Paul says to stand your ground in the spiritual battle. I first read Ephesians 6 in the NIV translation. There, the word stand is used four times in four consecutive verses. Evidently, the concept of standing must be important.
Ephesians 6: 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes… 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. [1]
What Does It Mean to Stand in the Battle?
To gain insight, let’s examine the Greek words translated as “stand” in this passage. The first, third, and fourth usage are the word histemi. Histemi means to make firm, fix, establish; to cause a person or a thing to keep its place. Or to be kept intact as in a family or a kingdom.[2]
We are to keep the territory Jesus won for us on the cross. I don’t think Paul is telling us that we are to attack the devil or advance against him. Our human strenth is no match for evil. We are to, in essence, “hold the ground” that Jesus conquered on the cross until He returns again. And we do this in the strength God provides.
The second use of the word stand is related to the others and is the Greek word anthistemi. Anthistemi means to set oneself against, to withstand, resist, or oppose.[3] This requires defensive weapons, which is exactly what Paul names in Ephesians 6. A belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, and helmet are all defensive weapons. The only offensive weapon God gives us is the sword of the Word.
Stand in Victory
“The last man standing” is a common English idiom that refers to the only person stillalive, active, or successful after a difficult or dangerous situation. It implies that one has overcome or outlasted all the others involved or affected by the crisis.[4]
God gives us weapons to be victorious as we take our stand against evil. Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. He overcame death through his resurrection, and as a result, we have eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.[5]
Jesus wants us to stand against the devil’s schemes with the weapons He gives. He gives the weapons to put on to hold spiritual ground. So, God says stand your ground in the spiritual battle, and He will give you the victory. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/following-jesus-into-battle
[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Eph 6:12–14). (1984). Zondervan.
[2]G2476, Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[3] G436, Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[4] https://usdictionary.com/idioms/the-last-man-standing/
[5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (1 Co 15:56–58). Tyndale House Publishers.