Spiritual battles are real, that’s undeniable. But how do we fight? How do we wage war? In Ephesians 6:10-17, the Apostle Paul underscores the crucial role of the gospel in our spiritual battles. He repeatedly emphasizes the idea of “standing” in the gospel, highlighting its centrality as our source of strength and protection. Paul explains that Satan’s schemes often target the gospel itself, aiming to distort its message and challenge our faith in forgiveness and reconciliation.
As believers, we are called to hold fast the gospel, recognizing it as the heart of our faith and our primary weapon in spiritual warfare. Additionally, Paul reminds us that we don’t engage in this battle alone; our unity as a community of believers sustains us in upholding the gospel’s truth and victory. Let’s take a deeper look at this passage.
The Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
The Context
In the preceding chapter, Paul addressed various roles and relationships—husbands, wives, children, and servants. Now, seamlessly transitioning, he draws our attention to the arena of warfighting. It’s as if Paul wants us to recognize that life is a continuous battle, where there’s no realm untouched by the warfare between good and evil.
Our Position in the Battle: Armor of God
In the midst of this passage, the seemingly insignificant words—”in” and “of”—become profound connectors of truth. Just as being in an aircraft determines its speed, we must be in Christ to share in His strength. The armor, which is actually Christ Himself, becomes our divine attire. To comprehend this, we must trace back to the Old Testament scriptures that Paul alludes to.
The Warrior Messiah: Isaiah’s Prophecy
Isaiah 11:4-5 is a prophetic passage that speaks of the Messiah’s attributes. “He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth” and “righteousness shall be the belt of his waist.” Here, Isaiah foretells the coming of Christ, the Divine Warrior, who conquers evil through righteousness.
Another passage, Isaiah 59:17, portrays Christ as the ultimate Warrior, donning the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation. Paul brilliantly links these prophecies to the armor of God, revealing that we are united with the victorious Warrior, Jesus Christ.
Engaging in the Gospel-Centered Warfighting
As believers, our battle strategy centers on the gospel. Standing is the primary action here—four times Paul emphasizes it. It’s not about advancing or retreating, but about standing firm in the finished work of Christ. Our warfighting is fundamentally a battle of faith.
Satan’s schemes target the gospel because it’s the heart of our faith. He assaults the gospel itself, distorts its message for unbelievers, and challenges our belief in forgiveness and reconciliation. He even attacks the Word of God, aiming to confuse and distort it. The battleground extends to our relationships, our suffering, and even our faith itself.
Fighting Together: Unity in the Battle
In the midst of this spiritual warfare, we are not lone warriors. The majority of the New Testament passages are written in the plural form—we are the body of Christ, the temple of God, and the Bride of Christ. Unity is our strength. We stand together in the gospel. It’s not just an individual endeavor; it’s a communal effort. We need each other to encourage, challenge, and uplift. Together, we wield the gospel weapons—truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation—to remain rooted in Christ’s victory.
In the face of spiritual warfare, we don’t rely on our own strength or our own armor. Instead, we stand in Christ, united to the victorious Warrior. As we clothe ourselves with His armor—the truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation—we engage in gospel-centered warfighting. Our unity as the body of Christ sustains us in this battle, where we stand together, holding fast to the gospel.