Stand Firm

Scripture Reading: ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

I.                              Be Aware of the Battle (6:10-13)

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm. 

A.       To stand firm we need the Lord’s strength

B.       We need to know our enemy

Satan =adversary

Diabolos= slanderer

The devil

Satan is the head of demons and his minions

The Serpent

The ruler of the things of this World

The god of this age

The evil one

The dragon  

II.                          Be Equipped With God’s Armor (6:13-17)

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 firm.

  ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

A.       Belt of Truth

Definition: The Belt of Truth We live in the truth of who Jesus is and we live in His truth, speak His Truth and be an ambassador of truth in our language, behavior and attitude.

Cling to the person of truth – Jesus

Speak the truth

            Key: Personal encounters

B.       Breastplate of Righteousness

Definition: The Breastplate of righteousness represents both the righteousness given through Christ and the righteousness life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Imputed Righteousness- We are made in right standing with God through Jesus

Practical Righteousness- Living right by the power of the Holy Spirit

Key: Living right protects us from satan from getting a foothold.

C.      Gospel Shoes

Definition: The shoes of the Gospel of peace represent readiness to live in God’s peace and to carry the message of salvation wherever God sends us.

Always be ready to share the gospel

Testify to what God has done in your life

Key: What are you proclaiming and who are you proclaiming it to?

Ephesians 2:17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.

D.      Shield of Faith

Definition: The Shield of Faith represents confident trust in God’s promises that protects believers from doubt, fear, and spiritual attack.

Believe what He says about us

Believe the promises of His Word

Key: Identity

E.        Helmet of Salvation

Definition: The Helmet of Salvation represents the assurance of salvation that guards the believer’s mind against fear, confusion, and condemnation.

Remind yourself of your salvation experience

Trust and put your hope in Him and Him alone

Break free from condemnation. You have been bought with the blood of Jesus

Key: Who are you listening to

F.        Sword of the Spirit

Definition: The Sword of the Spirit represents the spoken and applied Word of God used through the power of the Holy Spirit to defeat spiritual opposition.

We must know and speak the Word

It is defensive and offensive

Logos vs Rhema

Jesus gives us an example in the wilderness (Matthew 4)

The enemy has tried to distort God’s Word from the beginning.

Key: Read it, meditate on it, Pray it, Proclaim it

III.                       Be Devoted to Prayer (6:18-20)

¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

 ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

   Activate your wartime walkie-talkie

A.       Pray Comprehensively

1.        We pray at all times

2.        We should stay alert

3.        We pray with all prayer and supplication

4.        We pray making intercession for all saints

B.       Pray in the Spirit

C.      Pray for Gospel Boldness

Key: Be diligent and faithful to prayer daily