From my reading in Ephesians 6 in the One Year Bible New Testament.
Life is a battle. Stand Firm!
Like it or not, you’re life is a battle ground. There is an enemy who wants to take you down. God has given us everything we need in order to fight the spiritual battles we face. It is important to realize that we need to have ALL these weapons working together in order to be ready for battle. Paul said,
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… 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. ” Ephesians 6:11…13
1. The Belt of Truth
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth… Ephesians 6:14a
The belt is the part of the armor that holds everything together, being grounded in truth is what holds our lives together.
2. Body Armor of God’s Righteousness
“…and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14b
The body armor protects the vital organs. God’s body armor is what makes us secure. We can be safe because we rely on God’s righteousness. Also our pursuit of righteousness protect us by helping us avoid sin.
3. Peace That Comes From The Good News
“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Ephesians 6:15
Shoes are helpful for two things.
- Shoes are made for standing solidly. When we have an adequate understanding of the good news it will give us great peace knowing we are safe in Christ. We can stand firm in the peace he gives us.
- Shoes are also made for going places. Jesus gave us the command to go make disciples of all nations. It is possible that this verse could also be implying that we should be ready to go out and share the good news!
4. The Shield of Faith
“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Ephesians 6:16
The shield is effective for blocking attacks. Faith helps us block the devil’s attempts to bring us down. Having solid faith keeps us from doubt, worry, and fear. Faith allows us to have a good perspective when the battle is raging around us.
5. The Helmet of Salvation
Put on salvation as your helmet… Ephesians 6:17
The helmet protects the head, and without the head you are dead! The Salvation is our source of life. Understanding and trusting in the security of our salvation will give you great confidence and protection against attacks.
6. The Sword Of The Spirit, God’s Word
…and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
God’s Word is your sword. The more of God’s Word you have in your life the more ready you will be for spiritual battle. The Bible is your only offensive weapon in this list. Jesus used scripture to fight the temptation of the devil in the desert.
Bonus Weapon… PRAYER!
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18
Prayer protects us, because it keeps us connected to God. We should not only pray for ourselves but pray for believers everywhere. Prayer is also one way to pick up these other weapons.
Which of these weapons do you need to pick up today?
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