Eph 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God …

Paul tells us to “take up” or “put on” the armor.  He identifies each piece and what it represents but what is the “whole armor?”

We need to first consider that if we are trying to put the armor on without a right relationship with Jesus, we are like Daniel trying to put on Saul’s armor … it won’t fit. But if we have a right relationship with Jesus the armor will fit us perfectly, because the armor is His Own Nature. Everything that is the “life of Christ” that we have been given in the Holy Spirit is the whole armor He has given us so that …

Eph 6:13 … you may be able to withstand in the evil day …

The bottom line is that the devil is always attacking or preparing to attack us, but when we stand in the armor of God, he can’t harm us. If we try to stand in our own strength, we are sure to fail, but if we are standing in His nature the devil cannot prevail. And that is why Paul tells us that with the full armor in place:

Eph 6:13 … and having done all, to stand firm.

Then we are to:

Eph 6:14 … Stand therefore

The word stand has two different meanings in the Greek as used here. To “stand firm” (stenai – be still and stand firm). You have done all you need to do. You are wearing the full armor of God and are standing in His nature with all His strength and power. And then Paul tells us to “stand therefore” (stete – to present).

Look at it this way. When we have done all we need to do – standing still and firmly in the “nature of God” – then Paul tells us to stand and present to the enemy the established fact that you have already won the battle. Or as one commentator put it: “Stand as if you are already on the winner’s platform and are wearing the victor’s crown and you know he cannot replace you; unless that is you allow him to by turning and running away.” Remember, it is a great deal easier to fight than to stand firm on the truth. Our conflict is spiritual and that means we are not to fight but to stand on guard in the nature of Jesus … and when you have done all to stand – stand. The battle was over before it began because the battle was in Jesus.