ESOCS Devotional 12 February 2026 – The Christian Soldier
MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 KJV
TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:10-End
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
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The instruction to “put on the whole armor of God” is given because the “struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, by taking up this spiritual armor, believers can “withstand in the evil day” and “stand firm” against the “schemes of the devil”.
The Christian armour is made to be worn; and there is no putting off our armour until we have done our warfare, and finished our course. The phrase “put on” is a command in the imperative, indicating it’s something every believer is obligated to do. It is a command, not an option. This armour is essential for daily spiritual warfare and is not something to be laid down, much like a soldier’s uniform is a constant necessity. The devil’s “schemes” or methods involve deception, as he is known as the “deceiver,” and accusation, as he is also called “Satan” – the accuser if the brethren.
Just as a Roman soldier needed every piece of armour for battle, a believer needs the “full armour” to stand against the enemy. The combat is not against human enemies, that is, flesh and blood; we have to do with an enemy who has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls. The devils assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts. We must resolve by God’s grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we give way, he will get ground.
The “armour of God” consists of specific pieces: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God). All these are for spiritual preparedness in the Christian faith, encouraging believers to rely on God’s strength and virtues to resist spiritual attacks.
Having been provided with every tool needed to face the battles we are up against, it’s our job to partner with God and put on the complete set of armour, not just a few pieces. The reality is if we choose to follow the Word and put on the complete set of armour, the enemy might try to fight against us, but he will never win.
Reflections
- Are you putting on the spiritual armour to withstand the wiles of the devil?
Prayer
- Your grace alone is all I need, Oh Lord, to win this spiritual war against sin and Satan.
Further Reading: Leviticus 42:14-20; Songs of Solomon 8:5-7; Matthew 6:24-End
ESOCS Devotional 12 February 2026
