God’s Word of Faith
Introduction
Ephesians 6:10-24: Paul offers encouragement to help the Ephesians remain strong against what he calls “wicked spiritual forces” (6:12). He describes the spiritual armor of God that will help them guard against evil. Then he exhorts them to pray continually for one another.
Scripture Reading
The Whole Armor of God
10Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks. 12For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. 13So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.
14 So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, 15 and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. 16At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. 17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. 18Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people. 19And pray also for me, that God will give me a message when I am ready to speak, so that I may speak boldly and make known the gospel’s secret. 20For the sake of this gospel I am an ambassador, though now I am in prison. Pray that I may be bold in speaking about the gospel as I should.
Final Greetings
21 Tychicus, our dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord’s work, will give you all the news about me, so that you may know how I am getting along. 22That is why I am sending him to you—to tell you how all of us are getting along and to encourage you.
23May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give to all Christians peace and love with faith. 24May God’s grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love.
Today’s Key Verse: Ephesians 6:18b
Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason, keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people.
Reflect
Reread verses 10-17. Paul uses militaristic imagery as he describes a spiritual armor that comes from God. How can such spiritual armor protect you? What spiritual armor do you especially need today?
Pray
God of peace, thank you for your protection. Give me the resources I need to stand against the devil’s evil tricks and wicked spiritual forces, and clothe me with your righteousness. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Philippians 1:1-30: The apostle Paul, writing from prison, shares the good news about Christ.