10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.12 For we do not wrestle 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. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 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 6:10-18
As we turn to the armour itself, we must bear in mind the pattern that Paul has been unfolding in this passage. It is 'Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you' (James 4:7). Submission is the 'door into the resources of divine grace in Christ, and enables us worthily to resist the wiles of the devil. Submission indeed gives us the weapons with which to resist!' And Paul's exhortation and summons here certainly carries with it the implication that when we do enter into all that is ours in Christ, we shall inevitably be thrust into conflict and collision with the powers of darkness. Indeed, by summoning us to 'be strong in the Lord ...' Paul is actually committing us to the conflict, and this is of God. The divine graduation is: From sinners, to saints, to soldiers. It is rather like Jesus commanding His disciples to sail out over the Sea of Galilee, knowing that they were going to sail right into a storm! Is not this an exhilarating and exciting thought! Paul is teaching the Ephesian Christians with a view - that is with a view ultimately of thrusting them, by this word, into battle. Remember, there is a war on, and in war it is the making of soldiers that is the important thing.