SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 6:10-24
OBSERVATIONS
1. (vv.10-13) Paul describes the struggle that Christ-followers go through as a battle with spiritual (not physical) forces of evil.
APPLICATION: I can relate to the battle imagery, I often feel under attack. But do I mistake the enemy, do I focus on the people and circumstances instead of on the spiritual powers and pressures behind them?
2. (vv.14-18) This is a struggle we can endure, if we arm ourselves appropriately, with spiritual weapons: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the word of God and prayer in the Spirit.
APPLICATION: I am fighting lasers with wooden sticks, I am not targeting the real enemy but their temporal manifestations. Its no wonder I feel defeated, I’m dealing with ”flesh and blood”.
3. (vv.19-24) Paul finishes his letter asking for prayer support and offering (through Tychicus) spiritual encouragement for battle-weary troups. His blessing of peace, love and grace is extended to those with an undying love for Jesus.
APPLICATION: In this battle, I need prayer support and need to offer that same support to others. The question that I ask myself is whether my love for Jesus would be described as an “undying love”?
PRAYER:
Lord, in times of struggle often my love for You grows cold, as I allow the circumstances to drain me of my passion and commitment. Help me to see the real enemy behind these struggles, and to stand firm in Your strength! Amen.
Satan is attacking the body – the church – God’s people – the unity of His people and God has given us the equipment so that we are able to ake a stand.
The belt of truth – put off falsehood – be open and honest.
the breastplate of righteousness – doing what is right and good and true is primary in the body of Christ.
The feet fitted with the gospel – our journey/pilgrimage is in His Light and together as one body we walk in faithful obedience .
The shield of faith – shows that in ourselves we are inadequate but in God – our trust in Him – we can do immeasureably more than we imagined
The helmet of salvation – our hope of new life in Christ Jesus has brought us our identity
The Spirit’s sword – is the Word of the Lord. Christ Jesus used that Word also the defeat Satan with his temptations in the wilderness.
We go forward into battle since our fronts are protected, not our backs. But above all we clothe ourselves in prayer. We need to be prayer walkers every day or prayer warriors. Help me Lord to go forward in that power today.
Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His Name?