EPHESIANS 6: 10-20
The Whole Armor of God
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
STUDY & REFLECT:
The book of Ephesians is a mix between God’s gifts to us and our responsibilities. In Ephesians 1, Paul speaks to the identity we now have in Christ and the blessings that are ours. Ephesians 6 explains how we are to use these very gifts. Satan knows that children of God cannot be destroyed, but he has other goals. He wants to distract you, discourage you, and disable you from experiencing everything God has for you. So we must be on guard and take full advantage of the gifts God has given us! We cannot be passive in our faith—we must be active in pursuing God and standing firm against the enemy. Read Ephesians 6:10-20 and underline all of the action verbs you see. What do these action verbs practically look like in your day-to-day life?
PODCAST LINK:
https://grace-marketing2018.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/Forge_Podcast_Week_1_-_Landry_Petersen.mp3