The decision to examine the preceding passage is based on the author’s
conviction that it represents the premier Pauline text dealing with the
subject of spiritual warfare, including how to combat the devil. It was
concluded that believers do not triumph over the Prince of Darkness by
using a brute force approach; rather, they must make full use of God’s
instruments of war to counter Lucifer’s attempts to tempt, deceive, and
accuse them. Also, based on an exegetical and theological analysis of
Ephesians 6:10–20, it was determined that scripture is at the heart of the
Christians’ spiritual armour (i.e. it is the predominant, controlling idea
in these verses). Moreover, it was ascertained that they are to use God’s
Word to stand fast and not surrender any ground to the enemy. The
objective is not to launch direct, frontal attacks against the antagonist,
but rather to protect themselves against his spiritual assaults. Even in
moments of intense doubt and duress, Jesus’ followers should make full
use of scripture to parry the attacks made by Satan, the counterfeit
word.