We wrapped up the the Ephesians study this morning by reading chapter 6:10-24. In this final portion Paul challenges us to think a little bit differently than we normally do. He states taht we are in a fight but not he fight that we normally engage in, since it isn't against flesh and blood but instead against spiritual evils, agains the devil's schemes, agains the flaming arrows he shots at us, and against the day of evil. We want to win this fight and Paul gives us thirteen things we can do in order to fight and win.
#1 -- Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. This means finding your strength in God not yourself or others.
#2 -- Put on the full armor of God. We will look at each individual item but it is important to put on the whole thing so you don't have any weak points.
#3 -- Stand firm. Hold your ground and don't surrender to the enemy.
#4 -- Put the belt of truth around your waist. This truth helps to free you to move how God wants you to, instead of tripping you up like lies do.
#5 -- Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness protects our spiritual heart.
#6 -- Have your feet ready with the gospel of peace. Be ready to advance with the gospel.
#7 -- Hold the shield of faith. Faith helps extinguisht he flaming arrows of the enemy, which are shot to bring about panic. It helps us to remain stable admist chaos.
#8 -- Put on the helmet of salvation. Salvation protects our brain. It changes the way we look at the world and avoid the deceptions and traps of the enemy.
#9 -- Have the sword of the Spirit. This is God's word, both used for attack and defense.
#10 -- Pray in the Spirit. This is to be done on all occasions and with all kinds of prayers and requests.
#11 -- Be alert. Be ready at all times, easy or difficult.
#12 -- Always keep praying for all the saints. All christians are saints, so pray for fellow believers.
#13 -- Pray for Paul (or those in ministry). To speak understandably and without fear.
Are you ready for the fight?
I give this morning: A+
Favorite Moment: Johnny's prank
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