Ephesians 6:10-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Praise and Thanksgiving Introduction Ephesians 6:10-24: Paul offers encouragement to help the Ephesians remain strong against what he calls “wicked spiritual forces” (6:12). He describes the armor of God that will help them guard against evil. Then he exhorts them to pray continually for one another. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 6:18b Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s Reading 10 Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devils evil tricks. 12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. 13 So put on Gods armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemys attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground. 14 So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, 15 and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. 16 At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. 17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. 18 Do all this in prayer, asking for Gods help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all Gods people. 19 And pray also for me, that God will give me a message when I am ready to speak, so that I may speak boldly and make known the gospels secret. 20 For the sake of this gospel I am an ambassador, though now I am in prison. Pray that I may be bold in speaking about the gospel as I should. 21 Tychicus, our dear brother and faithful servant in the Lords work, will give you all the news about me, so that you may know how I am getting along. 22 That is why I am sending him to you—to tell you how all of us are getting along and to encourage you. 23 May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give to all Christians peace and love with faith. 24 May Gods grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reflect Reread verses 10-17. Paul uses militaristic imagery as he describes a spiritual armor that comes from God. How can such spiritual armor protect you? What spiritual armor do you especially need today? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pray God of peace, thank you for your protection. Give me the resources I need to stand against the devil’s evil tricks and the wicked spiritual forces, and clothe me with your righteousness. Amen. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prayer Concern Members of the armed forces --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 10:55:16 +0000
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