Introduction

“Stand firm” is the keyword used in this passage.  It’s vital that we understand this word properly because it’s the key to unlocking the whole passage.

In the military sense of the word “stand firm” means for holding one’s ground. “steko” is how the word is rendered in Greek and it gives the same meaning, (to stand firm in faith and duty, to be constant, to persevere, to remain steadfast and to continue in a state.)

You became part of a spiritual battle the day you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Like in any other battle, in spiritual warfare also it’s very important that every Christian knows how to hold his ground. In today’s sermon we are going to learn what steps we must take in order to secure our territory.

Text: Ephesians 6:10-18

1. Tapping the source of strength, (Ephesians 6:10-11)

A. Battles are exhaustive. An exhausted solider needs to restore his strength or he becomes an easy target for the enemy.

B. This verse indicates that the source of our energy is not found within ourselves but within the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. I faith in God in order to tap into this source of strength.  Then the Lord’s power becomes my power.

2. Identifying the enemy, (Ephesians 6:12-13)

A. In warfare gathering intelligence is key. It’s used  to identify and assess the enemy. The entire offensive depends on it.

B. In spiritual warfare the Bible our source of intelligence identifies the devil and his hosts as our enemy.

C. The weaponry used depends on the kind of enemy you will engage. Like Pistols are useless in a situation that requires the heavy artillery our enemy is spiritual and therefore we need spiritual weapons.

3. The belt of truth, (Ephesians 6:14)

A. The belt held the rest of the armor together. From it hang the scabbard in which the sword was sheathed, (Ephesians 6:17)

B. The interpretation is 2 fold. First it means the word of God, (John 8:32). We must know the word by heart.

C. Secondly our integrity and character. We should be doers of the word You can’t fight an evil that is already in you.

4. The breastplate of righteousness, (Ephesians 6:14b)

A. The breastplate was made of bronze and covered the body from the neck to the thighs. It protected the soldier’s heart.

B. For the believer this means to guard his heart above all else, because it’s the source of life as well as evil, (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:11; 15:18).

C. Paul also refers to the “righteousness of Christ”, that “justification” found only in Him that protects us from the accusations of Satan, (Philippians 3:9)

5. The shoes of the Gospel of peace, (Ephesians 6:15)

A. The specially designed shoes enabled the Roman soldier to remain well grounded even in the heat of the battle and to move fast over any terrain.

B. The interpretation is 2 fold. First, we have already been reconciled to God through the gospel. This is our foundation.

C. Secondly we need to be ready with the same gospel to proclaim war against the devil and peace to the world.

6. The shield of faith, (Ephesians 6:16)

A. The Roman soldier’s shield consisted of two layers of wood glued together, covered with linen and hide, and bound with iron.

B. Faith means faith to obey God’s word, (Romans 10:17). The 5th weapon (2 Timothy 4:2) is an act of obedient faith.

C. Faith not supposed to shield us from physical suffering or guarantee ease but strengthen and comfort us in s every situation.

7. The helmet of salvation, (Ephesians 6:17)

A. Illustration: Private Leon Wilson escaped a bullet fired by a sniper by only 2 mms thanks to the helmet he was wearing, (Full story).

B. Our mind is Satan’s battle field. He brings fear, hopelessness, frustrations and despair into it.

C. We overcome these through renewal of our hope in salvation that flows from Christ, (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

8. The sword of the Spirit, (Ephesians 6:17b)

A. Roman soldiers carried short, straight swords. Very effective in hand to hand combat and was essential for individual survival.

B. God’s word is our sword. The only weapon of offense. We must use it regularly in order to become proficient users.

C. Knowing the word (logos) is insufficient. Must know how to use it (rhema).  Ex: Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 (Matthew 4:4)

9. Praying in the Spirit, (Ephesians 6:18)

A. All the above is just preparation. We have not stepped into the battle field until we start praying in the Spirit.

B. The most powerful position Christians assume is when they kneel.

C. Should be prayer of perseverance, (Luke 18:1-8) and interncession, (Ephesians 6:19-20).

Conclusion

The Bible gives assurance that we can stand firm and resist anything that Satan throws on our way, only if we put on the whole armor of God.

Image: Brian Hoskings