MSB ESSAY: EPHESIANS: Chapter 6:10-18
Using Ephesians Chapter 6, list and describe
the Armour of God. What is the nature of
our warfare? How can we as believers
implement this protection?
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In the beginning of his letter to the
Ephesians, Paul describes an amazing and accessible world, in
Christ.
“In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ” (1:5)
Christians are “purposed in Christ” to bring all things on earth together, under one head…" (1:9-10).
God has chosen us for the praise of His glory (1:14).
To be part of this Christian family is our sole purpose on earth.
This task, however, is not an easy one; we are expected to withstand incredible pressures and to stand up against everything the earthly world throws at us. Paul sets the scene about the ‘war’ which we are fighting and describes it:
"We are hard pressed on every side, yet not
crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).“In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ” (1:5)
Christians are “purposed in Christ” to bring all things on earth together, under one head…" (1:9-10).
God has chosen us for the praise of His glory (1:14).
To be part of this Christian family is our sole purpose on earth.
This task, however, is not an easy one; we are expected to withstand incredible pressures and to stand up against everything the earthly world throws at us. Paul sets the scene about the ‘war’ which we are fighting and describes it:
In other words, although the battle is big, there is hope for us. In Ephesians 6:12, we read about our adversary - Satan the devil - and his many, constant and conniving plans that are aimed at obliterating the children of God. Satan’s attacks come in many disguises. But all is not lost; we have a Divine and unbeatable defense: the Armour of God. In Ephesians 6:13, Paul calls us to take up these armaments. By putting on all of God's Spiritual Armour, we can be assured of withstanding our enemy's onslaughts.
1. The Belt of Truth
This enables us to combat lies; particularly lies which sound like the truth.
2. The Breastplate of Righteousess
This enables us to ward off Satan's attacks on our emotions (heart), self-worth and trust. Jesus's death has made us righteous in God's eyes. We are tasked to protect this gift.
3. The Footgear, in readiness to spread the Word.
This protects our motivation to proclaim the Good News and God's Truth.
4. The Shield of Faith.
This allows us to guard against insults, setbacks and temptations. It gives us the ability to see beyond the things of this earth and adopt an eternal outlook.
5. The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects our minds from doubt as Satan tries to convince us about the non-reality of God, Jesus and our personal salvation.
6. The Sword
This represents the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. It is the only weapon of 'offence'; to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit and to resist temptation.
This particular passage (Eph 6: 10-18) was written by Paul, in Rome, during his two-year incarceration, possibly in the early first century. During this time, he wrote a number of letters/epistles to various communities (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Philemon.)
Prior to this, Paul's life had turned from 'persecutor of Jews' (prior to his conversion) to being heavily persecuted as he went about establishing the early Christian church. During his life he was accused of many things. He was beaten, arrested, almost assassinated, shipwrecked and placed under house arrest. Yet, he persevered.
Humanity might consider these incidents simply 'bad luck', but Paul recognised it as part of his job description in Christ. His experiences made him fully equipped to give advice about these battles.
We can imagine the setting: Paul, in a Roman prison, constantly surrounded and taunted by Roman soldiers and their compatriots. But he continued to work for God (by writing and talking openly) despite being constantly under threat. He must have got to know those Roman soldiers very well, and gradually over time the analogy of the 'Armour' would begin to develop. Just as the Roman soldiers required physical armour to fight their wars and protect themselves, we Christians require spiritual armour to protect ourselves and fight our fight for God.
It is a profound piece of writing which is still applicable to all of us as Christ's followers today.
So let us all put on the full Armour of God and collectively stand together in this Divine war.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Life Application Bible (NIV)
“Taking up the whole armour of God”:
Wow,,, very interesting
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
Good refresher.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to comment again...here we go. I enjoyed this piece, it encouraged me and was particularly good for me at this time. I'm working on catching up on all my reading. Love you..
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