We find Paul going through another one of his fun doctrinal treatises. I have to say I really enjoy Paul due to his great knowledge. He does not try to talk down, he expects us to read up and challenges us to understand what he is teaching. Yes, this can get very deep with Paul.
Let us walk through the verses.
Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." His opening premise is that we need to be strong in the Lord, but he expects us to understand how to live the Christian life with His power.
Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Here we learn a few new things. First off, "wiles.". We all can think of Wiley Coyote as our inspiration growing up, but he was a poor example of the true nature, just the humor side. The word 'wiles' here can also be 'strategy'. The angel of light, satan, runs around trying to harm Christians. Paul, who knows all about this and explains more next verse, is passing on his experience and wisdom.
Ephesians 6;12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Paul is letting us peak behind the curtain at one of the scariest images we could see. Looking at it without faith would cripple us. In Hebrews 12:22 Paul references "an innumerable company of angels." These are the created beings from whom Lucifer ripped a 1/3 of them away for his purposes. This is the 'rulers of darkness referenced above. Very dangerous group unless we are dressed correctly to meet them.
Ephesians 6:13, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." James 4:7 tells us "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Remember, resisting the devil while armoured up means satan actually runs away. Yes, the minions, also.
Ephesians 6:14, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" Truth. This word to a non-Christian cannot mean anything. They have no reference for it. They have to come to the truth with the help of the Holy Spirit, so do not push them, just pray for their conviction. For us, though, our truth is the Bible. If we do not stay in it daily we lose our daily truth from God. We get what we need, but only if we read the Bible daily. Doing so helps us to do right. Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. had an old chapel saying that we loved, "“Do right ‘till the stars fall! Do right!" He did not say it calmly, so it left a memory. We are to wear the breastplate of righteousness. Once we have bad thoughts or do things we should not, immediate repentance is necessary. Just a reminder to repent means to turn 180 degrees away, not do it again and again. Apologizing for that behavior over and over is not repentance nor will it get you forgiveness. So, do right!
Ephesians 6:15, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" Romans 10:15 says, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Have you noticed how no one smiles much anymore, and the Golden Rule seems to have expired. Peace, true peace, can only come through Christ. Being kind to everyone is being a good witness, and the gospel is peace. Peace from sin, peace from the world, so do not be afraid to spread peace.
Ephesians 6:16, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." So, what is faith, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." from Hebrews 11:1. The roman shields were built to stop the darts, and could be piled together in a puzzle way to cover them from arrows, even overhead. They were known for this and it was so effective their foes did not stand a chance. Consider this, God made your shield, so it is even better.
Ephesians 6:17, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Salvation, the key component of the 7 pieces of armour. Without salvation, neither component can exist. Once we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit moves in. We learn in Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." that points out how the word of God is sharper than a sword. Using God's word fight the powers is what God intends. We must stay in the word, and memorizing really helps. You would be suprised how many years after learning something you can recall it when needed thanks to the Holy Spirit's help.
Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" I will admint prayer isn't something that I remember all the time, but when I do I find a quiet I often need. Pray before reading the Bible. Pray after. Pray for your friends and family, and any unsaved. Pray for your job, and your concerns. "Praying always", well, means to pray always.
Ephesians 6:19, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," Ah, here is the summary I had missed before. While each piece of armor is built to help protect us daily, Paul had a goal. He wanted to have help opening his mouth boldly with the mystery of the gospel. I had never noticed this was all about witnessing. With all this information, it suddenly made sense. Paul was driven to preach and spread the gospel, which of course he did successfully in many countries and cities. So, in closing, if you are having trouble witnessing, just remember to get dressed correctly before! This should very much be a morning thing, but I have also found reading the Bible before bed means I sleep better. Find what works best for you, but do it daily and do not miss it!
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