In Ephesians 6:14, Paul again reminds us of the need to stand, and hold our position. Specific pieces that make up the whole armor of God are described, to include the belt and the breastplate.

Beginning with truth, Paul speaks to the standard by which we must rely upon. In ancient time, as well as in modern time, there is an assault on truth. Absolute truth, moral truth, relativism, and beyond result in a debate of action. 

John 3:33 reminds us that God is truth and in John 17:17 we are reminded that His Word is truth. Absolute truth is something that is true everywhere all the time, and God is the embodiment of absolute truth.

Interestingly, Paul uses the Roman soldier’s belt to symbolize this truth. For the Roman soldier, this was a piece of equipment he could not enter into the army with but was given to him, and quickly became his prized possession. History suggests that it was the belt that made the solder identifiable to the world that he was a part of the army.

Additionally the markings on the belt would communicate his rank and position. 
If a soldier was disciplined, or court marshaled, it was the belt that was removed resulting in humiliation.

Bringing that imagery into our understanding the belt of truth, God’s absolutism is the identifying standard for us to follow and pursue. Our truthful conduct should be an identifying mark that the world recognizes that we are followers of Christ. Jesus describes Himself as truth in John 14:6.

Beyond truth, Paul urges the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate was critical in the protection of vital organs. It could be an ornate piece of metal to identify the army or division the soldier was a part of, but this hardware was the difference in life and death. It could be compared to today’s bulletproof vests. This equipment is required for battle.

When we think of righteousness, we know that Christ’s righteousness has been imputed to us. Romans 3 and 4 describe this in great detail. We have been declared righteous, or justified, through Christ’s blood. 

Putting on this piece of hardware boils down to a matter of understanding and walk in the truth of our identity in Christ. As a Christian, we have been declared righteous, but do we live that way. We should walk in confidence that it is Christ that has redeemed us and we are clothed in His righteousness. This is how we can testify that “we are more than conquerors through Christ” (Romans 8:37).

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Livius, XXVII , 13 , 9; Frontinus, Stratagemata I V, I , 26 –27 , 43; Valerius Maximus II , 7 , 9; Plutarch Luc. 15 ; S uet. Octavian 2 4.

As a child, I was fascinated with wrestling. Convinced it was real, I obsessed with the larger than life characters that would parade into the squared circle and go to battle. The drama and storytelling developed around this entertainment would depict good versus evil and championships won at the highest stakes.

While solely intended for show, this imagery does apply to Ephesians 6:12. In this verse, Paul uses a word that is only used one time in Scripture. Pale means to struggle and is translated as wrestle. 

This significance of this word is that it implies close quarter combat with high stakes. Using this word to a mostly Greek audience, Paul knew that his readers would understand the significance of this battle.

For a Greek wrestler, the traditional consequence of losing was to have their eyes gouged out, therefore living the rest of his life in blindness. For the Christian, Paul paints a picture of this close quarter combat on a spiritual mat that is even more significant and with eternal consequences.

In a world filled with human relationships, we often consider our enemy to be those we hate or who have hurt us. Paul urges us to recognize that our battle is not in the physical, but in the spiritual world. Our real enemy is the Devil and his legion of demons. They work in a world we cannot see and tempt us with thoughts that move us to sinful conduct, resulting in relational pain that is very physical.

Seeds of discord, temptations of self-satisfaction, arrogant personal gain, and lust for more are just a few of the tactics used in this cosmic war. This close quarter combat takes place in the mind every second of every day. Another way of saying it is that there is a world we cannot see that directly impacts the world that we can see.

It is critical that a Christian be aware of the spiritual warfare around them.

This is not a matter of dramatic entertainment but is one of life and death. People in our life are not the enemy but are being tempted and influenced by the Enemy. We must engage in the war at the spiritual level through intense prayer and use of God’s Word. 

Jesus modeled for us that temptation is most effectively resisted by using Scripture. Paul is waving the flag of battle to capture our attention so that we will see the importance of choosing to put on the full armor of God each day and walk in the victory of the Enemy that has already been provided by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Eph 6:12). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:12). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

As a boy, I recall many occasions in the front yard with my “Red Rider” BB Gun. It was a great success if I was able to ding the bell on top of the telephone pole. When I felt adventurous, I would look to the woods for a hunt after birds or squirrel. This boyhood activity was fun and even fed my need for adventure, but looking back now I see how ill-equipped I would have been if real protection were needed.

In a combat situation, the weaponry and advanced, tactical equipment of the modern day warrior give the soldier what is needed to attack and defend in advance o his mission. The contrast from a well-equipped warrior to a boy with his BB gun is an image of how many Christians try to live their life. We are in a war that requires the full armor of God, yet we walk through the day with just a BB gun.

In Ephesians 6:11,  Paul challenges the reader to “Put on the whole armor of God.” To put it on gives the imagery of “suiting up” for battle. The fact that this must be done tells us that it doesn’t happen automatically, but rather the believer must make a conscious effort to equip and arm themselves for war. 

