We're In A Spiritual Battle
Lesson 1
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:10-12God’s Word reveals that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but demonic powers. Our fight isn’t against people but the spiritual forces influencing them. However, most of us simply don’t recognize the role the spirit realm plays in our daily lives. We think it’s just human—natural—but the devil is busy influencing people every day.
It’s useless to debate whether or not an individual is possessed, oppressed, or simply depressed. When the New Testament calls someone “demon possessed,” the Greek word there literally means “demonized.” They are under the influence and, therefore, control of the devil. This issue people make about whether someone is possessed, oppressed, or just depressed isn’t in Scripture. The truth is that people all around the world today are being influenced, controlled, and used—to whatever degree—by the devil.
Proper Perspective
Many Westerners honestly believe that all the demons are over in some third-world country. But anyone who is spiritually perceptive knows that there is an abundance of demonic activity anywhere you go in the world, including the West. We just tend to look at things as being normal and natural. We miss the fact that the origin of many things that happen in our day—things that tick us of and come against us—is spiritual. We fail to recognize the spiritual influence behind it.
However, if you were to adopt the biblical mindset, it would make a huge difference in the way you respond. You’d recognize that it’s not that person who sits next to you at work. It’s not your neighbor, your spouse, or your circumstances that are really what’s coming against you. They can be influenced, inspired, and used by Satan, but they really aren’t the source. When you genuinely understand that this isn’t a physical battle, it changes the way you respond.
I get a lot of hate mail and criticism because of the things I say. There was a time when I took these things personally and thought, Why is this individual so upset with me? I just looked at it and always tried to deal with them on the human level. Since then, I’ve come to recognize that Satan is the one who’s trying to get my attention off of what God has told me to do. I just recognize that the Enemy is using some person to come against me. He’s just trying to gain an inroad into my life so he can steal God’s Word from me (Mark 4:17). But because I look beyond the individual and don’t take it personally, I’m able to put things into proper perspective and deal with it differently.
I’ve actually had some good friends come against me. Even though they did some pretty mean things, I’ve been able to look past that and forgive them. I recognized that they had a sensitivity in some area that Satan took advantage of and used them against me. I haven’t been angry or bitter toward them, because I understood what the devil was trying to do. Since then, they’ve turned around and realized what happened. We’ve been able to completely reestablish our friendship because I recognized that it wasn’t just those people, but Satan trying to get at me.
Satan Uses People
Jesus exemplified this same perspective. He recognized when the devil was trying to get to Him through a person.
After Peter—under the influence of God—confessed Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16), the Lord started explaining to His disciples about His soon, coming crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Immediately Peter began to rebuke Him, saying:
Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Matthew 16:22Apparently, Peter had missed Jesus’ statement that He would rise again on the third day. Peter didn’t even want to consider the thought of his beloved Lord being taken and killed. This was the same man who just moments before had been inspired and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Yet now, Jesus…
Turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Matthew 16:23The Lord recognized that Satan was speaking through Peter. This wasn’t something coming from God. Jesus knew it was inconsistent with what the Father had clearly revealed to Him of His will. So even though Peter had just spoken forth a glorious revelation by the Holy Spirit, Christ knew that the inspiration for Peter’s rebuke of Him was from hell.
There are times when the devil speaks to you through people. He’ll use people to get at you. Of course, they may be unaware of the fact that they’re being used by Satan. Peter was probably shocked, hurt, and offended when Jesus turned around and said, “Get behind me, Satan!” However, there are times when you need to rebuke the devil that way too.
Whose Voice Is It?
Now, don’t misunderstand me and go around blasting people. I’m not saying you should rebuke everyone who disagrees with you, declaring, “You’re of the devil. Satan is using you in my life.” That’s not what I’m trying to get across. You just need to recognize that Satan—as well as God—can speak through and use the people in your life. Like Jesus, you need to discern whose voice is coming through.
More than thirty years ago my mother wanted to take my wife, my oldest son (who was one at the time), and I to the Smoky Mountains. This was back during our “poverty days.” Jamie and I were struggling financially. But since Mother offered to pay for everything on the trip, we decided to go.
At that time, my mother had just started believing God for healing. Since she hadn’t seen the manifestation yet in the specific areas she’d been believing for, basically she had suffered a defeat. Due to this, Mother was on the bubble about whether this “healing stuff” really worked or not. Since then, she’s turned around and has received great healing. But this was way back in the beginning of our ministry, when Mother still thought I was somewhere on the fringe of lunacy.
As we began our trip, Mother was nursing a little bit of a cold. She started saying negative things about my son like, “Keep him away from me, or he’ll catch this cold.”
I’d answer, “No, Mother. He’s not going to catch this cold.”
Then she’d complain about the money, saying, “I really shouldn’t be taking this trip. I don’t have the money to do it.”
So I just told her, “Hey, Mother. We have zippo, zilch, nada. If you don’t have the money to take this trip, we need to go home now because I can’t help you.”
She’d respond, “Oh, no. I’ve got plenty of money.” Mother was just in a negative mindset, which made it a bad situation.
During the hot summer day, my son sat right in front of the air conditioner. Since I understood that we can have what we say (Mark 11:23), it really bothered me when she said things like, “Don’t put him there. He’ll catch a cold!”
I’d have to counter that with, “No, he’s not going to catch a cold.”
“Shut Up!”
All this griping and complaining was really out of character for my mother. She is a super lady and is usually very positive, but she was just stuck in this negative mindset. She talked doubt and unbelief all day long. It was a constant battle back and forth to counter what was being said. Since this was my mother, I tried to be as polite and kind as I possibly could.
The very first night of the trip, we all stayed in a hotel room together. Our son was sleeping in a little crib. Around eleven o’clock he woke up with this croup in his throat that you could have heard in the next room. It was loud, and he could hardly breathe. So I got up, prayed in tongues, rebuked the croup, and released my faith. He went back to sleep and everything was fine.
Thirty minutes later the same thing happened. I got up, prayed over him, and he went back to sleep. Every thirty minutes, I was up and down like a yo-yo, praying over our son and trying to get him back to sleep. Finally, about three in the morning, on one of my trips back to bed, my mother said, “Admit it, Andy. He’s sick!”
I got right down there, stuck my finger in her face, and said, “Satan, in the name of Jesus, I command you to shut up! I will not receive any of your criticism or any of your curses. My son is blessed and not cursed!” Then I started speaking the Word. Mother never said another word, and our son never got up again that night. He was just fine, but Mother didn’t say anything for two whole days—and we were together all the time in a car on vacation.
Finally, when she did speak, she cried “Well, I’m sorry you think I’m the devil” and started into this self-pity party.
I said, “Mother, you know enough to know better. I’ve told you the Word of God. You knew that stuff you were saying was exactly opposite the Word. You’d just given yourself over to Satan. I’m not mad at you. I was just standing against the devil. He was trying to steal my faith for healing.”
To this day, Mother continues to be one of my very best friends. She’s over ninety-five years old and enjoys the blessing of good health. My approach that night was pretty strong, but I knew Satan was behind it trying to steal my faith.
You can certainly take a stand against what people say with more tact than I displayed back then. I was young in the Lord, and that’s just the way I responded. But the principle applies regardless of how you administer it.
