When Elisha was surrounded by the Syrian army, he told his servant, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kin. 6:16). Then Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of his servant, "And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (v. 17). John put it this way, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). When you "put on the whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:11a), you can "stand against the wiles of the devil" (v. 11b), because Christ in you is far greater than any enemy.
Paul continues encouraging us to take a stand against the powers of darkness. "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" (v. 13). We need not be afraid before the enemy. We are equipped to be fearless. We simply need to be sure to "take up the whole armor of God." Paul lists six pieces of armor—five are primarily defensive weapons, while just one is offensive in nature. Remember, these weapons are spiritual. They may be described in vary literal, physical terms, but they are spiritual weapons. So, spiritually speaking, when you put on "the whole armor of God" every day, you can "withstand" evil and all of Satan's attacks, and you can "stand" firm with Christ and for Christ.
Paul continues, "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth" (v. 14a). In ancient times, soldiers often wore loose fitting tunics. So the first piece of armor mentioned is this "belt of truth" (v. 14a, NIV). The tunic would be cinched up under the belt when going into combat. Spiritually it refers to the Christian shoring up his life in the truth of Jesus.
"Truth" (v. 14a) refers to God's truth. Knowing God's truth is essential to being prepared for this spiritual battle. Knowing and understanding basic biblical truth about Christ and salvation will keep you from being "tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting" (Eph. 4:14). Paul warns us, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Tim. 4:1).
Essentially, the Truth, God's truth, is Jesus. He is Truth. In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus is not only the way to life eternal; He is the truth. To be prepared for this spiritual battle you must first be certain that your life is girded in truth or centered in Jesus.
"Stand therefore… having put on the breastplate of righteousness" (Eph. 6:14b). In ancient times, the soldier would wear a breastplate of armor to protect his vital organs. It was often made of heavy material and covered by bits of bone or metal sown in, "consisting of two parts and protecting the body on both sides, from the neck to the middle" (W.E. Vine, M.A., Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Unabridged Edition, [MacDonald Publishing Company: McLean, Virginia, no copyright], 565).
Spiritually, the "breastplate of righteousness" (v. 14b) is the righteousness of Jesus. We are to put on His righteousness. We are to let Jesus cover us in righteousness as He lives in and through us. His righteousness is impenetrable by Satan and his demons, making the righteousness of Jesus the perfect body armor of the Christian. Nothing withstands the enemy, the power of darkness, like the righteousness of Christ. Clothe yourself in Christ's righteousness every day and “stand” strong in your faith.
"Stand therefore… having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (v. 15). Soldiers fight and travel on all types of terrain, so it is essential that they have proper footwear. They need to have the right boots on the ground. Spiritually, it carries the idea of readiness.
"Preparation" (v. 15) refers to being prepared or ready. "The gospel of peace" (v. 15) refers to the fact that, in Christ, believers are at peace with God. In this context, it refers to more than just evangelism. It has to do with fighting spiritual battles. It has to do with standing firm against the devil. With the gospel of Christ we are able to stand firm and win the battle.
1 Peter 3:15 says, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." Through the gospel of Christ, stand firm in the spiritual battle. Always hold your ground. Always be ready to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone who is ready to listen. Amen.
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