Ephesians 6:10-24 (KJV)

6:10-11 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.

Finally. The word indicates that a conclusion is imminent; however, there is still something that must be addressed. That “something” is how to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 

This is the final application of practical doctrine for the letter to the Ephesians. 

We must put on the whole armor of God. This is an explanation of how to be strong and powerful by the might of Jesus Christ. With our position in Christ and empowered by His armor, we can “stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Paul makes it evident that we are in a war and in a fight against the Devil and his dark constructions. God makes a way to stay strong in the fight. 

6:12-13 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.

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.

We do not wrestle against flesh and blood. We are not against people because the fact is, God desires for all men (humankind) to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). 

Our enemy and our opposition are the dark forces contrary to God. These are listed out in verse 12. This verse is also further validation of the spiritual realm beyond that of our sight. 

Yet taking the armor of God upon signifies a level of ownership and necessity. We must put on the armor of God if we want to stand firm. Not just part of the armor either, the whole armor in its entirety.

Standing as a warrior also is better done together as the Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) (Aka The Army). 

This is not Paul’s only allusion to being the Army of God as he also explained that the mission is to please Him who enlisted us within the Army and that we endure hardship by not entangling ourselves in the affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

“Having done all” means that in the end we may be found standing strong in the armor of God by His grace. 

6:14-17 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

As Christians, we are standing in God, sealed until the day of our Redemption.

Nonetheless, staying strong in the Lord and producing fruit (Colossians 1:10; Galatians 5:22-23) is our profit. Equip the armor and produce fruit. 

Once again standing, the Word instructs man to girt their loins with truth. Girting the loins is often considered archaic now since the practice was a way to prepare for combat or physical activity. 

It involved hiking up one’s robe into a girdle or belt so that they could move swifter within combat. 

Quite literally, girting out loins with truth would be comparable to the teachings of Jesus when He states, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). God’s truth mobilizes us against spiritual opposition. 

The breastplate of righteousness is the equipping and imputation of Christ’s righteousness on the believer. Righteousness guards our heart in Christ Jesus and grounds us in peace (Philippians 4:7).

Spiritual opposition will try and take the Christian on in a long battle. Feet shod with peace will carry us through the long walk that the rest of Ephesians emphasizes. We are reconciled unto God into the Body of Christ and called into peace, apart from the flesh (Ephesians 2:15-17).

Therefore, we walk circumspectly, aware of the evilness that tries so hard to rid us of the peace of God (Ephesians 5:15).

When we walk in faith, we are protected from the fiery arrows of the Devil that ignite our flesh. By grace we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8) and have the ability to thwart the arrows that attack us relentlessly. 

God is our refuge and our strength (Psalm 46:1).  

Our actions and mindset should be directed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by which we ascertain our salvation (1 Timothy 2:4, Titus 3:5). Jesus is the head of His Body (The Church) and within our salvation, we are sealed. 

We are never to take off the helmet for it is by salvation that we have the hope and assurance of victory in this spiritual war. 

The Word of God is the only offensive weapon mentioned within the armor of God. A weapon’s purpose is to damage.

The Word of God has the power to destroy the strongholds of the enemy and brings every thought into the captivity of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

In spiritual combat, the Word of God is sharp and double-edged fulfilling many functions. It pierces soul, spirit, and heart and rescues the spiritually oppressed and is mighty to defend those who wield it (Hebrews 4:12). 

In fact, we know of the armor of God, because we wield the Sword. But like any weapon, we must learn how to properly wield it. 

The Bible directly tells us how to train and grow with it. Rightly dividing the Word of Truth is the Biblical approach necessary to wield the sword most efficiently (2 Timothy 2:15).

6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Prayer, particularly supplication (A request unto God), should come with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6) in the Spirit. Thanksgiving is often coupled with sincerity and a deep appreciation for what we are thankful for. To God, our thanksgiving can be endless. 

It is the will of God that we give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). 

When we pray, we are placing faith in God and for a lack of better words, energizing the armor equipped. 

Therefore, pray always [18]. While we pray, remain patient and watch for the requests lifted unto the Father.

Paul urges prayer for himself as well that he may speak boldly of the Gospel. It is Scriptural to pray for and on behalf of other people. But like all prayers, God’s will should be prioritized in prayer. 

Paul’s prayer was clearly in the will of God because it is the will of God that all men should be saved and come into the knowledge of the truth. 

At the time of this writing, it is believed that Paul was quite literally, an ambassador in bonds. If written in Rome, he would have been on trial and under house arrest. 

This prayer was sincere and it was answered. The Apostle Paul preached the Gospel boldly and is one of the primary reasons we have this letter to the Ephesians. 

6:21-22 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

Tychicus, was a faithful travel companion to Paul from near Ephesus and Ephesus was his ministerial focus (Acts 20:4; 2 Timothy 4:12). 

His role was similar to Paul’s in to preach the Gospel, inform of Paul’s condition, and comfort the hearts of the Ephesian church. 

6:23-24 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Grace and peace bookend love with faith! Grace is how God operates within this dispensation and love is the greatest attribute to flow from His graceful dispensary (1 Corinthians 13:13). 

This is a great conclusion. The Lord gives grace to all that love the finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ in sincerity.