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CHAPTER 6  (ESV)

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.

REFLECTION:

1. Paul examines mutual responsibilities of children and parents (v1-4), and of slaves and masters (v5-9). Paul reviewed the teaching of this letter, picturing the resources God had provided as a soldier’s armor (v10-20), and closes with brief greetings (v21-24).
2. Ephesians is a book about the church. In it Paul presented Christ’s church as a body, a family, and a holy temple. Each of these images calls for Christians to live together in love and unity. It is this dominant theme of the book that helps us understand the nature of the devil’s schemes, and the armor God has provided us to use in withstanding them. Simply, the devil’s schemes in Ephesians are his strategies for disrupting the unity of the church. And the armor of God is God’s resource for maintaining unity.
3. Use the following as you pray about your fight in spiritual warfare.

Dear God,
Keep my mind free from worry and from being controlled by my own plans.  Instead, I ask for the mind of Christ.  (Helmet of salvation)
Thank You that Jesus died for me that I can be righteous in Your sight.  Please give me a heart of love like Christ’s. (Breastplate of Righteousness)
Please help me see the truth about myself and the situations around me through the mirror of Your Scriptures.  (Belt of Truth)
Help me to be aware of the nudges of the Holy Spirit today everywhere I go and help me to be ready to share the gospel on these nudges.  (Shoes of Gospel of Peace) 
Help me to trust You and believe that You are always with me. (Shield of Faith)
Come Holy Spirit and empower me today.  (Sword of the Spirit)

PRAYER:

At the time of writing, Paul says he is “an ambassador in chains” (v.20). Remember that though we are weak, God’s strength is what sustains us and is most visible to others. Ask God for boldness in living for Him in spite of our insecurities, infirmities, and inexperience. He gives His children grace in abundance.

HYMN:

“Stand up Stand up for Jesus” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbnhUlj2PZ4