[Note: This is the final part of our 10-part series on Ephesians: Living Out Our Identity in Christ.]

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the fight? Not the fight against circumstances or difficult people, but the deeper battle—the one for your heart, your faith, your faithfulness? The temptations that won’t quit. The doubts that whisper in the quiet moments. The patterns of sin that keep reasserting themselves despite your best efforts. If you’ve felt that exhaustion, you’re not imagining things. You’re in a real battle. And Paul is about to tell you how to fight it.

Throughout this series, we’ve explored our identity in Christ. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the foundation of the world, made alive when we were dead, brought near when we were far off, part of the mystery hidden for ages. We’ve learned how to walk worthy of that calling—in unity, maturity, putting off the old self, putting on the new, living out the gospel in our homes and workplaces.

Now Paul concludes with a sobering reality: the Christian life is warfare. Not metaphorical warfare. Real, spiritual warfare against real, spiritual enemies. But here’s the good news: you’re not unarmed. God has equipped you with everything you need. The armor you need for the battle is armor you already have.

Be Strong in the Lord (6:10-12)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. (Eph. 6:10-12)

Be Strong in the Lord

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Paul begins not with a command to try harder but with a call to depend on God’s strength. The verb “be strong” is passive—literally, “be strengthened.” You’re not generating strength from within yourself. You’re receiving strength from God.

“In the Lord” and “in the strength of his might.” This is emphatic. Your strength comes from union with Christ. Apart from Him, you can do nothing (John 15:5). In Him, you have access to resurrection power—the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19-20).

This is crucial. The battle ahead requires divine strength. Human willpower won’t cut it. Religious effort won’t sustain you. You need God’s mighty strength.

Put On the Armor

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Paul shifts to military imagery. Roman soldiers wore distinctive armor, and Paul uses this familiar picture to describe spiritual realities.

“The whole armor.” Not just part of it. Not your favorite pieces. All of it. You need complete protection, not selective coverage.

Why? “That you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” The word “schemes” (methodeia) means strategies, tactics, cunning plans. Satan doesn’t attack randomly. He schemes. He studies you, knows your weaknesses, plans his attacks. He’s been doing this for millennia. You need God’s armor to withstand his schemes.

The Real Enemy

“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.”

This is the key insight. Your real battle isn’t against people. It’s not against your boss, your spouse, your parents, your kids, your neighbors, or that person on social media who infuriates you. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood.”

The real enemy is spiritual: “rulers…authorities…cosmic powers…spiritual forces of evil.” Paul isn’t creating a detailed hierarchy of demons. He’s stacking up phrases to emphasize the reality and magnitude of spiritual opposition. There are spiritual powers actively working against you. They’re organized, purposeful, and hostile.

This changes everything. When you’re struggling with sin, you’re not just dealing with bad habits. When you’re facing temptation, you’re not just fighting your flesh. When you’re doubting God’s goodness, you’re not just processing circumstances. There’s a spiritual dimension to all of it. The enemy is real, and he’s working against you.

But here’s the critical point: if the battle is spiritual, then physical, mental, or emotional strategies alone won’t win it. You need spiritual armor.

Take Up the Armor (6:13-17)

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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:13-17)

The Purpose: To Stand

“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.” Notice the repeated emphasis: “withstand…stand firm…stand.” The goal isn’t to charge into battle and conquer territory. The goal is to stand your ground when the enemy attacks.

“The evil day” refers to times of intense spiritual assault. Days when temptation is overwhelming. Days when doubt floods your mind. Days when sin seems irresistible. Days when you’re ready to quit. Those are evil days. And in those days, your job is to stand.

“Having done all, to stand firm.” After you’ve done everything—put on all the armor, prayed, fought, resisted—stand. Don’t retreat. Don’t surrender. Don’t give up. Stand.

The Belt of Truth

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth.” In Roman armor, the belt held everything together. It secured the breastplate, held the sword, and kept the tunic from getting in the way during combat. Without the belt, the soldier couldn’t fight effectively.

What’s the spiritual belt? Truth. Specifically, the truth of the gospel, the truth of God’s Word, the truth about who God is and who you are in Christ. This truth holds everything else together.

But notice: this isn’t just intellectual knowledge. You have to “fasten on” the belt. You have to actively, intentionally wrap yourself in truth. When lies come—and they will—you counter them with truth. When the enemy whispers, “You’re worthless,” you speak truth: “I’m chosen, adopted, redeemed.” When he says, “God doesn’t care about you,” you declare truth: “God loved me enough to die for me.”