This armor is not to be partial, but complete. The following verses will describe in great detail the full protection that God intends.

It is critical first to note the reason why this armor must be put on. There is a real enemy who seeks to destroy. This enemy is more dangerous than any terrorist or pedophile. This Enemy is the mastermind of all evil, and his crafty schemes are creative and gorilla in their attacks. 

If you knew that an attack on your home and family was imminent, would you arm yourself with a BB gun, or would you resort to more significant security and combat measures?

To learn more, continue reading Ephesians 6. God describes with clarity how to arm one’s self. We must begin with a recognition of the war around us and a conscious decision to put on the armor and engage in battle.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Many differ on their convictions regarding the use of alcohol. Within the church, a once held position of abstinence has shifted from being wide-spread to now the minority. Regardless of one’s personal conviction o this matter, Ephesians 5:17 speaks clearly on drunkenness and the importance of an inverse control.

Drunkenness is equated to debauchery, which is an excessive indulgence in an external stimulant like sex or alcohol. In the Greek the word used for “excess”, found in King James, is asōtia, which is the antonym of the word sōzō, meaning “to save”. Literally, Paul is saying that indulgence in alcohol has no saving power.

Paul turns his attention to the encouragement toward being filled with the Spirit. This is written in the present tense to suggest that moment by moment, we should strive to be controlled by the Spirit. In practical terms, this requires that we pause and seek His guidance in decisions both large and small.

Debauchery would no longers exist in the church if God’s people took the short time needed to pause and ask the Holy Spirit for permission, or guidance.

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Eph 5:18). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.



The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 5:18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

If you have ever walked in the woods at night, you are fully aware of the importance of taking care where you place each step, as well as remaining fully aware of your surrounding. While the flashlight in your phone may provide some light, your natural instincts heighten your senses of sound and sight. This imagery provides a layer of understanding and application to Ephesians 5:15. 

Paul challenges us to “look carefully how you walk”.

The implication here is one of discernment in observations and careful accuracy in movement.

 Furthermore, he urges that we exercise wisdom with proper motivation; instead of walking foolishly. The interesting contrast in this verse is the strictness and discipline needed in walking, coupled with the comparison of foolishness. 

It is possible for us to exercise discipline and strict rules but still do so in foolishness.

Let’s look back to our imagery of walking in the woods at night to better understand. 

Keeping your eyes straight down on the ground with your flashlight illuminating the next step may ensure you don’t misstep; however, without taking a pause of your surroundings you could easily walk into danger. Remember, there are animals that can see you long before you see them.

As we navigate the path of life, it is critically important to establish rules and boundaries that serve as guard rails and deploy discernment in how we walk. Conversely, we must not be foolish and ignore our surroundings. A legalistic mindset can place borders so strictly that we cannot exercise grace in our quest for truth. 

It is wise to engage culture and be aware of how rapidly things are changing.

Understanding and making some sense of our world will allow us to show grace, in addition to wisely standing for truth. 

Our ability to live a life of holiness and fulfill the Great Commission lies in the balance of discovering how to walk with discipline and discernment. The great joy is that we have the Light of the World with us to light our path and to help us avoid missteps and also to look out and see a world that is crying out for hope.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 5:15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Paul’s challenge is strikingly similar to Psalm 4:5, which states, “Be angry, and do not sin”. An allowance to be angry on the surface seems contradictory to the loving life to which we have been called. For example Ephesians 4:31 speaks against anger. It is important to note that there are 4 different words used for anger in the New Testament and all are forbidden except for one. Even in Ephesians 4:26 there are two different words for anger. One is allowed and the other is forbidden.

Anger that is allowed is of a righteous indignation. We should be angry against sinful acts. We should hat evil and be angry when it triumphs. Wuest writes: “A righteous wrath is acknowledged in Scripture as something that not only may but ought to be, and is seen in Christ Himself.”

This anger can shift into sin when we allow it to harbor ill will or negatively impact a relationship that should be driven by love. Romans 12:18 commands us to strive to live in peace. This daily commitment should result in efforts to make peace even before the end of the day.

Strive to live in peace, and walk in  a way that hates sin!

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Eph 4:26). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 4:26). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I remember as a child often hearing three phrases from my parents. One was, “You know better than that.” The second was , “I expect more from you than that”. The third was simply, “You better not ever let me catch you doing that.” Most often these challenges were mentioned when an observation was made of another person’s sinful actions, and a reinforcement of God’s and their expectation of my conduct. This standard of high expectations comes to mind when reading Ephesians 4:20. There is a new standard that should be considered.

In essence, Paul is a spiritual father or mentor to the Ephesian church. After a long discourse in the moral depravity of the Gentile community, Paul reminds the recent converts of the challenge and expectation to live a life that is dependent on Christ, and reflects Him to the world.