Stretched to the Max
We are in a spiritual battle! However, most of the time, people don’t recognize it. They’re just looking at things from a natural, human perspective. They factor God, the devil, and the whole supernatural realm right out of the equation. The average person doesn’t realize the spiritual dynamics taking place. God doesn’t send bad things our way. It’s not just happenstance or fate. There’s a real Enemy out there that we must learn to deal with.
The first time I tried to produce a book was about twenty years ago. It was my Life for Today Study Bible and Commentary: the Gospels Edition, which is almost six hundred pages long. This was going to be a major expense. At that time, my ministry income was so low that to come up with $50,000 to print a book was two or three months’ worth of income for me. This project was really stretching me to the max!
A number of different publishers came and offered to help us with the project. One offered to reduce our cost to $27,000 if we would pay right away. They said, “We’re in a bind and need the money. If you pay right away, we’ll give you this discount.” So I went to my partners, raised the money—more than a month’s worth of income at the time—and gave it to them. This was a major deal for us.
However, within a month, I learned that the salesman had run of with our money. In fact, he’d burned several other well-known preachers at the same time!
I remember when I heard this news. My employee said, “This salesman just took our $27,000. We’re going to have to come up with an additional $45,000 just in the next week or so to be able to make this project work. All together, we’re looking at about $70,000.”
Sevenfold
My first reaction was one of shock. “Is this really true?” Then came a twinge of wanting to beat the snot out of this salesman. But I recognized who the real culprit was. Satan had come against me and was trying to steal from me.
Immediately Proverbs 6:31 came to mind:
But if [a thief] be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
Brackets mineI recognized that this wasn’t just a person trying to steal from me. Obviously, there were demonic entities working behind the scenes. So, within seconds of getting this news, I recognized, “his is the devil stealing from me, and I’ve caught him. Therefore, according to the Word of God, I demand it back seven times!” Immediately I took a piece of paper and figured out seven times $70,000. Instead of being angry, depressed, and hurt, I started dancing and praising God, saying, “Hallelujah, this is awesome. I’m getting $490,000 backthis year!” As I continued praising God, that situation never did get me down or discouraged.
When that year was over, we had increased nearly to the penny $490,000—exactly seven times the amount of money that was taken from us. That was back during a period of time when our entire income was only about $500,000 a year. We nearly doubled our income that year!
What could have been a tragic scenario turned into a positive situation because I recognized that I’m not fighting flesh and blood; I’m fighting a spiritual battle, with spiritual weapons, against spiritual enemies. I realized that Satan was trying to come against me, and then I acted on the Word.
Who’s Influencing Whom?
I’ve actually loaned people money before who have never paid me back. They said they would, but for whatever reason, they didn’t. Instead of taking an offense and getting mad at the person, I recognized that this was Satan. Of course, the person cooperated in some measure and allowed him to do it. But I recognize that the devil is trying to get me into un-forgiveness. So I just forgave them.
I’ve actually given money to people who at one time said they’d pay me back. My attitude was, Hey, just take it as a gift. I’m not going to harbor any animosity over this. It’s not worth it.
You might think, Man, I’d never do something like that. But I recognize that there is a spiritual battle raging—and nobody is going to rent space in my mind! Nobody is going to occupy my heart except God. I refuse to harbor un-forgiveness toward anyone. I will not allow bitterness, even a toehold, in my life. I’m aware that Satan uses such things as an inroad against me.
Like it or not, there’s a spiritual battle raging right now for your heart and mind. What you think in your heart is the way that you’ll be (Prov. 23:7). Your thoughts become what you say and do, with your actions being the greatest expression of your authority. Therefore, you’ll be influenced, dominated, and ruled by whomever you yield yourself to—God or Satan (Rom. 6:16).
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. (Mark 4:17)
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16)
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:22-23)
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (Mark 11:23)
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. (Proverbs 6:31)
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (Proverbs 23:7)
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)
Ephesians 6:11Next Verse
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Note 2 at Eph. 6:11: Paul said to put on the WHOLE armor of God (see ref. a in v. 13, p. 1143). Just using part of God's armor will not fully protect us. Many Christians have been running around with their helmet of salvation on and nothing else. There is more to overcoming the devil than just being saved. We have to understand our righteous position (see note 12 at v.14, p. 1143) in the Lord, faith (see note 14 at v. 16, p.1144), the Word (see note 18 at v. 17, p. 1145), and the gospel of peace (see note 13 at v. 15, p. 1144).
Note 3 at Eph. 6:11: Notice that this is the armor OF GOD that we are told to put on. God didn't just provide us with armor; He gave us His armor. Isaiah 59:17 specifically mentions the Messiah wearing the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness (see Parallel Scriptures for vv. 14-17, p. 1145). Certainly God's armor is more than sufficient if we will just wear it and let it work.
In the previous verse Paul said we were to use God's power and might. Now he tells us to use God's armor. If we are dressed like God and fight like Him, we'll look like God to the devil. The devil won't realize we are not God unless we tell him through some statement or act of unbelief.
Note 4 at Eph. 6:11: The dictionary defines "wiles" as "1. a deceitful stratagem or trick; 2. a disarming or seductive manner, device, or procedure" (New American Heritage Dict.). This word is denoting trickery and deceit. The word "wiles" is an old English word from which we get such words as "methods," "strategies," "schemes," "tactics," and "devices." Just as a football player, a boxer, or military man's success depends partly on how well he knows his opponent(s), so believers must not be ignorant of Satan's devices.
Jesus stripped Satan of all his authority (Mt. 28:18). The power that Satan uses against us now is deception. Those who ascribe other powers to him have already fallen prey to one of his lies. The devil deceives us and uses our own power and authority against us. The thing that makes deception so deadly is that those who are deceived don't know it. Once they realize they are deceived, they aren't deceived any more. The truth of God's Word will remove the deception of the devil and thereby break his power in our lives.
Ephesians 6:12Next Verse
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Note 5 at Eph. 6:12: Paul makes it very clear that our warfare is not against people, but against the spiritual powers that operate behind the scenes through people. Therefore, we can not win a spiritual battle with carnal weapons. We must realize who the real enemy is and fight with the spiritual weapons the Lord has given us (see notes 8 and 9 at 2 Cor. 10:4-5, p. 1029).
We often think that anger will put a person in his place. But "the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God" (Jas. 1:20). Anger against people makes us play right into the hand of the devil. The way to overcome the spiritual powers that come against us through people is to turn the other cheek (Mt. 5:39). That makes the demons flee in terror.
Our natural tendency when we are poor is to hoard or even steal. But we are not engaged in a physical battle. Through giving when we are in need, we frustrate all Satan's plans and loose the power of God on our behalf.
Note 6 at Eph. 6:12: There are four ranks of Satan's hierarchy mentioned in this verse. "Principalities" seem to be the rulers in Satan's hierarchy. The Greek word used for "principality" in this verse is "ARCHE," and may possibly be referring to fallen archangels. One archangel that is mentioned in scripture is Michael, who is referred to in Daniel 10:13 as being one of the chief rulers. Angels of this type many times seem to have a ministry over the affairs of whole nations.
