Full Disclosure

And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel (Eph 6:19).

When the bailiff swears in a witness to testify in a trial, he asks them if they are willing to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  No half truth.  No shaded truth.  The whole truth.  Nothing but the truth.  It’s absolutely necessary that the witness spill the beans.  There’s a need for full disclosure.  Paul asks the Ephesian church to pray for him.  “And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel” (v19).  He realizes that he needs supernatural power in order to make a difference for Christ.  Paul knows the importance of full disclosure.

Paul asks for prayer.  It certainly makes sense that he wants prayer.  He’s in prison for crying out loud!  In the very next verse, he says that he’s “an ambassador in chains” (Eph 6:20).  That’s his way of saying he’s locked up in the joint.  But the apostle doesn’t ask his Ephesian friends to pray for his release.  He doesn’t ask them to pray that he’ll be moved to a better cell.  He doesn’t even ask them to pray that he’ll get better food.  He pleads with them to pray that God will give him courage in telling people about Jesus.  The man from Tarsus sees his incarceration as an opportunity to share the Good News with anyone who will listen.  So he wants boldness.  Godly boldness.  He’s going to leverage his prison bid for Christ.  He sees his stretch in the slammer as a unique privilege to tell prisoners and guards the Gospel.

Do I see every circumstance that way?  When things don’t go my way, do I understand that my situation could actually be a divine appointment?  Has Jesus placed me where I am “for such a time as this?” (Est 4:14)?  Here’s my problem.  All too often, I’m too hung up on myself and my problems to worry about anyone else.  Woe is me.  Or in the words of the great philosopher and theologian Warren Zevon, “Poor, poor, pitiful me.”  Rick Warren is right on target with the opening line of “The Purpose Driven Life.”  “It’s not about you.”  Good or bad, my situation is NOT about me.  Paul understands that.  I’m still not there yet.  I’m still obsessed with me.  It’s like what the self-absorbed dude said.  “Well, that’s enough about me.  What do you think about me?”  Well, enough about me…

Paul wants the Ephesians to ask God to give him the words to say to tell folks about Jesus.  But he’s not looking for slick techniques or clever illustrations.  He wants to be able to speak “boldly” (v19).  This is the Greek word parresia.  It’s a compound word that literally means to speak everything.   Don’t hold anything back.  It’s to speak openly, frankly and freely.  The apostle wants to speak fearlessly in the face of intimidating circumstances.  Courageously.  Confidently.  Publicly.  Without reservation.  With cheerful courage and a joyful sense of freedom.  It’s free speech.  Americans commonly call this exercising our First Amendment rights.  The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Full disclosure.

Just as that’s not the case in most countries around the world, it was certainly not the case in the first century.  Jewish leaders intimidated people to such a point that “no one spoke openly (Gr. parresia)” about Jesus (Jn 7:13).  Later many of these same religious leaders are blown away by “the boldness (Gr. parresia) of Peter and John” as they told about the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter (Acts 4:13).  The writer of Hebrews encourages folks to hang on tight to their courage in living for Christ and the “boldness (Gr. parresia), which has a great reward” (Heb 10:35).

The Gospel was and is a threat to culture.  In the earliest days of the church in Jerusalem, religious leaders were doing everything possible to shut up Jesus’ followers and wipe them off the face of the earth.  As authorities dropped the hammer on the church, believers prayed, “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak Your word with all boldness Gr. parresia)” (Acts 4:29).

Full disclosure.

So what’s this whole truth that Paul so desperately wants to share?  “The mystery of the Gospel” (v19).  Here’s the problem.  We don’t really have an English word that translates the original text very well.  For us, a mystery is something that’s darn near impossible to explain or understand.  But the Greek word musterion describes something just a bit different.  This is a secret that has been revealed or something hidden that has been disclosed.  It used to be a mystery.  It used to be a secret.  Not anymore.  It’s a secret in the past tense.  We now know what’s behind door number three.  God is revealing His amazing goodness to His church.  Jesus told His crew that they were in on this divine breaking news.  “To you it has been given to know the secrets (Gr. musterion) of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” (Mt 13:11).

Paul’s past tense mystery is the “Gospel” (v19).  The Greek word (Gr. euangelion) simply means good news.  News that makes you happy.  Info that causes you joy.  Words that bring you a smile.  Jesus uses the man from Tarsus to break into programming with the most spectacularly Good News the universe has ever heard.  God’s impossible standard has been met!  Jesus has lived the perfect life that I’ve failed to live.  He died the brutal death for my sin that I should have died.  He rose to a spectacular new life that I certainly don’t deserve.  God sees me as His spotless, sinless Son when I place my trust in Jesus.  He did for me what I could never do for myself.  That’s not just Good News.  That’s GREAT NEWS!!!

But the apostle’s divine assignment has a special focus.  Jesus has handpicked this former Pharisee to reach out to non-Jews (Acts 9:15).  The Jewish Messiah isn’t just for Hebrews anymore.  When Jesus throws open the doors of God’s kingdom to Gentiles, the fecal matter really hit the whirling device.  There were a lot of folks at the home office in Jerusalem who thought that Gentiles must convert to Judaism before they could follow Christ.  After a big confab of church leaders, they decided that if Jesus was saving them who were they to say differently (Acts 15).  

This certainly was very Good News to the folks in Ephesus.  On Paul’s second expedition, he dropped into this massive seaport for three years (Acts 20:31).  Dr. Luke spends an entire chapter of his sequel telling what went down there (Acts 19).  While he started his work there telling Jews about Jesus, synagogue leaders soon gave him the boot.  At that point, he started spreading the Gospel to everyone who would listen.  Jews AND Gentiles.  Earlier in this letter, Paul reminds his readers that Jesus drafted him to be His spokesmen to tell non-Jews the Good News (Eph 3:1-9).

For the apostle to do so took boldness.  That means full disclosure.  No half truth.  The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  For the Good News to be good, the bad news has to be bad.  REALLY bad.  And it is bad.  REALLY bad.  We can’t meet God’s perfect standard.  Not no way.  Not no how.  Not without Jesus anyway.  To tell folks the Good News means telling them the bad news.  That takes boldness.  So Paul asks for prayer to tell folks the whole truth.  He knows that the grace of Jesus is the only real hope.  So he needs boldness.  In the opening portion of his letter to the Romans, the apostle puts his hands on his hips and writes, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (Gr. euangelion), for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16).

