We don’t have to look far to see that life can feel like a battlefield. There are moments when it seems as though every step forward meets resistance. But take heart! The battle we face isn’t fought alone, nor with earthly weapons. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul paints a picture of the spiritual battle we are all in and arms us with tools we need to stand firm.
1. Recognize the Battle (Ephesians 6:10-12)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (v. 10). It’s easy to forget that we are in a spiritual battle because our enemies are unseen. Yet, the struggles we face—temptations, doubts, fears—are part of this invisible war. Paul reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.”
This battle isn’t against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to pull us away from God. As soldiers in the Lord’s army, we need strength beyond ourselves. We need the Lord’s power.
2. Put on the Full Armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-17)
Paul gives us a powerful image: the armour of God. In the ancient world, soldiers needed proper gear to survive battle, and in our spiritual battles, we are no different. Each piece of the armour serves a purpose to help us stand our ground:
- The Belt of Truth (v. 14): Truth is our anchor. In a world full of confusion and deceit, God’s Word stands as an unchanging source of wisdom. It holds everything together. When lies creep in, let the truth of Scripture keep you steady.
- The Breastplate of Righteousness (v. 14): A soldier’s breastplate protects the heart. The righteousness of Christ, given to us through faith, guards our hearts. It’s not our own goodness that keeps us safe, but the righteousness that Jesus imparts to us.
- Feet Fitted with the Gospel of Peace (v. 15): Our foundation is peace—peace with God and peace within ourselves. The Gospel reminds us that no matter the battle, we can stand firm in the peace Jesus offers.
- The Shield of Faith (v. 16): Faith is our defense against the enemy’s attacks—doubts, fears, and discouragements. Lift your shield when those fiery arrows come your way, trusting in God’s promises to extinguish every lie.
- The Helmet of Salvation (v. 17): Salvation secures our minds. The assurance that we are saved and loved by God protects our thoughts from despair and defeat.
- The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (v. 17): The only offensive weapon in our armour is the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded with Scripture. The same Word that Jesus used to combat the enemy is available to us, and just as He wielded it with authority, so can we—and so should we!
3. Stay Alert in Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
Paul ends this passage with an essential reminder: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” A soldier never steps into battle without communication with the commander. Prayer is our lifeline. It’s how we stay connected with God, discerning His will, asking for His strength, and standing alongside one another as fellow soldiers.
As we head toward the end of the year, the challenges seem to grow stronger. Perhaps you’re feeling spiritually fatigued. Maybe the struggles you’re facing have intensified, or the future looks uncertain. It’s in these moments that the enemy would love to see us defeated, but we are not without defense.
- Take time this week to identify areas in your life where the enemy might be attacking. Are you feeling overwhelmed with fear? Struggling with doubt? The enemy often strikes where we are weakest. Write down the areas where you feel most vulnerable.
- Equip yourself by diving deeper into God’s Word. Read a passage of Scripture daily, focusing on the promises of God. As you do, imagine putting on each piece of the armour of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.
- Pray for strength and alertness. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of the enemy’s schemes and to give you the strength to stand firm.
We’re not fighting for victory; we’re fighting from victory.
The battlefield of life is real, and the attacks will come. But remember this: victory has already been won through Christ. We’re not fighting for victory; we’re fighting from victory. So, as soldiers in God’s army, let’s suit up. Let’s be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, fully armed for the spiritual battles ahead.
Let’s go into the final stretch of this year with confidence, knowing that the One who has called us into battle is the One who fights for us and equips us to stand firm, clothed in His armour. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Victory is sure when the Lord is your strength.