Time for Us to Stand (2)

Ephesians 6:10–18 CEB

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. 11 Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. 12 We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. 13 Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand. 14 So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, 15 and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. 16 Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. 18 Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.

Time for Us to Stand

Last time we gathered, we explored the importance of standing firm in the strength of the Lord. We discussed how, in a world that constantly pulls at our attention and challenges our faith, more is needed to rely on our limited resources. Instead, we must begin each day with a conscious acknowledgment of our deep need for God's power. We talked about how, by praying to Him and immersing ourselves in His Word, we build a foundation that cannot be shaken, no matter what storms may come our way.

As we continue our Christian journey, let's not forget that it's not just about finding inner strength. It's about being constantly prepared for the battles that come our way—battles that are not just physical but spiritual. We are engaged in an ongoing spiritual conflict, one that requires us to be ever-vigilant and fully equipped to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. This vigilance is not a burden, but a sign of our readiness and commitment to our faith.

Let me share a story with you. Imagine a castle perched high on a hill, surrounded by strong walls and a deep moat. This castle is known for being impenetrable, and for years, no enemy has been able to breach its defenses. The people inside live with a sense of security, knowing they are protected by these formidable walls.

But one day, the castle is attacked not by force but by cunning. Knowing that the walls are too strong to break, the enemy devises a plan. Disguised as friendly traders, they are allowed into the castle. Once inside, they slowly begin to undermine the structure, weakening the walls from within. By the time the defenders realize what's happening, it's too late. The enemy has breached the once-impenetrable defenses, not through strength, but through deception.

This story mirrors the spiritual reality we face every day. We may feel secure in our faith, strong in the Lord, and confident in our defenses. But the enemy is crafty. He knows he can't overpower us when we stand firm in God's strength, so he tries another tactic—deception, distraction, and subtle undermining of our faith. Our strength in God is not just a shield, but a source of empowerment and confidence in the face of the enemy's tactics.

Just as the castle defenders needed to be vigilant and prepared for the enemy's tactics, we, too, must be on guard against the schemes of the devil. It's not enough to be strong; we must also be aware, alert, and equipped for the spiritual battle that is waged against us. This preparation is not a sign of fear, but of our readiness and determination to stand firm in our faith. This brings us to our first point.

This brings us to the next crucial aspect of standing firm in our faith: standing firm against the schemes of the devil. The Apostle Paul warns us of this very thing in Ephesians 6:11, calling us to put on the full armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the devil's schemes. Let's dive into what it means to be fully equipped and prepared for this battle, recognizing the enemy's tactics and standing firm in the power of God's protection, which is our ultimate defense and source of strength in the spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

As we journey through life, we must understand that we are not mere bystanders in a peaceful world, far from it. We are soldiers on the frontlines of a spiritual battle that rages around us every single day—often unseen but no less real and intense. The stakes are incredibly high, and the enemy we face is no ordinary adversary. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul doesn’t mince words. He brings this stark reality into sharp focus, reminding us that we have an enemy who is cunning, deceptive, and relentless in his pursuit to undermine our faith and derail our walk with God.

The devil’s schemes are not always obvious. He doesn’t always attack with a frontal assault. Instead, he operates in the shadows, weaving subtle, insidious traps designed to exploit our weaknesses, sow seeds of doubt, and gradually lure us away from the truth of God’s Word. He knows where we are most vulnerable and targets those areas with precision, aiming to weaken our resolve and shake our foundation.

But here’s the good news: Paul doesn’t leave us defenseless or without hope. He issues a clear and urgent call to action: “Put on the whole armor of God.” This is not a casual suggestion or friendly advice to be taken lightly. No, this is a battle cry—a rallying call for every believer to be vigilant, prepared, and fully equipped with the spiritual armor that God has provided. This armor is not just a metaphor; it’s our divine protection and empowerment against the enemy’s attacks. With it, we can stand firm, not just to survive, but to overcome and emerge victorious in the spiritual battles we face.

