God’s Guiding Word: Hope
Introduction
Ephesians 6:10–24: As today’s reading opens, Paul offers encouragement to help the Ephesians remain strong against “wicked spiritual forces” (verse 12). Using the metaphor of armor worn by Roman soldiers, Paul encourages the Lord’s followers to clothe themselves with God’s spiritual armor to be strengthened in their struggle against evil. Paul concludes his letter with greetings and a benediction.
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.
Reading
10 Finally, 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. 12 For 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. 13 So 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. 16 At 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. 18 Do 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. 19 And 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. 20 For 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.
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. 22 That is why I am sending him to you—to tell you how all of us are getting along and to encourage you.
23 May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give to all Christians peace and love with faith. 24 May God’s grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love.
Reflect
Reread verses 14–17. How is God’s armor described? How can such spiritual armor protect you? What does being clothed with God’s spiritual armor mean to you? In what ways can you be an “ambassador” for the sake of the gospel (verse 20)?
Pray
Lord God, clothe me today with your righteousness and with your mighty armor so that I may resist wicked spiritual forces and all that is evil. By the power of your Holy Spirit, keep me faithful and alert so that, like Paul, I can be an ambassador for the gospel and pray faithfully for all God’s people. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Isaiah 25:1–9: A hymn of praise celebrating deliverance from oppression.