The fourth rank mentioned, and the most frequently engaged enemy with which we deal, is referred to as "spiritual wickedness in high places" or "wicked spirits in the earth's atmosphere." The purpose of these spirits is to work against and destroy all that is of Jesus Christ. They do this in the following ways: 1) by hindering God's work (1 Th. 2:17-18; Acts 17:1-9; Lk. 4:5-6; Rev. 2:10); 2) blinding men's minds (2 Cor. 4:4); 3) beguiling, misleading, and deceiving men (2 Cor. 11:3); 4) tempting mankind (1 Cor. 7:5); 5) buffeting God's people (2 Cor. 12:7); 6) tempting to corrupt and infiltrate the Church of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 11:15; 1 Tim. 4:1).
It is supposed by many that the higher echelons of the devil's spiritual authority take more power to rebuke or remove. That's not true. There is no demonic power, including the devil himself, that will not flee at the name of Jesus when faith is put in that name (see note 4 at Mt. 17:21, p. 272).
In recent years, there has also been a misapplication of this verse that has led some to believe the only way you can do battle against this "spiritual wickedness in high places" was to climb tall mountains or buildings or even rent airplanes and intercede from these heights. That is ridiculous and voids the very context of this verse. We can't fight spiritual forces in physical ways. Our intercession will work on any demonic power from right where we are.
Ephesians 6:13Next Verse
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Note 7 at Eph. 6:13: We have already been told to put on the WHOLE armor of God in verse 11 (see note 2 at v. 11, p. 1142). Paul tells us to do it again here, and this time gives us a reason for doing so. It is because we are fighting a spiritual battle (v. 12). Physical defenses are useless in spiritual matters. We must have God's armor to defend ourselves.
Note 8 at Eph. 6:13: These verses are saying that using the whole armor of God will enable us to stand against all the devices of the devil. Therefore, it is implied that if we fail to withstand Satan's attack, we are not using all the armor of God that is available to us.
Note 9 at Eph. 6:13: The armor of God doesn't protect us automatically; we have to use it. That's what Paul is referring to here by saying we must do all to stand.
Ephesians 6:14Next Verse
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Note 10 at Eph. 6:14: To be standing in the evil day (v.13), we must be standing clad in the armor of God. Seven pieces of armor are mentioned. Five are defensive and two are offensive, with one being preparatory. The armor is mentioned as being: a belt, a breastplate, shoes, a shield, a helmet, a sword, and prayer.
Note 11 at Eph. 6:14: In Old English, the "loins" denoted the mid section or waist (NIV) of a person. In some cases it specified the reproductive ability of the man (Gen. 35:11; 46:26; Acts 2:30; Heb. 7:5, 10).
In Bible days men wore robes or gowns. When they fought or ran, they had to gird up their loins (2 Ki. 4:29; 2 Ki. 9:1; 1 Pet. 1:3). This was done by tucking their robe into their girdle, or what we would call a belt (see note 2 at Lk. 12:35, p. 329). Therefore, Paul is saying that truth is the belt that allows us to fight without being entangled in our garments. Those who do not surround themselves with truth will become entangled in their own web of deceit and will fall.
The first and preparatory piece of armor that a soldier wore was the belt. Centuries ago men would wrestle with only a belt. The object of the match was to remove the opponent's belt. If Satan can disarm us of our belt of truth, he will defeat us, for his greatest weapon is deceit and lies. If we are under his control it is because we have believed one of his lies instead of the truth of God's Word. Jesus said, "I am the truth" (Jn. 14:6). To have the belt of truth on is to look to Jesus to lead the way, to have your eyes singled only on Him.
When the Divine Warrior Jesus Christ returns to claim His Kingdom He will be wearing "the belt of truth." In Isaiah it is described as "faithfulness the girdle of his reins (waist)" (Isa. 11:5). Christ will have on the belt of faithfulness and truthfulness. "Faithful" means "to adhere strictly to a person, cause, or idea to which one is bound; loyal." "True" suggests steadiness, reliability, and in a closely related sense, genuineness.
In Paul's day corrupt pottery vendors would take pottery that had cracks or defects and fill them with wax. After painting the pottery they would sell it as genuine pottery without flaws. If the pottery was put it up to the light however, one could see it's flaw. The honest salesman would advertise his pottery as pottery without wax; sincere, genuine, true pottery. Paul is saying, the Christian must be sincere, genuine, and true, presenting no false appearance, not hypocritical, real. If Christ is not a reality in your life you are not ready for battle.
Note 12 at Eph. 6:14: The next piece of armor mentioned is "the breastplate of righteousness." The main reason for this piece of armor is the protection of the heart and vital organs of the body. The breastplate was usually made of interlinking chain mail, metal, bone, or of round discs of metal that gave the appearance of a scale or metal coat. The breastplate was attached to the belt, as was the sword. The breastplate was one of the most important pieces of armor; a soldier would never think of going into hand-to-hand combat without it. It was also one of the heaviest pieces of equipment worn by the soldiers. Historians say that Goliath, the giant killed by David, wore a breastplate that weighed around 148 pounds (1 Sam. 17:5).
What the breastplate was to the Roman soldier, righteousness is to the Christian soldier. In the spiritual realm, righteousness functions as a breastplate. In fact, the breastplate is righteousness.
There are two basic kinds of righteousness mentioned in the scriptures. First is man's righteousness, which is the righteousness that man can accomplish and perform without Christ. Isaiah tells us that all of man's righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). This self righteousness has no value to God, but we do have to maintain a certain amount of this righteousness to get along with men here on earth.
Secondly, there is God's own righteousness which is imputed to us at salvation. Its source is God Himself. God's kind of righteousness comes only through faith. It is a gift, and appropriated through Christ. Righteousness gives us total acceptance with God through Christ. This righteousness, which is a gift from God, produces the practical righteousness evident in the actions of the mature believer.
Ephesians 6:15Next Verse
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Note 13 at Eph. 6:15: Paul draws this metaphor from the Roman military soldier. Roman, as well as Greek warriors, would wear sandals with very thick soles which were fastened to the feet by leather thongs. The Roman soldier's shoes had thickly studded nails or cleats. One historian said the reason that Julius Caesar was such a success as a general was because his men wore military shoes that made it possible to cover long distances in short periods of time.
These military shoes, which are similar to football cleats, not only allowed soldiers rapid movement, but also gave them stability in hand-to-hand combat. In the spiritual realm, the shoes of the gospel of peace make a messenger prepared to share the glad tidings of peace. The Living Bible describes this as: "shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the good news of peace." The NIV translates this as: "and your feet fitted with the gospel of peace as a firm footing."
In Isaiah 52:7 describes these shoes similarly-"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, and publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good that publisheth salvation."
The gospel of peace being spoken of here is not peace between men; that is a by-product. Rather, this is speaking of peace between God and man. Understanding that God is no longer mad at us keeps us going (see note 2 at Rom. 5:1, p. 768).Ephesians 6:16Next Verse
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Note 14 at Eph. 6:16: These words "above all" mean overall and in front of all. Some have suggested from this statement that it's the most important piece of armor too.
We exercise faith almost daily in such things as sitting on a chair and driving a car. But our faith is no better than the object in which it is placed. If I were to sit in a chair made of cardboard, I would go crashing to the ground. Regardless of how much faith I had, my faith would fall flat because the object of my faith was faulty.
