STAY STANDING

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your standagainst the devil’s schemes. 12 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 the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Then Paul says…Stand Firm with…so Paul lists what we should stand firm with, and notice that each armor is connected to something biblical:

• Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14) –Before the enemy will try to get you to move physically, he will move your understanding first.

• Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) – He is talking about protecting the heart because we live in a culture that teaches you to follow it.

• Jeremiah 17:9 says that the heart is deceitful…the breastplate protects you from the enemy that wants you to trust your feelings over God’s truth.

• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15) – Fitted on your feet for readiness and stability.

• Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16) – Lifted up to block and extinguish flaming arrows.

• Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17) – Worn on the head to guard the mind.

• Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) - the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“WHY ARE YOU STILL STANDING?”