Thursday, August 14, 2014

8/15/14 Ephesians 6

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6)

Thoughts: God is pointing out that He has equipped us with tools and gifts.  We have a spiritual enemy, according to this passage.  This passage says that we have gifts of God that help us to stand up against the pressures of evil.  Truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Bible.  Truth holds us together- like a belt.  Righteousness is a defense against guilt and accusations.  The gospel readies us to go anywhere.  Faith is like a shield that helps us fend off evil attacks and temptations.  Salvation is like a helmet that protects our head.  If we know we are saved then it strengthens our mind.  The only offensive weapon mentioned here is the Bible.  The Bible is what the Holy Spirit uses to convict us, to fight against sin, and to eradicate evil in our lives and in the world. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the armor you give me to protect my heart and soul. 


No comments:

Post a Comment