Ephesians 6:10-11a: The Imperatives of Spiritual Warfare

Outline

• Be strong in the Lord
• Put on the whole armour of God

Introduction

Every Christian is caught up in the most powerful struggle in all time and the universe. Every Christian is called to be prepared and to play their part in this battle. Paul writes His letter to the Ephesians not to a pastor like Timothy or Titus, nor to an individual like Philemon, but to the whole church in Ephesus. His words on spiritual warfare are addressed to everyone in the church, not merely a select few. He writes to mothers, fathers, children, workers not only to intercessors or exorcists. Paul Himself is deep in the fray, he is writing this letter from prison. If you read the letter to the Ephesians to sweeps you up in the wonderful salvation that God is bringing about in His Church. Paul outlines this salvation and its application to us by God’s gracious power. He reveals the mystery of the ages, the church made up from all nations. He calls the Ephesians to put off the old life and follow the new. Paul enters into the fine detail of how to apply Godly living in the home and at work, and just when you think he might end the letter, he saves the most important for last. That word, ‘finally’ in Ephesians 6:10 indicates not a mere after thought but a vital part of living the new life. As normal as being part of a family and working, so normal is it to be a soldier in a spiritual battle.

Having looked at the perspectives on spiritual warfare Paul introduces his topic beginning with the two imperatives of spiritual warfare found in verse 10-11a, be strong; in the strength of His might, and put on the whole armour. Having given us these commands he gives us the motives of spiritual warfare in v11b, ‘that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.’ Then Paul discusses the nature of spiritual warfare in v12. And then he outlines the weaponry of our warfare in the rest of the passage.