2020 Daily Devotion - Day 28
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Ephesians 6:10-18 RSV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray 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.
As the Apostle Paul is writing these words, scholars believe he was probably remembering the times he had been in prison and chained at the wrist to a Roman Soldier. They did this to make sure Paul would not escape. The soldier’s armor suggests a picture to him of what the Christian should do and be. The Christ follower must put on a similar armor.
“The breastplate of righteousness”: we receive our righteousness from Christ Jesus. When a person is clothed in righteousness, they are secure; even invincible. Having the right foot equipment meant the soldier is ready to move. So too, the Christian, with their feet shod with the Gospel, is ready to tell everyone of the hope that lies within their heart. They are on the move to bring to bring the Gospel to others.
Perhaps, this is why in Romans 10:15: “…how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”, there is the “shield of faith” and faith is essential for the battle, knowing that God is in charge.
“The helmet of salvation”: salvation is the constant reminder that because of Jesus, you are a “child of God”. Your sins are washed away, and who can condemn you? You are ready for battle.
“The Sword of the Spirit; the Word of God”: This is why being in the Word is so essential. When the enemy lies to you, you know the truth and will not be fooled. This is all done in prayer. Paul is saying, in order to persevere, we must pray and rely on God; knowing He always answers and is never late.
So, in these challenging days – this is our uniform – this is our attire. So, put on your armor and let’s trust God to win this thing.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, help us to put on the armor to fight the battle before us. With this armor, we will not be defeated or discouraged. The armor will always remind us that yes, we are in a battle, but You will be victorious. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
Ephesians 6:10-18 RSV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray 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.
As the Apostle Paul is writing these words, scholars believe he was probably remembering the times he had been in prison and chained at the wrist to a Roman Soldier. They did this to make sure Paul would not escape. The soldier’s armor suggests a picture to him of what the Christian should do and be. The Christ follower must put on a similar armor.
“The breastplate of righteousness”: we receive our righteousness from Christ Jesus. When a person is clothed in righteousness, they are secure; even invincible. Having the right foot equipment meant the soldier is ready to move. So too, the Christian, with their feet shod with the Gospel, is ready to tell everyone of the hope that lies within their heart. They are on the move to bring to bring the Gospel to others.
Perhaps, this is why in Romans 10:15: “…how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”, there is the “shield of faith” and faith is essential for the battle, knowing that God is in charge.
“The helmet of salvation”: salvation is the constant reminder that because of Jesus, you are a “child of God”. Your sins are washed away, and who can condemn you? You are ready for battle.
“The Sword of the Spirit; the Word of God”: This is why being in the Word is so essential. When the enemy lies to you, you know the truth and will not be fooled. This is all done in prayer. Paul is saying, in order to persevere, we must pray and rely on God; knowing He always answers and is never late.
So, in these challenging days – this is our uniform – this is our attire. So, put on your armor and let’s trust God to win this thing.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, help us to put on the armor to fight the battle before us. With this armor, we will not be defeated or discouraged. The armor will always remind us that yes, we are in a battle, but You will be victorious. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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