Ephesians 6:10-24

Ephesians 6:10 – 6:24

Paul is writing to a group of believers in Ephesus who have not fully realized the blessings, power and protection they have in Christ. Paul writes of Jesus’ grace (1:2,6,7; 2 :7) ; His glory (1:12, 14); His purpose (1:9, 11); His inheritance (1:18) ; His power ( 1:19); His love ( 2:4); His workmanship (2:10); His Spirit (3:6); His gifts (4:11); His sacrifice (5:2); His strength (6:10); and His armor (6:11-18). (Christ’s benefits to us are so many!) Paul lifts Jesus up as our only provision and singular source of power to live faith filled and victorious lives in the battles of life. Our fight Paul says is not man against man but man against powers, principalities, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness. Paul in two verses, 11 and 12, uses 6 times the word “against” meaning “contrary to, resistance to, or in competition with” which aptly describes our battles with the formidable foe, the father of lies, the deceiver, our accuser, the one who seeks to devour, which is the devil and his army.

In conclusion, Paul admonishes us to pray. Pray always. Pray at all times, on every occasion, in every season. Our praying prepares us and equips us for our daily needs. Prayer suits us up in our spiritual armor, which is the belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet and sword, a covering from our head to our feet, so that we will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Take for instance what this scripture says about our feet, Eph 6:15, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” The shoes God places on our feet are His Word which brings peace to our soul from the foundation up, so that we can walk and live in peace. Each piece of armor is equally as exciting and powerful.

The little child’s song goes “I may never march in the cavalry, ride in the infantry, I may never fly over the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army.” Sounds like we must pray on to victory; wear the right clothes!

I love the last two verses, 23 and 24,”Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen”