Ephesians 6:10-13
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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. When a soldier goes into battle the volume and quality of gear is pretty impressive. Food rations, water, survival equipment, navigation tools, radio communications, explosives, ammunition and don't forget the riffle. But not only do these soldiers just carry this equipment with them, long before the fight they spends months or sometimes years learning in detail how to use all of this equipment. For out day to day battle as a Christian Paul gives us our fighting equipment list in Ephesians 6:14-17. Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. That is quite a battle list As you look at that list individually let me ask you a question, have you learned how to use all these tools to fight the good fight?
7 Comments
Daniel A Macaluso
5/5/2021 08:31:56 am
"KNOWING your scripture" is an interesting phrase that's often used in the Christian community. It sounds like it's enough on the surface, but it's only the beginning. Who of us doesn't know this passage and the list of what the full armor of God consists of? So, we "KNOW our scripture"...check. But then that nagging question comes at the end of the lesson and challenges us to think about how much we "DO our scripture." Ugh. So, I think if there was a picture of me standing on the battle field, I can imagine I'd be waring the helmet. But I think, in all honesty, I'd be clumsily fumbling with the rest of the items. Or, even worse, they'd be laying there close by. But this verse has a significant action verb prior to every item in the list that tells me I have a long way to go until I can answer that I know how to use all these tools effectively. Knowing you HAVE an M-16 (and the appropriate amount of ammo!! Cheers, Matt), isn't the same as being proficient at USING an M-16. God, give us wisdom and a commitment to becoming intimately connected to you and your power (first and foremost) and also comfortable and proficient with all the tools you provide for us to go to battle.
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Shanin M
5/5/2021 12:01:26 pm
Dan, that is some good, honest food for thought. I never looked at it in this way, but you are absolutely right. It's kind of like growing up in a Sunday School kind of faith...I learned the stories, but not of their power. I'm with you, I "know" the armor of God, but I need to better learn what it is to "take it up."
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Daniel A Macaluso
5/5/2021 04:15:12 pm
See why I love this girl so much?
Jesse Dominguez
5/5/2021 12:38:35 pm
Macs, great insights. Applying God's Word daily is my battle and yet the inference in these verses is more defensive than offensive. I know the Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God's Power to us who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18). The seemingly simple act of standing for God's Truth will be offensive to many and I need to work on adding the rest of the armor to give me the strength I need to effectively stand for the Truth and speak the Truth in love.
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Daniel A Macaluso
5/5/2021 04:16:09 pm
See why I love this guy so much???
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Matthew Frank
5/5/2021 09:29:48 pm
I feel that its interesting that battle is referenced because when we go to battle, we are not alone. We fight battles with tools, but we also fight battles with others. As I look at the tools God provides us, I definitely and weak in more than one area and convicted to work in those areas. However, I also believe that God knows this and puts others in our lives who are strong where we are weak. Thanking God for those who help me fight the battles unseen. Oh, yeah and guns and ammo (Dan)
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Laura D
5/5/2021 11:15:53 pm
A whole other place I’ve not thought about, Matt. Love that :)
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