Strong in the Lord — Standing in the Evil Day

(Ephesians 6:10–20, KJV)

Paul closes his epistle to the Ephesians by reminding believers that the Christian life is not lived in our own strength. “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (v.10). The battle we face is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places. Our enemy is not people, systems, or circumstances—it is a spiritual opposition that seeks to undermine our walk, our doctrine, and our testimony.

The armor of God is not about fighting to gain victory, but standing in the victory already secured in Christ. Every piece of this armor is defensive, emphasizing stability rather than aggression. Truth guards our minds, righteousness protects our walk, and the gospel of peace gives us sure footing. Faith shields us from the fiery darts of doubt and deception, while salvation reminds us of our secure position in Christ. The Word of God—the sword of the Spirit—is our only offensive weapon, rightly used to resist error and expose lies.

Prayer ties it all together. Paul does not ask for deliverance from hardship, but for boldness to make known “the mystery of the gospel” (v.19). Even as a prisoner, his concern is faithful proclamation. Our calling today is the same—to stand firm in sound doctrine, to pray always, and to speak the truth of grace boldly in a dark world.

In this present dispensation of grace, standing is not passive—it is an act of faith. We stand, not because the battle is easy, but because Christ has already won.

10) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

12) 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. 

13) 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. 

14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

15) and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16) above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

19) and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

20) for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