Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For 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. 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.
As Christians, we should make sure we have put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand against “the schemes of the devil”. Satan tests us in many ways, but God provides the armor we need to stand against him. The Christian’s armor is truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. If we equip ourselves with these things we can overcome whatever satan may try to tempt us with. The Christian armor is not one were we pick and choose which pieces we want for our defense. Paul tells his readers to take up the whole armor of God. He tells them this so that they “may be able to withstand in the evil day”. Let us each seek to take up the whole armor of God so that we stand. The final part of the Christians armor is prayer. Paul tells his readers to pray at all times and asks that they make prayers for him and all the saints. We should pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ and that those who are not in Christ will have the opportunity to hear the word that they might come to know Christ as well.
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