TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

Please read Ephesians 6:14-20

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

DEVOTIONAL

by Dr. Nehemiah Sia

Finally, the Apostle Paul commands the Ephesian Christians to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. This statement sounds like the same command given to Joshua in the Old Testament as they were about to enter the Promised Land and conquer their enemies. Paul doesn’t stop there in being strong in the LORD. He shows how to do this and why we are to do this in the next verses.

He says, in verse 11 and following… “Put (How) on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For (Why) we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

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 firm….” Paul shows the model of the armor, which is the ancient Roman Soldier’s armor: The Belt of Truth for the waist, the Gospel of Peace for the feet, the Shield of Faith for the body, the Breastplate of Righteousness for the heart, the Helmet of Salvation for the head and the Sword of the Spirit for the offensive weapon. As good soldiers, we are to keep alert with all perseverance, pray for the saints, and proclaim the Gospel boldly!

          Therefore, when we rely on the Gospel, we put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the Devil. By praying, we come to the Presence of God, seeking His strength to overcome temptations and to obey His will in our lives! May the Lord help us today to put on the full armor of God!