The Focus of Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-11)
- Candice Watters
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. —Ephesians 6:10-11
Growing up, I memorized this section of Ephesians as a stand alone portion of Scripture. In my prayers I would focus on each of the elements of the armor. As helpful as this has been over the years, the context these verses are set in is essential for understanding their meaning.
The finally that kicks off our passage links it–unbreakably–to everything that Paul has written up to this point. He’s saying, in effect, “in light of all of that, do this.” It’s not a novel to-do list, but a restatement of the things he has already said earlier in the letter.
Memorizing this passage in isolation put the emphasis on the opponent in spiritual warfare, a scary thought to my younger self growing up in the years when a popular author was publishing fictional stories about the demonic realm. Certainly this passage is about spiritual warfare, but Paul’s emphasis is not on the darkness. It's on God's power over the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers over this present darkness (6:12).
Pastor Garrett Kell notes that though Paul used the metaphor of armor, he had something far greater than a Roman soldier in mind. He writes, “[Paul] wants us to see our warrior God, who powerfully fights ‘against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places’ (Ephesians 6:12). The focus of spiritual warfare isn’t Satan or an imaginary Roman soldier; it’s our Savior” (Tempted and Unarmed, Desiring God).
Spiritual warfare isn’t about our ability to put on God-sized armor and lumber about in our own strength. That reminds me of how encumbered David would have been if he’d accepted Saul’s armor for the battle with Goliath. David knew his strength was in the Lord, and so must we. “Spiritual warfare,” says Kell, “is about God’s people joining their Lord in his warfare.”
Ephesians 6 offers deep encouragement for believers because Jesus has already won the victory. Satan is a defeated foe. His power, until Christ returns, resides in his accusations. Yes, we are guilty, but his word is not final. On the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. His suffering and death exposed just how evil sin is. That’s what makes accusations so deadly. But the price has been paid. Jesus defeated the evil one, and now He is seated at God’s right hand, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:21). In Colossians 2:15 Paul praises Jesus who “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
God’s strength is stronger than the devil’s schemes–evil plots to tempt us to sin. We are weak, but God is strong. The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living in us, fighting for us (Ephesians 1:19-20, 3:16-18). The armor we wear is not leather, bronze, or Kevlar; it is glorious spiritual realities. We have been chosen before the foundation of the world, predestined for adoption as sons, redeemed by His blood, forgiven for our sins, and lavished with the riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:3-7).
Isaiah talked about spiritual armor. He wrote that when there was no one to intercede for God’s people, “then [God’s] own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak” (Isaiah 59:16-17).
Satan is a fearsome enemy. But he is no match for God. Our ability to stand depends wholly on our union with the One who put on God’s armor and defeated the devil. Our victory rests firmly in Jesus Christ who is, already, victorious.
For Reflection
What definition would you give to “spiritual warfare”?
How does knowing that “the schemes of the devil” are temptations to sin change how you think about fighting enemies that are not flesh and blood?
When you are tempted, meditate on Christ’s victory over sin. He has broken its power over those who belong to Him. Ask Him to help you walk in the freedom He purchased with His life.
Candice Watters is the editor of Fighter Verses. She and her husband, Steve, co-authored Start Your Family: Inspiration for Having Babies. They are the parents of four adult children and one daughter-in-law.