In chapters 1-5 of Ephesians, Paul has much to say about Jesus. It’s not until then that he breaks into discussing the armor of God and spiritual forces in chapter 6.
 
For some reason, it’s easy for us to skip past what he says at the beginning in favor of “the cool stuff” about armor and whatnot. But the truth Paul has laid out is vitally important. He tells them they are chosen in Christ, redeemed through His blood, saved by His grace, and called to walk in a manner worthy of the new life they have now received.
 
Then, in typical Pauline fashion, in chapter 6, verse 10, he says, “finally.”

In other words, what he’s about to say about spiritual warfare grows out of what he’s already been teaching thus far. He’s not introducing some new, mystical dimension of Christianity they’ve never seen before; he’s showing them what it looks like to remain faithful to everything he has already said when opposition does come.
 
He knows this struggle is real enough. He names rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil. He’s not dealing in make-believe. He isn’t scared by the unseen world, nor does he attempt to explain it away. But he also keeps it in perspective. His concern here isn’t “taking the fight to the devil”, but to remain standing when he and his minions come against us.
 
As he goes through the list of spiritual armor, it’s interesting how normal and ordinary the items are. Truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, prayer, and the Gospel of Peace. He doesn’t decode a secret formula or hidden bible code; he calls them deeper into the life they are already living in Jesus.
 
Thanks to movies, bad doctrine, and sensational claims, we sometimes imagine spiritual warfare as something dramatic that happens beyond normal discipleship, but Paul does his best to pull it closer.

When we refuse a lie because we know the truth; we stand.
When we remember what Jesus has accomplished as the enemy brings accusation; we stand.
When fear would have us run away, but faith keeps us steady; we stand.
When temptation invites us to abandon the Way of Jesus but we choose obedience; we stand.

We aren’t able to stand because we’ve become experts in the darkness or figured out the secret code. We are able to stand because we belong to the One who has already brought us into the light. That’s where our spiritual warfare begins, not in the ways and techniques of the enemy, but with Jesus to whom we already belong.

What sorts of things do you think of first when you hear the phrase “spiritual warfare”? How does the larger story of Ephesians inform and shape the way you understand Paul's command to stand?

Father, I’m grateful that my strength comes from you and not from what I know about the enemy. Teach me to stand in truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the peace only the Gospel can bring. Keep my heart rooted in Jesus when temptation and opposition come to visit. Give me courage and awareness without pride or fear, so my life remains faithfully anchored in You. Amen.

“Because I belong to Christ, I can stand when __________________.”