Scriptures tells us in Hebrews 12:2 that we are to be "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." We must transfer our faith from human self reliance and dependence, to rely upon, cling to, and trust Jesus Christ in all areas of our life. Faith in its simplest definition is to trust, to rely, and to depend upon the resource of another. God's Word declares that the object of our faith, Jesus Christ, can never fail or disappoint us.
Note 15 at Eph. 6:16: The shield in the Old Testament was referred to as "the buckler." There were several types of shields used in the Apostle Paul's day. A small shield was used when fighting with the sword, which would cover over the whole area of the soldier's arm. There was a second type of shield that was about two and one half feet wide and four feet high. It was usually about as thick as the palm of a man's hand. This great, massive shield came to be known as a door shield. Sometimes it was made of bronze or gold, but most of the time it was made of heavy wooden planks glued together, covered with linen, canvas, or animal hides, and trimmed with solid iron or metal. When Roman soldiers would advance in battle they would overlap these large shields making a wall that would be able to quench the most modern weapons of the time.
One of the most advanced weapons of that time was the flaming arrow. It contained a little ball of linen dipped in pitch and ignited. The intention was to ignite the linen under the opposing soldier's breastplate and thereby consume him. This massive door shield created a wall to protect the Roman soldier from every fiery dart. The counterpart of this is the shield of faith that protects the Christian soldier. Verse 16 states "above all, taking the shield of faith" (see note 14 at this verse).
Note 16 at Eph. 6:16: Some people get very angry when anyone advocates total victory in the Christian life. They don't think it is obtainable and therefore, it is wrong to promote such ideas and get people's hopes up. They will just be disappointed. But this verse teaches that our shield of faith will quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked. Total victory is possible!
It is important to realize that this victorious Christian life doesn't happen because there is no opposition. Satan will shoot his fiery darts. In fact, once a person starts standing on the Word of God, the attack intensifies (2 Tim. 3:12; Mk. 4:17; see note 4 at Mk. 4:16, p. 193). But victory over all the attacks of the enemy is possible. Paul said, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2:14). Paul had great opposition, but he always won.
It is true that total victory is not common among Christians, and, from the viewpoint of some, it may be non-existent; but it is not because it is not available. Teaching that God wills us to fail at times is like telling an athlete that his coach wants him to lose. We all learn from defeats, and losing can be used to make us better people, but real winners never plan to lose. Christians who plan to lose, will.
Ephesians 6:17Next Verse
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Note 17 at Eph. 6:17: The helmet was a piece of armor that protected the Roman soldier against a deadly blow to the head. What the helmet was to the Roman soldier, salvation is to the Christian soldier. There can be no victory unless the mind is protected with God's Word. Romans 8:6 says, "for to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." The battlefield of the Christian is in the area of his mind (see note 9 at 2 Cor. 10:5, p. 1029). We must be careful to protect our minds from wrong thinking, and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Every thought can be brought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
Note 18 at Eph. 6:17: The "sword of the Spirit" is our only offensive weapon. In battle, defense is a great asset to any warrior. But if a warrior had only a good defense and no offense, he might protect himself from being badly hurt, but he could not win the battle. This piece of armor known as the "sword of the Spirit" is the only piece of armor that has the ability to cut, wound, and hurt our enemy, the devil.
There are several Greek words used for the "word" of God. The Greek word used here is RHEMA and it literally means "a spoken word; specifically a spoken word appropriate for your situation." It's not the Bible lying on your coffee table that makes the enemy flee, but it is the Word of God hidden in your heart, activated by the power of the Holy Spirit, and spoken in an appropriate situation. It's similar to what is spoken when Jesus said in John 6:63 that "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life." Ephesians 6:17 is not speaking of a book, but it's speaking of a book (LOGOS) as a RHEMA, i.e. the words we speak which come from the written Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Word by itself doesn't make us free. It is the Word we know and speak that will deliver us (Jn. 8:32).
Why is the Word so effective? It's because it is the WORD of God. It has authority, because it is indeed the WORD of God. God's Word supersedes all authority of the church, of reason, of intellect, and even of Satan himself. That's why it is so effective.
Note 19 at Eph. 6:17: The Word of God in this verse is also referred to as "the sword of the Spirit." Notice that it is the Holy Spirit that wields this Word as it is spoken in faith. Speaking God's Word in faith brings the Holy Spirit into action. In Luke 4, when Jesus was tempted of the devil for forty days, it was "the sword of the spirit," the Word of God, that Jesus used to defeat the enemy at His temptation (see note 5 at Lk. 4:4, p. 76). Jesus constantly met His temptation by quoting from God's Word as He repeatedly stated the phrase, "It is written." Likewise, the Christian soldier must avail himself of God's Word by placing it in his heart so that the Holy Spirit may bring it forth at the appropriate time to accomplish a complete and total victory.
Ephesians 6:18Next Verse
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Note 20 at Eph. 6:18: In Verse 18, Paul is speaking of the last piece of the Christian's armor, which is prayer. The phrase "all prayer" means various kinds of prayer in the Spirit. Prayer is more than just asking. For example, there is a prayer of praise, a prayer of intercession, a prayer of thanksgiving, a prayer of agreement, a prayer of dedication. It is inappropriate to ask for something more than once, but we can and should continue to pray with these other forms of prayer until we see our answer manifest in the flesh. Prayer is another form of absolute dependence and reliance upon God for His divine intervention.
Note 21 at Eph. 6:18: The word "supplication" used in this verse is the Greek noun DEEIS and is translated "prayer" 12 times (Lk. 1:13; 2:37; 5:33; Rom. 10:1; 2 Cor. 1:11 9:14; Phil. 1:4; 1:19; 2 Tim. 1:3; Heb. 5:7; Jas. 5:16; 1 Pet. 3:12), "supplication" 6 times (Acts 1:14; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; 5:5), and "request" 1 time (Phil. 1:4). This word emphasizes a specific need and the entreaty to God for that need. Many times this takes the form of intercession for the saints (v.18).
Note 22 at Eph. 6:18: "In the Spirit" means prayer directed by God's Spirit and in accordance with God's will (1 Jn. 5:14-15). Paul used this terminology when referring to praying in tongues (1 Cor. 14:2, 15; Jude 20; see note 20 at 1 Cor. 14:15, p. 946). Therefore, this includes praying in tongues (see note 13 at Mk. 16:17, p. 566).
Note 23 at Eph. 6:18: The Greek word for "perseverance" is PROSKARTERESIS and is used only one time in the New Testament, which is in this verse. This word carries the idea of "being on the alert" as you wear the Christian armor.
Ephesians 6:20Next Verse
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Note 24 at Eph. 6:20: Notice that Paul requests prayer for utterance, that is, that he may be given words empowered by the Holy Spirit that will clearly make known the mystery of the gospel. In effect, his prayer is for more boldness in proclaiming the gospel, and yet it is his boldness with the gospel that had "landed" him in jail (ambassador in bonds-v. 20). Prison hadn't diminished Paul's zeal; he was asking for prayer so that he could be bolder than ever. Paul's heart's desire and prayer to God was that men might be saved (Rom. 10:1).
Note 25 at Eph. 6:20: Once again Paul's attitude toward his problems comes shining through. He did not see himself as a prisoner of the Roman government but as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter how others see us. It's how we see ourselves and our situation that determines our attitude (see note 1 at Eph. 3:1, p. 1108).