Take note of the word “learned”. Jesus even said Himself in Matthew 11:29 that we should learn from Him. While regeneration is a single act, there is a process to sanctification. The verb tense used in this verse suggest more of a specific time of change, rather than a process. While it is reasonable to recognize the process of maturing toward a healthy state of being “in the world but not of it”, it is critical to note the change that takes place in a person’s life when they give their heart to Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that a new man has been born. As believers we must recognize that God expects more from us, and that “we should know better than that”.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 4:20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

As believers we have the privilege of daily experiencing the work of the Triune God in our life. In Ephesians 2, Paul has offered explanation for God’s work to establish the church and extend His grace to both Jews and Gentiles. For them, and for us today, we are able to witness the Godhead, Three in One, work in us and for us.

In John 14:6 Jesus adamantly stated, that “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father, but by Him.”

Imagine the ancient cultures of royalty and the approval process required to speak to the King. We see Esther boldly working around this protocol. We see again in Acts 9:27-28, as Barnabas validated Paul when he was presented to the apostles. We know that we required a Mediator (Isaiah 59:2), and we are blessed to have one in Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus gives us access and we are validated through the covering of His blood.

It is then the Spirit that works in us to produce a disposition of the mind that receives what the Father speaks. The Spirit also works to produce unity among the body of believers as they together seek God’s face. Given the context of this passage overwhelmingly speaks to the church, the unity through the Spirit is an important point to note.

It is then that God speaks and we can boldly approach His throne of grace. It is not because of what we have done, but because the blood of Christ has granted us permission and the Spirit of God has prepared our heart to receive His words.

For the individual believer we have confidence that every time we pray, we are experiencing the work of the Triune God. As a community of believers, we must confidently seek the Lord and rely on the Spirit to develop unity in our hearts so that we hear the same message from the Lord.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 2:18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Recent news briefings can leave one highly anxious of what could be when we read of turmoil in the Middle East, in Korea, or even in Chicago. It is easy to live in fear of what could be and be absent of peace. Bombs are dropping, or threats of missle attacks occur daily. Consider a truth bomb of peace.

Peace is desired by many, yet experienced by few. Nations war with each other, and individuals war within themselves. Whether globally or personally, there is a longing for peace.

Ephesians 2:14 reminds us of our Source of peace. Christ himself is our peace. This word structure suggests that He alone, in His own Person, can offer true peace. In other words, without Him, peace cannot be attained.

Peace comes from the word eirō (εἰρω) which means “to join”. Literally peace joins two things together. In the context of Ephesians, Paul is expressing the Gospel’s ability and intent to break down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

This contextual principal can easily translate to any two people, or nations, who war among themselves. Peace can be achieved when we allow the only Provider of peace to rule and join hearts together. Politicians would be wise to heed this counsel. Marriages would be wise to put Christ as the center of their home. Business partners can work in harmony when they allow the Peacemaker to give what only can come from Him.

Being made in His image, all of God’s creation longs for peace, and through Him all walls of division can be broken. Perhaps some politicians should consult Him!

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 2:14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

“We have hope. Rebellions are built on hope”, said Jyn Erso in Rogue One, of the Star Wars saga. The idea of hope is inspiring and motivating for everyone. It is hope that often drives a revolution, a championship, or change. The idea of hope is understood by every human because God has wired us with that drawing desire for something more. How would life be different if there was no hope?

Imagine the Ephesians referred to in Ephesians 2:12, as they remember their life before God. To be separate from God means to be without and apart. 1 Corinthians 12:2 and Colossians 3:7 describe the darkness that surrounds the life of a person living without God. This alienation from the life that could be, while blindly living in the dark life that is, leave a person feeling like there is no hope or purpose.

There is good news. The promise and covenant that God made to the Israelites (Romans 9:4) has been extended to all mankind through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Some are atheists out of an active sense of denying God, but others are atheists in a passive sense of being unconnected with God. 

Hopeless is a painful place to be.

Regarding the Ephesians, some expositors say, “It is not only that they had not the hope, the Messianic hope which was one of the distinctions of the Israelite, but that they were utterly without hope. Ignorant of the divine salvation and of Christ in whom it was found, they had nothing to hope for beyond this world.”

Now that the Gospel has been proclaimed to the world, and to you as you read this message, you are no longer ignorant of the salvation made possible through Christ. This hope is a free gift offered to you. Life change and purpose are possible by simply choosing to accept God’s gift of hope through a conscious decision to exchange your old life for a new hope in Him.

Maybe Jyn Erso had it right. Let’s rebel against status quo, and walk in the hope of God that brings ultimate and eternal peace.

To learn how to find hope in Jesus Christ now, click here.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 2:12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Ed.). (1909). Ephesians (p. 64). London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.

Wuest, K. S. (1997).

Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Eph 2:11). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Rogue One. Dir. Garth Edwards. Perf. Felicity Jones. Disney, 2016. Film.