“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might,” Ephesians 6:10

Soldiering in the Spirit requires the Strength of God because of the powerful enemies we fight. It is a warfare of which we need not be ashamed. Wear your scars with honour, Galatians 6:17.

It is a war which requires constant training and instruction. "He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms," Psalm 18:34. "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight," Psalm 144:1.

It is a warfare that can not be fought in human strength or wisdom. Paul's instructions to the Ephesians reads like a battle manual. Here he identifies the enemy and his tactics. Here he points out the weaknesses of the troops that must ever be borne in mind. Here is the strategy for victory. There has to be a battle. That is what the Lord requires.

1. There has to be a battle.

That is what the Lord requires. It cannot be avoided. It is not God’s will to carry us to heaven, shielding us from every enemy. Rather, we march to heaven over our enemies.  Deut 20:3-4. It is in our fighting that we experience the Lord fighting for us. Deut 33:29;  Joshua 1:3, 10:24;  Psalm 44:5, 91:13. (Exerpt from “Wesley”)

2. Our enemies are so much stronger than us so we must obtain superior strength.

This battle will be won, not by us merely hiding from the enemy but by us, armed with superior strength, confronting and defeating the enemy. There is a putting on of the strength of the Lord. Self-confidence is an enemy. Matt 26:33

3. The victory is to be enjoyed by an understanding of how to be strong in the Lord.

We must learn how to avail ourselves of the strength and victory of Christ. We must understanding how, by faith, put on His strength. It surely must entail a leaving aside of our strength! “And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him,” 1 Sam 17:39. Our Saviour is all powerful. Matt 28:18, Isaiah 26:4. We have access to His strength. Hebrews 13:5-6.