Free Bible Commentary
“Ephesians 6:10-12”
Categories: Ephesians“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
--- End of Scripture verses---
Often as I exercise in the gym at work, I observe how much strenuous effort the people put into strengthening their physical bodies. Working hard for a strong and healthy body is a wise thing to do, but I know that, in the end, we are all fighting a losing battle in that regard. All of our bodies will eventually fail us no matter how diligent we are in our pursuit of strength and health. I will continue to fight this physical fight for as long as the Lord gives me the ability and will to do so. But the most important exercise that we can engage in as human beings is of the spiritual variety.
Make no mistake about it, it takes a great deal of effort to acquire and maintain spiritual strength. The Holy Spirit tells us in verse 10 to “be strong in the Lord.” That is a command that requires action and exertion. We simply must put time in at the spiritual gymnasium in order to gain spiritual strength. We must “suit up” every day with the “full armor of God” (verse 12). We will see in tomorrow’s reading that this requires equipping ourselves daily by immersing ourselves in the word of God, and also by praying “at all times in the Spirit” (verse 18).
When we “put on” the armor that God provides for us, He is actually the one who is equipping us with the “strength of His might” (verse 10). The power that is contained in the word of God and in prayer emanates from the glorious throne of God in heaven. The power that spoke the universe into existence from mere thought is the power behind our armor and our personal strengthening. No one of us is strong enough personally and individually to “stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (verse 11). But, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Even when we are physically and emotionally weak, we can be strong through God’s grace if we avail ourselves of His spiritual provision (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Our greatest and most consequential battle is against the “spiritual forces of wickedness” (verse 12) that are crafted by Satan and his wily scheming. If we are not putting up a fight then we are losing. There is no escaping the war that is being waged during every second of life on earth after reaching the point of “spiritual accountability”. We are either fighting with God on the winning side, or we are being defeated and taken captive as prisoners of war in the enemy’s camp. The commands are stern and startling. Be strong! Suit up! Stand firm! Be resolute in your battle against the adversary! War is no place for spiritual wimps! You are in a warzone friend. Suit up and take the battle to the enemy!
Please read Ephesians 6:13-17 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day! -
Louie Taylor
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