Full disclosure.

Am I willing to ask people to pray for my boldness to share the Gospel?

All. About. Prayer.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all saints (Eph 6:18).

As he finishes handing out God’s armor, Paul gives us one last instruction when using it.  We need to pray.  Every chance we get.  Without prayer, this supernatural weapons system is just a pile of scrap metal.  With prayer, we can take on the enemy’s most viscous attack.  As we put on the truth belt, pray.  As we strap on the righteous flak jacket, pray.  As we lace up the Gospel cleats, pray.  As we grab the faith shield, pray.  As we buckle the chin strap on the salvation helmet, pray.  As we swing the Spirit sword, pray.  “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all saints” (v18).  Pray.  In the power of God’s Spirit.  Pray.  Keep our heads on a swivel.  Pray.  

The great Bible teacher Howard Hendricks says that anytime one of the authors of Scripture repeats a word, we really need to pay attention.  If that’s the case, there’s a really big point that Paul doesn’t want us to miss here.  He uses the word “all” four times here.  And he drops the idea of prayer four times as well.  Praying.  Prayer.  Supplication.  Supplication (a second time!).  All.  Prayer.  So it’s pretty stinkin’ clear that the apostle is talking all about prayer.  Hey, I may have been born at night but it wasn’t LAST night!  

It’s all about prayer.  So pray all about it.

Paul’s first command here is when to pray.  “Praying at all times” (v18).  Prayer is quite simply talking to God.  It’s letting Him know what’s on your heart.  You might as well be honest with Him since He already knows what’s going on.  Tell Him your hopes.  Tell Him your fears.  Tell Him your dreams.  Should you expect Him to respond?  Absolutely!  Scripture is clear that God will answer you in one of three ways.  Yes.  No.  Not yet.  Will He answer audibly?  Well, that’s a little tricky.  I think He can.  There are a handful of folks I respect who say they’ve heard Him.  Can’t say for certain that it’s ever happened to me.  God may give you an incredible sense of peace about a decision.  He may also shove you in a direction you never expected.  But the most common and most reliable way He responds is through Scripture.  Think of it this way.  We talk to God with our mouths.  He talks to us through His Word.  And just in case you think He’s communicated something to you, ALWAYS double check against His written truth.  Do not pass “Go.”  Do not collect $200.  Check what you’ve head against His Word.  God never contradicts Himself.  If you believe He’s telling you one thing and Scripture says something else, you may be hearing from last night’s pizza rather than the Creator of the universe.

So, we’re to be “praying at all times” (v18).  My first response in reading this is to look at this verse like my dog looks at television.  What?!?  All the time?!?  Come on.  Get real.  But let’s take a closer look at what Paul’s telling us.  He uses the word “times,” which is the Greek noun kairos.  It does NOT mean all of time.  It describes a moment or an opportunity or a particular season, like football or baseball season (baseball kairos is probably my favorite kairos!).  Rather than seeing this as some non-stop prayer-a-thon, think of it as praying every chance you get.  Pray at every opportunity.  This idea of jumping on every chance we have to talk to God is a running theme throughout the Bible.  Paul tells the Colossians to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col 4:2).  He was straightforward to the Thessalonians: “Pray without ceasing” (1Th 5:17).  The apostle urges his Philippian friends to pray about absolutely everything (Phil 4:6-7).  And a heart that’s always ready to pray is the key to hope.  “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom 12:12).

It’s all about prayer.  So pray all about it.

So what’s Jesus’ attitude about prayer?  Let’s check it out.  First of all, He’s all for it.  When His posse asked Him to teach them how to do it, He was more than happy to give them a model to follow (Lk 11:1-13).  Christ taught them to “pray and not lose heart” (Mt 18:1).  He told His boys to ask and keep on asking.  Seek and keep on seeking.  Knock and keep on knocking (Mt 7:7-8).  But the biggest endorsement Jesus can give about prayer is that He did it regularly.  A quick read of the Gospels will let you know that He’s always sneaking off to talk to Dad.  When the disciples can’t find Him, that’s usually where He is.  So if God incarnate finds it necessary to pray, we probably should too.

It’s all about prayer.  So pray all about it.

Paul wants us to know that there’s a certain Someone who plays a critical role in our prayer life.  That would be the Holy Spirit.  We’re to pray at every opportunity “in the Spirit” (v18).  Let’s make sure we’re clear what this is NOT.  Praying in the power of God’s Spirit isn’t some goofy seance where we use a Ouija board.  Remember, His Spirit has come and made Himself at home in each one of Jesus’ followers.  And one of His jobs is to be there to help us when we pray.  “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words...the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom 8:26, 27).  Ever struggle with how to pray?  Is the situation too difficult to talk to the Father about?  That’s EXACTLY what the Spirit does for us.  He’s got your back.  He’s there for prayer.  He makes sure that your heavenly Dad hears your heart.  The Spirit is all about prayer.  

We’re told to “keep alert” (v18).  This is the Greek word agrupneo.  It literally means don’t sleep.  Keep your eyes open.  Pay attention.  Look around.  My old high school football coach would tell us to keep our head on a swivel.  Know what’s going on around you.  Don’t get caught off guard.  Don’t get blindsided.  This was EXACTLY Jesus’ point when He was with Pete, Jimmy and John in Gethsemane.  “Watch and pray that you may not enter temptation” (Mt 26:41; Mk 14:38).  Keep your eyes open.  Pay attention.  Look around.  That’s the only way to really know how to pray, when to pray and who to pray for.  There’s actually a hilarious example of failing to keep alert during prayer over in Acts 12:6-18.  A group of Pete’s friends have gotten together to pound on the doors of heaven and pray for his release from the pokey.  After angel busts him out of the joint, he makes a beeline to the prayer meeting.  When the servant girl named Rhoda tells them that Pete’s at the door, they tell her she’s crazy.  Can’t be possible.  He’s in jail!  That’s why we’re praying!  Eventually they let him in and celebrate.  That’s a fantastic example of NOT being alert during prayer. 

