Ephesians 6:10-20 – Standing Firm in Christ

V.14 Belt of truth.  

All the armor depends on it. Study the truth in scripture, but more importantly, let it study you.

V.14b Breastplate of righteousness. 

When we attempt to gain self-worth with our good works, abilities, a person, power, approval, a bank account, we are putting our own breastplate on. The ultimate solution – the righteousness that comes not from our own works but from Jesus Himself. 

V.15 Gospel shoes of Peace. 

My sin debt is wiped clean and death has been defeated by the sacrifice of Jesus. The good news means I no longer have to fight in my own strength, but simply put on the armor and stand firm in the peace and the strength of our victorious Lord. 

V.16  Shield of Faith.

When the enemy fires a dart of accusation, temptation, or guilt, the Christian responds with words and actions of faith soaked in God’s word. It takes faith to yield to the truth. The shield was most effective in the Gospel Community.  Faith is best activated with others but won’t survive if dry.  

V.17 Helmet of salvation. It protects how we think. 

Past: I am a new creation in Christ and now saved from the penalty of sin.    

Present: I am being saved from the power of sin (changed into the likeness of Christ in my actions). Future: I will be saved from the presence of sin in my new flawless body.

V.17b  The Sword of the Spirit.

It’s when the LOGOS word has soaked your shield, and you speak out God’s RHEMA word, at the right time. Bookends of victory is God’s written word and wielded word as it is spoken.  The sword needs to be properly wielded.  How?  Be familiar with it:  Memorize it, hide it and ask the Spirit, it’s His sword so ask when and how to use it.

V.18-20 Prayer:

How we do battle. We stand firm and we pray (which extends the hand of God). How do I pray? Pray the word of God.  It’s the only way to truly pray God’s will.  Make it a priority by faith. Pray continuously over your family, with your family.  Pray in the Spirit. 

Grow Group Questions:

1. Paul says twice to take up the FULL armor of God.  What happens when we leave pieces out?
2. Why does Paul say “stand” 4 times instead of “charge”?  What does he want to communicate?
3. Where are metaphorical breastplates of righteousness that our culture typically puts on?  Why is it the “breastplate” and not another piece of armor like leg protector…
4. Why is it the “helmet” of salvation and not another piece in the armor? Why does the spiritual battle start in the mind?
5. Which of the armor do you find most difficult to put on?