Be Strong in the Lord

Ephesians 6:10-13

Paul begins this section with a call to strength, urging believers to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” He then instructs them to put on the full armor of God so that they can stand against the devil’s schemes.

Exegesis and Study

• Strength in the Lord: Paul’s command to be strong in the Lord emphasizes that our strength for spiritual battles does not come from ourselves but from God. This strength is made available to us through our relationship with Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is His “mighty power” that enables us to stand firm.
• The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Paul makes it clear that the Christian life involves a struggle that is not merely physical but spiritual. Our battle is against “the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil.” This highlights the organized and powerful nature of the enemy we face, but also points to the necessity of divine armor for protection and victory.
• The Call to Stand: The repeated call to “stand” emphasizes the importance of resilience and steadfastness in the face of spiritual attack. The armor of God is provided so that believers can stand firm, even “when the day of evil comes,” implying that spiritual battles are inevitable but winnable through God’s power.

Practical Application

• Relying on God’s Strength: In facing spiritual challenges, it is crucial to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. This involves daily prayer, immersion in God’s Word, and a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit. Recognizing that we are in a spiritual battle should motivate us to seek God’s empowerment consistently.
• Awareness of the Spiritual Battle: Understanding that our struggle is against spiritual forces should lead us to take the battle seriously. This awareness should also encourage us to be vigilant, to put on the full armor of God daily, and to stand firm in faith, knowing that God has equipped us for victory.

Prayer Guide

• Pray for Strength in the Lord: Ask God to fill you with His strength and power to stand firm in the face of

spiritual challenges. Pray for the ability to rely on Him fully in every situation.

• Pray for Awareness and Vigilance: Reflect on the reality of the spiritual battle you face. Pray for the awareness to recognize the enemy’s schemes and the vigilance to stand firm in your faith.