Ephesians 6:10-20 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

In many Bibles, this passage is entitled, "The Whole Armor of God." This makes good sense. In fact, if we listen to what the apostle Paul is saying about the use of this holy armor, we'd be doing ourselves a huge favor.

It's interesting that Paul's list of directions on how to stay strong in the Lord follows his discussion of husbands, wives, marriage, and children. What better testing ground is there to put these spiritual principles into practice than in our homes, with our families? It's there we experience summit-like highs and dizzying lows—and all under one roof!

It's there, too, where we also wrestle "the cosmic powers over this present darkness." While our homes ought to be sacred spaces, reserved for building up and encouraging one another, the truth for many is nowhere near this. Instead, home is the place where some of life's roughest battles are fought. There is no quick fix to these problems, but there is a way to make bold steps in the right direction—today!

And Paul tells us how.

First, we need to recognize that God has fully equipped us to stand victorious in the battle we're facing. Just look at what He provides us to combat the perils of our age and the wiles of the enemy! By His grace, we are girded in truth, covered in righteousness, shielded in faith, helmeted in salvation, and given the sword of the Spirit, "which is the Word of God." Surely, these are sufficient, and more, to overcome "the schemes of the devil."

Paul was well acquainted with the armor of God. It was his sure and constant companion as he boldly proclaimed, "the mystery of the Gospel," far and wide. This armor is available to you and me, too—anytime, anywhere.

Thanks be to God in Jesus Christ for the way He meets our needs!

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, remind us each day to put on the full armor of God. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber.

Reflection Questions:

1. Did you ever play a sport where you had to wear a lot of gear? How did those items help?

2. Which items in Paul's list are defensive in nature, which are offensive?

3. After Paul gives his list of God's armor, what does he want his readers to do for him?

Today's Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 28-29    1 Corinthians 15:29-58

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