Ephesians 6
February Memory Verse: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Read: Ephesians 6
Ephesians 6 makes it clear that there is a battle happening every single day of our lives. And this battle is not one that we can win in our own power.
The enemy of the battle is Satan and the spiritual forces of evil (v. 12). I believe many of us underestimate the power of Satan and what he is capable of doing. Satan is crafty. He knows how to tempt and deceive. He knows how to get us to doubt God, and he wants us to do just that. It is exactly what he did to Adam and Eve. He has been tempting and deceiving for a LONG TIME.
The problem lies in that often times we try to rely on our own strength to help us overcome a temptation or reoccurring sin in our lives. If we go to battle, ourself versus Satan, we will lose.
But there is hope. There is a way to win the battle. How, you might ask? By putting on the whole Armor of God (v. 11a, 13a). If we put on the Armor of God, we can stand against the schemes of Satan (v. 11b, 13b).
Verses 14-17 explain the different elements of the Armor. But if you notice, there is only one weapon you can use to attack Satan: The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (v. 17). I think we need to be reminded of the power of God’s Word. Jesus used Scripture to overcome Satan’s temptation (Matthew 4:1-11), and if Jesus used it, how much more do we need it? The way to attack Satan is to be in God’s Word. When you are reading God’s Word you are learning truth, which makes it harder for Satan to deceive you.
In your life, what steps will you take to put on the Armor of God each day?
By: Brice Stockton
Read: Ephesians 6
Ephesians 6 makes it clear that there is a battle happening every single day of our lives. And this battle is not one that we can win in our own power.
The enemy of the battle is Satan and the spiritual forces of evil (v. 12). I believe many of us underestimate the power of Satan and what he is capable of doing. Satan is crafty. He knows how to tempt and deceive. He knows how to get us to doubt God, and he wants us to do just that. It is exactly what he did to Adam and Eve. He has been tempting and deceiving for a LONG TIME.
The problem lies in that often times we try to rely on our own strength to help us overcome a temptation or reoccurring sin in our lives. If we go to battle, ourself versus Satan, we will lose.
But there is hope. There is a way to win the battle. How, you might ask? By putting on the whole Armor of God (v. 11a, 13a). If we put on the Armor of God, we can stand against the schemes of Satan (v. 11b, 13b).
Verses 14-17 explain the different elements of the Armor. But if you notice, there is only one weapon you can use to attack Satan: The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (v. 17). I think we need to be reminded of the power of God’s Word. Jesus used Scripture to overcome Satan’s temptation (Matthew 4:1-11), and if Jesus used it, how much more do we need it? The way to attack Satan is to be in God’s Word. When you are reading God’s Word you are learning truth, which makes it harder for Satan to deceive you.
In your life, what steps will you take to put on the Armor of God each day?
By: Brice Stockton
9 Comments
Thanks for this Brice! A good reminder of the importance of putting this armor on daily.
I have noticed in my own life recently how importantly it is for me to put it on before my day starts. I have made a practice (not perfectly) of reading and praying before I touch my phone or go to social media. What I have found is that when I have started before everything by being encouraged and refreshed with time with God, my susceptibility to Satan's schemes go far down. My encouragement for all would be to try this too, because it really has made a difference for me. Love you guys!
Verses 14-17 explain the different elements of the Armor. But if you notice, there is only one weapon you can use to attack Satan: The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (v. 17). I think we need to be reminded of the power of God's Word.
Indeed Brice, I find more and more that even though God rescued me through total surrender that my desire to fight temptation, etc. today is through a myriad of ways that exclude God. More of as self help approach than God's word, teaching and recognition of his sacrifice and love for us. My efforts are typically futile when relying on my own power!
It's not very deep, but I love the escapeism of a good movie where the good guy is good and the bad guy is bad. We all know the plot, and it's the good guy that wins in the end but not without perilous trials and certain loss that likely will change the good guy's character forever.
These movies are mere shadows of the the real thing and taken too far they become idols pulling you from the real affections we have toward Christ. But applied with a smidgen of wisdom, you can see that all stories such as this are merely springboards for declaring the glorious truth of the cross and the decisive victory that the heart longs to experience. Christ winds, the Enemy loses, but the story continues " For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, NASB)
Stay faithful friends and encourage one another in His Word.
I have always loved this kind of movie as well, Korbet. Such a strong feeling of vindication when good wins over evil. Vigilante movies like Walking Tall and Death Wish moved something in me...a strong desire to see right over might, to see good prevail. The evil we face is not always so obvious. That's why we must be ever vigilant and decked out in our full spiritual armor.
What a powerful reminder of the importance of being in the Bible every day, since it is our only offensive weapon in THE battle of our lives!
I love the call to prayer in verse 18 and following. Paul knows the importance of prayer, especially in his current situation. He is calling us to pray not only for him, but for one another, and at all times. This is a great reminder that we can still follow today. You cannot understate the importance of praying for others and praying without ceasing!
Verse 15 stood out to me "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." We are going into battle and God gives us peace!? What an incredible God we serve
Here's a prayer my dad taught me while growing up.
" Lord by faith, here's what I'm doing.
I'm putting on the girdle of truth, I want to walk in truth, O Lord.
I'm putting on the breastplate of righteousness, because I want you to guard my emotions today.
I'm putting on the boots of preparation, to be ready to stand firm, stand firm in my relationship with you because I have the peace of the gospel.
I'm taking the shield of faith, I'm gonna trust you God today for everything.
I'm putting on the helmet of salvation, Plesse guard my thinking all the day long. Don't let me think the wrong thing.
And Father, I'm taking the sword of the Spirit, Your precious word. I want you to bring it to mind any time I get tempted, tried, and tested.
And today I went to walk as well I armed soldier of the Son of God. And today I want Satan to be defeated every time he fires one of those things at me. Thank you that the shield of faith will deflect it, and I will be victorious today, in Jesus name amen!
One of my favorite passages of the Bible! Putting on the full armor of God. Great blog post!