Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 November 2026 Ephesians 6:11.
Ephesians 6:11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil.
Here we are again my fellow believers, gathered in the Lord’s sanctuary on this sunshiny autumn day in November, to give thanks and praise for His wonderful kindness and faithfulness to us, the ofttimes rebellious and disobedient children of men. But that’s the wonderful God we serve; He LOVES us despite our many failings, because He created us and knows what we are capable of. So, let’s show some sincere appreciation by opening with a beautiful song of worship, titled ‘Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus!’
The song was written by American preacher George Duffield, Jr. (1818 – 1888). One commentary tells us that ‘Duffield was apparently inspired to write the song after hearing the dying words of a Presbyterian colleague, Dudley A. Tyng, who having been ousted from his own congregation for his strong anti-slavery stance, preached to large crowds in weekday meetings sponsored by the YMCA. His work spearheaded an evangelical revival in Philadelphia early in 1858.
At Tyng’s deathbed, caused by a farm accident in which he lost an arm, Duffield and others asked if he had any final message. Tyng replied, ‘Tell them to stand up for Jesus!” At Tyng’s memorial service on April 25, 1858, Duffield preached on Ephesians 6:14 and concluded his sermon by reading his new hymn text, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” Several lines in that original text referred to Tyng’s words and ministry.’
And having heard of the remarkable origins of the song, let’s now offer it up with sweet sacrifices of praise in an easy rocking sincere, heartfelt, reggae riddim version, as per that done by the renowned Jamaican Gospel Artiste, Carlene Davis. Singing: ‘Stand up, stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the cross; lift high his royal banner, it must not suffer loss: from vict’ry unto vict’ry his army he shall lead, ’til ev’ry foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey; forth to the mighty conflict in this his glorious day: ye that are men now serve him against unnumbered foes; let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose. (Chorus: Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus, children stand up. Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus children stand up. Yes we are standing on Christ my Saviour, standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises of Christ my saviour, standing on the promises of God.)
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in his strength alone; the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own: put on the gospel armor, each piece put on with pray’r; where duty calls, or danger, be never wanting there. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; this day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song: to him that overcometh a crown of life shall be; he with the King of glory shall reign eternally.
(Chorus: Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus, children stand up. Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus children stand up. Yes we are standing on the promises of Christ my Saviour, standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises of Christ my saviour, standing on the promises of God. Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus, children stand up. Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus children stand up.)’
That was rocking good my people! However, we shouldn’t be only singing it, but more importantly putting it into action in this evil and ungodly world. Remember, as Jesus’ disciple it’s our duty to take up our cross and follow Him every day. To stand strong for Him, to be a light in this dark world and spread the good news of His gospel which offers salvation and eternal life. Unfortunately though, not enough of us supposed Christians are standing up steadfastly for Christ, otherwise our world would not be plagued with so many evil and ungodly actions.
We obviously are not following Bruh Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians. ‘Watch ye, stand fast in faith, quit you like men (be brave), be strong.’ (1 Cor. 16:13) Neither the one to Timothy. ‘Thou therefore endure hardness (hardship), as a good soldier of Christ.’ (2 Tim. 2:3) That’s very obvious when so many of us cower with fear, or refuse to become uncomfortable or sacrifice anything for Christ. But nonetheless, here’s how we begin standing up for Jesus.
As Bruh Paul says to the Ephesians: ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers of the darkness of this world (age), against spiritual wickedness (wicked spiritual beings) in high places. Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ (Eph. 6:10-13)
Yes friends, putting on our spiritual armour is the first action necessary in standing up for Jesus, for you cannot defeat any enemy unless you are first secured from personal attack. And why after doing all, do we still have to stand? Because the devil will keep on attacking us, and if we’re not armoured up, then we have no chance of defeating him. And there’s no time to get into a full description of the spiritual armour, but here’s a quick basic breakdown of our spiritual armour.
They are our loins or waist girded with truth (a knowledge of the truth of God’s word); the breastplate of righteousness protecting our upper bodies (holy character and moral conduct), our feet shod with the preparation of peace, (special shoes allowing an eagerness to advance against the enemy), the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy (believing God’s promises and thus limiting doubt), the helmet of salvation (the certainty of salvation), the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, and finally prayer. Yes my people, all that spiritual armour is of little use unless it’s accompanied by plenty prayer.
So, now that we know what it takes to be able to stand up for Jesus, let’s get out there and do that nuh! It’s imperative that we do something to quell the terrible negativity that’s spreading all around us, for as this commentary so wisely states: ‘The challenge of “Stand Up for Jesus” is proclaimed through the military metaphors Paul uses in Ephesians 6:10-18. Although some decry the warlike imagery, the spiritual battle that Christians must fight is very real. Christ’s victory is assured even if we do not always move “from victory unto victory” in our earthly lives.’
And that’s the gospel truth. We must stand and fight, so that at the end, we can all say like Bruh Paul: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (run my race), I have kept the faith:’ (2 Tim. 4:7) Now that’s how we all ought to go out! Much LOVE!
…for all Jesus has done for us…standing up for Him should be an honour…not a dreaded task…
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