INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE

1. PREPARE FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE (Ephesians 6:10-12) 

     A. A Wily Enemy (Ephesians 6:10-11) 

     B. A Spiritual Struggle (v. 12) 

2. PUT ON SPIRITUAL ARMOR (Ephesians 6:13-17) 

     A. Take a Stand (Ephesians 6:13-14a) 

     B. Truth and Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b) 

     C. The Good News and Faith (Ephesians 6:15-16) 

     D. Salvation and the Word (Ephesians 6:17) 

3. PRAY AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL (Ephesians 6:18-24) 

     A. Spiritual Prayer (Ephesians 6:18) 

     B. Specific Prayer (Ephesians 6:19-20) 

     C. Words of Blessings (Ephesians 6:21-24)

Central Truth: God provides the resources we need for spiritual victories. 

Focus: Affirm the reality of spiritual warfare and stand against the devil’s schemes. 

Evangelism Emphasis: Christians should be bold witnesses. 

Text: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). 

INTRODUCTION 

Ephesians 6 contains perhaps the clearest definition of spiritual warfare in the New Testament. It is a call to arms. As Christians, we are in a battle against opponents who are stronger than us. This chapter not only teaches us there is a spiritual war, but that, apart from utilizing the weapons God has provided for us, we are hopelessly underpowered. If we plan to win the battle, we must rely on provisions and resources beyond human capabilities. 

Verses 10-17 tell us what our divine weapons are. These weapons also imply the nature of the struggle we are in. The weapons God has provided for us repel the attacks of Satan, thus we can learn a great deal about the nature of Satan’s opposition from studying each of these weapons. 

Ron Phillips writes: 

Satan comes at us directly—through the world system in which we live and through our flesh. With God’s armor we can fend off the attack of our enemy: 

1. With our belt and breastplate we have integrity and identity in Christ. Satan cannot attack our character. 
2. With our shoes and shield we have balance and belief. Satan cannot penetrate our commitment. 
3. With our helmet we have assurance and anticipation of the good things of God. Satan cannot destroy our confidence. 

James 4:7 tells us, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Defensive weapons can hold off Satan, but only offensive weapons can cause him to flee. God has supplied just such a weapon in the sword of the Spirit. 

1. PREPARE FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE 

A.  A Wily Enemy (Ephesians 6:10-11) 

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

Proper preparation is key to prosecuting a successful war. One aspect of preparation is to know the enemy’s capabilities and limitations. Paul describes the devil as a wily enemy. The word wiles indicates trickery, cunning, and deception. The devil attacks believers at their most vulnerable point and often pretends that he is a friend, not the devil (2 Cor. 11:14). 

To begin their spiritual battle, the Ephesians must recognize the need for strength beyond their own. An assured sense of victory must not be used as an excuse for inaction. Believers cannot speak of winning the victory where there is never a fight. 

The phrase “power of his might” (Eph. 6:10) brings together words for power previously used in 1:19 and 3:16-21. The Ephesians would have understood the implications. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead (1:20) and brought the Ephesians to life when they were “dead in trespasses and sins” (2:1) is now available to them for spiritual warfare. There can be no doubt about its adequacy. Believers are to clothe themselves with the armor God provides. It is a complete outfit because the soldier must be fully protected. 

• Describe the Christian’s strength (v. 10). 

• What is the purpose of “the devil’s schemes” (v. 11 NIV)? 

B.  A Spiritual Struggle (v. 12) 

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. 

Paul does not call believers to enter into spiritual warfare. Instead, he announces it as a fact. The fact that our battle is not against flesh and blood is lost for those Christians who put all their efforts in that direction. Paul’s idea here is much the same as in 2 Corinthians 10:3: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (NKJV). 

Our battle is “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil” (Eph. 6:12 CSB). These spiritual forces are all part of a spiritual army that is organized and established into ranks under the headship of Satan, who comes against us with his wiles. “In order for us to fight victoriously in these spirit wars, we must understand our enemy,” wrote David Griffis. “Paul warns us not to be ‘ignorant of his devices’ (2 Cor. 2:11). It is important to understand him—his past, present, and future. We should have a knowledge of his purpose, techniques, and power, as well as his limitations, weaknesses, and fears.” 

The wording of verse 12 of the text indicates a continuing struggle. To wrestle means to come into hand-to-hand conflict, usually extended over a period of time. There is never a time we can feel that the problem of spiritual warfare has been won once and for all. 

Don’t Live in Fear 

A believer who overestimates Satan’s power can live an entire lifetime in fear, always terrified of what Satan might do. Satan likes nothing better than to stir up that kind of fear in a believer, because it destroys his effectiveness for the Lord.—George Sweeting 

2. PUT ON SPIRITUAL ARMOR

A. Take a Stand (Ephesians 6:13-14a) 

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. 14a Stand therefore. 

