Ephesians 6:10

Ephesians 6:10 says, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Paul now begins to discuss preparing for the spiritual warfare that we will encounter in life.  First, Paul tells us to be strong in the Lord, relying on His power and might.  We cannot live successfully for Christ by our own abilities or power.  Verse eleven adds, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Paul tells us that God gives us all the armor that we need to live successfully in the battle against the wiles of the devil.  We should never go into the battle without being totally prepared.  Verse twelve continues, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Paul tells us that we are not just in battle against flesh and blood, but we are in battle against the rulers of darkness and spiritual evil in high places.   Verse thirteen states, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Paul again tells us to put on the whole armor of God so that we may stand against all the evil that comes to us each day.  We cannot wait until the attack is under way to attempt to be armored by God, but must be continually ready.  Verse fourteen adds, Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  Paul begins to specify what the armor of God is in the next few verses.  We are to be girded with the truth of God, which has to begin with accepting Christ as Savior and Lord.  We are to have the breastplate of righteousness, not ours, but God's.  If we attempt to defend ourselves by our own righteousness we will fail.  Verse fifteen continues, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Paul tells us that our feet should be shod with the carrying forth of the gospel of peace.  We are not to just stand protected, but we are to go forward with the gospel of peace through Christ.  Verse sixteen declares, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  The first priority is the shield of faith that enables us to withstand all the attacks of Satan.  Verse seventeen adds, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Paul tells us our heads are to be protected by the helmet of salvation.  He also tells us of our one offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  If we are not going into battle with the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit, then we will fail.  All that we do must be consistent with the word of God.