At the end of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul urges the brethren to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might and tells them to be prepared with Spiritual armor.
Waist - Gird with Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God)
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit
Paul, urged them to be prepared to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The armor listed above is needed to be able to withstand.
As we look earlier in Ephesians we see so many great promises and assurances of hope.
We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (1:3)
Predestined to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ (1:5)
In him we have redemption and forgiveness of sin (1:7)
In the ages to come he will show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness in toward us in Christ Jesus (2:7)
We are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and member of the household of God (2:19)
We are being built together for a dwelling place for God in the spirit (2:22)
God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (3:20)
How great are the promises of God. Paul emphasized this and his hope that the Ephesians would understand this when he noted his prayer for them in chapter 1 verses 17-19.
1) That God would give a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Jesus Christ)
2) The eyes of your understanding be enlightened
3) That you may know what is the hope of His calling
4) What are the riches of His Glory
5) What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His might power
When we come to understand the greatness of God and his promises we will seek to live a changed life
1) For we are His workmanship, creating in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (2:10)
2) We should not longer walk as the world (4:17)
3) Put away lying (4:25)
4) Be angry and do not sin (4:26)
5) Let not corrupt word proceed out of your mouth (4:29)
6) Do no grieve the Hold Spirit of God (4:30)
7) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away (4:31)
8) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving on another (4:32)
9) Walk as children of light (5:9)
When we see the great promises of God we will want to ensure we take up the whole armor of God to protect ourselves to be able to enjoy these great promises.
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