Day 307: Ephesians 6:14–20

In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one (v. 16).

When we stopped reading at Ephesians 6:13 yesterday, we were left with the encouragement to “take your stand” (hcsb). Satan definitely wants to force us off our property and make us feel like we’re getting nowhere. But God has given us the privilege of standing in the victorious space He desires for us. And He has given us His mighty armor with which to join together with one another in spiritual combat against the enemy. You’ve most likely studied this list of weaponry before, but as Peter believed, it is valuable to “remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you have” (2 Pet. 1:12 hcsb). May we continue to learn while we live, and fight while we have strength.

The belt of truth represents not living a lie in any part of our lives, living free of secret areas of hypocrisy. Satan loves to blackmail believers who have a secret they want to keep hidden.

The breastplate of righteousness is the protection we receive when we choose the right thing even when we feel like choosing the wrong thing. Not only will we find protection from disaster, God will honor our obedience by changing our hearts if we’ll let Him. We will find great protection in learning to pray Psalm 141:4: “Do not let my heart turn to any evil thing” (hcsb).

Feet readied with the gospel of peace. The word for “readiness” is hetoimasia, meaning “firm footing.” Roman soldiers’ boots had cleats on the soles to give them firm footing. Our feet give our bodies balance. We can remain balanced because, although we are at war with Satan, we are at peace with God. Sink your feet into “the gospel of peace”!

The shield of faith is our protection when Satan tempts us to disbelieve God. A big difference separates doubting what God may do and doubting God. Even when you have no idea what God is doing, your protection is in never doubting God is God. We’re not called to have faith in our faith. We are called to have faith in God and never doubt Him.

The helmet of salvation protects our minds. The best way to protect our mind is to fill it with the Word of God and things pertaining to godliness. We need to deliberately avoid destructive influences.

The sword of the Spirit. You’ve probably noticed the defensive nature of all five previous weapons. The sword of the Spirit is our only offensive weapon against the evil one. Christ demonstrated how to be an expert swordsman. In His wilderness temptation Jesus attacked Satan with the Word of God until the enemy gave up. Know and use the Word of God persistently!

Active, anytime prayer. Retain an active prayer life. “Pray at all times in the Spirit” (v. 18 hcsb). Prayerless lives are powerless lives. Active prayer lives equip us with the power and motivation to put on the full armor of God. Because Paul mentioned praying for others next, I believe this first exhortation was primarily about praying for ourselves.

Prayer for other believers. Remember one another in warfare prayer “with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints,” (v. 18 hcsb). Power results from collective prayer. God delights in our petitions for each other. Soldiers depend on one another to watch their backs! Not long ago I realized I was having an internal problem with anger. I was caught off guard because ordinarily I do not struggle with anger. I prayed many times; finally I shared my struggles with a friend. She began to join me in prayer, and the anger ceased immediately. I cannot explain why. I only know that Satan’s secret was out, prayer doubled, and God acted.

Prayer for spiritual leaders. Notice Paul ended by asking for prayer—“Pray also for me” (v. 19 hcsb). Again, I believe he was talking about warfare prayer because he asked specifically for intercession regarding fearlessness. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, God does not give us a spirit of fear. Satan is the one who fuels fear in an attempt to keep people from serving God effectively. If the great apostle needed prayer to fulfill his calling fearlessly, we all need prayer! Our missionaries, pastors, leaders, and teachers need our prayers. The enemy wants to destroy ministries. Our prayers help build a hedge of protection around them.

The following list includes each of the exhortations about warfare we’ve considered today. As you read the list, mentally evaluate yourself on each of the actions.

• I reject personal hypocrisy (the belt of truth).

• I resist snares of unrighteousness (the breastplate of righteousness).

• I remain balanced (feet readied with the gospel of peace).

• I refuse unbelief (the shield of faith).

• I reinforce my mind (the helmet of salvation).

• I raise my sword (the sword of the Spirit).

• I retain an active prayer life.

• I remember others in warfare prayer.

• I specifically remember spiritual leaders in warfare prayer.

What a set of goals! Warfare is a reality for the Christian life. We can do nothing to change that. We can, however, decide whether to be victims or victors.