This is the end of our walk through Ephesians. I hope you have found some wonderful nuggets of instruction and encouragement.
“This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength. 11 Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. 12 Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. 13 Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing. ” Ephesians 6:10-13 NLV
The first thing that came to mind when I read this this morning was young David as he was about to face Goliath. David knew that he wasn’t going out to fight in his own strength. He knew God was with him. King Saul tried to get David to wear his royal armor – it didn’t fit, David chose to use what God had given him. A sling, some rocks and the supernatural presence of God.
Paul tells us that our fight isn’t with people. It’s a fight of a spiritual nature so it requires a specialized armor, the armor of God. The promise we have is that if we stand, stand strong, we will still be standing victoriously when the battle is over.
“14 So stand up and do not be moved. Wear a belt of truth around your body. Wear a piece of iron over your chest which is being right with God. 15 Wear shoes on your feet which are the Good News of peace. 16 Most important of all, you need a covering of faith in front of you. This is to put out the fire-arrows of the devil. 17 The covering for your head is that you have been saved from the punishment of sin. Take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:14-17
Every piece of our armor comes from God’s word.
a belt of truth – Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. John 14:6
a breastplate of righteousness – we know that “He became sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” II Corinthians 5:21
our shoes are the gospel of peace – “we have peace with God” Romans 5:1
our shield is faith – “faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God” Romans 10:17
a helmet of salvation – “by grace are we saved through faith” Ephesians 2:8
our sword – is the word of God Ephesians 6:18
Without God’s word we have no armor; without our armor we cannot stand.
“You must pray at all times as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. Pray for the things that are needed. You must watch and keep on praying. Remember to pray for all Christians. ” Ephesians 6:19 NLV
Now, more than ever it’s important for us to pray. Pray for ourselves, our families, for each other. Our victory comes by faith.
“Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.” I John 5:4 CEV
So let’s do as Paul has instructed us to do. Stand Guard and Keep On Standing!