Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Exodus 22-24; Psalm 109; Ephesians 6 Listen to Today's Reading
Ephesians 6:10-20
Presenters often use PowerPoint slides to communicate their topic and introduce it in an orderly way. I like them. And I think if Paul were communicating today, he would use them too. Why do I think that? Notice in our text today, Ephesians 6:10-20, The Armor of God, that Paul uses a ready image to list what we need to put on as Christians to fight the good fight and keep ourselves from succumbing to the powers of evil: the armor of the Roman soldier.
Scholars (William Barclay) suggest that while Paul was under arrest, he was chained to a Roman soldier. I can imagine Paul, being gregarious, getting to know every soldier who was assigned to him. I can also imagine him asking to look at the individual pieces of their armor. “Hey, Gaius, can I take a look at your helmet?” From these conversations and careful examination, Paul outlines what we need and have readily available for our constant, continual warfare with the forces of evil:
The Belt of Truth: Anchors your life against deception, lies, and confusion. God’s Word is truth. As a Lutheran, I see the Word as primarily Jesus and the Scriptures that proclaim him.
The Breastplate of Righteousness: Living a holy life is not about flawless perfection; rather, it means relying on the Holy Spirit to direct our steps, foster our spiritual growth, and guard our hearts against guilt and moral compromise.
The Shoes or Sandals of the Gospel of Peace: We are grounded in a powerful peace and prepared to share the good news wherever God sends or places us.
The Shield of Faith: The Roman shield was huge, covering the whole body, offering personal protection to quench the flaming arrows sent by the enemy. We have such a shield that protects us from the temptations sent by the devil and his forces.
The Helmet of Salvation: Salvation reminds us that we are God's precious children and that our eternal hope in Christ is secure.
The Sword of the Spirit: The only offensive weapon, which is the spoken and written Word of God. It equips us to speak and live with clarity and courage.
And Paul ends with prayer—unceasing, alert, communal prayer. Armor is meant to be worn in community, not isolation. We stand stronger together.
May God, in grace, enable us to pray on the Armor of God by embracing truth, righteousness, readiness from the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Spirit’s Word, and maintaining prayerful alertness.
Trust God's promises, live righteously, reflect the gospel, and use Scripture for spiritual defense against evil forces, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in spiritual battles.
Questions for Reflection:
- Which piece of the armor do you most need in this season of life?
- Where have you been trying to fight spiritual battles in your own strength?
Prayer:
Lord, clothe me in Your strength today. Fasten truth around my life, guard my heart, steady my steps, and shield me from fear. Fill my mind with salvation’s hope and my mouth with Your Word. Make me alert in prayer and faithful in love. Amen.
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