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:10-12God’s Word reveals that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but demonic powers. Our fight isn’t against people but the spiritual forces influencing them. However, most of us simply don’t recognize the role the spirit realm plays in our daily lives. We think it’s just human—natural—but the devil is busy influencing people every day.
It’s useless to debate whether or not an individual is possessed, oppressed, or simply depressed. When the New Testament calls someone “demon possessed,” the Greek word there literally means “demonized.” They are under the influence and, therefore, control of the devil. This issue people make about whether someone is possessed, oppressed, or just depressed isn’t in Scripture. The truth is that people all around the world today are being influenced, controlled, and used—to whatever degree—by the devil.
Proper Perspective
Many Westerners honestly believe that all the demons are over in some third-world country. But anyone who is spiritually perceptive knows that there is an abundance of demonic activity anywhere you go in the world, including the West. We just tend to look at things as being normal and natural. We miss the fact that the origin of many things that happen in our day—things that tick us of and come against us—is spiritual. We fail to recognize the spiritual influence behind it.
However, if you were to adopt the biblical mindset, it would make a huge difference in the way you respond. You’d recognize that it’s not that person who sits next to you at work. It’s not your neighbor, your spouse, or your circumstances that are really what’s coming against you. They can be influenced, inspired, and used by Satan, but they really aren’t the source. When you genuinely understand that this isn’t a physical battle, it changes the way you respond.
I get a lot of hate mail and criticism because of the things I say. There was a time when I took these things personally and thought, Why is this individual so upset with me? I just looked at it and always tried to deal with them on the human level. Since then, I’ve come to recognize that Satan is the one who’s trying to get my attention off of what God has told me to do. I just recognize that the Enemy is using some person to come against me. He’s just trying to gain an inroad into my life so he can steal God’s Word from me (Mark 4:17). But because I look beyond the individual and don’t take it personally, I’m able to put things into proper perspective and deal with it differently.
I’ve actually had some good friends come against me. Even though they did some pretty mean things, I’ve been able to look past that and forgive them. I recognized that they had a sensitivity in some area that Satan took advantage of and used them against me. I haven’t been angry or bitter toward them, because I understood what the devil was trying to do. Since then, they’ve turned around and realized what happened. We’ve been able to completely reestablish our friendship because I recognized that it wasn’t just those people, but Satan trying to get at me.
Satan Uses People
Jesus exemplified this same perspective. He recognized when the devil was trying to get to Him through a person.
After Peter—under the influence of God—confessed Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16), the Lord started explaining to His disciples about His soon, coming crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Immediately Peter began to rebuke Him, saying:
Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Matthew 16:22Apparently, Peter had missed Jesus’ statement that He would rise again on the third day. Peter didn’t even want to consider the thought of his beloved Lord being taken and killed. This was the same man who just moments before had been inspired and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Yet now, Jesus…
Turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Matthew 16:23The Lord recognized that Satan was speaking through Peter. This wasn’t something coming from God. Jesus knew it was inconsistent with what the Father had clearly revealed to Him of His will. So even though Peter had just spoken forth a glorious revelation by the Holy Spirit, Christ knew that the inspiration for Peter’s rebuke of Him was from hell.
There are times when the devil speaks to you through people. He’ll use people to get at you. Of course, they may be unaware of the fact that they’re being used by Satan. Peter was probably shocked, hurt, and offended when Jesus turned around and said, “Get behind me, Satan!” However, there are times when you need to rebuke the devil that way too.
Whose Voice Is It?
Now, don’t misunderstand me and go around blasting people. I’m not saying you should rebuke everyone who disagrees with you, declaring, “You’re of the devil. Satan is using you in my life.” That’s not what I’m trying to get across. You just need to recognize that Satan—as well as God—can speak through and use the people in your life. Like Jesus, you need to discern whose voice is coming through.
More than thirty years ago my mother wanted to take my wife, my oldest son (who was one at the time), and I to the Smoky Mountains. This was back during our “poverty days.” Jamie and I were struggling financially. But since Mother offered to pay for everything on the trip, we decided to go.
At that time, my mother had just started believing God for healing. Since she hadn’t seen the manifestation yet in the specific areas she’d been believing for, basically she had suffered a defeat. Due to this, Mother was on the bubble about whether this “healing stuff” really worked or not. Since then, she’s turned around and has received great healing. But this was way back in the beginning of our ministry, when Mother still thought I was somewhere on the fringe of lunacy.
As we began our trip, Mother was nursing a little bit of a cold. She started saying negative things about my son like, “Keep him away from me, or he’ll catch this cold.”
I’d answer, “No, Mother. He’s not going to catch this cold.”
Then she’d complain about the money, saying, “I really shouldn’t be taking this trip. I don’t have the money to do it.”
So I just told her, “Hey, Mother. We have zippo, zilch, nada. If you don’t have the money to take this trip, we need to go home now because I can’t help you.”
She’d respond, “Oh, no. I’ve got plenty of money.” Mother was just in a negative mindset, which made it a bad situation.
During the hot summer day, my son sat right in front of the air conditioner. Since I understood that we can have what we say (Mark 11:23), it really bothered me when she said things like, “Don’t put him there. He’ll catch a cold!”
I’d have to counter that with, “No, he’s not going to catch a cold.”
“Shut Up!”
All this griping and complaining was really out of character for my mother. She is a super lady and is usually very positive, but she was just stuck in this negative mindset. She talked doubt and unbelief all day long. It was a constant battle back and forth to counter what was being said. Since this was my mother, I tried to be as polite and kind as I possibly could.
The very first night of the trip, we all stayed in a hotel room together. Our son was sleeping in a little crib. Around eleven o’clock he woke up with this croup in his throat that you could have heard in the next room. It was loud, and he could hardly breathe. So I got up, prayed in tongues, rebuked the croup, and released my faith. He went back to sleep and everything was fine.
Thirty minutes later the same thing happened. I got up, prayed over him, and he went back to sleep. Every thirty minutes, I was up and down like a yo-yo, praying over our son and trying to get him back to sleep. Finally, about three in the morning, on one of my trips back to bed, my mother said, “Admit it, Andy. He’s sick!”
I got right down there, stuck my finger in her face, and said, “Satan, in the name of Jesus, I command you to shut up! I will not receive any of your criticism or any of your curses. My son is blessed and not cursed!” Then I started speaking the Word. Mother never said another word, and our son never got up again that night. He was just fine, but Mother didn’t say anything for two whole days—and we were together all the time in a car on vacation.
Finally, when she did speak, she cried “Well, I’m sorry you think I’m the devil” and started into this self-pity party.
I said, “Mother, you know enough to know better. I’ve told you the Word of God. You knew that stuff you were saying was exactly opposite the Word. You’d just given yourself over to Satan. I’m not mad at you. I was just standing against the devil. He was trying to steal my faith for healing.”
To this day, Mother continues to be one of my very best friends. She’s over ninety-five years old and enjoys the blessing of good health. My approach that night was pretty strong, but I knew Satan was behind it trying to steal my faith.
You can certainly take a stand against what people say with more tact than I displayed back then. I was young in the Lord, and that’s just the way I responded. But the principle applies regardless of how you administer it.
