Ephesians 6 - "Armed and Dangerous"

Ephesians 6 - NIV 

Enduring Word Commentary

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. 

In chapters 1-5 Paul taught the Ephesians about their identity in Christ and gave them practical instructions on how to live out the Christian faith.  In this last chapter Paul finishes with a call to put on the full armor of God, so we can take a stand against the devil's schemes. 

First, we cannot fight the devil in our power power. Paul clearly says, "Be strong in the Lord and his mighty powers".  We know that Jesus defeated devil and all his dark angels when he died on the cross and rose again. We know there will be a day when Jesus returns, and the devil and his dark angels will be cast in a lake of fire, as they face eternal punishment. We also know that because we have the Spirit of Jesus in us, we have access to this same power. 

Second, because we are fightihng spiritual powers, we need to fight with spiritual weaponis. And this is not a passive endeavor. Paul says twice, "Put on the full armor of God." It is not just one piece of armor we will need to defeat the devil, but the full armor of God, which Paul describes at the end of the chapter. 

Finally, note Paul says, "When the day of evil comes". We do not know when that day will come, but we need to be prepared. 

Jesus as he taught about his return to his disciples, "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." - Matthew 24:43-44

Paul warns the Thessalonians, "The devil will come ike a thief in the night!" 1 Thessalonions 5:2

If Jesus were to return tonight, would you be ready? Why or why not? If not, what would you do differently today, tomorrow, and the next day to be ready? 

Are you standing in God's mighty power, as you fight the evil one? Read verses 14-17 for how you can put on the full armor of God!

Jesus, thank you for your mighty power and the spiritual weapons you have give us, as we fight our enemy, the devil? May we always put on the full armor of God, especially the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God! We know you have defeated our enemy, and when you return he will be defeated forever. For now my we be on watch and be ready! Amen.




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