Stand Strong In Him!

One New Year's Day, in the Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit. It was out of gas. The whole parade was held up until someone could get a can of gas. The amusing thing was this float represented the Standard Oil Company. With its vast oil resources, its truck was out of gas! Often, Christians neglect their spiritual maintenance, and though they are "clothed with power" (Luke 24:49) find themselves out of gas. -Steve Blankenship in God Came Near by Max Lucado, Multnomah Press, 1987, p. 95.

"Finally, my brethren..." With these words Paul begins to draw Ephesians to a close, an epistle in which he has beautifully described:
a. The Christian's possessions in Christ ("every spiritual blessing") - chapter 1
b. The Christian's position in Christ ("fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God") - chapters 2-3
c. The Christian's purpose in Christ ("to have a walk worthy of the calling") - chapters 4-6

Summarily, to effectively carry out our "purpose", Paul's final concern is that the Christian be "strong" (Ephesians 6:10-20). In our message today, we shall consider what Paul has to say about "standing strong in the armor Of God"

We begin today by noticing the source of this strength (Ephesians 6:10-11a). This strength comes from the Lord, not ourselves! Note here that Paul says: "be strong IN THE LORD"; and "in the power OF HIS MIGHT." Thus Paul states that there is "strength" and "power" available for the Christian beyond their own! Paul referred to this earlier in his epistle (cf. Ephesians 1:19; 3:16,20). Additionally, Paul also refers to this in his epistle to the Philippians (cf. Philppians 2:12-13; 4:13).

So, once again, where do we get this strength? This strength comes from "the armor of God". First, it is "armor" that GOD supplies. Second, it is "armor" that we must "put on", (i.e., it is not something we have in of ourselves). The point is, we are not left to our own pitiful strength, but there is "divine strength" that we can "put on" to protect us in the "battles" we must face.

Speaking of "battles", let's next consider the need for this strength (Ephesians 6:11b-13). We desperately need this strength to stand up to the devil. Satan has various "wiles" (lit., cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery), but Christians need not be ignorant of his "devices" (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:11).

For example, some of Satan's "schemes" are: blinding people via false doctrine (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:1-3); enticing people to indulge in illicit desires of the flesh and mind (Ephesians 2:1-3); and bringing persecution upon those who try to do right (1 Peter 5:8-9). Only with the Lord's help can we overcome the wicked one (2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 John 2:13-14 *note the comments to "young men").

We also need this strength to wrestle against "spiritual hosts of wickedness". This is not restricted exclusively to Satan, but we battle against:
a. Principalities and powers;
b. Rulers of the darkness of this age;
c. Spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (i.e., there are demonic forces at play).

While I am not speaking about demonic "possession" as it existed in the days of Christ, we need to be aware that in today's world there are certainly demonic "influences", such as "doctrines of demons" (1 Titus 4:1-3). We may not fully understand how the "rulers of the darkness" operate, but clearly we see the need for all the strength God provides us in order to "stand" against such forces.

Now, what is the strength God provides? As we continue in Ephesians 6, Paul
explains the "nature of His strength." (Ephesians 6:14-20). Here we read that it is the "whole" armor of God. Note in verses 11 and 13, this armor enables us to be able to "stand against the wiles of the devil" and "withstand in the evil day." To do this, we need, not part, but the WHOLE armor God provides the Christian (i.e., EVERY element Paul describes here is essential to be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might").

Okay, let's try to put all of this together. The "whole armor of God" involves:

1. TRUTH, which serves like a belt. It will hold our life together with a sense of direction and purpose. Truth can free us from sin, which can easily 'beset' us (cf. John 8:32-34; Hebrews 12:1).
2. RIGHTEOUSNESS, which guards like a breastplate. Doing that which is good and right will guard our hearts (emotions). Otherwise, ungodly living brings on emotional guilt as well as judicial guilt. Paul may also have reference to the "righteousness of Christ", that "justification" found only in Him that protects us from the accusations of Satan (cf. Philippians 3:9).
3. THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, which is crucial to our ability to "stand." The gospel is God's power unto salvation (Romans 1:16-17). Armed with the gospel, we can have "beautiful feet" that enables us to take the glad tidings to others (Romans 10:15).
4. FAITH, which is like a shield. A strong conviction in God can protect us from every "fiery dart" that Satan can throw at us (false doctrine, lusts of the flesh, persecution). This faith comes only from the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
5. SALVATION, which is like a helmet. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul speaks of the "hope of salvation" as our helmet. Thus it is the "hope" that salvation provides that can protect our minds against things like despair and fear.
6. THE WORD OF GOD, which is the "sword of the Spirit" Here is the "offensive" weapon that Christians must use in their battles, and it is a powerful one! (Hebrews 4:12). With this "sword" it is possible for the Spirit to "cut to the heart" those who hear the Word (cf. Acts 2:36-37; 7:54).
7. PRAYER, the means by which we remain "watchful." In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus taught that we must "watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation" (Matthew 26:41).

In conclusion, when we arm ourselves with such qualities as: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, the hope of salvation, the word of God, and prayer then we are "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might"! (Ephesians 6:10)

With such strength, we are able to resist and stand firm against anything Satan might throw against us, But the choice to "put on the whole armor of God" is up to us (i.e., you and me). Are YOU taking care to adorn yourself with this wonderful armor?

Prayer:

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. -Thomas Aquinas


God's peace and love to you,

Jennifer