Eph 6.10-19

Psg: Eph 6.10-19 (link)
Date: 6/5/12

Read

Ephesians 6:10-20 NET

Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints. Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak – that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak.

Record

Be strengthened in:

• The Lord.
• The strength of his power.

Reflect

• cf 1.15-23, especially 19-23 on the power.
• Be strengthened by two things: God and his power.
• Are these two different things, or a hendiadys?
• The person and the power he provides.
• The rest of the passage talks about how, putting image various things God has given us. Namely, character and spiritual disciplines and the Word.
• God provides strength that can strengthen us, but we need to put it on.
• Feeling spiritually weak? Put these things on and be strengthened by God and his power.

Respond

• You are the source of strength. Not my abilities or successes, but you and your power. You are the only place I will find the strength I need and want. My flesh wants to feel strong apart from all others, including you. But the only way I will be strong is by being dependent.