The armor of God is not just a metaphor; it represents the very real and practical ways that God protects and empowers us in this spiritual battle. Let's take a moment to consider each piece of this divine armor, as outlined in Ephesians 6:14-17:

The Belt of Truth: The truth of God's Word is what holds everything together. It is the foundation upon which we stand, enabling us to recognize and reject the lies of the enemy. When we wrap ourselves in truth, we are protected from the deception that so easily entangles us.

The Breastplate of Righteousness: Our righteousness is not of our own making; it is a gift from God, bestowed upon us through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness guards our hearts, protecting us from the guilt and shame that the devil tries to use to weaken our resolve.

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: The gospel brings us peace with God and within ourselves. With our feet firmly planted in the good news of Jesus Christ, we are ready to stand our ground and move forward, no matter the obstacles.

The Shield of Faith: Faith is our defense against the fiery darts of the enemy—doubts, fears, and temptations meant to destroy our confidence in God. With the shield of faith, we extinguish these attacks, standing firm in the assurance that God is with us.

The Helmet of Salvation: The helmet protects our minds, our thoughts, and our identity in Christ. It reminds us of the hope of our salvation and guards us against the enemy's attempts to lead us into despair and confusion.

The Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is our offensive weapon. It is alive, powerful, and sharper than any double-edged sword. With it, we can cut through the lies of the enemy, declaring the truth that sets us free.

Peter wrote the following words:

1 Peter 5:8–9 CEB

8 Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Do so in the knowledge that your fellow believers are enduring the same suffering throughout the world.

Peter’s warning in 1 Peter 5:8 echoes Paul’s urgent call to vigilance and spiritual readiness. The enemy we face is anything but passive. He is actively prowling, like a roaring lion, seeking to devour those who are unprepared, those who walk through life unaware of the intense spiritual battle raging around them. The devil’s attacks are not random; they are strategic, targeting our vulnerabilities, exploiting our weaknesses, and aiming to dismantle our faith piece by piece.

But just as Paul charges us to stand firm, Peter encourages us to resist this relentless adversary. We cannot muster this resistance on our own; it’s not about gritting our teeth and trying harder. No, this is a divine resistance, one that is rooted in the strength that God provides. It’s the strength that comes from being fully equipped with the armor of God—armor designed to protect, empower, and enable us to stand firm, no matter how fierce the battle may become.

Being sober-minded and watchful isn’t just about being cautious; it’s about living with a heightened spiritual awareness, recognizing the reality of the enemy’s schemes, and refusing to let our guard down. It’s about daily, intentional preparation—making the choice every morning to put on the armor of God as a deliberate act of spiritual warfare. This isn’t a one-time decision or a fleeting commitment; it’s a disciplined practice, a spiritual rhythm that prepares us for the challenges that lie ahead.

By actively putting on the armor of God each day, you aren’t just bracing yourself for the battle—you’re positioning yourself for victory. You’re not just surviving; you’re standing firm, unshaken, and victorious. And here’s the most crucial truth: You are not alone in this fight. The same God who provided the armor stands with you, empowering you to resist the devil, repel his attacks, and stand firm in your faith. Just as Paul and Peter urged the early Church to be vigilant and steadfast, so too are we called to take up the armor of God, to stand firm against every scheme of the devil, and to claim the victory that is already ours in Christ.

But remember, this battle is not one we are meant to fight in isolation. The Christian life is not a solitary endeavor; it’s a collective mission. Our strength is magnified when we stand together, united in prayer, faith, and purpose. When we lock arms with our brothers and sisters in Christ, intercede for one another, encourage one another, and hold each other up, our combined strength becomes a force that the enemy cannot withstand. Together, we stand firm, not as isolated individuals, but as the unified body of Christ, empowered by His Spirit to overcome every attack and to advance His kingdom with boldness and authority.