This is a fantastic verse.  But it’s incredibly convicting for me.  That’s because my prayer life is awful.  Do I pray.  Sure.  But it’s not with the depth or passion that Paul’s calling for here.  Do I pray at every opportunity?  Fail.  Do I pray in the Spirit.  I sure hope so.  He’s the only chance I have at a successful prayer life, whatever THAT looks like.  Do I keep alert?  Sadly, no.  Occasionally, I’ll wake up and talk to Jesus about something.  But too often, I’m absolutely oblivious.  Do I pray for all of the other believers around the world?  Epic fail.  When I do pray, too often it’s about me and my needs (or should I say my “wants!”).  I’m so VERY thankful that my standing with God isn’t based on my need to have a perfect prayer life.  Jesus did that for me.  The Spirit does that for me.  Where would I be without them?  

It’s all about prayer.  So pray all about it.

Buckle Your Chinstrap and Swing Your Sword

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph 4:17).

Paul is introducing us to this incredible weapons system that God gives every believer.  So far he’s shown us the truth belt, the flak jacket of righteousness (Eph 6:14), the Gospel cleats (Eph 6:15) and the faith shield (Eph 6:16).  He makes it VERY clear that we need this gear to protect us from the terrorist ambush that Satan has planned (Eph 6:11, 16).  The apostle instructs us that this equipment must be used in its entirety.  Twice he calls it “the whole armor of God” (Eph 6:11, 13).  I need all of it.  Cherry picking certain parts of our gear gives the devil a soft spot to attack.

From his prison cell in the Roman joint, Paul wraps up his his description of God’s armor with the last two components.  “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (v17).  The salvation helmet.  Critical protection for my head.  And the Spirit sword.  The only offensive weapon in the system.  These last two pieces of gear are absolutely essential to survive the impending assault by the enemy.  If I have any hope to standing in victory, I need my salvation helmet and my Spirit sword.  

I’m reminded that this isn’t battle gear that I’ve designed or manufactured.  This is God’s gear.  Like Q showing 007 the latest gadgets designed in the lab, Paul goes over the supernatural weapons system that Jesus supplies.  We see that when we look closely at that little word “take” (v17).  This is the Greek verb dechomai, which means to receive what is offered or accept an something that the giver initiates.  Paul thanked his friends in Philippi for the financial support they gave, “having received (Gr. dechomai) from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent” (Phil 4:18).  Dr. Luke describes how the Gospel was turning things upside down with non-Jews as “Samaria received (Gr. dechomai) the Word of God” (Acts 8:14).

In the same way, God gives us the helmet.  He is giving us our salvation.  We don’t earn it.  He gives it to us as an act of grace.  He gives us what could never do for ourselves.  Jesus lives the perfect life that I failed to live.  He dies the bloody death for my sin that should have died.  He rose to a glorious new life that certainly don’t deserve.  He takes my sin and gives me His perfection, goodness and righteousness (2Cor 5:21).  He takes and He gives.  All I do is place my complete trust in what He’s done for me.  That’s when He gives me the salvation helmet.

This “helmet of salvation” (v17) is critical to my safety.  Soldiers wear helmets.  Athletes wear helmets.  Workmen wear helmets.  A blow to the head can stun or even kill.  You have to protect the noggin.  The word here is perikephalaia. This is a compound word that literally means “around” (peri-) the “head” (-kephale).  This isn’t a ball cap.  It’s no knit cap or toboggan.  This is a heavy duty helmet that can take a wicked hit.  Think a soldier’s helmet.  Football helmet.  Motorcycle helmet.  This is a bucket to withstand the biggest blow.  It wraps all the way around your head and protects your skull and brain.

But this salvation helmet is so much more than the most advanced lid the Department of Defense issues to GIs.  God’s helmet protects us by assuring us of our salvation in Christ.  If Jesus has saved you, take it to the bank.  Satan will attack you and me with doubt.  You’ve heard the whispers.  You’ve heard the lies.  Jesus doesn’t care about you.  You such a screwup.  There’s no way you could ever REALLY be on of God’s kids.    The devil will tempt me, taunt me and try to get into my head with his lies straight from the pit of hell.  

In many ways, the entire letter to Ephesus is the helmet of salvation.  Paul works his tail off to tell these believers who Jesus is, what He’s done and who they are in Him.  It’s not what we do, it’s what He’s done for us.  Flip back over to that spectacular opening chapter and read through the Tsunami of Blessing (Eph 1:3-14).  He blessed us.  He chose us.  He predestined us.  He adopted us.  He redeemed us.  He forgave us.  He lavished His grace on us.  He made His will know to us through Jesus.  He gave us an inheritance.  He gave us His Spirit.  Know that.  Believe that.  Don’t believe the enemy’s lies.  Put on the salvation helmet.  Flip over to chapter two for more.  We were among the Walking Dead before Jesus brought us life (Eph 2:1, 5)  And if that’s not enough, we get to sit right next to the King of Kings in heaven’s throne room (Eph 2:6).  Know that.  Believe that.  Don’t believe the enemy’s lies.  Put on the salvation helmet.

Last and certainly not least, Paul hands us “the sword of the Spirit” (v17).  This is the only offensive weapon in the system.  Everything else is critical for our protection.  Here is something we can use to attack our enemy.  This isn’t a long saber.  The apostle uses the word machaira, which means a short sword that Roman soldiers use in close combat.  It’s about 6-18 inches long.  Think of the large knife that Crocodile Dundee carries (“Now THAT’S a knife!”).  This is the weapon Pete uses to lop off Malchus’ ear in Gethsemane (Jn 18:11).  Don’t let the size of the small sword fool you.  This isn’t just any dagger.  This is the Spirit sword.  As the third Person of the Trinity, God’s Holy Spirit has unlimited power at His disposal.  It was His power that was behind Jesus’ eruption from the stone cold tomb (Eph 1:19-20).  Luke Skywalker’s light saber is burned out flashlight compared to the Spirit sword.  