Paul’s use of “wherefore” (v. 13) is a way of catching up and applying what he has previously said. We must recognize the power of spiritual enemies and, as a result, dress for battle. The exhortation to “stand” repeats the emphasis in verse 11 on the need for immovable steadfastness in the face of a ruthless foe. In verse 13, Paul talks about standing firm in the midst of battle. By keeping ourselves strong in the Lord through using God’s armor, we can win the fight against the forces of evil. We can stand even in “‘the evil day,’ in which sin and iniquity abound, error and heresy prevail” (John Gill). 

The command to “stand therefore” (v. 14) teaches we are not to be dressed for battle and then sit at home cowering away from the conflict. We are not to spend our time preparing for battle––praying, worshiping, studying God’s Word, and so on—and then be absent when the call to arms is sounded. Paul’s command is a military charge to do the work of a soldier. 

• When is it most difficult to stand for God? 

B. Truth and Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b) 

14b Having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. 

Paul lists several items of the soldier’s armor in the order in which they would be put on. Together they comprise the panoplia worn before taking the field. With the free-flowing garments of the East, the soldier would first fasten the belt about the waist. The belt gathered in the tunic and helped steady the breastplate when the latter was fitted on. It not only provided uninhibited movement for the soldier but also provided support for the loins and abdominal region, which endured great stress in marching and combat. In addition, the belt was a means of carrying a sword. From the belt hung the scabbard in which the sword was sheathed. The belt tied tightly around the waist indicated that the soldier was prepared for action. To slacken the belt was to go off duty. 

The “breastplate” covered the body from the neck to the thighs. Polybius, an authority in war tactics who lived between 201 and 120 BC, tells us it was known as a heart-protector. Usually it was made of bronze, but the more affluent officers wore a coat of chain mail. The front piece was strictly the breastplate, but a back piece was commonly worn as well. Isaiah 59:17 says the Lord himself puts on righteousness like a breastplate. The Christian’s “breastplate of righteousness” stands for uprightness and integrity of character, which results directly from the appropriation of Christ’s righteousness. Our protection is not to be sought in any works of our own, but only in what Christ has done for us and in us. 

• How can we put on truth? 

C. The Good News and Faith (Ephesians 6:15-16) 

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

Once the breastplate has been fitted into position, the soldier puts on his strong army boots. Josephus, the Jewish historian, described them as “shoes thickly studded with sharp nails” so as to ensure a good grip. The military successes both of Alexander the Great and of Julius Caesar were due, in large measure, to their armies’ being well shod, thus able to undertake long marches at incredible speed over rough terrain. 

As Christian soldiers, we must have the protection and mobility that come with having our feet “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (NIV). Paul is alluding to Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” (NIV). The good news Isaiah refers to is the deliverance of Israel from exile. The good news we proclaim is the salvation message of Jesus Christ. Paul refers to the same Isaiah passage in Romans 10:15. His point is that people of this world will never be changed from their sinful lives unless they hear the message. 

“Above all,” or “in addition to all this,” we must “take up the shield of faith” (Eph. 6:16 NIV). The shield refers to the large oblong or oval scutum the Roman soldier held in front of him for protection. It consisted of two layers of wood glued together, covered with linen and hide, and bound with iron. Soldiers often fought side by side with a solid wall of shields. But even a single-handed combatant found himself sufficiently protected. 

As Christians, our protective shield is faith, both in action and in its objective content. With such a shield, we can extinguish all the incendiary devices flung by the devil. This shield effectively counteracts the danger of such diabolical missiles, not merely by arresting or deflecting them, but by quenching the flames to prevent them from spreading. 

In all circumstances we must “believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him” (Heb. 11:6 Amp.). Through steadfast faith in God, we will not be overwhelmed by any adversity that surrounds us. When we know who we are and for what we stand, and when we know God is faithful and His Word is true, then we can withstand anything the devil may bring against us. 

Venture or Vegetate 

We live by faith or we do not live at all. Either we venture—or we vegetate. . . . By faith we move mountains of opposition or we are stopped by molehills.—Harold Walker 

D. Salvation and the Word (Ephesians 6:17) 

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

Two more items of the armor remain. The shield had to be fixed in place before the helmet, since the shield’s handle could not pass over the helmet. The helmet was made of bronze with leather attachments. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, the helmet is identified with “the hope of [full] salvation.” In Isaiah 59:17, Yahweh wears the “helmet of salvation” along with the breastplate of righteousness. The Christian shares the divine equipment. In Ephesians 6:17, the word take means “receive” or “accept.” The previous elements of the armor were laid out for the soldier to pick up, but the helmet and sword would be handed to him by an attendant or by his armorbearer. As Joseph Beet notes, the helmet provides “a present deliverance from sin to be consummated in eternity by complete deliverance.” 

