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.
We’ve often heard the Armor of God before. Paul is exhorting the church in Ephesus to stand strong. We struggle with the opposition of the powers of darkness, and with many enemies who would keep us from God and heaven. We have enemies to fight against, a captain to fight for, a banner to fight under, and certain rules of war by which we are to govern ourselves.
As Paul speaks, we learn that if Christians are truly soldiers of Christ, they must be stout-hearted and well-armed. He instructs his listeners in how to put on the armor of God, and why. Then, he finishes with an exhortation to pray, not just occasionally. But at all times, on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Through this, we see that words, formed in prayer, have power, and become part of the armament of a Christian soldier.
More importantly, is Paul’s final request. “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.” Paul had a great command of language. According to Matthew Henry, the Greeks called Paul “Mercury,” because he was the chief speaker. Yet, Paul still requested that his friends pray for him and ask for the gift of utterance, and not just that he had any word, but he speak the words that he ought to speak.
About Tara
Speak Your Mind