Over the Fence: Lessons From EphesusSýnishorn

Day 7 – Suit Up
Ephesians 6

As Paul wraps up his letter to the church in Ephesus, he paints the vivid image of a Roman soldier putting on his gear. To the believers in what is now modern-day Turkey, this would’ve been a familiar and powerful metaphor. It fits perfectly—not just with Paul’s language of war and battle—but with Jesus’ language of Kingdom. Every kingdom needs warriors.

The Roman soldier was the elite warrior of the day. Roman legions dominated their enemies through superior training, interlocking shields, and coordinated military formations. And Paul says that we, too, need to be equipped like soldiers—but our armor and weapons look entirely different.

Before we jump in: If you missed yesterday’s devotional, go back and take a look—we already covered Ephesians 6:1–9, so we won’t be addressing that section again here.

The Belt of Truth

Paul starts with truth, which is essential to the Christian life. While many things in our world are subjective, and people’s experiences vary, there are some things we can and must hold onto as unchanging truths. If we give up truth, we also give up the sword—that is, the Word of God. Truth keeps everything in place.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

This piece of armor reminds us how important it is to live a life that resists sin and temptation. Righteous living isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s a protective covering. Jesus gave us clear instructions for how to live, and without them, our most vital parts are left exposed and vulnerable.

The Boots of the Gospel

The Gospel was everything to Paul. It’s no surprise he pairs it with the soldier’s boots. Paul traveled all over the world to tell people about Jesus and start churches. He believed every Christian should carry the Gospel with them, wherever they go. The Good News isn’t something you leave at home—it’s something you wear on your feet, ready to move.

The Shield of Faith

I’ve often said that the currency of the Kingdom of God is the faith of His people. Our Heavenly Father paves His streets with gold and builds His walls with precious stones—He’s not limited by finances or resources. The only limit to the advancement of God’s Kingdom is our willingness to trust Him and step forward in faith.

The Helmet of Salvation

Paul connects the helmet with salvation, and it makes perfect sense. In ancient times, before modern medicine, the head was understood as the control center—the place of sight, hearing, speech, and thought. It represented a person’s identity. Paul places salvation here because knowing Jesus is what protects and defines us.

The Sword of the Spirit

The only offensive piece of gear we’re given—the Word of God. A soldier knew his sword intimately. In the same way, we’re called to know Scripture deeply—to meditate on it, memorize it, and use it both for truth and for spiritual battle. That brings us back to the verse that frames this whole passage:

“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.”
Ephesians 6:12

My mentor used to read this verse and then tell everyone to pinch their neighbor. If you could pinch them, they’re not your enemy. Paul uses three specific Greek terms here for these forces:

• Archas – rulers
• Exousais – authorities
• Kosmokratoras – cosmic powers

These represent named spiritual entities that claim the right to rule based on being first, having authority, or having power delegated to them.But God was here first, Jesus has all authority, and Jesus has delegated that authority to us, the church.

While we’re busy fighting one another—over opinions, politics, and preferences—our real enemy is waging war in the spiritual realm, and they’re gaining ground. That’s why it’s time to stop the infighting, get unified, and suit up. Because what we’re up against will require all of us—man and woman, slave and master, Jew and Gentile—fighting together.

So what?
What part of the armor are you missing?
What step can you take today to suit up?

Mystic Chef’s XP Boost – Ephesians 6

Have you ever seen a final battle scene where the heroes suit up, knowing the fight ahead seems insurmountable but they’re ready? That’s Ephesians 6. Paul lays it out: life isn’t just tough, it’s a war zone. But we’re not left defenseless, we’ve been given armor. Real stuff. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word. It’s not just a checklist, it’s how we stand when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

The catch? You have to put it on. Daily. You can’t fight today’s battles in yesterday’s gear.

And this fight? Don’t get distracted thinking it’s against people. It’s deeper than that. The real enemy wants to divide, discourage, and distract. But we’re called to stand firm, not in our own strength, but in God’s.

So today, pause and pray. Ask God to help you suit up…not in fear, but in confidence. Ask Him to make you alert, grounded, and ready.

Because the battle is real. But so is the armor. And when we stand together equipped and grounded we don’t just survive. We shine.