The Apostle Paul writes on the theme of unity within the body of Christ in several of his letters. In the previous post we saw that in writing to a divided church at Corinth, Paul began his letter by reminding them of who they are in Christ, and of the magnitude of their calling (1 Corinthians 1:2). When he writes on a similar theme to the believers in Philippi, he calls them to humility and servanthood in their relationships with each other (Philippians 2:1-15). Yet the believers in Ephesus are told to stand firmly together (Ephesians 6:10-13).
Paul is not giving different instructions to different churches, but rather emphasizing different aspects of what it means to be the church. And each of these aspects is incredibly important.
Standing together
Very often we read the passage on the armour of God in Ephesians 6 from an individualistic standpoint (ie. as though it’s just about “me” personally). But all the pronouns Paul uses in this entire passage (eg. you, we, us, our) are plural. This passage is therefore not so much about you as an individual, but about us, as believers, standing together.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)
Yes, we each have an individual responsibility, but God is also calling us to stand together corporately. And this is going to be even more important as we move forward into the future. A united church is a strong church. This does not mean we must all agree on every issue. Reflecting the character of the One who called us is far more important than gaining agreement or resolving a difference of opinion
Issues will arise that will try and divide us. And this is where we need to heed Paul’s words in verse 12. It’s not other people we are fighting against. People are not the enemy. Rather, we are engaged in a spiritual battle.
Be strong in the Lord
We do not engage in this battle in our own strength. The words “Be strong in the Lord” are in the ‘passive voice’ in Greek. So this has to do with receiving strength from an outside source (as in Ephesians 3:16 “Be strengthened in the Lord and in his mighty power”). In other words, we need to present ourselves to God, for Him to strengthen us with His power on the inside. It is a resolve to use what God has provided.
Paul is calling his readers into a relationship of dependence. This is about a corporate reliance on God’s strength and power. It’s only “in the Lord” (verse 10). Power comes through relationship with God, not independently or through anything we try and do for ourselves. Rather, it’s just as Jesus said. It’s about laying down our lives, walking in meekness and humility, taking up our cross and following Him, and walking in His ways. We can only stand when we stand in Him.
So we are able to fully stand against the devil’s schemes when we, individually and corporately, put on His armour, the full armour of God (ie. truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God) and stand together.
We can only truly stand together when we know who we are in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2), treat each other with humility and servanthood (Philippians 2:1-15), and stand together, having clothed ourselves in the armour He has provided (Ephesians 6:10-13).
