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Ephesians 6:13 states, “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 firm” (ESV). This verse is part of a longer discussion that begins in verse 10 about the armor of God, a metaphor for the resources needed to withstand the devil. In verse 12, Paul underscores the true (spiritual) enemies of Christians. With this knowledge and the gifts of God, we are to be armed and ready, “having done all,” to stand firm.
Life is a spiritual warfare for Christians, with the enemy launching different attacks in the form of temptations, persecutions, or external pressures to compromise and be accepted by the world’s system. Although the devil cannot undo a believer’s salvation, he can attempt to break our fellowship with God, trap us in sin, or discourage us through persecution and doubt.
Therefore, we must do all we can to stand, which entails remaining committed and resisting the devil’s attempts. Our stand weakens any hold Satan may want to have on our lives and deepens our relationship with God. Fortunately, our Father has equipped us with all we need to counter the devil. We are not alone in this battle.
Standing against the devil is less about the melodrama and hysterics displayed by some and more about holding firm to God’s Word, His righteousness and salvation, faith and the gospel (Ephesians 6:14-17). Spiritual warfare requires spending ample time with Scripture; we must know how to wield the sword of the Spirit. Only through the Bible can we gain knowledge of the armor necessary to win battles against the enemy.
Doing all we can to stand also requires that we stay alert. In the same chapter of Ephesians, Paul urges us to “be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” «praying always with all prayer and supplication».
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints;, (Ephesians 6:18). Addressing a similar topic, the apostle Peter encourages believers to “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” «Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.», (1 Peter 5:8).
There are two extremes Christians should avoid when resisting the devil. One extreme is to focus solely on battling the devil, neglecting essential aspects like communing with God and nurturing believers. The other extreme is to live as if there is no adversary, carelessly moving forward, unaware of the devil’s schemes «so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.», (2 Corinthians 2:11). We should neither be overly fixated on Satan nor oblivious to his presence. Instead, we should remain vigilant while being grounded in God’s truth.
The devil and his allies have been defeated (see Colossians 2:15;Hebrews 2:14-15), yet they still operate freely. By resisting the devil’s deceitful tactics, we demonstrate our allegiance and faithfulness to Christ. Just as a spouse rebuffs an outside admirer or soldiers remain loyal to their nation, we are called to stand firm in Christ. Our faithfulness will be rewarded (Matthew 5:11-12;1 Corinthians 15:58;James 1:12;Revelation 2:10).