Stretched to the Max
We are in a spiritual battle! However, most of the time, people don’t recognize it. They’re just looking at things from a natural, human perspective. They factor God, the devil, and the whole supernatural realm right out of the equation. The average person doesn’t realize the spiritual dynamics taking place. God doesn’t send bad things our way. It’s not just happenstance or fate. There’s a real Enemy out there that we must learn to deal with.
The first time I tried to produce a book was about twenty years ago. It was my Life for Today Study Bible and Commentary: the Gospels Edition, which is almost six hundred pages long. This was going to be a major expense. At that time, my ministry income was so low that to come up with $50,000 to print a book was two or three months’ worth of income for me. This project was really stretching me to the max!
A number of different publishers came and offered to help us with the project. One offered to reduce our cost to $27,000 if we would pay right away. They said, “We’re in a bind and need the money. If you pay right away, we’ll give you this discount.” So I went to my partners, raised the money—more than a month’s worth of income at the time—and gave it to them. This was a major deal for us.
However, within a month, I learned that the salesman had run of with our money. In fact, he’d burned several other well-known preachers at the same time!
I remember when I heard this news. My employee said, “This salesman just took our $27,000. We’re going to have to come up with an additional $45,000 just in the next week or so to be able to make this project work. All together, we’re looking at about $70,000.”
Sevenfold
My first reaction was one of shock. “Is this really true?” Then came a twinge of wanting to beat the snot out of this salesman. But I recognized who the real culprit was. Satan had come against me and was trying to steal from me.
Immediately Proverbs 6:31 came to mind:
But if [a thief] be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
Brackets mineI recognized that this wasn’t just a person trying to steal from me. Obviously, there were demonic entities working behind the scenes. So, within seconds of getting this news, I recognized, “his is the devil stealing from me, and I’ve caught him. Therefore, according to the Word of God, I demand it back seven times!” Immediately I took a piece of paper and figured out seven times $70,000. Instead of being angry, depressed, and hurt, I started dancing and praising God, saying, “Hallelujah, this is awesome. I’m getting $490,000 backthis year!” As I continued praising God, that situation never did get me down or discouraged.
When that year was over, we had increased nearly to the penny $490,000—exactly seven times the amount of money that was taken from us. That was back during a period of time when our entire income was only about $500,000 a year. We nearly doubled our income that year!
What could have been a tragic scenario turned into a positive situation because I recognized that I’m not fighting flesh and blood; I’m fighting a spiritual battle, with spiritual weapons, against spiritual enemies. I realized that Satan was trying to come against me, and then I acted on the Word.
Who’s Influencing Whom?
I’ve actually loaned people money before who have never paid me back. They said they would, but for whatever reason, they didn’t. Instead of taking an offense and getting mad at the person, I recognized that this was Satan. Of course, the person cooperated in some measure and allowed him to do it. But I recognize that the devil is trying to get me into un-forgiveness. So I just forgave them.
I’ve actually given money to people who at one time said they’d pay me back. My attitude was, Hey, just take it as a gift. I’m not going to harbor any animosity over this. It’s not worth it.
You might think, Man, I’d never do something like that. But I recognize that there is a spiritual battle raging—and nobody is going to rent space in my mind! Nobody is going to occupy my heart except God. I refuse to harbor un-forgiveness toward anyone. I will not allow bitterness, even a toehold, in my life. I’m aware that Satan uses such things as an inroad against me.
Like it or not, there’s a spiritual battle raging right now for your heart and mind. What you think in your heart is the way that you’ll be (Prov. 23:7). Your thoughts become what you say and do, with your actions being the greatest expression of your authority. Therefore, you’ll be influenced, dominated, and ruled by whomever you yield yourself to—God or Satan (Rom. 6:16).
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. (Mark 4:17)
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16)
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:22-23)
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (Mark 11:23)
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. (Proverbs 6:31)
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (Proverbs 23:7)
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)
Ephesians 6:11Next Verse
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Note 2 at Eph. 6:11: Paul said to put on the WHOLE armor of God (see ref. a in v. 13, p. 1143). Just using part of God's armor will not fully protect us. Many Christians have been running around with their helmet of salvation on and nothing else. There is more to overcoming the devil than just being saved. We have to understand our righteous position (see note 12 at v.14, p. 1143) in the Lord, faith (see note 14 at v. 16, p.1144), the Word (see note 18 at v. 17, p. 1145), and the gospel of peace (see note 13 at v. 15, p. 1144).
Note 3 at Eph. 6:11: Notice that this is the armor OF GOD that we are told to put on. God didn't just provide us with armor; He gave us His armor. Isaiah 59:17 specifically mentions the Messiah wearing the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness (see Parallel Scriptures for vv. 14-17, p. 1145). Certainly God's armor is more than sufficient if we will just wear it and let it work.
In the previous verse Paul said we were to use God's power and might. Now he tells us to use God's armor. If we are dressed like God and fight like Him, we'll look like God to the devil. The devil won't realize we are not God unless we tell him through some statement or act of unbelief.
Note 4 at Eph. 6:11: The dictionary defines "wiles" as "1. a deceitful stratagem or trick; 2. a disarming or seductive manner, device, or procedure" (New American Heritage Dict.). This word is denoting trickery and deceit. The word "wiles" is an old English word from which we get such words as "methods," "strategies," "schemes," "tactics," and "devices." Just as a football player, a boxer, or military man's success depends partly on how well he knows his opponent(s), so believers must not be ignorant of Satan's devices.
Jesus stripped Satan of all his authority (Mt. 28:18). The power that Satan uses against us now is deception. Those who ascribe other powers to him have already fallen prey to one of his lies. The devil deceives us and uses our own power and authority against us. The thing that makes deception so deadly is that those who are deceived don't know it. Once they realize they are deceived, they aren't deceived any more. The truth of God's Word will remove the deception of the devil and thereby break his power in our lives.
Ephesians 6:12Next Verse
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Note 5 at Eph. 6:12: Paul makes it very clear that our warfare is not against people, but against the spiritual powers that operate behind the scenes through people. Therefore, we can not win a spiritual battle with carnal weapons. We must realize who the real enemy is and fight with the spiritual weapons the Lord has given us (see notes 8 and 9 at 2 Cor. 10:4-5, p. 1029).
We often think that anger will put a person in his place. But "the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God" (Jas. 1:20). Anger against people makes us play right into the hand of the devil. The way to overcome the spiritual powers that come against us through people is to turn the other cheek (Mt. 5:39). That makes the demons flee in terror.
Our natural tendency when we are poor is to hoard or even steal. But we are not engaged in a physical battle. Through giving when we are in need, we frustrate all Satan's plans and loose the power of God on our behalf.
Note 6 at Eph. 6:12: There are four ranks of Satan's hierarchy mentioned in this verse. "Principalities" seem to be the rulers in Satan's hierarchy. The Greek word used for "principality" in this verse is "ARCHE," and may possibly be referring to fallen archangels. One archangel that is mentioned in scripture is Michael, who is referred to in Daniel 10:13 as being one of the chief rulers. Angels of this type many times seem to have a ministry over the affairs of whole nations.
