ESOCS Devotional 25 October 2025 – A Believer’s Spiritual Battle Tools
MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.’’ Ephesians 6:11ESV
TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:11-END
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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Here Paul introduces the armour of God, a famous and often-used metaphor from the Bible. Paul begins with two important qualifiers in this verse. These give a useful perspective on how these various components are meant to function, and why they are important. His admonition to “put on” these pieces is also instructive: Christians have to be deliberate about using these implements.
This passage concludes Paul’s practical application of Christianity with a famous series of metaphors. Here, he describes the ”armour of God.” In this passage, Paul uses the allegory of a Roman soldier’s basic equipment to show how the components of Christianity work together, as we strive to serve God. The soldier’s tools include a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. In parallel, the Christian’s implements are truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Christians are also given prayer. Just as a soldier’s equipment is designed for their earthly battle, a Christian’s equipment is meant for spiritual warfare.
First, believers must plan to utilize all tools available to them. One or two pieces are not sufficient, especially in light of the second qualification, which are the plans of Satan. Only with every piece of the armour of God can a believer adequately stand against the schemes of the Devil. Just as a Roman soldier could not reasonably enter battle with a partial suit of armour, or with only some of his weapons, a believer will not be as successful in spiritual battle unless every part of God’s armour is included.
Second, Paul calls the Devil’s work against believers “schemes”. This indicates a coordinated plan of attack against believers. It is clear Paul does not have in mind physical violence, but rather a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12). Furthermore, the Devil appears to specifically seek to destroy the good work of all believers. Thankfully, his power is no match for the power available through God. However, believers must pray and fully rely on God’s resources to stand firm (Eph. 6:13) against his attacks. Using the armour of God fully is key to surviving this spiritual onslaught.
Also interesting is the fact that these tools are meant to allow Christians to “stand against” the Devil. The verse does not suggest conquering, leading a charge, or other types of offense. While believers are called to speak out against evil (2 Cor. 10:5), triumph over Satan primarily involves holding a firm defence, and allowing Christ to win the ultimate victory.
CHALLENGES
- Have exercised the believers’ authority in your spiritual battles?
PRAYER POINT
- Lord Jesus, you are my battle axe, help me to stand against the schemes of the evil one. Amen.
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 23:17-37; 24:1-9; Philippians 1:1-14
ESOCS Devotional 25 October 2025
