By the time Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians, he has
already walked us through identity, unity, calling, and character.
But now, he turns our attention to warfare.
Because mature Christians do not just live well—they stand strong.
Paul does not end with poetic inspiration.
He ends with preparation.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that
you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
(Ephesians 6:11)
This is not cute imagery.
It is critical strategy.
Because we are not just here to survive life.
We are called to stand firm in the Spirit—even while under fire.
The
Belt of Truth
Truth is not just knowledge.
It is alignment.
When Paul says to put on the belt of truth, he is calling
us to anchor everything we are in what God says—about Him, about us, and
about the world around us.
Truth secures you.
It keeps everything else in place.
And when the lies come—and they will—truth is what tightens your core.
The
Breastplate of Righteousness
This is not self-righteousness.
It is not about being perfect.
It is about wearing what Jesus gave you.
His righteousness covers your heart—so guilt and shame
cannot pierce it.
You do not fight to be righteous.
You fight from righteousness.
It guards your motives.
It protects your peace.
It reminds you that you are already covered.
The
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Peace is how we move.
Not fear.
Not anxiety.
Not chaos.
The gospel grounds us and guides our steps.
We walk boldly because we carry Good News.
And even when we enter conflict, we bring peace with us.
That is the walk of a mature believer—peaceful,
purposeful, prepared.
The
Shield of Faith
Faith does not prevent the arrows.
It just keeps them from landing.
Paul says to take up the shield of faith “with which you
can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)
Faith says:
- God is still good.
- God is still with me.
- God will not fail.
When doubt flies, fear speaks, or disappointment
burns—faith shields us.
Not with denial, but with confidence in God’s character.
The
Helmet of Salvation
Protect your mind.
Because the battle is not just external—it is mental.
The helmet reminds you:
- You are saved.
- You are secure.
- You are sealed.
You do not have to replay old sins or rehearse future
fears.
You are covered by salvation—so you can think with clarity and hope.
The
Sword of the Spirit (The Word of God)
Every other piece is for defense.
But this—the Word—is for offense.
When Jesus was tempted, He answered with Scripture.
Not emotions.
Not opinions.
The Word.
Mature Christians know how to wield the Word:
- To fight lies
- To speak life
- To strengthen the weary
- To cut through confusion
You do not just read the Word.
You carry it like a sword.
The
Missile of Prayer. The Bayonet of Perseverance. The Grenade of Supplication.
These may not be in every translation—but they are in every
battle.
Paul says:
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests… be alert and always keep on praying…”
(Ephesians 6:18)
Prayer is not a nice option.
It is your power line.
- Missiles reach what your hands cannot
touch.
- Bayonets are for close-up struggles—you
pray when it is personal.
- Grenades are for shaking spiritual
strongholds loose.
Prayer is warfare.
And mature believers use it constantly, intentionally, and expectantly.
Put
It On. Keep It On. Stand Strong.
Ephesians ends with a command that still echoes:
“Put on the full armor of God.”
Not some of it.
Not once a week.
All of it. Every day.
Because the fight is real.
But so is the victory.
And we do not fight alone.
We stand with Jesus—clothed, covered, and confident.
So today, I suit up.
Not in fear.
But in faith.