In this last section, Paul called on the Ephesians to prepare for spiritual warfare. No one is exempt from the attacks of the enemy. Each one should protect and preserve all spiritual gains received in Christ at all cost. Victory was secured by Christ at the cross but full realization is yet to happen upon His return (cf. 1 Cor 15:23-25; Rev 12:7-11). Thus Satan, together with his cohorts, makes most of their limited time and power to attack Christians constantly (1 Pet 5:8).

Christians must not face this spiritual battle sitting down! They are “to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (v. 6:10; cf. Zech 4:6; 2 Tim 4:18). We need to get up and gear up to face imminent spiritual attacks and live a victorious Christian life!

I.            Know the enemy and his offensive schemes. (vv. 11-13)

 A.        The chief adversary is Satan—the devil (“diabolos”) which means “slanderer.” He is also known as the enemy (Matt 13:39), the great dragon and deceiver (Rev 12:9), father of all lies (John 8:44), tempter (Matt 4:3; 1 The 3:5), Beelzebub (Matt 12:24), evil one (Matt 13:19; 1 John 2:13; 3:12; 5:18), and Belial (2 Cor 6:15).

 B.        The main goal of the devil’s work is to oppose Christ and His works.

 C.        The primary scheme of the devil is deception to lead people astray.

II.            Know yourself and God’s defensive strategies. (vv. 14-20)

 A.        The chief commander of Christians is God the Father who gave them every spiritual blessing and access to His great power. (cf. Eph 1:3, 19; 6:10)

B.        The main command for Christians is to stand firm and resist the enemy. (Eph 6:11b, 13b, 14a; cf. James 4:7; Eph 4:27; 1 Pet 5:9)

C.        The primary defense of Christians is the armor of Christ that must be worn at all times—truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, word of God. (cf. Rom 13:11-14)