Stand Strong

Stand Strong. Ephesians 6.10-24AMP

Whether we want to face it or not, the world is in a spiritual battle. We are to be strong Christians, not weak Christians.

Charles Swindoll in his commentary on, Ephesians, he states, Ephesians 1-3, Is all about good theology. Topics such as, God’s love, God’s sovereignty, the Holy Spirit, God grace, predestination etc. Ephesians 4-5, Is the practicum of ministry, applying what you’ve been taught. Giving love, walking in fellowship, Being the light etc. However, Ephesians 6, mixes the sovereignty of God, the love of God, with the practical of God, how to get along. Even, Ephesians 6, begins with more practical.

Just listen to, Ephesians 6.1-3AMP Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. 2 Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise—3 so that it may be well with you, and that you may have a long life on the earth.

Now for the cool part of, Ephesians 6. Are you ready?

Ephesians 6.10AMP In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.

Again, Be strong! -Eleven miles off the coast of Scotland stands the Bell Rock Lighthouse. It is the world’s oldest surviving sea washed lighthouse. It was built on an acre of solid rock in the middle of the North Sea. Waves and storms have been crashing into this lighthouse for 200 years. But it still stands strong as a beacon of light because of its solid foundation.

The apostle Paul begins by making sure every reader. “Everything I’ve said to you, Now hear this!

Be strong in the Lord. Be empowered through your union with Him! But most of all, Be empowered because of Jesus’ boundless might! P.H

What qualifies you for this? -His boundless might!

Paul goes on, Ephesians 6.11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

For every NT believer, the full armor of God begins by applying God’s word through speech and conduct.

The full armor of God will manifest powerful blessings, full authority, while making you, “devil ready’, stab in the back ready!”

The full armor of God makes a believer successful. The full armor of God, gives you backbone to stand up to evil! P.H

Ephesians 6.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

Say, “My struggle.” Ephesians 6.12TPT Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.

Remember what apostles Paul stated in, 2 Corinthians 10.4-5NKJV For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Listen, I don’t have to revisit what Jesus gave me authority and power to overcome! P.H

Ephesians 6.13AMP Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done ever ything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].

The next verses Paul tells us what this armor exactly is: We are told to put the complete armor of God on. Never take it off.

Verse 13 teaches, When we learn to wear God’s armor, don’t take it off. You will resist evil and stand your ground!

Ephesians 6.14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart),

My mind got tired so I text two personal friends of mine. My pastor stated this detail to me, he was very excited about it!

What is it? “Howard, Since I’ve retired I got some really good friends.”

Paul states in Verse 14, Stand firm.

Listen to, Ephesians 6.14NKJV Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.

The waist of truth is, personal integrity, and moral courage!

How does it, or hopefully how would it make you feel if someone comes against your personal integrity and moral courage?