The fourth rank mentioned, and the most frequently engaged enemy with which we deal, is referred to as "spiritual wickedness in high places" or "wicked spirits in the earth's atmosphere." The purpose of these spirits is to work against and destroy all that is of Jesus Christ. They do this in the following ways: 1) by hindering God's work (1 Th. 2:17-18; Acts 17:1-9; Lk. 4:5-6; Rev. 2:10); 2) blinding men's minds (2 Cor. 4:4); 3) beguiling, misleading, and deceiving men (2 Cor. 11:3); 4) tempting mankind (1 Cor. 7:5); 5) buffeting God's people (2 Cor. 12:7); 6) tempting to corrupt and infiltrate the Church of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 11:15; 1 Tim. 4:1).
It is supposed by many that the higher echelons of the devil's spiritual authority take more power to rebuke or remove. That's not true. There is no demonic power, including the devil himself, that will not flee at the name of Jesus when faith is put in that name (see note 4 at Mt. 17:21, p. 272).
In recent years, there has also been a misapplication of this verse that has led some to believe the only way you can do battle against this "spiritual wickedness in high places" was to climb tall mountains or buildings or even rent airplanes and intercede from these heights. That is ridiculous and voids the very context of this verse. We can't fight spiritual forces in physical ways. Our intercession will work on any demonic power from right where we are.
Ephesians 6:13Next Verse
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Note 7 at Eph. 6:13: We have already been told to put on the WHOLE armor of God in verse 11 (see note 2 at v. 11, p. 1142). Paul tells us to do it again here, and this time gives us a reason for doing so. It is because we are fighting a spiritual battle (v. 12). Physical defenses are useless in spiritual matters. We must have God's armor to defend ourselves.
Note 8 at Eph. 6:13: These verses are saying that using the whole armor of God will enable us to stand against all the devices of the devil. Therefore, it is implied that if we fail to withstand Satan's attack, we are not using all the armor of God that is available to us.
Note 9 at Eph. 6:13: The armor of God doesn't protect us automatically; we have to use it. That's what Paul is referring to here by saying we must do all to stand.
Ephesians 6:14Next Verse
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Note 10 at Eph. 6:14: To be standing in the evil day (v.13), we must be standing clad in the armor of God. Seven pieces of armor are mentioned. Five are defensive and two are offensive, with one being preparatory. The armor is mentioned as being: a belt, a breastplate, shoes, a shield, a helmet, a sword, and prayer.
Note 11 at Eph. 6:14: In Old English, the "loins" denoted the mid section or waist (NIV) of a person. In some cases it specified the reproductive ability of the man (Gen. 35:11; 46:26; Acts 2:30; Heb. 7:5, 10).
In Bible days men wore robes or gowns. When they fought or ran, they had to gird up their loins (2 Ki. 4:29; 2 Ki. 9:1; 1 Pet. 1:3). This was done by tucking their robe into their girdle, or what we would call a belt (see note 2 at Lk. 12:35, p. 329). Therefore, Paul is saying that truth is the belt that allows us to fight without being entangled in our garments. Those who do not surround themselves with truth will become entangled in their own web of deceit and will fall.
The first and preparatory piece of armor that a soldier wore was the belt. Centuries ago men would wrestle with only a belt. The object of the match was to remove the opponent's belt. If Satan can disarm us of our belt of truth, he will defeat us, for his greatest weapon is deceit and lies. If we are under his control it is because we have believed one of his lies instead of the truth of God's Word. Jesus said, "I am the truth" (Jn. 14:6). To have the belt of truth on is to look to Jesus to lead the way, to have your eyes singled only on Him.
When the Divine Warrior Jesus Christ returns to claim His Kingdom He will be wearing "the belt of truth." In Isaiah it is described as "faithfulness the girdle of his reins (waist)" (Isa. 11:5). Christ will have on the belt of faithfulness and truthfulness. "Faithful" means "to adhere strictly to a person, cause, or idea to which one is bound; loyal." "True" suggests steadiness, reliability, and in a closely related sense, genuineness.
In Paul's day corrupt pottery vendors would take pottery that had cracks or defects and fill them with wax. After painting the pottery they would sell it as genuine pottery without flaws. If the pottery was put it up to the light however, one could see it's flaw. The honest salesman would advertise his pottery as pottery without wax; sincere, genuine, true pottery. Paul is saying, the Christian must be sincere, genuine, and true, presenting no false appearance, not hypocritical, real. If Christ is not a reality in your life you are not ready for battle.
Note 12 at Eph. 6:14: The next piece of armor mentioned is "the breastplate of righteousness." The main reason for this piece of armor is the protection of the heart and vital organs of the body. The breastplate was usually made of interlinking chain mail, metal, bone, or of round discs of metal that gave the appearance of a scale or metal coat. The breastplate was attached to the belt, as was the sword. The breastplate was one of the most important pieces of armor; a soldier would never think of going into hand-to-hand combat without it. It was also one of the heaviest pieces of equipment worn by the soldiers. Historians say that Goliath, the giant killed by David, wore a breastplate that weighed around 148 pounds (1 Sam. 17:5).
What the breastplate was to the Roman soldier, righteousness is to the Christian soldier. In the spiritual realm, righteousness functions as a breastplate. In fact, the breastplate is righteousness.
There are two basic kinds of righteousness mentioned in the scriptures. First is man's righteousness, which is the righteousness that man can accomplish and perform without Christ. Isaiah tells us that all of man's righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). This self righteousness has no value to God, but we do have to maintain a certain amount of this righteousness to get along with men here on earth.
Secondly, there is God's own righteousness which is imputed to us at salvation. Its source is God Himself. God's kind of righteousness comes only through faith. It is a gift, and appropriated through Christ. Righteousness gives us total acceptance with God through Christ. This righteousness, which is a gift from God, produces the practical righteousness evident in the actions of the mature believer.
Ephesians 6:15Next Verse
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Note 13 at Eph. 6:15: Paul draws this metaphor from the Roman military soldier. Roman, as well as Greek warriors, would wear sandals with very thick soles which were fastened to the feet by leather thongs. The Roman soldier's shoes had thickly studded nails or cleats. One historian said the reason that Julius Caesar was such a success as a general was because his men wore military shoes that made it possible to cover long distances in short periods of time.
These military shoes, which are similar to football cleats, not only allowed soldiers rapid movement, but also gave them stability in hand-to-hand combat. In the spiritual realm, the shoes of the gospel of peace make a messenger prepared to share the glad tidings of peace. The Living Bible describes this as: "shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the good news of peace." The NIV translates this as: "and your feet fitted with the gospel of peace as a firm footing."
In Isaiah 52:7 describes these shoes similarly-"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, and publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good that publisheth salvation."
The gospel of peace being spoken of here is not peace between men; that is a by-product. Rather, this is speaking of peace between God and man. Understanding that God is no longer mad at us keeps us going (see note 2 at Rom. 5:1, p. 768).Ephesians 6:16Next Verse
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Note 14 at Eph. 6:16: These words "above all" mean overall and in front of all. Some have suggested from this statement that it's the most important piece of armor too.
We exercise faith almost daily in such things as sitting on a chair and driving a car. But our faith is no better than the object in which it is placed. If I were to sit in a chair made of cardboard, I would go crashing to the ground. Regardless of how much faith I had, my faith would fall flat because the object of my faith was faulty.
