Rachel Workman: 10 A
final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor
so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
12 For we[d]
are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and
authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and
against evil spirits in the heavenly places. I feel this more than I've ever
felt it.
13 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. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[e] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[f] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
In one sense, the “whole armor of God” is a picture of Jesus Christ. Christ
is the Truth (John 14:6), and He is our righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21) and our
peace (Eph. 2:14). His faithfulness makes possible our faith (Gal. 2:20); He is
our salvation (Luke 2:30); and He is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). This means
that when we trusted Christ, we received the armor.
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John Burnett: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [a]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. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 [b]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This is a battle for the minds of all people. If we don't prepare for battle by knowing the Word of God, we will lose the battle and fall for any false teaching that comes along. Basically, the second half of the New Testament is a warning against false teachers and their schemes and this passage tells us why it is important that we know who our enemy is, we know the truth of the Gospel and have Christ's righteousness to protect us, and we have God's peace in knowing that we can defend against the devil and that we are saved.
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Tomorrow’s reading for Ephesians 6:18-24
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[g]
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.[h] 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.
23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters,[i] and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. 24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
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