Truth is your foundation. Without it, everything else falls apart.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

“And having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” The breastplate protected the vital organs—heart, lungs, the core of life. Spiritually, what protects your heart? Righteousness.

This is not your own righteousness. Your best efforts are filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). This is the righteousness of Christ, credited to you by faith (2 Cor. 5:21). You stand before God clothed in Christ’s perfect righteousness.

Why does this matter in spiritual warfare? Because Satan is “the accuser of our brothers” (Rev. 12:10). He accuses you before God. He reminds you of your failures, your sins, your inconsistencies. But when you’re wearing the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness, the accusations don’t penetrate. You’re not righteous because of what you’ve done. You’re righteous because of what Christ has done.

This is where understanding what operates “below the waterline” becomes critical. Are you trusting Christ’s righteousness, or are you functionally trusting your own performance? When you sin, do you believe the gospel—that Christ’s blood covers you—or do you slip into thinking you need to earn your way back into God’s good graces? The breastplate of righteousness protects you from both Satan’s accusations and your own tendency toward works-righteousness.

The Shoes of the Gospel

“And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” Roman soldiers wore sturdy sandals with hobnails for traction. They could stand firm and move quickly.

What gives you spiritual footing? “The readiness given by the gospel of peace.” The gospel creates a firm foundation. You have peace with God through Christ (Rom. 5:1). You’re not scrambling to earn acceptance. You’re standing on solid ground—the finished work of Christ.

“Readiness” suggests both stability and mobility. You’re ready to stand. You’re ready to advance. You’re ready to share the gospel with others. The gospel gives you sure footing in every spiritual battle.

The Shield of Faith

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” The Roman shield was large enough to protect the entire body. Soldiers could lock shields together to form a protective wall.

“The shield of faith.” Faith is not wishful thinking. It’s active trust in God and His promises. When doubts come—and they will—you lift the shield of faith. When circumstances scream that God isn’t good or faithful, you trust what you know to be true from His Word.

“Flaming darts” were arrows dipped in pitch and set on fire. They didn’t just wound—they ignited everything they touched. Satan’s attacks are like that. A single temptation can set your whole life on fire if you don’t stop it. Faith extinguishes those darts.

How? By trusting God’s character when your feelings say otherwise. By believing His promises when circumstances contradict them. By clinging to Christ when everything in you wants to let go.

The Helmet of Salvation

“And take the helmet of salvation.” The helmet protected the head—the mind, the command center. Without it, a soldier was vulnerable to deadly blows.

What protects your mind? The assurance of salvation. Knowing you’re saved, that your salvation is secure, that nothing can separate you from God’s love (Rom. 8:38-39).

Satan loves to attack your assurance. “Did God really save you? Are you sure? Look at your sin. How could God still want you?” The helmet of salvation protects you from those attacks. You’re saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). It’s not based on your performance. It’s based on Christ’s finished work. That truth guards your mind.

The Sword of the Spirit

“And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” This is the only offensive weapon in the armor. Everything else is defensive—designed to protect and help you stand. The sword is for fighting back.

“The word of God.” Not just the Bible in general, but the specific word God speaks to you in a given moment through His written Word. Jesus demonstrated this in the wilderness. When Satan tempted Him, Jesus wielded Scripture like a sword: “It is written…” (Matt. 4:1-11).

You fight with God’s Word. When temptation comes, you speak Scripture. When lies assault you, you counter with truth from the Word. When doubt clouds your mind, you return to what God has said. The Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12). Use it.

Pray Without Ceasing (6:18-20)

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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph. 6:18-20)

Prayer as Spiritual Warfare

After listing the armor, Paul doesn’t say, “Now go fight.” He says, “Keep praying.” Prayer is not separate from spiritual warfare. Prayer is spiritual warfare.

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Notice the repetition: “all times…all prayer…all supplication…all perseverance…all the saints.” Paul emphasizes comprehensiveness. Pray constantly. Pray every kind of prayer. Pray for everyone.

“In the Spirit.” Prayer is not just talking to God. It’s the Spirit-empowered communion with the Father through the Son. The Spirit helps you in your weakness, interceding for you with groanings too deep for words (Rom. 8:26).

Keep Alert

“To that end, keep alert with all perseverance.” Alertness is vigilance, watchfulness. Don’t fall asleep spiritually. Don’t get complacent. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Stay awake.

