STAND — Part 1: Standing in Victory
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 6:10–18
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil… Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Eph. 6:10–13; emphasis added)
Opening Prayer
Lord, Your Word is living and active. Strengthen what’s weary, awaken what’s asleep, and clothe us in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Your Word. Make this house a people who stand. Open our eyes and ears to discern what You’re doing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Why “Stand,” Not “Fight”?
I’ve felt a real internal tug-of-war lately. As cultural pressure rises, the instinct is to fight. But when I ran to Scripture, I found this: the Church is not first commanded to “go fight,” but to stand.
The world fights for victory; followers of Jesus stand in victory.
Yes, 1 Timothy 6:12 says, “Fight the good fight of faith.” In context, that fight is the internal perseverance to keep trusting Jesus when it’d be easier to quit. Ephesians 6, though, is different—it’s a call to take our post and hold the ground Christ already won.
How We Regain Ground
James 4:7–8 shows the Kingdom pattern:
Submit to God.
Resist the devil (standing, not striving).
Draw near to God (and He draws near to you).
We don’t win ground by striving; we re-occupy ground through surrender and repentance. Think Nehemiah: before rebuilding, he prayed, fasted, and confessed—then rebuilt stone by stone.
We don’t retake our post by force, but by repentance.
What Standing Looks Like
Standing isn’t denial or passivity. Standing is refusing to be moved.
Holding peace when fear pressures you.
Holding faith when doubts fly.
Holding holiness when compromise looks easier.
Holding truth when culture rewrites it.
2 Chronicles 20:17: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.”
The Armor That Keeps You Standing (Ephesians 6)
Paul uses a physical picture to describe spiritual realities. The enemy attacks truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word—because those are what keep you standing.
Belt of Truth — Reminds us who God is. His Word is steady across ages and cultures.
Breastplate of Righteousness — Reminds us who we are in Christ. Not our righteousness—His.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace — Reminds us where we’re going. We march after Christ, not after trends.
Shield of Faith — Reminds us what we believe. Faith isn’t blind; it’s anchored in what God has already done.
Helmet of Salvation — Reminds us what God has done. Guard your mind with the finished work of Jesus.
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) — Reminds us how to respond. Not with worldly weapons, but with God’s truth.
We don’t put on armor to become strong; we put it on to remain standing in the strength God provides.
“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). Strength in the Kingdom comes from intimacy, not independence.
“The Evil Day” & Your Post
Paul says to stand “in the evil day” (Eph. 6:13)—the day when evil feels close and loud. On that day:
Have you prayed? Stand.
Have you repented? Stand.
Have you worshiped through pain? Stand.
Have you done all you know to do? Stand.
We stand, and God fights. We resist, and God restores.
“Do not be afraid… stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring… The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13–14)
If You’ve Given Up Ground
Maybe it’s your witness, marriage, purity, peace, purpose, or courage. It’s not too late.
Colossians 2:15 — Jesus has already disarmed rulers and authorities and put them to open shame.
The Father is not condemning you; He’s restoring you.
Stand up, return, repent, and let God place you back on the wall.
The battle is the Lord’s. The victory is the Lord’s. The call to stand is yours.
Response & Prayer
For the seasoned in faith and the new alike: Where have you stepped aside?
Today, make the decision to stand—not later, not “when things calm down,” but now.
Our Prayer Team is available to help you stand—lift you up, remind you who you are in Christ, and pray the armor of God over you. Don’t leave the tug of the Spirit unanswered.
Benediction
This is not a time for the Church to retreat or blend in.
Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God.
And when you’ve done all… stand.
Reflection Questions
Where am I tempted to fight in the flesh instead of stand in Christ?
Which piece of the armor do I most need to intentionally “put on” this week?
What ground do I sense God inviting me to re-occupy through repentance?