Satan is a strong enemy, so Paul exhorts us to be strong. Paul knows that the flesh is weak () and that we can overcome only in Christ’s power. Note that before Paul tells us to stand in v. 11, he commands us in v. 10 to be strong. How do we receive this strength to stand? By realizing that we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies far above all of Satan’s principalities and powers (1:19–23), and that the very power of God is available to us through the indwelling Spirit (3:14–21). We must sit before we can walk, and we must walk before we can stand. We must understand our spiritual position before we can have spiritual power.
