Ephesians 6:10-18 

Introduction: In this passage of scripture, we are told to put on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to “stand against the whiles of the devil”. Just like a soldier wears an armor that helps and protects him, as Christian soldiers, we are given the spiritual armor we should be wearing. Because every piece of the armor is mentioned specifically and serves a purpose, we want to go through each one of the pieces, so that we know and understand their function. 

The Charge: Vs 10 “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”. This is not a life of enjoyment and ease but of conflict and struggles. Because of it, we are to be strong IN THE LORD, not in our own power and might. Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible”. 

The Duty: Vs 11 “Put on the whole armour of God” Don’t leave your home without it and don’t leave a single piece behind. If one piece of armor is left behind, we are exposed and vulnerable to the enemy. 

The Purpose: Vs 11 “that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”. Vs 13 “withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”. The devil is the enemy of the Christian soldier. The devil uses different wiles- methods, trickery, and craftiness to use and deceive the believer. II Corinthians 2:11 “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices”.  

The Warfare: Vs 12 “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wickedness in high places”. We are not involved in a physical war but a very real and strong spiritual war. 

1. Belt of Truth– Vs 14 “having your loins girt about with truth”. Every day we must put on truth, no matter how much it hurts, we must be girt about with truth. 
   • Truth Comes In- Word of God- Ephesians 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word”. John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth”. 
   • Truth Goes Out- Speak and live the truth- Ephesians 4:25 “wherefore put away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another”. 

2. Breastplate of Righteousness– Vs 14 “having on the breastplate of righteousness”. The breastplate covered all the vital organs from the neck to the thighs, to include the heart. A Christian soldier is to have righteousness. 

1. • Righteousness of Jesus Christ- II Corinthians 5:21 “that we might be made the righteousness of God in him”.  We are to strive after Christ’s righteousness. 
   • Live Righteously- Titus 2:11-12 “we should live… righteously. 

3. Gospel Shoes– Vs 15 “feed shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” 

1. • The Gospel Must Go Out- For this to happen, those of us that are saved, and have peace with God, must be ready to tell others about it “feet shod”. Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into al the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. 
   • The Gospel Brings Peace- Lost people are looking for peace and what they need is to have peace with God. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ allows man to have peace with God- Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. 

4. Shield of Faith– Vs 16 “taking the shield of faith”. This piece of armor protects us from “the fiery darts of the wicked”. This piece will keep us protected from the daily attacks of the devil. Our faith comes from the belief of the Words of God, the more we read and believe, the more our faith will increase. This will allow us to fight off the fiery darts of the wicked. 

1. • Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”.  
   • Satan will cast doubt on a Christian’s salvation, his call, worthiness, service. Will cause a Christian to be discouraged, depressed, and defeated. 

5. Helmet of Salvation– Vs 17 “helmet of salvation”. Our minds need to be stayed on Christ and away from the world, the sins of the world, the lusts of the world. We need to protect the mind and thoughts that come in. 

1. • Cast Down Imaginations- II Corinthians 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every hight thing that exalteth itself against the knoweldege of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”. 
   • Think on These Things- Philippians 4:8 “… if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”. In this verse we find the things that should be always filling our mind, when these are not there, beware!  

6. Sword of the Spirit– Vs 17 “and the sword of the Spirit”. The sword of the spirit “is the word of God”, the only defensive and offensive weapon is the armour of God. The sword is used to protect and to fight off the enemy. 

1. • We must read, study, and use the Word of God appropriately and at the right time. Hebrews 44:12 “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”. 

7. Praying Knees– Vs 18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit”. When we read our Bible, we hear from God and when we pray, God hears from us. Prayer gives us confidence and assurance when we go to God at any time, in any place, for any situation. 

1. • I Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing”. God wants to hear everything about us. The little things and the big things. Praying about everything will keep us focused on Christ instead of being focused on the things that devil is throwing our way. 

Conclusion: This life is a battlefield, and we need to be prepared and properly equipped to face the spiritual warfare. By putting on this armor daily, we will be able to withstand and stand in the evil day. Just like a soldier properly equips himself before going into the battlefield, in like manner, as a Christian soldier, don’t leave your home without being properly equipped for the daily war.