Beyond the Armor – Part 1: Rediscovering the Power Behind the Metaphor of Ephesians 6:10-20

We love the imagery of armor. It’s bold, visual, and empowering. But sometimes, in our fascination with the metaphor, we miss the message. Paul’s call in Ephesians 6 isn’t just to “put on armor”—it’s to be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength (Eph. 6:10). The armor is not the source of strength. It’s a lens through which we understand how strength is received and lived.

Earlier in Ephesians 3:14–21, Paul prays that believers would be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner being, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. This is the foundation. Before the armor is ever mentioned, Paul is already pointing to the source of strength: the indwelling Christ, the empowering Spirit, and the rootedness of faith.

 By the time we reach chapter 6, Paul isn’t introducing a new idea—he’s illustrating the same truth with vivid imagery. The armor isn’t a checklist of spiritual disciplines. It’s a poetic unpacking of what it means to live in the strength of the Lord.

Each piece of armor points to a deeper reality:

• Truth that anchors us in God’s narrative
• Righteousness that declares and transforms us
• Gospel readiness that advances the Kingdom
• Faith that shields us from emotional sabotage
• Salvation and Scripture that renew our minds
• Prayer that keeps us connected to the Source

 The goal isn’t to admire the armor. It’s to stand. To remain rooted when the winds of deception, accusation, and distraction blow hard. To live in such a way that the enemy’s schemes lose their power.

In the next post, we’ll explore each of these anchors of strength—what they mean, how they protect, and how they empower us to stand firm. But for now, consider this: Are you living from the strength of the Lord, or simply trying to wear the armor without it?

Let’s not settle for metaphor. Let’s live the reality.