I have heard and read much about Ephesians 6:10:17 and putting on the full armor of God. Yet often the most important part of this passage is skipped to get to the descriptive visuals of suiting up to “to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (verse 11).”
Yes, we need to be properly equipped to defend ourselves “against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (12).” We certainly need the full armor of God—girding our loins with truth; the breastplate of righteousness; feet shod with the gospel of peace; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation; and the sword of the Spirit of God (14-17). But what is your attitude when you go into battle with the full armor of God to resist evil and stand firm (13)?
This passage opens with, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (10).” It’s an important reminder that we should not go into battle with evil with our own strength and confidence. We should first be “strong in the Lord” and totally reliant on the strength of His might” before we put on the full armor of God to engage in battle with the forces of evil.
© 2023 Chris G. Thelen
140 Character Christian 
Because without Him, we can do nothing.
Amen! Blessings.
I have read these verses many times, Chris, without recognizing the final directive: “Be strong in the Lord.”
David was proficient with a sling shot, but it was God who empowered him to kill Goliath.
Blessings!
That is a good example of relying on God to slay the giant. May we rely on God’s strength to overcome. Blessings!