“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Ephesians 6:10 AMP

The words “be strong” mean: to acquire strength; strengthen; enable; be strong; increase in strength. In yourself you are not equipped to successfully conquer the devil or the flesh or any other trial or tribulation that comes your way. Without God’s help you would fail and be crushed by the enemies of life, but with His help and strength you can do all things.

Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 AMP

God’s armor is something you put on like a garment, but unlike natural clothing, you do not put it on every morning and take it off every night. It is supernatural clothing – you put it on and keep it on. Look carefully at the armor and you will see what you need to do to clothe yourself in it. As you grow in God and in His Word and Spirit, the armor will begin to cover you.

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Ephesians 6:12 AMP

Your warfare is not against other people, but against the spirits of darkness that are behind them. Look beyond the natural, see into the spirit and take authority, in the Name of Jesus, over the demons and devils that are working in that situation. Neutralize them by the power of God’s word and you will be able to make an impact in the lives of people who desperately need Jesus!

Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Ephesians 6:13 AMP

There are two kinds of armor: defensive armor for protection and offensive armor for conquest. The defensive armor is the helmet, the girdle, the breastplate, the brazen boots, and the shield. The offensive armor is the sword. “Having done all to stand, stand” is a military phrase meaning “having conquered all, stand; ready to do battle again.

Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, Ephesians 6:14 AMP

Be equipped with the truth. Be prepared to give up your will and your opinions and embrace the truth of God’s word. Allow God to do a purifying work in your life. God’s word will bring life and freedom to your life. James 4:7 KJV says “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” No army goes to war without having trained their troops. In the training process, the individual will of the soldier is broken and yielded to the will of his commanders. The army of God must yield to the Lord to be purged of all self-will and become motivated only by the Spirit and the plans and purposes of God. When you are completely submitted to God, you will walk in integrity and righteousness. Your righteousness will protect you in the same way a breastplate protects your vital organs. The enemy may come against you, but he will not be able to deliver a fatal blow.

And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 AMP

Prepare yourself with the word of God. Know His word and be able to share this gospel of peace with those who have never heard. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings!” (Romans 10:15 AMP)

Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. Ephesians 6:16 AMP

You have a shield called faith – you must lift up and use it to protect yourself from the devil’s fiery darts. The fiery darts refer to any kind of missile thrown or launched, such as the javelin, spear, arrow, or stone from a sling. In traditional warfare, fiery darts are combustible arrowheads that set fire to the fortifications, ships, houses, and even the wooden and leather shields of the enemy. To quench these fiery darts, shield were coated with metal. As applied to Christian warfare, fiery darts refer to evil thoughts, lusts, passions, and temptations of various kinds.

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 AMP

The Greek word translated “take” here also means “to receive” or “to accept.” Jesus rescued us and delivered us from death and sin and anything else hell has to offer. Receive and accept His salvation for your spirit, soul and body. Allow the Word of God to wash and renew your mind. Get to know God’s word thoroughly. Then, by faith, pick up the word of God and skillfully use it against the enemy. Jesus is your example. He fended off the attack of the enemy with the word of God: “It is written!” The armor of God gives you the ability to stand against all enemies, to withstand all attacks, and to quench every fiery dart of Satan. When you are properly equipped with the armor of God, you will be victorious!