Put on the Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Q1--Where does our strength come from?

Comment on verse 10

Our strength must come from the Lord. When we try to do things in our own strength or our own ability, we will often fail. The reason for this is we do not have as much strength or ability as we think we have. When we go in God’s strength, he is there to compensate for our own weaknesses and to help us through unseen dangers and snares.

Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Q2--Why are we to put on the whole armor of God? What kind of spiritual warfare have you faced?

Comment on verses 11-13

We all face spiritual battles, although we might not recognize them as such. The enemy of our soul is trying to trip us up in our spiritual walk and trying to keep others blinded from accepting Christ. When we go forward to work for God’s kingdom, we must be willing to meet physical opposition as well as spiritual opposition. We are both body and spirit. We may keep our body fit and ready, but how healthy is our spirit? There will be spiritual battles ahead, and Paul is exhorting us to put on spiritual armor to withstand the devil and to stand firm for Christ.

J. Vernon McGee comments,

"There is a battle to be fought. One of the things that is commonly misunderstood today is that the child of God is in a battle, and the battle is being fought along spiritual lines."

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Q3--What preparation does verse 15 tell us we need to do before going out in spiritual battle?

Comment on verses 14-15

Paul starts off the armor of God with the three basic pieces of clothing for the soldier -- the belt, the breastplate, and the shoes.

The belt -- the belt was extremely important as it held weapons and kept the rest of the soldiers garment in place for the battle. Here Paul says our belt should be truth. The one thing that holds our battle garments together must be the truth of God. If we enter into battle with false ideas we will be routed as the sons of Sceva were in Acts 19:13-16.

The breastplate -- this portion of armor is there to protect the soldier’s heart and other vital organs. If we want to protect our heart from evil, we must take on the breastplate of righteousness. This does not mean we live a perfect life -- our righteousness comes from the Lord. But we must strive to live our life according to God’s commands.

The shoes -- Since ancient soldiers fought primarily on foot, the shoes were essential to victory. Our shoes need to be the preparation of the gospel of peace. Are we prepared to share the gospel and to live the gospel? Do we know what the Bible teaches, and do we understand what God wants for our life? In order to be clothed with the whole armor of God, we need to spend time in preparation, learning from God.

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Q4--With what kind of fiery darts does the enemy attack us today?

Some of Satan’s fiery darts today are materialism, emotional distress, despair, broken families, temptations of drug and sex.

Comment on verse 16

Notice that faith is a shield. The shield was used to protect the soldier from harm. Faith is our shield against spiritual attack. The fiery darts may come, but they will be extinguished by faith. We must learn to trust God more and allow him to increase our faith.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Q5--What does this verse tell us about our mental preparation?

Comment on verse 17

The helmet protects the brain. It is our assurance of salvation that will keep our mind focused on Christ. But when thoughts come that might discourage, hinder, or frighten us, we must answer them with the sword, which is God’s word. In Luke 4:1-13 every temptation by Satan was answered by Jesus with a quote from the Old Testament. We must be faithful in our reading and study of God’s word, so that when the enemy attacks us, we will pierce the attack with God’s promises in the Bible.

Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Q6--How can you find more time for prayer in your busy schedule?

Comment on verse 18

I believe that verse 18 is a continuation of Paul’s teaching on the armor of God. In order to win our spiritual battles, we must be people of prayer. We need to persevere in prayer for ourselves, our family, and those in the community of faith. A regular prayer life is essential to our spiritual health.

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Q7--What do you think it means to share the gospel message boldly? How do you think you can overcome shyness in this area?

We can share the gospel message many ways -- telling others about Christ, living a Christian example before others, and helping others in need. People are usually more influenced by Christian’s actions than their words.

21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Q8--If we follow the teachings in Ephesians, we will receive the blessings named in verses 23-24. Name those blessings.

We will receive peace, love, faith, and grace.

Footnotes:

All scriptures from the King James Version. Questions based on both the King James Version and the New International Version



	A Study of Ephesians 6:10-24