Written by Paul J Bucknell on March, 12, 2019

Ephesians 6:10-17 The Spiritual Armor of God

The Spiritual Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)

1. Face our Enemy (Eph 6:10-13)

2. Fight Our Enemy (Eph 6:14-17)

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (Eph 6:10-13).

“14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:14-17, NASB).

Main Point of Ephesians 6:10-17

The Apostle Paul has taught us an incredible amount of critical Christian principles throughout this book, but he closes with this “final” section on the battle waging behind locked scenes—spiritual warfare. God takes the Devil seriously and has so equipped us to withstand the powerful enemy who regularly attacks us, to stand firm, and live in its victory. The church needs to mount up in the truth of God’s Word and stand firm again.

Summary

Paul first reminds us of the need to stand alert and firm against the evil one who desires to steal a “part” of our soul in each small conflict against us. The Lord has given us wonderful “spiritual armor” with which we can withstand powerful attacks from the evil one and live out God’s purposes in this world.

Small Group “COMA”

Context of Ephesians 6:10-17

1. Review what Paul has gone over in each of the previous chapters and answer why Paul says “finally” (Ephesians 6:10) to introduce this last section. There is a fierce spiritual battle going on at all times leaving the believer the challenge to discern his situation and take action.
2. Starting in verse 14 Paul describes each of the six pieces of spiritual armor (excluding prayer that begins in verse 18) that can keep us alive and well in this battle with the evil one.

Observation Ephesians 6:10-17

1. The “struggle” and an enemy indicate there is a looming battle. Is this your experience in your spiritual life?
2. Look carefully at these verses (10-17) and note where the term “spiritual armor” derives.
3. Observe what commands are given to us in verses 10-11.
4. Verse 12 Paul stops commanding and gives an explanation for why the commands in 10-11 are so pertinent.
5. Paul repeatedly uses the phrase “stand firm” in these verses. Find them.
6. Paul calls us to take up the “full” armor of God. Without all the armor, we are left with significant liabilities. On the other hand, with the armor properly place, God makes us winners.
7. Go through verses 10-12 and list the ways that God hints that we can confidently face our worst enemy.
8. What does it mean not to win in this fight? What will happen? Look around (or at yourself) and give an answer to what happens to “fallen” Christians.
9. Verse 13 begins the list of the armor. Paul uses the image of the Roman soldier and associates each piece with some spiritual warfare gear. Each is vital to face the foe effectively. Familiarize yourself with each piece of armor and its function.

Meaning Ephesians 6:10-17

1. Look at verse 12 and tell how serious of a warfare Paul thinks Christians are involved in.
2. Why is it called “spiritual” armor?
3. What does the phrase “stand firm” mean and imply?
4. What does “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (12) mean?
5. Why is taking up the “full” armor so different from taking up some of one’s armor (13)?
6. Go through the six pieces of spiritual armor, explain its function and the spiritual application to one’s spiritual defense.
7. From the above list tell which is your favorite and why.
8. Also from the list above, note which is the least understood. Why?
9. What is a flaming missile? Do you think it implies Satan wants the worst of us? Explain.
10. How would you explain to a new believer the importance of the spiritual armor? Give 1-2 examples from your own life.

Application on Ephesians 6:10-17

1. Take one or two people and show what “stand firm” means. Discuss how one has or has not done this spiritually.
2. Would you say the church is winning the war? Who is the real enemy?
3. Why do you think people give up on persistently fighting temptation? Do you think it has anything to do with the lack of confidence?
4. Verse 12 makes it clear that our real battle is not with people—though it is usually people who we think are our enemies. Why aren’t people, even at their worst, our truest enemies?
5. Which piece of spiritual armor is most needed right now for you and what are a few steps on how to practically put that armor on? Pray for each other.