Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Text: Ephesians 6:13
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Twice, the apostle Paul wrote, to remind his readers that they must put on the whole armour of God (Cf. Ephesians 6:11, 13).
Four times, he uses the word “stand” (“stenai” or “stete” Ephesians 6:11,13,14) in the context of battling the enemy.
Using these simple but effective words Paul sought to convey a powerful reminder.
1. The whole armour of God
a) Emphasis on the adequacy of the whole armour of God.
God has provided full protection for every soldier. No one needs to question whether God has given full protective armour.
b) Encouragement to don the full armour of God.
Even the most seasoned of soldiers can become careless about putting on his armour. Each day he must put on his armour for the battle. Each night he takes off the armour so that he might rest well. He repeats the same procedure endlessly. He can become slip-shod after a while.
c) Familiarity with each piece of the panoply.
The wise soldier must study each and every piece of the panoply given to him. He must know how each piece is best utilized. He must learn from his instructors. He must also practise how to use his weapons well, or he would still not have an edge over the enemy.
2. “That you may be able to withstand”
The word “withstand” (a compound word) is a derivation from the idea of “standing against” an enemy.
a) To withstand strength is needed.
The Christian soldier must have strength enough to withstand the attacks of the enemy.
b) To withstand deep faith in the Lord must be applied.
He must anticipate strong resistance from a powerful enemy, but he need not fear because he has been given all he needs to withstand. This must be faith’s confidence.
c) To withstand effectively hardship must be anticipated.
The good soldier must expect to endure hardship even as he battles for the Lord against powerful wicked forces (Cf. 2 Timothy 2:3-4)