This is probably the most famous passage of Ephesians - the Armor of God. And rightly so! This passage us crammed with stuff that has literally saved my life!
When I was in a heap o' sin, this armor was what began to help me get out of the pit, change my thought life and eventually free me from that habitual sin. Take time to read 6:10-end of the book today.
I love the visuals we can picture in our minds. It's somewhat tangible and make so much sense that it is a very powerful tool against the enemy! Who, according to this passage, is exactly who we are fighting against!
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For 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.
This is no game. This is the real deal. Everything that tempts us, haunts us and wages war against our thought lives, families, finances, relationships, marriages, bodies, all of this is from our Enemy. We must be prepared at all times to fight!
Just to change it up a bit, let's run down the list backwards!
6:18 Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. I walk around the house talking to Him about whatever whenever. That's a great practice to get into with the Lord!
6:17 ...take the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Well, we pretty much do that everyday here, but do you do it? The more you study the word of God, the more you have to wield!
6:17 Take the helmet of salvation. Know that you know that you know that you are loved and saved in Jesus. Don't let anyone try to take that from you!
6:16 Take up the Shield of Faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. My husband and I joke about how his shield of faith is like what you picture in the movies- huge and able to stop all kinds of arrows and spears. Where as my shield of faith is like Wonder Woman bracelets. tink! tink! It's getting bigger though!
6:15 Have you feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In other words, be ready to share Jesus!
6:14 Belt of Truth. What does a belt do? Hold everything together. You must know the Truth in order for you life to hold together!
6:14 Breastplate of Righteousness. Get that heart covered with the righteous blood of Jesus. Guard it. Keep it pure.
And finally, for your back, get some accountability. Know your weaknesses and make sure there are others around you who know them too so they can pray for you and guard you!
I have women in my life that know my weaknesses and how to pray for me when I need it most. You too must have those around you who know the weak places in your armor so you can be fortified with them. Your enemy wants to TAKE. YOU. DOWN. Don't give him the opportunity!
Back to 6:18 With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
We've got to pray for one another! I'll pray for you and you pray for me. Find people that you can have real, honest relationships with and get to praying for one another. Pray as Paul did...
...that whenever we open our mouths, words may be given us so that we will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel... Pray that we may declare it fearlessly, as we should.
Peace to you, my sisters!
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Thank you all for joining me through the book of Epesians! I've loved it all! I hope you have been encouraged and uplifted!
Now, for something else exciting! I've been asked to be the Bible Teacher Contributor for the month of October at A Second Cup from Internet Cafe Devotions! It will be linked up here and there both.
We'll be looking at the concept of the Vineyard; what it means to Christ and what it means to us as His followers! VERY EXCITED about studying this! I'm thinking I'll have to do some wine tasting to make sure I get the idea! ;)
We'll be starting October 6th!! So, y'all come back now, ya hear!
4 comments:
Great lessons on Ephesians, Natalie! Thanks so much for sharing. Love ya and have a blessed week! :)
Can't wait for the Vineyard!! Love Ephesians especially this last part!!
Great lessons. When teaching the body image stuff we talk about visually putting on the armor in the morning. Look in the mirror and say, 'I am putting on the belt of truth, the helmet of salvation.' etc.
Come visit me monday, I am posting portions from that class this next week, could use the love and support! :)
Oh, did you know that there is a wonderful vineyard in Luther, OK? Seriously, never would have guessed, we are talking inexpensive great wines, beautiful woods/vineyard atmosphere, they even have grape stomping for the kids at certain times. It is called Tres Suenos. Worth going. Did you also know I can leave the longest comments EVER! AGH!
Good stuff Nat. I was expecting to see the "Ping ping ping" story, but I guess tht make more sense in person... :o)
Linz
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