Armor of God
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 6:13-24. We read in this Scripture where Paul talks about putting on the “whole armor of God” so we will be able to stand against the evil of the world we live in.
Paul says to have your “loins girt with truth,” which means to speak the truth. John 1:17 reminds us, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 4:24 says, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Paul instructs us to cover our body with the breastplate of righteousness. Matthew 6:33 tells us, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Paul reminds us to cover our feet with “shoes of the preparation” of the gospel of peace. Romans 10:15 says, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Paul instructs us to carry the “shield of faith” with us so we can block the fiery darts of evil. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Paul says we should take the “helmet of salvation.” Romans 10:10 says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
First Thessalonians 5:8, tells us, “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
Paul instructs us to take the “Sword of the Spirit,” which is the Bible. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Can you picture a soldier, ready for battle? That is how prepared we need to be. Put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the evil of this world.
Paul tells us to “pray in the spirit continually for all the saints and be watchful over them.” He instructs us to have an active prayer life. Matthew 26:41 warns us to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him that he would be bold in preaching the gospel. He tells them to ask God to give him the words to say. We, as Christians, need to pray for our pastors. We also need to pray for fellow Christians and church members. We need to support one another. This is one place the enemy loves to try to attack and we need to stand together for the Lord.
Paul says that he is sending them Tychicus, who is a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord. Paul sent him to inform the Ephesians of what is going on. Paul wanted Tychicus to comfort and encourage the hearts of the Christians at Ephesus. Paul ends the letter by wishing them grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ, to all those who love the Lord.
Daily Bible Reading:
Ephesians 6:13-24
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Things to think about:
- What are the parts of the armor of God that Paul mentions in this Scripture?
- What are some ways we can arm ourselves?
- Have you put on the whole armor of God?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul reminds us to put on the whole armor of God. Help us to prepare ourselves, so we can stand for You. Help us to pray continually and lift each other up in prayer. Give us the strength we need to stand against the evil of today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.
Daily Bible Verse:
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
– Ephesians 6:13
Featured Book:
The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus
by Deborah H. Bateman
The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.
In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.
The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.
For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.
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Have a blessed day,
Deborah
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