The Spirit sword is also the only piece of this equipment that Paul tells us exactly what it is.  It “is the Word of God” (v17).  God’s truth.  God’s promises.  Scripture.  We’re to use God’s Word to attack the lies of the enemy with Scripture.  So just how does this leather-bound Bible work as an offensive weapon?  Do I throw it at the devil?  At least David had five rocks to take on Goliath!  We use God’s Word to attack Satan by knowing the truth.  When the devil tries to take us down with one of his lies, we go see what God has to say about that.  One swing of the Spirit sword does the trick.  But we need to know our sword.  We need to know God’s Word.  We need to know the promises He’s made us.  We need to know the truth He’s shared.  God’s Word is sharp.  It can do some serious damage.  It’s so sharp that Jesus uses it on us to do spiritual surgery (Heb 4:12).  Learn how to use the Spirit sword.  Become skilled in it.  Read it.  Study it.  Meditate on it.  Obey it.  Be ready to attack with your Spirit sword when the time comes.  Swing that sword, baby!

Let’s take just a moment to be clear about who our enemy really is.  Use this weapon against the devil.  Don’t beat your friends up with your twelve pound King Jimmy.  Delicately and gently use Scripture to show them the Good News of Jesus.  Save that for Satan.  The ambush is coming.  The terrorist attack is certain.  Be ready.  So put on that salvation helmet and buckle up your chin strap.  Become proficient and skilled in swinging the Spirit sword.  Put on God’s gear.

Grab Your Faith Shield

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one (Eph 6:16).

Paul continues to roll out God’s armor, piece by piece.  We’ve already buckled on the truth belt and the body armor of righteousness (Eph 6:14).  We’ve laced up our Gospel cleats (Eph 6:15).  Now he introduces us to the next component in our supernatural weapons system.  “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (v16).  The faith shield.  And he lets us know exactly what it’s for.  Satan’s gonna fire flaming arrows our way.  This will provide complete protection from his demonic darts.

Don’t forget the situation in Ephesus and the need for such God given gear.  Just 100 miles down the road, churches in Colossae, Hierapolis and Laodicea have come under attack by false teachers.  They’ve spread a heresy of do-it-yourself salvation that’s caused tremendous damage.  According to these hucksters, Jesus can’t save you completely.  We need to finish the job by following a complicated list of religious rules and regulations.  In his cell in a Roman slammer, Paul gets wind of the Colossian casualties and shoots a letter to get them back on track.  He then fires off another note to believers in Ephesus.  A big part of the second letter is protection from the impending attack.  That’s why they need “the whole armor of God” (Eph 6:11, 13).  

Just because you and I don’t live in first century Turkey, we can’t get cocky and over confident.  Heresy doesn’t die of old age.  It’s still a threat.  False teaching is all around us.  We need God’s armor as much or more than Paul’s friends in Ephesus.  So as the apostle explains and demonstrates each piece of gear, let’s listen up and put it on.  

The apostle begins with the phrase “in all circumstances” (v16).  This shield isn’t an optional piece of equipment.  We’ll always need it.  Which means we’re always a target for our enemy’s flaming arrows.  It reminds us that God’s armor is a complete weapons system.  We need all of it.  Going into battle with some and not all of our gear leaves us vulnerable.  Forgetting to grab my shield is a fatal mistake.

But this isn’t just any shield.  It’s “the shield of faith” (v16).  It’s not some flimsy piece of cardboard you used in the backyard as a kid.  And it’s not the super cool disc Captain America carries.  Paul’s thinking about the massive shield a Roman soldier carries.  This thing is big.  REALLY big.  As a matter of fact the Greek word for shield is thureos, which comes from the term for door.  Think of a shield that’s big enough you can actually hide your entire body behind.  It’s as big as a door.  The soldier’s shield is a a large oblong, four-cornered piece of protection.  When the enemy’s army would launch a volley of arrows, Roman troops would squat down behind their door-sized shields.

As sweet as the Roman shield might be, our faith shield is is even sweeter.  And the key is what is made from.  Captain America’s shield might be crafted from vibranium.  But the shield of God’s armor consists of faith.  Paul is NOT describing my faith or yours.  It’s NOT about the strength of our faith.  It’s all about the strength of the object of our faith.  The object of our trust is Jesus.  He’ll never flinch.  He’ll never falter.  He’ll never fail.  It’s better to have weak belief in a great object than a great belief in a weak object.  No matter how much we trust in something weak, it’s going to let us down.  We place our faith in Jesus.  We place our faith in who He is.  We place our faith in what He’s done.  He lived the perfect, sinless life that completely failed to live.  He died the bloody death for my sin that I should have died.  He rose to a breathtaking new life that I certainly don’t deserve.  I’m placing my faith in Him.  As a result, something crazy happened at the cross.  At Calvary, God swaps Jesus’ perfection and obedience for my complete and utter failure so that I actually “become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:17).  Forget what you’ve heard about Brock for Broglio.  This is the most lopsided trade of all time.  Luther calls it the Great Exchange.  I’m placing my imperfect faith in the perfect object.  Paul tells his boy Tim that even when our faith falters, Jesus “remains faithful” (2Tim 2:13).  It’s not the strength of my faith.  It’s about the strength of the object of my faith.  Jesus.

An incredibly important part of trusting in Christ is trusting in His obedience.  Trusting in His perfect and complete obedience.  He never violated the tiniest law.  He never broke any of His Dad’s commands.  Jesus is “holy, innocent, unstained” (Heb 7:26).  And it’s not like He’s Superman pretending to be Clark Kent.  Jesus is fully God AND fully man.    He faced the full brunt of the very same temptations you and I feel each day.  But He never stumbled.  Never.  “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect was tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15).  The bad news is that I’m still going to fall flat on my face on this side of eternity.  The good news, or I should say Good News, is that He’s 100% obedient.  So placing our faith in Jesus is placing our faith in His faithfulness and obedience.  His faith never fails.  He’s our shield when the flaming arrows fly.

When you come under attack, hide behind Jesus.

