Going Deeper - EphesiansSample

Embracing our new life and walking it out with confidence requires constant battle because the enemy of our souls will not make it easy. He delights in throwing curve balls our way, causing us to slip, stumble and fall into old patterns of sin and temptation. He loves seeing us give up on people, fall out of favour with each other and wreck each other’s peace within our church communities. He deliberately causes confusion in families by using any and all weapons at his disposal. The good news is that we have an arsenal of weaponry that is powerful to nullify his attacks and render him powerless. It’s true he is already a defeated foe, thanks to Jesus’ victory over sin and the grave, but he still lurks and prowls and seeks to devour us if we are unaware of his tactics.

It is of the greatest importance that you are aware of his schemes and that you take a bold stand against him. You must gird yourself with the full armour of God with which you can face him confidently. The helmet of salvation guards your mind and keeps your thoughts trained on Christ. The breastplate of righteousness guards your heart, the seat of all your emotions. The boots of peace keep you mobile and take you into territories which God has marked for you. The belt of truth holds together your entire armour while the shield of faith protects you from the darts of the enemy by extinguishing them. The one piece of the armour that is not passive or defensive but incredibly active and offensive to the enemy is the Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. It is alive and active, capable of completely exposing and defeating the enemy’s plans.

The battle strategy is made complete when we pray in the Spirit at all times and in all ways. Prayer is what partners us with God as he fights our battles for us. It’s what engages all of heaven in going to war against the enemy and his army of minions. Prayer changes us before it changes anything else. It brings us to a place of complete dependency on the Almighty God.

Prayer:

Lord God, I pray that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

Crown my life with your peace, love and grace.

In Jesus’ name

Amen