EphesiansSample

I love when scripture gives us clear instruction and strategy along with a guaranteed outcome. This passage starts by telling us to use every piece of God’s armor, and when it’s all over, we’ll still be standing firm. I’m immediately reminded of the story in Samuel when David tries on Saul’s armor. As Goliath defied the armies of God, taunting the Israelite soldiers, challenging one of them to a single combat, winner takes all, David, but a shepherd boy, fearlessly and courageously accepted the challenge. He was then given the armor of King Saul to wear into battle. David put it on and took two steps and knew immediately that this armor was not for him. Let us be mindful and make no mistake about it, that just like David we are all at battle as well. Ephesians 6:12 reads “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” As Christians, we’re not called to fight this war like the rest of the world (with Saul’s armor) i.e. self-help books, money, wishful thinking, crystals, etc. God has given us His armor and guaranteed VICTORY! So let us take inventory of our battle fatigues. We have 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.

I’d like to highlight something I see here. There is a common thread… every part of the armor points to Jesus. Jesus is truth (John 14:6). Jesus is our righteousness. (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:7-9). Jesus is the Gospel of peace (John 14:27). Jesus is the foundation of our faith (Hebrews 12:2; Mark 10:52; Romans 10:17). There is no salvation without Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 3:16-17; John 10:9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6). And Jesus is the living word of God (John 1:14). I believe God is telling us to clothe ourselves with Christ from the inside out. With the mind of Christ, His heart posture, His words, and the way He carries himself. Our enemy is a defeated foe. Jesus has conquered death and sin. And we too are called to join in this triumph. When we fight, we are to fight from victory, not for victory. The enemy’s tactic is to draw you into battle without the armor God has given you. As believers let us always be “war ready”, suited and booted. There’s a saying “when you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”

Prayer Points

• Declare the victory of Christ: We fight from a point of victory, not for victory.
• Submit all of your requests and concerns to God daily.
• Pray earnestly for other believers. Ask God to highlight someone specific for you to pray for.