We desperately need the faith shield because of the type of attack we’re going to face.  It’s the only way we “can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (v16).  In the first century, archers would soak arrows in some sort of petroleum based goo, lighting them before launching them.  As if the garden variety arrows aren’t deadly enough!!  These suckers are on fire!!!  But here’s a little trick the Roman army had up its sleeve.  Troops would soak their massive leather shields in water before battle.  That would snuff out the  enemy’s flaming arrows.  Our faith in Jesus extinguishes the devil’s fiery attack.  Don’t miss the fact that no arrow makes it through when we use our faith shield.  It puts out “ALL the flaming darts of the evil one” (v16, emphasis added).  Remember, Christ has already won the war.  Keep that in your noggin at all times.  “And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith!  Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1Jn 5:4-5).  That’s the faith shield.  An essential component of God’s weapon system.

When you come under attack, hide behind Jesus.

Gospel Cleats

And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace (Eph 6:15).

Football players must have the right shoes for different conditions.  For a sloppy mud pit of a field, you’ll need big, long cleats.  For the rug of artificial turf, you’ll need a molded sole with lots of small cleats.  Here Paul lets us know that God has given us the perfect footwear for hanging in there against the satanic blitz. “And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace” (v15).  The apostle tells his Ephesian friends about the gear God provides.  We’ve already strapped on the truth belt and the body armor of righteousness (Eph 6:14).  It’s time to slip on our shoes.  Very special shoes.  Not sandals.  Not flip flops.  Not Chuck Taylors.  These are spikes. 

It’s time to lace up our Gospel cleats.

So maybe you’re not down with this whole football idea.  Isn’t Paul painting a picture of a first century Roman soldier not a 21^st century offensive tackle?  Absolutely.  But historians tell us that Caesar’s storm troopers actually wore boots with nails on the sole.  These cleats kept them from slipping in battle.  So folks were wearing spikes 2,000 years before sneaker companies encouraged us to just do it and protect this house.  The apostle tells us that we’re going to need supernatural cleats for what we’re about to face.  If we’re going to “stand” and “withstand” satan’s assault (Eph 6:11, 13-14), we’re going to need the proper footwear.  Not just any cleats.  Gospel cleats.

These new kicks won’t do us any good if we don’t take them out of the box and put them on.  So pull the paper stuffing out, slip’em on and lace’m up.  I need to “put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace” (v15).  I can’t be ready for action in just my socks.  The apostle says that by slipping on my new cleats I’m actually putting on preparation.  He uses the Greek word etoimasia.  It means the state of being ready and being prepared.  The term actually hints that this means having the right equipment.  In this case, the right shoes.

These Gospel cleats allow me to be ready.  Ready for the onrushing enemy.  Paul has a very specific reason to tell the Ephesians to lace’m up tight.  A team of spiritual hucksters have done a great deal of damage in churches just down the road in towns like Colossae, Hierapolis and Laodicea.  They’ve spread a counterfeit gospel of do-it-yourself salvation that is actually no salvation at all.  Apparently believers there weren’t ready for the assault.  They didn’t have their cleats on.  After writing what we know as Colossians, the apostle fires off another letter to the church in Ephesus, just 100 miles away.  The attack is coming.  Our opponent is going to blitz.  Gear up in God’s armor.  Get ready.  “Put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace” (v15).  

It’s time to lace up our Gospel cleats.

These supernatural sneakers may not have a swoosh but they are clearly the latest in footwear technology.  They’re loaded with “the Gospel of peace” (v15).  The term “Gospel” is the term euangelion.  It simply means good news.  After an army won in battle, a messenger would beat feet back home to tell folks about the victory.  He would tell them the euangelion.  The prophet Isaiah uses that very same idea when predicting the day of Messiah’s arrival and the spread of the ultimate Good News. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’” (Is 52:7).  Paul himself quotes Izzy when he talks about telling others about Jesus (Rom 10:15).  Put on your Gospel cleats to be ready to proclaim the Good News.  Put on your Gospel cleats to be ready to tell others about Jesus.

A very important feature of our supernatural spikes is “peace” (v15).  This is the Good News that our faith in Jesus brings peace with God (Rom 5:1).  Believers are no longer enemies and rebels against His kingdom.  He’s brought us onto His team even when we were playing on the other side of the line (Rom 5:10).  We certainly didn’t deserve it.  But He did it as the ultimate demonstration of His love and grace.  “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).    He’s made us a part of His team.  He’s on our side.  We can have the ultimate confidence that we can hang in there during the worst attack because of Who’s got our back.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31).  We go from the team who is a lock to lose to sure fire victory.  That’s all part wearing our Gospel cleats.

Are you ready?  Am I ready?  Are we on our toes for the attack of the enemy?  Are we ready to tell others about Jesus?  

It’s time to lace up our Gospel cleats.

Buckle Up

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (Eph 6:14).

Just as Q tells James Bond about his latest gadget for the next assignment, Paul begins describing the individual pieces of this amazing weapon system.  He identifies each component and lets us know why it’s critical in battle.  “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (v14).  The first two pieces are the truth belt and purity flak jacket.  We already know our enemy.  Satan and his toadies (Eph 6:11-12).  Next, we know this isn’t going to be traditional warfare.  Instead, the devil and his troops will use terrorist tactics, ambushes and sneak attacks.  And we know that this is going to be violent, hand-to-hand combat.  So the apostle gets specific as he pulls each piece of gear off the rack and tells us what it will do.

Once again, Paul pounds it through our heads what our posture will be in battle.  “Stand” (v14).  Once again we see the Greek verb histemi.  It means to stand after taking position, stand firm and hold one’s ground.  This is the third time in four verses Paul uses this word.  When you include its kissing cousin “withstand” (Gr. anthistemi) from the last verse, this is the fourth time.  He’s clearly making a point.  A BIG point.  

Hang in there.  Hold your position.  Don’t give up your spot.  Stand your ground.  In just about every sport, coaches want their players in what they call the ready position.  Feet shoulder width apart.  Knees bent.  Butt down.  Hands out.  Head up.  Think of basketball player in a defensive stance ready to shutdown his opponent.  A linebacker crouching just before the snap.  A third baseman getting low at the hot corner.  Stand.  Get ready.  The attack is coming.  For the Ephesians, the heresy that did damage down the road in Colossae is headed their way.  For you and me, the question about a spiritual attack isn’t if but when.  Don’t get caught daydreaming.  And when it comes, hang in there.  Stand your ground.  In the strength of God, hold your position.  That’s only possible because of the sweet suit of armor He’s given us.

