Tag Archives: full armor of God

October 3
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“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10, NIV)

That word, “finally,” begins an introduction to the key to success in all of the areas of life previously addressed by Paul in the preceding chapters: How to live for Christ at work, at home, with your children, with your spouse.

This key is not a strength derived from within ourselves; rather, it is a strength derived from God, Whose power — unlike our own — is always sufficient.

Paul used the metaphor of a Roman soldier’s armor kit to introduce the aspects of this “mighty power”: Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the word of God, and the practice of prayer for others. (Vss. 11-20)

Endeavor to live each moment of each day “armored up,” and totally reliant on God’s strength with you, for you, and within you.  Doing so is a testimony to those who know not God — and an encouragement to those who do.  – Luther

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March 28
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“These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): The five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.”  (Judges 3:1-4, NIV)

In the life of a disciple of Jesus, even one’s enemies are a part of God’s plan.

In today’s scripture reading from the book of Judges, enemies existed to teach the descendents of the Exodus how to defend themselves, and to test their devotion to God. (Please see Judges 2:20-22.)

Today, our biggest threat is not the sword (although physical threats do, indeed, exist); it is, instead, all of the influences and agents that oppose the spirit of God within us.  Even here we must pray for our enemies as we utilize the weapons of the Holy Spirit, which are: Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. (Ref: Ephesians 6:10-18)

So, do not curse your enemies.  Pray for them.  (The more your enemies vex you, the more you should pray!)  Resist, defend, and attack with the weapons of the Holy Spirit, which alone are adequate for spiritual warfare.  The victory has already been won.  Wait for it.  – Luther

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