Stand Firm

Ephesians 6:10–14 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

At War

Ephesians 6:11–12 ESV

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

we are not fighting man

Enemy is satan and his fallen angels

They are mighty

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Indeed the enemy has powers we do not have

Strength is the Lords

Ephesians 6:10 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Our strength comes from the Lord

Be strong in the Lord

Strength of his might

God creator, sustainer speaks and it is so commands the demons Ruler of all

Job 26:12–14 ESV

By his power he stilled the sea; by his understanding he shattered Rahab. By his wind the heavens were made fair; his hand pierced the fleeing serpent. Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?”

Jeremiah 32:27 ESV

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?

Be Prepared for Battle

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Armor of God

his power his defense his might

yet we have to equip ourselves

Just as a king kept an armory for the soldiers God says here take of my armor yet it our responsibility to put it on

Be prepared for battle

Negligence is the only reason we lose

We have the power through Christ

We have the armor of God

We have victory through the Sacrifice

We have Life through the Giver of Life

The Battle is already ours if we will but use the equipment God has Given

Armor allows us to withstand to endure the battles of life.

Hold the Line

Ephesians 6:10–13 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Four times Paul says uses the word stand this word is the word used to describe the roman soldiers making a wall out of their shields and interlocking them to make an impassable obstacle as long as everyone stood their ground the enemy could not pass. You then stabbed the enemy with your sword and spear through small gaps in the corners of the shield wall.

Once the wall was breached battle became much more deadly behind the wall was safety. Thus the command to stand firm or as we might say Hold the line.

We are not meant to fight alone we are a unit a team fighting together, and our armor is designed for it.

No individual heroics but rather a disciplined unit strategy for victory.