The final weapon is the sword, for there is no mention of the spear which was the regular offensive armament of the Roman foot soldier. Instead, Paul focuses on the short, two-edged, cut-and-thrust sword wielded by the heavily armed legionary. The Christian’s only weapon of offense is “the sword of the Spirit.” “The word of God” is divine utterance or speech. In Isaiah 11:4, the Messiah is portrayed as One who strikes the ruthless with “the rod of his mouth”; that is, by the authoritative impact of what He says. Elsewhere in Scripture, speech is compared to a sword. 

So, what is this “word of God”? Many think it is “the gospel” (Eph. 6:15), which is “the power of God” (Rom 1:16). Others regard it as words given by the Holy Spirit to meet the critical need of the moment, or as prayer in which the Spirit speaks through the Christian (Eph. 6:18). It is significant that, in Matthew’s temptation narrative, Jesus himself (quoting Deut. 8:3) refers to “every word [rhema] that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4 NIV) and employs relevant scriptures to defeat the devil’s stratagems. 

• Why is God’s Word called “the sword of the Spirit” (also see Heb. 4:12)? 

3. PRAY AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL 

A. Spiritual Prayer (Ephesians 6:18) 

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

Prayer is not included among the weapons wielded by the Christian combatant. However, Paul is still concerned with the Christian’s victory in struggle. So praying is connected with all the preceding commands. We can stand firm and true, successfully resisting all spiritual foes, only as we remain in the spirit of prayer. We must pray “always,” or “on all occasions” (NIV), suggesting that we must pray in preparation for the battle as well as during the engagement itself. 

Some people err in placing confines on prayer. Some reserve prayer only for times of trial and need. For others, prayer is an action to be observed in the worship service on Sunday and other appointed times. We must not allow prayer to slip away from us either because of adversity or prosperity. The adage is still relevant, “Whenever you find it hardest to pray, pray your hardest!” In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul exhorts believers, “Pray without ceasing.” 

Christians must also pray “in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:18). This phrase could mean “in communion with the Spirit” or “in the power of the Spirit.” Pentecostals also understand it as a reference to praying in unknown tongues. Every avenue of praying is to be thoroughly explored. We are to pray with all kinds of prayer. God is a God of variety. We must not limit the expression of prayer to a particular style or approach, but must always pray in agreement with God’s Word. Praying must include watchfulness. We must be vigilant in prayer and not become listless. 

• Who should Christians pray for? 

B. Specific Prayer (Ephesians 6:19-20) 

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. 

Paul asked his readers to remember him in their prayers. Paul realized his dependency on the intercession of his friends for the furtherance and ability of ministry, despite his apostolic calling. Unlike some preachers and Christian leaders who talk, act, and think as if they are self-sufficient, Paul realized his weakness and potential for failure without the intercession of others. He was counting on the prayers of the church so he might boldly proclaim “the mystery of the gospel.” He knew it was only through what God himself supplied that he would be able to fulfill his role. If it was true for Paul, how much more so for us! 

Verse 20 repeats Paul’s request for boldness, but he described himself in an unusual manner. Paul was imprisoned because of his faithfulness in preaching the Gospel, so he called himself “an ambassador in chains” (NIV). What a paradox! Paul was an ambassador on behalf of Christ, yet he was in chains. Ambassadors normally enjoyed diplomatic immunity, but Paul would be compelled to appear in the imperial court as a prisoner. Yet, Paul was not seeking sympathy. All he desired was the prayer of the saints in order to be able to speak boldly as Christ’s witness. 

How to Pray 

Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.—Phillips Brooks 

C. Words of Blessings (Ephesians 6:21-24) 

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. 

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was apparently delivered by one of his ministry companions, Tychicus (see Acts 20:4), whom Paul called “beloved” and “faithful” (Eph. 6:21). This journey from Ephesus to Rome would have taken several weeks. In addition to the vital letter Tychicus was carrying, he brought a personal report on Paul’s condition and his limited activities as a prisoner in Rome. Paul said this news would encourage the Ephesians (v. 22). 

He concluded this letter with words of blessing. First, Paul prayed that peace and love from God the Father and the Son would rest upon them (v. 23). Second, he prayed that God’s grace would rest upon the Ephesians as they returned God’s faith-building love by loving Jesus Christ “in sincerity” (v. 24), or with an “undying love” (CSB). 

• Describe your love for Jesus Christ? 

SPIRITUAL WARRIORS

As Christians, we must never lose sight of the distinctive nature of our calling as members of the Church in the world. We are engaged in spiritual warfare, and we need to be courageous and prayerful as we face a formidable foe. Yet we can maintain a sense of security and confidence, because Christ’s strength and God’s full armor are ours to draw upon and use. 

Daily Devotions 

M.  The Enemy Is Defeated (Exodus 14:21-28) 

T.  The Lord Delivers (Psalm 34:1-10) 

W.  God Answers When We Call (Psalm 55:16-22) 

T.  Jesus Resists the Devil’s Tactics (Luke 4:1-13) 

F.  Fight in Faith (1 Timothy 6:5-16) 

S.  Remain Strong in Holy Faith (Jude 17-25) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2021-2022.