MacArthur says God’s armor is essential for spiritual warfare.  “Whether confronting Satan’s efforts to distrust God, forsaking obedience, producing doctrinal confusion and falsehood, hindering service to God, bringing division, serving God in the flesh, living hypocritically, being worldly, or in any other way reject biblical obedience, this armor is our defense.”  This set of gear isn’t just for special situations.  It’s to use 24-7-365.  We’re suited up and ready to go ‘round the clock.  Don’t forget to put it all on either.  This is “the whole armor of God” (Eph 6:11, 13).  We need it all.  Not using the complete set creates spots of vulnerability for our enemy.  There’s a reason for all of it.  OK, let’s take a look at these amazing individual components.  Sorry, Q.  But this is a whole lot better than anything your boys have cooked up in the lab for 007.

The first thing we see is “the belt of truth” (v14).  The belt pulls everything together.  In the first century, the warrior’s belt would tighten all loose clothing before going into battle.  It keeps all other parts tight so they don’t get in our way in battle.  There’s no saggy, baggy pants for this soldier.  Tightening your belt allows you to move quickly.  Just ask the Israelites before they beat feet out of Egypt (Ex 12:11).  Seems that the writer of Hebrews tells us something similar.  Before we run the marathon of faith, “let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely” (Heb 12:1).  God’s truth belt takes care of that.  Put it on and buckle up.

This particular belt pulls together all the spiritual loose ends in the truth of God.  And since Jesus refers to Himself as the personification of truth (Jn 14:6), this is His belt.  Seven hundred years before Christ was born, Isaiah predicted that Messiah would be wearing it.  “Righteousness shall be the belt of His waist, and faithfulness the belt of His loins” (Is 11:5).  Jesus said that to be one of His followers is to always be ready.  “Stay dressed for action” (Lk 12:35).  Put it on and buckle up.

Next up is “the breastplate of righteousness” (v14).  Think of a flak jacket or piece of body armor that protects your torso.  It guards your vital organs including your heart.  Solomon warned his son to protect your heart at all costs (Prov 4:23).  Just as a wound to the chest or abdomen was almost always fatal in the first century, a wound to our spiritual heart is spiritually deadly.  My heart must remain soft.  Soft to God’s guidance.  Soft to the people around me.  Once again, Isaiah had a clear view of what Messiah would be wearing.  “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head” (Is 59:17).  Paul told the folks in Thessalonica that as believers we need that very same body armor (1Th 5:8).  Go ahead.  Strap it on.  Put it on and buckle up.

Don’t miss the point of what you’re putting on.  Or should I say WHO you’re putting on.  This is the belt of the truth about Jesus.  This is the body armor of His righteousness.  We’re putting on Christ.  This is Paul’s VERY practical way of reminding us that when we place our faith in who Jesus is and what He’s done, we are in Christ.  He uses this idea in way or another at least 28 times in this letter to the Ephesians.  We already have everything we’ll ever need in Jesus.  The apostle knows that when we understand who we are and what we have in Christ, we’re geared up and ready for anything.  But only when we trust in what He’s done that we could never do.  Jesus lived the perfect life that I completely failed at living.  He died the brutal death for my sin that I most certainly should have died.  He rose to a breathtaking new life that in no way do I deserve.  There was an amazing trade that bloody Friday at Golgotha.  “For our sake He (God) made Him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:17).  Luther calls this the Great Exchange.  Jesus gives us His righteousness.  Jesus gives us His truth.  

Go ahead.  Strap them on.  And get ready.  Put them on and buckle up.

Withstand and Stand

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 (Eph 6:13).

I have a lot friends who are huge fans of James Bond.  Before each mission, the techno-geeks at the British Secret Service equip 007 with the latest and greatest in gadgetry.  That crazy dude Q makes sure Bond had all the toys for the job.  A watch with a laser.  A cigarette case rocket launcher.  And don’t forget his Aston Martin which had rotating license plates, smoke screen, oil slick, machine guns and the ever popular ejector seat. I’m assuming these are all aftermarket parts and extras.  Like Q telling 007 about the latest toys for espionage, Paul begins telling the believers in Ephesus all about the amazing weapons system God has for every one of Jesus’ followers.  “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” (v13).  As followers of Jesus, we have an enemy.  He’s going to attack.  Be VERY sure of that.  God’s armor is just the godly gadget we need to remain standing after Satan’s assault.

In many ways, the apostle repeats what he’s just told us back in verse 11.  Previously, he told us to suit up because the devil is going to ambush us when we least expect it.  Think of a soldier putting on his helmet and full body armor before heading out on patrol in enemy territory.  Here he tells us that our godly gear is the only hope of surviving the satanic sneak attack.

This was an incredibly important and practical piece of equipment for the Ephesians.  Just 100 miles away in Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis, a team of hucksters have duped believers into falling for a counterfeit gospel.  These spiritual snake oil salesmen fooled folks into thinking they needed to finish what Jesus started.  According to them, the resurrected Rabbi might have been good but He wasn’t God.  They told these Christians that the only way they could ensure their salvation was through self-salvation.  Follow a complicated list of religious rules and regs.  It just so happens that they had that list with him.  How convenient.  In order to get them back on track, Paul fires off a letter that we call Colossians.  He tells them that Jesus is more God than we can wrap our minds around (Col 1:15-20).  Stop trying to finish His work and simply realize that “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3).  Before his courier leaves with that letter, Paul writes another one to the Ephesians just down the road.  There’s little doubt that this heresy is heading their way.  They need to be ready.  They need the armor of God.

Once again, he tells us to get our gear on.  “Take up the whole armor of God” (v13).  Suit up.  Get ready.  Then for the fifth time in four verses, Paul drops another power term.  We climb into God’s armor so that we’re “able to withstand in the evil day” (v13).  He uses the verb “be able,” which is the Greek word dunamai.  A lot of times this gets translated as able or capable.  But this word surges and throbs with strength.  It’s where we get words like dynamo and dynamite.  It’s probably better understood as to be strong and powerful and have the power.  Don’t forget the power source for the armor God.  “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might” (Eph 6:10).  This has nothing to do with my strength (or lack of it!).  This has EVERYTHING to do with relying on the unlimited and immeasurable power of Jesus and His Spirit.  We have the power to take on our enemy because of the power Christ supplies.  The biggest nuclear reactor on earth looks like a dead nine volt battery compared the power of God.

