Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-20
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Locate the word “Finally” in the passage you have just read and place your finger on it. Many times in English when we use the word finally we mean something like “almost finished”, “getting done”, “concluding” or “winding up” but when the Apostle Paul uses the phrase he does in Ephesians 6:10 it means, “I placed this information at the end to emphasis it and make sure it was remembered and this is something of extreme importance” (Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Renner p, 68-69).
Following this phrase Paul repeats the command to “stand” 3 times demonstrating its importance in the lives of believers in Ephesus and today. I learned in seminary school early on when studying how to interpret the Bible; that we must pay great attention to words that are repeated in a passage. Every word written in our precious Bible by the ancient scholars, theologians and disciples of old have meaning in their use and placement.
The early chapters of the book of Ephesians contain some of the deepest theological truths found anywhere in the New Testament and they form the basis on which we can with confidence in a mighty loving and Holy God, stand strong and firm no matter what comes our way. We can stand firm through this pandemic. We can stand firm through any financial hardship. We can stand firm through this difficult school year. We can stand firm through the losses we have suffered in our lives. We can stand firm because we know there is Hope! That is worth remembering!!
Questions to Consider:
Reflect:
Share a time in the past when Jesus helped you stand firm.
Talk about at least three reasons standing firm can be hard for a Christian.
In the next week what is one thing you could do to stand firm for Jesus in your life?
Prayer:
Father God, Thank you for all of the great truths you reveal in the book of Ephesians that you have given to us, your children, so we can stand firm in Jesus as individuals and as a family. Thank you for the armor you have provided and the command to put it on so that we may be strong and secure in You and your care as we love You and lovingly serve each other and a needy world. In Jesus Name, Amen!