THE CHRISTIAN AS A SOLDIER
Ephesians chapter 6:10-24
Introduction
All Christians are not fathers, husbands, wives, bosses or employees, but all are soldiers of Christ, in spiritual warfare against Satan and the hosts of darkness. This final part shows the enemy and the armour of the Christian in combating it.
As a soldier, the Christian must “stand” and be able to “withstand” (v. 11, 13, 14), he should not be hesitant, nor irresolute, nor discouraged, nor neglectful. His strength is in the Lord (v.10; see John 15:5, Philippians 4:13).
The enemy – verses 11 and 12
This is the devil, Satan, with his principalities and powers that dominate this world estranged from God - the malicious powers which still inhabit the celestial regions (see Job 1:6); Satan is "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4).
a) The enemy is not "flesh and blood”, that is, people. There is no support here for the "religious wars".
b) "The evil day"- that is right now, the period in which the world generally rejects Christ as their Lord; the attitude to God is indifference or hostility. These are the "perilous times" (2 Timothy 3:1), with "doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1), when "they will not endure sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:3).
c) "The wiles of the devil" (v. 11). With respect to temptation ("to please so-and-so"); worldly pleasures ("there is no harm in it; only this time"); discouragement ("it is not worth it"); fornication ("everyone does it"); laziness ( "I feel no energy"); etc. ..
Armour – verses 13 to 18
The Christian has a spiritual armour that he should use in this war against Satan and his army. The description of this armour is taken from the Roman soldier's armour - the soldiers of our time have very different weapons, but they serve the same purpose: to defend and attack.
a) Belt - “the truth" against false doctrine, lies, intrigues and gossip.
b) Breastplate - "justice" against the temptation to sin. Examples include Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12) and Daniel (Daniel 1:8).
c) Shoes - his feet "shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace" instead of disputes or fights; the Gospel message is "peace with God" see Isaiah 52:7.
d) Shield - the personal faith against hardships, discouragement, persecution, evil suggestions against the truth of Scripture.
e) Helmet - salvation, as known and possessed by the believer and that does not depend on feelings or rites.
f) Sword of the Spirit - that is, the sword supplied by the Spirit: the Holy Scripture, read and known, and used for attack and defence.
g) Prayer and Supplication - at all times for defence and attack, in favour of the believer himself and other believers, which are involved in the same spiritual warfare.
Such is the armour that will serve to give "power" (v. 10) and "firmness" (v. 11) to the Christian in this fight against "the spiritual forces of evil."
The Apostle – verses 19 to 24
With regard to prayer, Paul asks that the believers in Ephesus also remember him, especially with regard to his testimony of the Gospel there in his circumstances in Rome (Acts 28:30-31). He was like "an ambassador in chains" (see 2 Corinthians 5:20) and wanted to be faithful in proclaiming the Gospel, even if his loyalty cost him his life.
To give them information on his circumstances, Paul was sending them the brother Tychicus (see Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:7-8).
There are no personal greetings in this Epistle. The Apostle wishes "peace and love with faith" to the believers that only God can give, and His grace to all those who "love" our Lord Jesus Christ “in sincerity”.
Richard Dawson Jones (1895 - 1987)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
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—
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;
22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Ephesians chapter 6