Q always instructs 007 in the reasons and uses for his gadgets.  Paul lets us know exactly why we’re given this amazing set of godly gear.  When we use God’s armor, Jesus gives us the power to “withstand” Satan’s attack.  Paul uses the verb anthistemi.  It’s a compound word that literally means to stand against something.  It means to resist by using pressure or power, oppose, set one’s self against or refuse to yield.  The armor of God gives you and me the ability to stand our ground.  The devil will try to knock us off our feet.  Brace for impact.  The assault is coming.  

The apostle then gives us a little glimpse of the end of the battle.  Think of flipping to the end of a great book to get a sneak peek of how it all comes out.  When we gear up in God’s armor for the devil’s attack, “having done all, to stand firm” (v13).  Don’t slide right past that phrase “having done all.”  We’re going to need every piece of equipment God gives us to survive the onslaught.  All of it.  But in the end, we can be sure that we can “stand firm” (v13).  This is from the same family of words as “withstand.”  It’s histemi, which means to stand after taking position, stand firm and hold one’s ground.  We’re taking a stand against evil.  We’re taking a stand for truth.  We’re taking a stand for the Gospel.  We withstand in order to stand.  We’re not taking this lying down.  We’re not cowering in a foxhole or in a bomb shelter.  We stand.  When the dust settles, we stand.

Again, I need to continually remind myself that I only have the power to stand because Jesus stood in my place.  He lived the perfect life that I’ve failed to live.  I take up God’s armor when I trust in what He’s done for me.  There are two classic scenes in the Gospels that show us how our Savior withstood Satan in order to stand in victory.  The first was His temptation in the desert.  The enemy threw the kitchen sink at Christ (Mt 4:1-10).  The Lord stood strong and came out on top (Mt 4:11).  The second is that gut-wrenching night in Gethsemane.  Jesus faced the temptation to abandon His rescue mission just before the cross.  But in the end, He agreed to stand strong.  He told His heavenly Dad that He would remain faithful, “not as I will, but as You will” (Mt 26:39).  In the end, He stood strong.  It’s only because He stood strong that I have any hope to do the same.

Q gave Bond the weapons he needed to succeed.  Jesus gives us the armor that we need to stand.  In the end, we withstand in order to stand.

Step into the Cage

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 (Eph 6:12).

Every athlete needs a scouting report.  You need to know your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.  You need to know their tactics.  You need to know their tendencies.  Once you know what to expect, you know what you need to do to win.  Paul lets us know the reason we need to suit up in God’s armor.  This heavenly powered exoskeleton is our only hope when we step into the octagon against our enemy.  We face a nasty foe.  “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” (v12).  We’re not taking on a human opponent.  It’s Satan himself.  And he’s not alone.  He’s got his full roster of demons.  This is going to be a slobber knocker.  But we’re not alone.  We have a partner in this metaphysical Royal Rumble.  Jesus is right there with us.  And whenever He fights, He always has the opposition outnumbered.  They ring the bell.  It’s time.

Step into the cage.

So do you think I’m crazy to compare this to some sort of supernatural MMA match?  Then you need to take that up with Paul.  He’s the one who drops the grappling lingo.  He wants us to know what kind of combat this is going to be.  He uses the Greek word(Gr. pale) that describes an intense struggle in close contact with the opponent.  This is from a word that means to swing or throw.  Think of swinging fists and elbows.  Two fighters doing everything they to get their opponent off his feet.  Looking for any way to throw their enemy to the ground and gain the advantage.  That’s why they call a nasty fight a throw down!  This is a face-to-face fight.  It’s hand-to-hand combat.  It’s hardcore.  The apostle also uses the little word “against” (Gr. pros) FIVE times in this verse.  He makes it clear that we’re in a knockdown, drag out fight with our enemy.  When we enter the octagon, we’re in for the fight of our lives.

First, Paul wants us to know who were NOT fighting.  “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (v12).  Stop wasting your time fighting folks who aren’t your enemy. 
Stop training for human opposition.  The apostle wants us to have a clear scouting report of who and what is across the mat.  Know who you’re really fighting against.  Know your real opponent.  That’s part of the enemy’s strategy.  He’s trying to distract us to waste our energy on folks that aren’t really a factor.  When I focus on those who really aren’t the enemy, I’m vulnerable.  Extremely vulnerable.  This doesn’t mean that the devil doesn’t use humans in his attempted overthrow of God’s kingdom.  Shoot, before Jesus came to our rescue, we “were by nature children of wrath” (Eph 2:3), rebels fighting against God.  Satan will use three kinds of weapons against us.  Our flesh.  The world’s system and values.  And his own demonic forces.  But ultimately, we need to know who’s pulling the strings.  That, my friends, is the devil.  So stop wrestling with enemies that aren’t really enemies.

Since we’re not fighting a human opponent, we can’t use traditional tactics.  In a letter to the Corinthian church, Paul tells believers that our strategy has to be VERY different when taking on a supernatural enemy.   Our best maneuver isn’t to shoot the leg.  It’s not ground and pound.  We use the truth of God’s Word to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive” (2Cor 10:3-5).  There’s no doubt why the only offensive weapon in God’s armor is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Eph 6:17).  Do you know Scripture well enough to use it against our enemy?  