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

In the heat of spiritual warfare, it’s all too easy to feel isolated, as if the battles we face are ours to fight alone. But let me challenge you with this truth: God never intended for you to stand alone. The true power of the Church doesn’t reside in individual believers operating in isolation—it’s found in the collective strength we unleash when we stand firm together in unity. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul doesn’t just suggest that we pray for one another—he commands it. He calls us to pray “at all times in the Spirit” and to be vigilant in our prayers, not just for ourselves but for all the saints. This isn’t optional. This is a divine mandate, a powerful reminder that prayer is not merely a personal exercise but a corporate responsibility. This unifying force binds us together in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Unity in the body of Christ is not a luxury but a necessity. The enemy knows this better than we do—he knows that a divided Church is a weakened Church, an easy target for his schemes. But when we stand together, united in prayer, purpose, and mission, we become an unstoppable force for the Kingdom of God. When your prayers are combined with the prayers of others, something extraordinary happens: a spiritual synergy is created that strengthens our resolve, emboldens our hearts, and amplifies our impact in ways that are impossible to achieve alone.

So, I challenge you: How do we stand firm together in unity? It begins with a serious, unwavering commitment to support one another in prayer and fellowship. This isn’t a casual suggestion—it’s a call to action. Imagine the profound impact when we, as a Church, rise up together in unified prayer, lifting each other up, interceding fiercely for one another, and standing in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Christ. This isn’t just a nice idea or an inspiring thought; it’s a divine imperative. It’s what we are called to do.

As we come to the end of this sermon and this entire series, I want to leave you with a challenge that resonates with the heart of Paul’s message: Stand firm.

We have dug deep into the profound truths of what it truly means to be the Church—empowered by the Holy Spirit, rooted in God’s purpose, and equipped with the strength to face any battle. We’ve repeatedly been reminded that our strength comes not from ourselves but from the Lord. We’ve seen the necessity of standing vigilant against the devil’s schemes and the power that comes when we stand together in unity.

But now, the time for simply understanding these truths has passed. Now is the time to put them into action. This is the moment of decision that will define not just this day but also the very course of your spiritual life moving forward. Will you step up? Will you stand firm, not just in isolation, but together as one body, one Church, fully committed to living out the calling God has placed on your life?

The choice is yours. The challenge is clear. The time to act is now.

Will you stand firm?

Will you start each day not with the weight of the world on your shoulders but by drawing deeply from the limitless strength of the Lord, casting aside the temptation to rely on your limited resources? Will you put on the whole armor of God, fully aware that this is not just a metaphor but your lifeline in a battle that is as real as the air you breathe—a battle where the stakes are nothing less than your soul, purpose, and eternity? Will you boldly stand shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters in Christ, united not just in casual fellowship but in unbreakable prayer, unshakable purpose, and unconditional love?

This is not a call for the faint of heart. This call requires everything you have and more—a call to a deeper, more unrelenting commitment, an unyielding faith, and a spiritual warfare that is no less intense. This is a call to reject the comforts of complacency, to break free from the shadows of doubt and fear that seek to paralyze you and to step boldly into the piercing light of God's truth.

As we draw this series to a close, I urge you to take a hard, honest look at the path we've walked together. Ask yourself: How will I stand firm in my faith? What will be different about my life starting today? What concrete steps will I take to ensure that the truths we've uncovered don't just remain in the pages of my notes but are lived out in the fabric of my daily life?

Remember this: You are not alone in this battle. God has equipped you with everything you need—His unshakable strength, His impenetrable armor, and a community of fellow warriors by your side. But it is up to you to take hold of these divine resources, wield them with determination, and stand firm in the calling God has uniquely placed upon your life.

So I challenge you, not tomorrow, not next week, but today—right now—to stand firm in the strength of the Lord. Stand firm against every scheme, every lie, every temptation the devil throws your way. And stand firm together as one unified body, knowing that your collective strength is a force that can change the world.

And as you do, prepare yourself to witness God move in and through you in ways that will astound you. Watch as He transforms your life, strengthens His Church, and advances His Kingdom with a power and purpose you could never have imagined.

The time for hesitation is over. The time for standing firm is now. The question is: Will you rise to the challenge?