based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w6d3
Scripture: Nehemiah 13:23-29; Ephesians 6:10-18 / SOAP: Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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.
Ephesians 6:11-12
I love the book of Ephesians and aside from the prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-21 and of course the promise and hope found in Ephesians chapter 2, this passage in Ephesians 6 is among my favorites. I love that we aren’t just told to prepare for battle but we are told to “clothe ourselves with the full armor of God.”God knows this is important because He knows the enemy coming for us isn’t coming clothed in “flesh and blood” but rather “spiritual forces of evil.” This is vital information if we want to be able to stand agains the schemes of the devil. As Peter warned his readers, we must be self-controlled and alert – aware that the enemy is looking to bring us down, and as Paul describes here in Ephesians chapter 6 it has the potential to be a fierce battle.
Never-fear though. Being clothed in God’s armor comes with specific instructions and a checklist, so-to-speak, of the process – a guarantee of the victory. The first specific is to put on the whole armor. This means we must know what the armor is, how to wear it, and how to use it. I have found it helpful to read through the list and write down the pieces of armor as well as where and how they should be worn. Then use the checklist to verify your preparedness. Reevaluate from time-to-time to make sure your armor hasn’t grown rusty or weak. Remember, because the battle is spiritual and not physical, we will only be able to survive the battle if we are armed for the battle with God’s armor.
Make it Personal – Reflection
- What is your favorite piece of armor? Why?
- What is your weakest piece of armor? What can you to do get it ready for battle?
Going Further
For more insight read the LGG Blog Post