PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD SO THAT YOU CAN STAND

Proclamation:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul begins this final chapter of his letter to the believers in Ephesus by addressing the children.  They are told to obey and honor their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Then he tells the parents not to provoke their children but to bring them up in the training and instruction of The Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)  After this Paul provides directions to servants and masters, which applies to workers and supervisors. (Ephesians 6:5-9)  Then he encourages the believers to be strong in The Lord and to put on the whole armor of God so that they may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-17)  He ends this chapter and the letter by encouraging them to pray on all occasions and asking them to pray for him. (Ephesians 6:18-20)

Application:

As believers we need to understand that we are constantly under attack by the forces of evil.  The only way that we can protect ourselves is by putting on the whole armor of God.  That is the only way that we can stand our ground when we are attacked.  We need to make sure that we are completely wrapped up in truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and The Word of God.  Additionally, we should always pray about everything. (Ephesians 6:10-18)