Paul tells us how we can stand firm in the battle against the devil. This is not a routine army battle; it is a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[1]
The concept of standing firm is so important that Paul emphasizes it in verses 11, 13, and 14. The Greek word for stand, histemi, is used in verses 11 & 14. It means to stand immovable, stand firm, continue safe and sound, and to stand ready or prepared.[2] A derivative of this word, anthistemi is translated “withstand” in verse 13. It means to set oneself against, to withstand, resist, and oppose.[3]
This is a defensive position. Paul doesn’t tell us to advance, nor are we to retreat. We can stand firm on the spiritual ground Jesus has already won for us on the cross. In Paul’s time, those left standing after the battle were the victors. We can remain standing firm by the power of God and the resources that He supplies.
Our Part
While it is true that we must rely on the mighty strength of God to stand, we have a part to play. We also must use the equipment He supplies. Ephesians 6:11 is a command. “Put on” is an imperative, meaning that believers themselves are responsible for putting on the armor.[4] The Greek grammar requires that we do this action.
We can understand the need for physical armor during war. But how do we put on the armor of God when it is not physical, but spiritual? You put on the whole armor of God by reading the Bible, praying every day, and choosing to live by God’s truth, faith, and love. It is a daily choice to rely on God’s strength and not our own.
God wisely provides the gifts of truth, righteousness, and faith, but we must choose to use them. Each piece of armor has a unique purpose, which protects us from spiritual warfare, the attacks we cannot see with our own eyes. With the armor on, we can stand strong against the enemy and get closer to God as we trust in Him.
Strategies of the Devil
Christ has defeated the devil on the cross, but the victory won’t be complete until He returns. Until then, our struggle in the spiritual realm will continue. As a result, the devil has strategies. Jesus called him a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He will lie, cheat, and use subtle tricks in his attempts to turn us away from our Savior.
Satan uses the things outside of ourselves, the things of the world, and our internal sinful nature to tempt us to sin and to lead us astray. When we are aware of this battle, rely on God’s strength, and put on God’s armor, we will be able to stand firm. Our ability to stand in spiritual battles depends on us trusting God and using His provisions.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26
[1-] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 6:10–11). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Strong, J. (1995). G2476, In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[3] Strong, J. (1995). G436, In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[4] Hoehner, H. W., Comfort, P. W., & Davids, P. H. (2008). Cornerstone biblical commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. (Vol. 16, p. 127). Tyndale House Publishers.