Pastor Léveillé brought our series through Ephesians to a powerful close with a message entitled “Be Strong.” Drawing from the final paragraph of Paul’s letter, he reminded us that the Christian life is not lived on a playground but on a battleground. The moment we trust Christ, we step into a spiritual conflict far greater than ourselves, a conflict not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Yet the good news rings clear: God has already secured the victory in Jesus Christ, and He has not left His children defenceless.
Paul closes Ephesians with three commands, three deliberate choices every believer must make in order to stand in the battle. These are not about proving our own strength or intimidating the enemy. They are about dependence on the Lord, wearing His armour, and relying on His power. The battle cry is not “Charge!” but “Stand!” Stand, not because we are strong, but because He is strong.
Choose to Be Strengthened (Ephesians 6:10-13)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
The command “be strong” is in the passive voice in the original Greek. That means we do not generate the strength ourselves; we receive it. We choose to let God strengthen us. Spiritual victory is never won by mustering more effort, digging deeper within ourselves, or trusting our feelings. It is won by surrendering to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Many believers live spiritually exhausted because they fight in their own energy instead of resting in God’s supplied strength. As Pastor Léveillé put it, victory is based not on our ability but on our availability to God.
Put On the Whole Armour of God (Ephesians 6:11, 14-17)
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil… Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Partial armour leads to predictable defeat. The devil does not fear the pieces we admire from a distance; he fears only the armour we actually wear. Every piece matters: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of gospel readiness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Leave any part off, and the enemy knows exactly where to strike. Prayer is the hand that puts the armour on and the power that makes it effective. Truth without prayer becomes cold orthodoxy. Righteousness without prayer becomes self-righteousness. Zeal without prayer becomes reckless. Faith without prayer becomes presumption. Scripture without prayer remains mere information rather than transformation.
Pastor Léveillé urged every listener to examine their own life honestly before the Lord. Where are we exposed? Which piece have we neglected? The call is clear: take up the whole armour of God.
Pray and Proclaim Boldly (Ephesians 6:18-23)
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel…”
Even the apostle Paul, who preached across continents while in chains, asked for prayer not for comfort or escape, but for boldness. Spiritual warfare is not only defensive; it is also about rescuing those still captive and proclaiming Christ in the midst of the fight. Everyone around us is fighting battles we cannot see. We are called to pray for all saints and to speak the gospel with confidence, regardless of circumstances.
Like John Bunyan, imprisoned for preaching without a licence yet refusing release if it meant silence, we too must ask God for courage to open our mouths boldly. Our chains can become pulpits when we depend on His strength.
Paul began Ephesians by seating us in the heavenly places in Christ. He taught us to walk worthy of that calling. Now he calls us to stand firm in Christ. Sit. Walk. Stand. The Christian life ends with a resolute command: “Stand therefore.”
If you have never trusted Christ alone for salvation, the helmet of salvation is still within reach. Repent and believe the gospel today. Jesus paid it all on the cross and rose victorious. For those who belong to Him, the question remains: Are we wearing the whole armour? Are we depending on His strength? Are we praying and proclaiming boldly?
May grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