Scriptures tells us in Hebrews 12:2 that we are to be "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." We must transfer our faith from human self reliance and dependence, to rely upon, cling to, and trust Jesus Christ in all areas of our life. Faith in its simplest definition is to trust, to rely, and to depend upon the resource of another. God's Word declares that the object of our faith, Jesus Christ, can never fail or disappoint us.
Note 15 at Eph. 6:16: The shield in the Old Testament was referred to as "the buckler." There were several types of shields used in the Apostle Paul's day. A small shield was used when fighting with the sword, which would cover over the whole area of the soldier's arm. There was a second type of shield that was about two and one half feet wide and four feet high. It was usually about as thick as the palm of a man's hand. This great, massive shield came to be known as a door shield. Sometimes it was made of bronze or gold, but most of the time it was made of heavy wooden planks glued together, covered with linen, canvas, or animal hides, and trimmed with solid iron or metal. When Roman soldiers would advance in battle they would overlap these large shields making a wall that would be able to quench the most modern weapons of the time.
One of the most advanced weapons of that time was the flaming arrow. It contained a little ball of linen dipped in pitch and ignited. The intention was to ignite the linen under the opposing soldier's breastplate and thereby consume him. This massive door shield created a wall to protect the Roman soldier from every fiery dart. The counterpart of this is the shield of faith that protects the Christian soldier. Verse 16 states "above all, taking the shield of faith" (see note 14 at this verse).
Note 16 at Eph. 6:16: Some people get very angry when anyone advocates total victory in the Christian life. They don't think it is obtainable and therefore, it is wrong to promote such ideas and get people's hopes up. They will just be disappointed. But this verse teaches that our shield of faith will quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked. Total victory is possible!
It is important to realize that this victorious Christian life doesn't happen because there is no opposition. Satan will shoot his fiery darts. In fact, once a person starts standing on the Word of God, the attack intensifies (2 Tim. 3:12; Mk. 4:17; see note 4 at Mk. 4:16, p. 193). But victory over all the attacks of the enemy is possible. Paul said, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2:14). Paul had great opposition, but he always won.
It is true that total victory is not common among Christians, and, from the viewpoint of some, it may be non-existent; but it is not because it is not available. Teaching that God wills us to fail at times is like telling an athlete that his coach wants him to lose. We all learn from defeats, and losing can be used to make us better people, but real winners never plan to lose. Christians who plan to lose, will.
Ephesians 6:17Next Verse
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Note 17 at Eph. 6:17: The helmet was a piece of armor that protected the Roman soldier against a deadly blow to the head. What the helmet was to the Roman soldier, salvation is to the Christian soldier. There can be no victory unless the mind is protected with God's Word. Romans 8:6 says, "for to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." The battlefield of the Christian is in the area of his mind (see note 9 at 2 Cor. 10:5, p. 1029). We must be careful to protect our minds from wrong thinking, and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Every thought can be brought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
Note 18 at Eph. 6:17: The "sword of the Spirit" is our only offensive weapon. In battle, defense is a great asset to any warrior. But if a warrior had only a good defense and no offense, he might protect himself from being badly hurt, but he could not win the battle. This piece of armor known as the "sword of the Spirit" is the only piece of armor that has the ability to cut, wound, and hurt our enemy, the devil.
There are several Greek words used for the "word" of God. The Greek word used here is RHEMA and it literally means "a spoken word; specifically a spoken word appropriate for your situation." It's not the Bible lying on your coffee table that makes the enemy flee, but it is the Word of God hidden in your heart, activated by the power of the Holy Spirit, and spoken in an appropriate situation. It's similar to what is spoken when Jesus said in John 6:63 that "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life." Ephesians 6:17 is not speaking of a book, but it's speaking of a book (LOGOS) as a RHEMA, i.e. the words we speak which come from the written Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Word by itself doesn't make us free. It is the Word we know and speak that will deliver us (Jn. 8:32).
Why is the Word so effective? It's because it is the WORD of God. It has authority, because it is indeed the WORD of God. God's Word supersedes all authority of the church, of reason, of intellect, and even of Satan himself. That's why it is so effective.
Note 19 at Eph. 6:17: The Word of God in this verse is also referred to as "the sword of the Spirit." Notice that it is the Holy Spirit that wields this Word as it is spoken in faith. Speaking God's Word in faith brings the Holy Spirit into action. In Luke 4, when Jesus was tempted of the devil for forty days, it was "the sword of the spirit," the Word of God, that Jesus used to defeat the enemy at His temptation (see note 5 at Lk. 4:4, p. 76). Jesus constantly met His temptation by quoting from God's Word as He repeatedly stated the phrase, "It is written." Likewise, the Christian soldier must avail himself of God's Word by placing it in his heart so that the Holy Spirit may bring it forth at the appropriate time to accomplish a complete and total victory.
Ephesians 6:18Next Verse
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Note 20 at Eph. 6:18: In Verse 18, Paul is speaking of the last piece of the Christian's armor, which is prayer. The phrase "all prayer" means various kinds of prayer in the Spirit. Prayer is more than just asking. For example, there is a prayer of praise, a prayer of intercession, a prayer of thanksgiving, a prayer of agreement, a prayer of dedication. It is inappropriate to ask for something more than once, but we can and should continue to pray with these other forms of prayer until we see our answer manifest in the flesh. Prayer is another form of absolute dependence and reliance upon God for His divine intervention.
Note 21 at Eph. 6:18: The word "supplication" used in this verse is the Greek noun DEEIS and is translated "prayer" 12 times (Lk. 1:13; 2:37; 5:33; Rom. 10:1; 2 Cor. 1:11 9:14; Phil. 1:4; 1:19; 2 Tim. 1:3; Heb. 5:7; Jas. 5:16; 1 Pet. 3:12), "supplication" 6 times (Acts 1:14; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; 5:5), and "request" 1 time (Phil. 1:4). This word emphasizes a specific need and the entreaty to God for that need. Many times this takes the form of intercession for the saints (v.18).
Note 22 at Eph. 6:18: "In the Spirit" means prayer directed by God's Spirit and in accordance with God's will (1 Jn. 5:14-15). Paul used this terminology when referring to praying in tongues (1 Cor. 14:2, 15; Jude 20; see note 20 at 1 Cor. 14:15, p. 946). Therefore, this includes praying in tongues (see note 13 at Mk. 16:17, p. 566).
Note 23 at Eph. 6:18: The Greek word for "perseverance" is PROSKARTERESIS and is used only one time in the New Testament, which is in this verse. This word carries the idea of "being on the alert" as you wear the Christian armor.
Ephesians 6:20Next Verse
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Note 24 at Eph. 6:20: Notice that Paul requests prayer for utterance, that is, that he may be given words empowered by the Holy Spirit that will clearly make known the mystery of the gospel. In effect, his prayer is for more boldness in proclaiming the gospel, and yet it is his boldness with the gospel that had "landed" him in jail (ambassador in bonds-v. 20). Prison hadn't diminished Paul's zeal; he was asking for prayer so that he could be bolder than ever. Paul's heart's desire and prayer to God was that men might be saved (Rom. 10:1).
Note 25 at Eph. 6:20: Once again Paul's attitude toward his problems comes shining through. He did not see himself as a prisoner of the Roman government but as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter how others see us. It's how we see ourselves and our situation that determines our attitude (see note 1 at Eph. 3:1, p. 1108).