Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication ...
(Ephesians 6.10–18, ESV)
Sometimes life is a battle, and there’s no harm in admitting that. Generally, we feel less comfortable with the martial metaphors in the Bible than we used to be. We prefer the images of building, or growing, or running – and, perhaps, rightly so. These are all positive, life-affirming ways of describing the journey of faith. But they don’t reflect the full picture. Obstacles and opposition are noticeably absent.
As Paul finishes his letter to the young church in Ephesus – a letter which is full of images of building and growing – he reminds his readers of another reality. That following Jesus can be challenging, that there are powers in this world (both natural and spiritual) which are opposed to us. And in these circumstances, our calling is to stand – to stand firm (verse 14), to stand our ground (verse 13).
But we do not stand on our own. We are strong in God’s mighty power, not our own (verse 10). And God gives us special armour: spiritual armour to wear for the challenging seasons of our lives, the days that feel like a battle. The armour of truth, which, like the Roman belt, holds everything in place and makes us ready for battle. Of righteousness, a godly life which, like a breastplate, guards our heart. Of the good news (gospel) which leads our feet to places where God wants us to be. Of faith, which, like a shield, parries the lies and doubts which weaken our resolve. Of salvation, the ultimate reality which, like a helmet, guards our minds.
All of these items are defensive. Our calling is to stand, and not to attack. But there is one weapon which can be used positively – the sword. It is the ‘sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (verse 17). Since Jesus has ultimate authority in the universe, his word and his Spirit are the two things which take the fight to the enemy. They don’t rest on our power, but his.
And we too must use the power of God’s word in our daily battles. God’s truth unmasks the lies that bring us down, and robs them of their power. When we feel useless, God’s word tells us we are loved and special. When we lack hope, God’s word tells us there is always hope. When we think we can’t be forgiven and feel ashamed, God’s word tells us that Christ forgives us completely and sets us free from sin. God’s word is our spiritual sword.
And we can also pray ‘in the Spirit’. This could be a reference to special languages like tongues, but more likely it covers all types of prayers directed by God. As God’s word soaks into our lives, so we are led by the Spirit to pray more and more according to his will. We can do this anytime, anywhere, about anything – amazing!
If life feels like a battle for you today – take heart. The spiritual armour is yours – and God will enable you to stand.
Heavenly Father, thank you that I do not stand alone in the spiritual battle. Thank you that, no matter how it may seem, I am strong in you and in your mighty power. Thank you that you have equiped me with spiritual armour so that I can stand firm.
Lord help me to be diligent about putting your armour on and keeping it in tip top condition! Help me to delight in your word so that it is always at the forefront of my mind and on my lips. Help me to rejoice in the truth and give me discernment and wisdom as I encounter the lies and distortions of the evil one. Help me to trust in you at all times, knowing that nothing can stand against you. Thank you that, in Christ, I wear the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation, and nothing can remove these from me. Thank you that your Holy Spirit lives in me and is interceding for me at all times. Thank you that wherever I go, I bear the gospel of peace. Help me to turn to you in all seasons and situations.
These Pentecost reflections were written by Revd Matt Trendall, a minister working in Milton Keynes. Check out his blog at www.dailyinspiration.org.uk.
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