Eph 6:11-12 What do we learn from what Paul says here?

We learn from this that the devil is constantly waging war against Christians and that Christians can only overcome him in the power of God's might (CP V10 with Mk 16:17; Ro 6:1-8; 2Cor 10:3-5; Jas 4:7; 1Pe 5:8-9).

The word wiles in Eph 6:11 means "methods" - the different plans and schemes the devil uses to deceive, entrap, enslave and ruin the souls of men. However, as Jas 4:7 teaches, if we are submitted to God, we can resist the devil and he will flee from us, for God is greater than the devil (CP 1Jn 4:4).

When Paul says to put on the whole armour of God in Eph 6:11, he does not mean that it is to be a daily ritual or routine, as many Christians believe, but simply that Christians are to be in a constant state of readiness, clothed with all that God provides us with for offence or defence against the forces of Satan in our daily walk.

The term put on is from the same Greek word translated endued in Luke 24:49 (CP Luke 24:49).

This is referring to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Once we are baptized in the Spirit we do not have to be re-baptized every day, and it is the same with the whole armour of God. We are to take it to ourselves at once, and once for all. It is not meant to be a repeat performance every day. The nature of the Christian's battle with the devil is clearly presented in 2 Cor 10:3-5 (CP 2Cor 10:3-5).

The battle is not fought on the human level.

Christians cannot withstand the devil in their own power. They can only do so by using the divine weapons God has provided for them (CP Eph 6:13-17).

The phrase having done all, to stand in V13 is a military term meaning "having conquered all, stand, ready to do battle again".

This teaches, like Jas 4:7, that Christians conforming to God's word need never fear the forces of darkness. The devil can only overcome those not conformed to God's word (CP 1Pe 5:8-9).

See also comments on 2Cor 10:3-5 (A) and (B).

Truth in Eph 6:14 is not merely ethical truth, but truth in all its fullness and scope - in both word and conduct.

It means sincerity and integrity of character; openness, candour, truthfulness (CP Eph 5:9). The idea of Christians girding their loins with truth in the context of Eph 6:14 is a sincere commitment to fight and win without hypocrisy (CP Isa 11:5; Luke 12:35; Ro 13:12-14; 1Pe 1:13).

The breastplate of righteousness in Eph 6:14 is not justifying righteousness given to believers upon their conversion to Christ, but sanctifying righteousness, the product of the Holy Spirit indwelling believers. As believers are yielded to the Holy Spirit the righteousness of Christ produces in them the practical, daily righteousness that becomes their spiritual breastplate (CP Isa 59:17; 2Cor 6:7; 7:1; 1Th 5:8).

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace means that the preparedness with which believers are inspired by the gospel with its message of peace with God is to be to them the protection and equipment which the boots that covered their feet were to the Roman soldiers (CP Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15-17).

Above all in Eph 6:16 means "in addition to". In addition to having our loins girt about with truth, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, we are also to take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (CP V16-17).

The shield of faith is a present faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for victory over sin and the forces of darkness (CP Ro 8:37; 2Cor 2:14; 1Jn 4:4, 5:4).

The helmet of salvation is speaking of the believer's assurance of salvation, which Satan seeks to destroy with his weapons of doubt and discouragement - some of the fiery darts of the wicked. But believers have the assurance of their salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ (CP Jn 3:16; 6:37-39; 10:27-29; Ro 5:8-11; 8:31-39; Php 1:6; 1Pe 1:3-5).

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. As the sword was the only weapon of a Roman soldier so the word of God is the only weapon believers need to fend of Satan's attacks on them (CP 2Cor 10:3-5; He 4:12).

See also comments on 2Cor 10:3-5(A) and (B) and He 4:11-12.

These Studies by Br Val Boyle may be downloaded and freely distributed but not sold for profit.

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