“With all perseverance.” Don’t quit praying. Don’t give up. Keep at it. Spiritual warfare requires endurance.

Pray for Others

“Making supplication for all the saints.” Don’t just pray for yourself. Pray for other believers. They’re in the same battle you’re in. When you pray for them, you’re standing with them, fighting alongside them.

“And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” Even Paul, the great apostle, needed prayer. He asked for boldness to proclaim the gospel. If Paul needed that prayer, so do we.

“For which I am an ambassador in chains.” Paul is an ambassador—a representative of the King. But he’s in chains. The gospel doesn’t promise comfort. It promises Christ. And Christ is worth suffering for.

Paul’s Closing (6:21-24)

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Eph. 6:21-24)

Paul closes with personal notes and a benediction. Tychicus will bring news. But notice the final blessing: “Peace…love…faith…grace.” These are the realities Paul has been describing throughout the letter. They’re not just nice sentiments. They’re the armor, the weapons, the strength you have in Christ.

“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” The letter ends where it began: grace. Everything flows from grace. Everything depends on grace. Your identity, your transformation, your standing, your armor—it’s all grace.

Application Points

Recognize the real battle

Stop treating spiritual opposition as if it were merely psychological, emotional, or circumstantial. Yes, those dimensions are real. But underneath them is a spiritual battle. When you’re struggling, ask: What’s the real fight here? What’s the enemy trying to accomplish? Recognizing the spiritual dimension changes how you respond.

Put on the armor daily

This isn’t a one-time event. You put on the armor every day. Start your day by consciously wrapping yourself in truth, reminding yourself of Christ’s righteousness, grounding yourself in the gospel, taking up the shield of faith, securing your assurance of salvation, and taking up God’s Word. Make this a daily habit, not just a crisis response.

Stand, don’t strive

The emphasis throughout this passage is standing, not conquering. You’re not trying to win the war—Christ already won it on the cross. You’re holding the ground He secured. When temptation comes, when doubt floods in, when the enemy attacks—stand. Don’t retreat. Don’t surrender. Trust the armor God has given you and stand firm.

Pray as warfare

Don’t separate prayer from the battle. Prayer is how you engage in spiritual warfare. Pray constantly. Pray for yourself. Pray for other believers. Pray for boldness to proclaim the gospel. Prayer isn’t a nice addition to spiritual life. It’s essential to survival in spiritual warfare.

Remember the armor is Christ

Ultimately, every piece of the armor is a description of Christ and what He’s done for you. The truth is Christ (John 14:6). The righteousness is Christ’s (2 Cor. 5:21). The gospel of peace is Christ’s work (Rom. 5:1). The faith is faith in Christ. The salvation is secured by Christ. The Word of God testifies to Christ. You don’t just put on armor. You put on Christ (Rom. 13:14). Your strength, your protection, your victory—it’s all Him.

Reflection

• Are you fighting spiritual battles with worldly weapons—self-effort, willpower, behavior modification—or are you putting on God’s armor?
• Which piece of armor do you most neglect, and how is that leaving you vulnerable?
• Are you praying regularly for other believers, recognizing that we’re all in this battle together?
• When you face spiritual opposition, is your default response to stand firm in Christ’s strength or to try harder on your      own?

Series Conclusion

We’ve journeyed through Ephesians together, exploring what it means to live out our identity in Christ. Let’s remember what Paul has taught us:

In Christ, you are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the foundation of the world, adopted as a son or daughter, redeemed by His blood, sealed with the Holy Spirit. You were dead, but God made you alive. You were far off, but He brought you near. You’re part of the mystery hidden for ages—the one new man, Jew and Gentile united in Christ.

Because of who you are, Paul calls you to walk worthy of your calling. Pursue unity. Use your gifts to build up the body. Put off the old self and put on the new. Let the gospel transform your speech, your anger, your work, your relationships. Let it reshape your marriage, your parenting, your workplace conduct.

And now, finally, stand firm. You’re in a battle. The enemy is real. But you’re not defenseless. God has given you armor—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer. You have everything you need. Stand in His strength. Fight in His power. Trust His victory.

The same God who chose you before the foundation of the world will complete what He began in you. The same Christ who loved the church and gave Himself up for her will present you to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle. The same Spirit who sealed you for the day of redemption will strengthen you to stand.

You’re not who you used to be. You have a new identity. Now live it out—to the glory of God and the joy of your soul.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.