Dressed for Action
Opening Prayer
“Be strong…” (10). Ask God for strength today to meet any challenges and live faithfully for him.
Read Ephesians 6:10-24
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. [19] Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. [21] Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. [22] I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. [23] Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What defense do you have against the enemy's attacks?As Paul finishes this letter he spells out how to live in these challenging times: Know your enemy (12): We are not fighting non-Christians, neither difficult neighbors nor oppressive governments. Our struggle is spiritual, and this affects how we fight. Stand your ground (13): If we are unprepared for conflict we are much more likely to give in under pressure. Forewarned is forearmed! We will not equip new Christians well by pretending that following Jesus is easy. Use your armor (14-17): The protection we need relates to the sort of war we are fighting. We are protected by knowing and speaking the truth (14), by right living (14) and by faith, knowing that God protects us against every attack (16). We need to train our minds in God’s Word (17) and our feet to do something about it (15)! Finally, pray (18)! Life cannot be lived in our own strength; we must keep open the lines of communication to God.
Apply
How well prepared are you for the daily “battle”? What piece(s) of armor should you put on today?
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for the armor You’ve provided me and for the assurance of Your presence and strength each day.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.