Ephesians 6:10-11

6:10

Finally – nearing the end

be – continuous condition

strong – powerful, able to lift or move heavy objects, above average physical fitness; obviously preparing to applying this to my spiritual health

in the Lord – transfer above physical attributes into my walk/relationship with Christ, i.e., my spiritual health: (1) Am I powerful as I partner with Christ to combat evil? (2) Am I able to bear heavy burdens? Or do those burdens drag me down and weary me in my spiritual pilgrimage? (3) While not yet perfect, am I above average in spiritual health? Endurance, stress test, appetite, etc.? Am I at least healthier than I was this time last year?

and – companion phrase: strong in 2 aspects…

in his – Christ’s, God’s

mighty power – redundant for re-emphasis, this clarifies that my strength comes from the strength of Christ living in me. It is not a matter of my revving up my will power and determination. Rather, I must continually learn how to employ God’s power for my victory and then apply that into my practice.

6:11

Put on – dress in clothing, attire, covering, protection

the full – all that is offered, everything available to me; or from another direction: it will cover me completely

armor – warfare protection. I am involved in a war. How foolish of me to go about unprotected. Many have commented that most of the items listed below are defensive pieces. Perhaps one reason is because the accuser, the opponent can and does attack from so many different directions.

of God – belonging to the Almighty King of kings; His protection not mine; His weaponry, not mine

so that – with the intended goal or result

you can – I will be able to

take your stand – hold the ground that the Commander has given me to hold. Even my standing is not about me. Even this comes back to Christ and His kingdom. As the kingdom takes more and more of the opponent’s spiritual territory, Jesus Christ my Commanding Officer orders me to hold this outpost against the attacks of our enemy. He expects me to take and keep my stand.

against – resisting, opposing; conquering instead of being conquered

the devil’s – opposer, accuser, father of lies

schemes – I can never out trick him. But the full armor God provides me—when employed, applied and put to use—can protect me and enable me to hold the ground. For me, this is a statement of faith, because I still am learning to wear and employ this armor consistently.