Introduction

We have been reminded in our previous messages that Christian life is a warfare. We are not only pilgrims but soldiers. We are not only in a foreign land, we are in the enemy's land. Some commentators compare the Christian experience to life within a camp located in enemy territory. 

It is a serious mistake to think that since we are saved, Satan can no longer touch us. It is a serious mistake to think that after our glorious salvation experience and conversion to Jesus Christ, there will be no more trouble and conflict. But the reality is, the hour of our salvation is just the beginning of a lifelong spiritual warfare - not a war for our salvation, to be sure, but a war in Christian sanctification and service. This is not merely a figure of speech, but a hard and somber reality. 

The closing portion of Paul's letter contains his account of this conflict of the Christian with the forces of evil and how God commands us to stand firm against it.

I - Our Adversary 

Ephesians 6:10 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. 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. 

In a war the first thing we need to know is our enemy. It would be impossible to defeat the enemy if you do not know who your enemy is. Unless we know and understand who the enemy is, where he is, and what he can do, we will have difficult time defeating him. Throughout the entire Bible, God instructs us about the enemy, so there is no reason for us to be caught off guard.

I do not want to spend too much time talking about our enemy this morning, since we already have exposed him in our previous sermons. But let us just be reminded of the following:

1. Satan is our Archenemy

Ephesians 6:12 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. 

The important point is that our battle is not against human beings. We are wasting our time fighting people when we ought to be fighting the devil, who seeks to control people and make them oppose the work of God. 

2. Satan is Crafty

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

Satan is devilishly wise and subtle and we fight against "the wiles of the devil." Wiles means deceit, trickery, and crafty ways. Satan is cunning and crafty and "lie in wait to deceive" (Ephesians 4:14). The Christian cannot afford to be "ignorant of his devices".

3. Satan is not Alone

Ephesians 6:12 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. 

Satan has helpers. He has army of demonic creatures that assist him in his attacks against believers. In Revelation chapter 12 verse 4, the apostle John hinted that one third of the angels fell with Satan when he rebelled against God.

We are engaged in a life and death struggle, not against a weak human enemy but against the supernatural forces of evil. We wrestle against spiritual powers. How can we defend ourselves from his stealthy and deadly attacks?

II - Our Admonition

In order to successfully fight against the wiles of the devil, we need supernatural strength. Spiritual battles require supernatural strength. 

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

You see, we do not have to be discouraged by Satan's devices, power and deceit. If Satan is not alone, we believers are also not alone. We are not in this battle alone. We have access to the greatest power in the universe! Paul states that there is "strength" and "power" available for the Christian beyond their own! 

"Be strong" could mean to "allow the Lord to strengthen you" or "strengthen yourself in the Lord". 

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Note carefully, it is not "be strong in yourself" nor "believe in yourself". No, it is "be strong in the Lord."  Be strong not in yourselves, but in the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom your strength lies, and from whom by faith you may obtain it.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

In our own strength we are no match for the devil. In ourselves we are weak, yet Christ's power is mighty. So the admonition to us is that we should be continually strengthened in the Lord and in the boundless resources of His might. Our greatest weakness may be our failure to ask for God's strength. But God's best soldiers are those who are conscious of their own weakness and ineffectiveness, and therefore rely completely and only on Him. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Our strength is perfect weakness; but the good and gracious Lord is ready to equip those who acknowledge their helplessness and seek for His sustaining grace. 

Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

III - Our Armour

Since we are fighting against enemies in the spirit world, we need special equipment both for offense and defense. 

Ephesians 6:13 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. 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; 16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

God has provided the "whole armor" for us. Each of its pieces—its belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword—is furnished by Him. 

1. A Supplied Armour

Ephesians 6:13 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. 

It is called the "armor of God" because it God who provides it, for we do not have anything of our own. Just as the strength and courage we need, do not come from ourselves, it must be supplied by the Lord; so our means of defense must also be supplied by the Lord. And He does! 

2. A Significant Armour

It is vitally important armour. It is an absolutely necessary armour. We are in a state of warfare, exposed to countless enemies and we are naturally unprepared for this contest, and therefore we need to put on the armour of God. We must have the weapon that God has supplied, for no weapon of our own will be able to defend us.

Ephesians 6:13 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. 

The spiritual armour is not designed for show. The armour of God is not like weapons (samurai, spears or swords) on the walls in some houses only for decoration and display. No the armour of God is not for show only but for use, and therefore it must be put on. 

Also it is important to understand that while God provides the strength and the weapon, He does not put it on for us. God provides and places it before us; and it is our responsibility to put on the whole armour of God. 

3. A Sufficient Armour

Ephesians 6:13 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. 

It is a complete armour, every way sufficient. It is sufficient to defend us in every part. It is armour for every part, except the back, which is provided with no defense, to show that the Christian is never to quit the field, but to face his enemies.

God has provided the "whole armour" for us, and we cannot afford to  omit any part. Satan looks for that unguarded area where he can get a upper hand.

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

We must be careful to take to ourselves the "whole" armour of God, not just part of it, a part of it will not work.  

Closing Thoughts 

Every believer now has the resources within to deal with Satan, no matter what onslaughts the devil may bring. The same weapon that Paul and the early Christians used to "fight a good fight, finished the  course, and kept the faith" is the same weapon that is available to us today.

God commands us to stand firm and strong ...

Ephesians 6:10 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. 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. 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; 

To stand and withstand is the opposite of yielding, of being tripped up, thrown down, by the devil's temptations; it means that we stand our ground, strive against and resist the devil. But remember that God would not command us to stand firm without supplying us the resources that ensure victory in each and every battle. 

Do not enter into battle with such adversaries defenseless, but take to you the whole armour of God armour. Do not cover one portion and leave another exposed. Do not resort to any arsenal of your own, for its armour is weak and useless; but put on the whole armour of God.

Finally, this admonition to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might and to put the whole armour of God" is for brethren. 

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

This is for fellow believers. This admonition will mean nothing to those who are not believers in Jesus Christ. The admonition to the unbelievers first and foremost is not "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might". The admonition to unbelievers is to repent and believe the Gospel. Come to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Come to the mighty Captain who has overcome the sin, death and hell! Come and join the winning side!

AMEN!