Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it boldly, as I should.
Notes
Paul ends this letter with a rousing call not to retreat but to stand firm. He has shown us our position in Christ—seated in the heavenlies. He has shown us our walk—worthy of our calling. And now, he prepares us to stand, fully armed, in the midst of spiritual war.
This battle is not against flesh and blood. The New Covenant people do not fight with swords or human schemes. Our enemies are invisible and entrenched: principalities, powers, rulers of darkness. But we are not left vulnerable. God supplies armor—His own armor—to withstand and resist the devil’s strategies (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Isaiah 59:17).
The armor described here is not a to-do list but a portrait of life in Christ. Truth is the belt that holds everything together. Righteousness—not our own, but Christ’s—is our breastplate. The gospel of peace gives us sure footing in every storm. Faith is our shield—not a force, but trust in the faithful One. The helmet of salvation guards our minds with assurance. And the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—is our only offensive weapon, sharp and living
(cf. Hebrews 4:12).
But even this armor is not enough without prayer in the Spirit. The battle is won not by noise but by persevering, Spirit-empowered prayer. Paul urges the saints to pray for one another and for him—that the gospel may be declared boldly. Even in chains, Paul sees himself as an ambassador—sent with a message, clothed in heavenly authority.
This is New Covenant warfare: not carnal but spiritual; not chaotic but disciplined; not fearful but bold. We fight from victory, not for it, because Christ has already disarmed the rulers and authorities at the cross
(cf. Colossians 2:15).
To be strong in the Lord is to rest in His might, wear His armor, speak His Word, and pray in His Spirit. And having done all, to stand.
Moe Bergeron 
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