Freedom During CaptivitySample

PREPARED FOR BATTLE

Today is our last day of this study. You may wonder why I called it Prepare for Battle when we are learning how to rise above our circumstances. I chose the study out of the entire book of Ephesians because Paul wrote the book while he was held captive in Rome and his lessons are so valuable.  

If I asked 10 different people what they were struggling with, I would most likely get 10 different responses. The thing we need to realize is that we all, at one time or another, will have some type of battle going on in our lives. Paul addressed many topics for the believer to help them live life even in the valley and in some cases prevent circumstances.  

He addressed it right down to how the children should treat parents and how fathers should treat their children. His range of topics is broad. He even addressed our work habits in verse 7 of this chapter.

This verse alone is full of power and wisdom and we can individually use it to better ourselves. “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” If we used this theory in our workplace, do you see how it could even prevent things from going wrong? 

CAN YOU RELATE?

A lot of people don’t like their jobs, but they work because they need to make a living. Over my lifetime, I’ve had some jobs that I’ve dreaded, yet when I took a hold of Paul's advice and my mindset changed, it made work more enjoyable! I began doing the best I knew how, because I wanted to work as if it were for the Lord. 

PUT ON EVERY PIECE OF GOD’S ARMOR

As we read through verses 10-17, we need to focus on the importance of putting on the whole armor of God. I want to remind you who we are fighting against in this life: evil and the dark things of this world. Both the devil and all of his demons are unpopular names. The war between good and evil has gone on since the Garden of Eden. We who are in Christ have a remedy to fight against that which wants to take us down and the things that want you to feel chained and held captive.

This study ends with valuable wisdom, telling us to be people who are persistent in prayer. Prayer is our communication with God and is all-powerful. Pray about all things. Paul’s final words in this book are a blessing over all who believe in Christ: a blessing of peace, asking that God’s grace be eternally upon us. Here is a man held captive in a dark dungeon in Rome, praying for our peace, and praying for God’s grace. He was living as a free man in chains. 

During these trying times when fear wants to grab us, know that as you imitate Christ, receive the gift of eternal life, and as you daily train yourself to keep on the armor of God, you will be able to put fear to flight. You are a vital part of the Body of Christ and will be able to give freely by reaching out—yes, even on what you might think is the worst day of life!  

IN TODAY’S STUDY, WE HAVE LEARNED:    

• You are the church.  
• Work as if all you do is for the Lord.  
• The closer to God you become through prayer and study, fear will leave.  
• You do not have to live captive to your life circumstances!

You are now prepared for battle, with the full Armor of God. He has come to set the captive free!

We hope this Plan was an encouragement to you! Explore other resources from Eternity Matters with Norma at www.facebook.com/eternitymatterswithnorma