VII.
Paul acknowledges here some of the forces the Christians at Ephesus struggle with. He asks them to think about items soldiers use to face their foes. And most to the point, he wants them to recall their source of strength.

As you read this passage, take note of anything Paul mentions that helps you live as a disciple of Jesus.

VIII.
Ephesians 6:10-18 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power; put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for our struggle is not against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on the evil day and, having prevailed against everything, to stand firm. Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness and lace up your sandals in preparation for the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

IX.
Do you think it might be possible that we can at times put too much emphasis on the “armor of God” miss that we can “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power”?

Maybe our perseverance and our standing firm lies not with the armor but in the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ who brings us into the Kingdom of God, and reminds us that we “pray … at all times.”

What prayers of thanks might you offer today for the God who calls us and who stands firmly with us as we persevere in our walk with God.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}