Made New: An Ephesians Book Studyنموونە

I’m not a bug guy. In other words, I’m scared to death of even the tiniest bug. So, my wife is responsible for any interactions with bugs inside and outside our home. I will deal with it on the rare occasion that she is unavailable or simply refuses. However, I will prepare appropriately with gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, socks, shoes (never barefoot), and a broom, magazine, or other weapon. Only then am I ready to take on the cockroach in the garage or the scorpion invasion in our side yard.

A Biblical way of saying it is, “I will only go into a bug-battle when I am armored up!” In our Ephesians passage today, Paul encourages us to do the same in our spiritual lives. He urges us to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God. This passage is not just a cool metaphor. It also contains profound spiritual truths about the daily battle we face as followers of Christ. Let’s break it down a bit.

First, Paul emphasizes the need to be strong in the Lord’s power, recognizing that our strength alone is insufficient against the spiritual forces of evil. We must rely on God’s strength through prayer, worship, and daily interaction with His Word. His strength becomes our strength if we will lean into it.

Second, Paul describes the armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Each piece is vital in defending against the enemy’s schemes as we stand firm in our faith.

This passage also reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (the circumstances and challenges we can see) but against spiritual forces. Therefore, our focus should not be on earthly battles but on being spiritually prepared and discerning.

Lastly, Paul encourages us to take up the shield of faith, which can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Faith in God’s promises and protection is crucial for our spiritual resilience.

Today, as we ponder Ephesians 6:10-16, we must remember that our strength comes from the Lord. Let’s put His armor on daily, stand firm in faith, and trust in His power to overcome every spiritual challenge in our lives.

Response
1. Paul emphasizes the need to be strong in the Lord’s power rather than relying on our own strength. What specific ways can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God’s strength through prayer, worship, and interaction with His Word?

2. Paul notes that our struggle is against spiritual forces rather than earthly challenges. How can this perspective shift affect the way we approach problems and conflicts in our daily lives? What practical steps can we take to focus more on spiritual preparedness rather than just immediate, visible issues?

3. Take a moment to reflect on an area where you feel vulnerable or under spiritual attack. Ask God to help you identify which piece of God’s armor you might need to strengthen. Pray for His guidance in equipping you with that specific armor and the courage to stand firm in His strength amidst your challenges.

Weekly Memory Verse
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."
Ephesians 6:11

Written by Lee Coate