Now that we know who we’re NOT fighting, let’s look across the cage at our true opponent.  Or should I say OPPONENTS.  Remember, there’s more than just one.  We’re fighting “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly places” (v12).  If you’re counting, that’s four different gangs on the other side of the ring.  MacArthur believes these are four ranks of demons in our enemy’s empire.  He’s probably on to something.  If we’re stepping into the cage, you might think of them as opponents in various weight classes.  “Rulers” would be those gang leaders who are in charge.  Think of “the authorities” as middle managers or squad leaders.  Next in their satanic starting lineup are “the cosmic powers” (Gr. kosmokrator).  This word only shows pops one time in the Bible and that’s right here.  It literally means someone who has a death grip on the world.  Jesus warned His posse that “the ruler of this world” is headed our way (Jn 14:30).  Chances are that these are those demon spirits in Satan’s lineup that specialize in warping the world’s system from bringing God glory.  Finally we see the final terrible team we’ll be taking on: “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  The terminology here seems to indicate every other demonic force at the devil’s disposal.  It’s kind of a junk drawer term.  These are the ground troops.  This is his satanic infantry.  And there’s millions of them.

That satanic snake may have a full roster of wicked warriors but Jesus has already “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame” (Col 2:15).  He’s kicked their butts and pull their trunks down.  Pete assures us that Jesus is chilling on His throne now that He’s whooped His enemies (1Pet 3:22).  He’s already won the match.  He did it at a bloody battle on a hill just outside of Jerusalem one Friday a couple of thousand years ago.  So we step into the octagon against a defeated demonic opponent.  Are they still powerful?  Absolutely.  We must remember that they can do some serious damage.  But we must always remember that they are also losers.  We place our trust in the victory Jesus won for us using a Roman cross and an empty tomb.  All we need to do is put on God’s armor and face our opponent.  Christ’s victory is OUR victory!  

Step into the cage.

Time to Suit Up

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph 6:11).

Check this out.  It’s the most advanced weapon system the universe has ever seen.  And God designed it just for you.  It’s a custom fit exoskeleton.  It makes Iron Man look like he’s wrapped in aluminum foil.  This suit of armor has everything you’ll need.  Batman’s utility belt is filled with garage sale rejects compared to this.  Molded to your specifications.  Paul invites you to try it on.  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (v11).  We need to go ahead and suit up because we’re going to need it.  Our enemy is planning his next ambush.  And God’s armor is just what we need.

Paul wastes no time in telling us to get on our God-given gear.  The verb here is “put on” (Gr. enduo).  It means to dress, clothe or wear a piece of clothing.  It literally means “to sink into.”  This is a common way to describe being “in Christ,” an idea that Paul uses at least 28 times in Ephesians.  Earlier in this same letter, Paul told us to “put on (Gr. enduo) the new self” as understand the reality of our salvation in Jesus (Eph 4:24).  And whatever is found in this thing called God’s armor, it’s loaded with supernatural, Spirit-filled strength.  Just before He headed home to heaven, Jesus said to His followers to hang out in Jerusalem “until you are clothed (Gr. enduo) with power from on high” (Lk 24:49).  Don’t waste any more time.  Get ready.  Put it on.  

Time to suit up.

So what exactly is this piece of gear Paul’s describing?  It’s the “full armor of God” (v11).  In other words, this isn’t some incomplete, thrown together Franken-armor pulled together from spare parts.  The Greek word panoplia describes the total package of equipment worn by a foot soldier in battle.  A warrior isn’t ready until he’s got a full set of both offensive weapons and defensive protection.  This weapon system God provides has absolutely everything you’ll need for what’s ahead.  

MacArthur believes Paul’s language here talks about making God’s armor a permanent part of our wardrobe.  As long as we’re on this side of eternity, we’re going to need it.  We’re always going to come under attack.  That certainly makes sense when you understand the bigger picture of the situation in Ephesus.  There’s a false teaching that blindsided believers in the multisite church of Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis.  A team of spiritual hucksters have fooled Jesus’ followers into thinking they are responsible for finishing the job of salvation that the Lord started.  They’ve provided a list of rules that the Colossians gotta do.  Call it the “gotta” gospel.  After writing a letter to those churches to get them back on the rails, the apostle jots down another to the Ephesians.  You see, Ephesus is just 100 miles down the road.  They need to be warned about this false gospel.  They need to be protected from this false gospel.  And God’s armor is just the tool for the job.

Time to suit up.

We need this supernatural weapons system to “be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (v11).  Our enemy has set his satanic sights on God’s people from the very beginning.  Before the paint was dry in Eden, he was there to whisper in Eve’s ear (Gen 3:1-7).  The devil continues to stalk us like prey as he “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1Pet 5:8).  But we need to remember that while Satan is dangerous, he’s already defeated.  He is NOT equal to God.  Jesus punched our enemy in the throat with Calvary’s cross (Heb 2:14).  And God allowed John a sneak preview of what will be the biggest rout in the history when he saw Satan and his boys take an eternal swim in the lake of fire (Rev 20:10).  

That doesn’t mean the devil still isn’t dangerous.  He can still do serious harm if we’re not careful.  The key to withstanding his sneak attacks is wearing God’s armor.  Only then will we “be able to stand” (v11).  You can literally translate this phrase as “have the power to stand.”  Paul packs the previous verse with power.  “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph 6:10 emphasis added).  This supernatural weapon system is useless without His supernatural power supply.  Because we’re on the receiving end of God’s strength, we have all the power we need for the attack that is to come.  That will enable you and me to hold our position when (not if) Satan strikes.

Time to suit up.

Paul wants us to know right up front that when the enemy begins his assault, it will be a sneak attack.  The devil is a conniving rascal who will use every trick in his book, or what the apostle calls “schemes” (v11).  This is the Greek word methodia.  It means cunning.  Deceit.  Trickery.  In other words, expect an ambush.  Expect him to attack out of nowhere.  Expect him to use terrorist tactics.  Be on high alert.  Also know that our enemy is no fool.  He’s cunning and knows our weak spots.  But once we put on God’s weapon system, we’re fully protected and able to withstand anything Satan can throw at us.

Time to suit up.

You need to know that Paul isn’t making up this idea of the armor of God because he’s been locked up in jail too long.  This isn’t some crazy idea of a delirious prisoner.  Several hundred years before, the prophet Isaiah saw a vision of God’s long awaited Messiah who was dressed for war.  “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped Himself in zeal as a cloak” (Is 59:17).  The apostle reminds his Thessalonian friends that they’ve already “put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” (1Th 5:8).  He encourages the Ephesian believers to put on their godly gear.  “Put on the whole armor of God” (v11).

Time to suit up.