Joel M Bradshaw

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For 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. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.–Ephesians 6

1. My mom is in town for a visit. Love you, Mom!
2. One of my core childhood memories is Mom telling me to “put my armor on” every day as I left the house for school.
3. She was referencing this passage.
4. Paul was reminding the Ephesians of the true battle, the spiritual battle.
5. This meant to fight against temptations to sin that present themselves.
6. Their strength to fight, our strength to fight, is only because the Lord Jesus gives us His strength. We can only be strong enough IN THE LORD.
7. The main thing repeated in Ephesians 6 is “to stand.” The Roman soldiers guarding Paul when he wrote represented an army that rarely lost their battles when they stood firm together. This is also our duty. But remember, we stand firm, we fight our selfishness and hypocrisy in God’s strength, trusting Him.–JMB