has equipped you for battle with the evil one and his forces of darkness. In prayer, declare the truths about the armor he has perfectly fitted for you. He has saved you and given you his righteousness! He provides perfect peace. Stand firm in faith and in the truth of God’s word.