This Week with the Word

The Uniform Lesson for May 31
Background & Commentary by Sam E. Stone

This lesson concludes our three-month study of “Christ and Creation.” We have considered selected passages from Ezekiel, Luke, Acts, and Ephesians, pointing out the promise, the dawn, and the fruits of new life. Today’s text focuses on our battle with the devil. Throughout Ephesians Paul demonstrates that divine grace and human responsibility are both involved as we seek to live the new life. While we must put on the armor, it is God who provides it.

Our Battle/Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God (v. 10, 11). The believer’s strength is not in himself, but in the Lord. Apart from him, we are hopeless and helpless (see John 15:1-5). Paul knew well the armor worn by a Roman soldier; he likely had been chained to one for some three years. He sees in that armor practical illustrations to help the Christian take (his) stand against the devil’s schemes (v. 11).

God’s plan is not that we use just one powerful weapon, but rather take the complete armor—offensive and defensive—that he provides. The full armor, literally “the panoply,” can save us in our life-or-death battle with the devil. The devil’s methodical plan seeks to drag every soul down into perdition (see also Ephesians 4:14).

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers . . . the authorities . . . the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm (v. 12). Satan exercises great power over the unseen world (see John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 1:21). The New Testament makes clear that a personal devil is not only real, but powerful. On our own we do not have the ability to conquer him; only God does. For this reason, we must depend on the armor he provides as we battle with Satan. When the day of evil comes, only those who are properly protected will be able to stand (their) ground, and after (they) have done everything, to stand (v. 13).

Paul took nothing for granted. Even a person like him—an apostle—could still be a castaway in the end (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). After having done all, we must continue to stand!

Our Protection/Ephesians 6:14-18

Stand firm then. Here the apostle begins to describe the armor, making a spiritual application with each part:

Belt of truth buckled around your waist. Before the armor can be put on, the garments underneath must be bound together, “with truth as your belt,” as
J. B. Phillips put it. A well-fitting belt permits ease and freedom of movement, and Truth does this as well.

Breastplate of righteousness. The upright character of one who is living the right life. This description is used of the heavenly Warrior (Isaiah 59:17; see also 1 Thessalonians 5:8).

Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. To protect and support his feet, the Roman soldier wore sandals. They kept him always ready to do battle. Even so, the message of the gospel always supports the believer, making peace wherever he goes—peace between God and man, between man and man, and between man and his conscience (John 16:33).

Shield of faith. The large wooden shield covered with leather provided protection for most of the soldier’s body. With faith, the Christian can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Such faith relies completely on God. Only by putting all of his trust in Christ can the believer guard against the devil’s furious attack. Faith’s shield is a solid defense. It can protect us from despondency, discouragement, doubt, dread, disappointment, and even death.

Helmet of salvation. The soldier’s helmet not only provided protection, but also served as a striking symbol of military victory.

Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The Word of God is the chief offensive weapon used by the Christian soldier. It can separate the false from what is true (Hebrews 4:12; see 1 Peter 1:25). Jesus himself used Scripture in this way when he battled the devil (Matthew 4:1-10).

After describing the armor, Paul concludes with one final necessity—prayer. The old hymn, “Stand Up for Jesus,” describes it well: “Put on the gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer.” Paul directed, Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints (v. 18). The word “all” or its equivalent is used four times in this verse in the original language. For the soldier in God’s army, prayer is to be all-inclusive.

Proverbs 3:6 promises, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Elsewhere Paul wrote, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). The Holy Spirit assists us when we pray (see Romans 8:26, 27). Albert Barnes observed, “Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success, and gives a victory when nothing else would.”

In the Christian’s battle with the devil, the overcomers are the conquerors (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17). With the armor God provides us, we can overcome! |L

Sam E. Stone is the former editor of Christian Standard. He continues his writing and speaking ministry from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.