A Journey Through Ephesians… 6:10-17

The Whole Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

Wow friends. I feel like making it to this point is monumental. If you have walked with God any length of time, then you likely have read this passage and know where it falls…. AT THE END of Ephesians. And of all the times I have read these verses, I have never FULLY felt the “closure” of Paul’s letter – until today.

One word, in particular, jumping off of the page at me….

FINALLY.

Like…. “if you have heard nothing else…. HEAR. ME. NOW.”

Friends, we have exhaustively studied this book. We know, through and through, that Paul has said SO MUCH about keeping unity, maintaining peace, instructions for living, practical advice for families, casted vision for ministry, explained the purpose of the Church, described God’s deep love for you and made his plea for us to walk, not in our power, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s been a lot.

BUT FINALLY.

Loipon: hereafter, for the future, henceforth, for the rest

This makes me want to cry….in 2022 we launched our oldest son and now we are in the first days of our SECOND Senior year – so I REALLY understand the power of this word “Loipon” at the moment.

Finally, son... For the future. Henceforth. For the rest of your life, BE STRONG IN THE LORD.

Paul knows his days are numbered and soon “hereafter” he won’t be able to give instructions for Godly living. This letter is his FINAL plea, “Put on all of God’s Armor, don’t forget.”

Mama’s do you feel the weight of this with me?

Here’s the deal friends, you have an adversary. Your kids have an adversary. Satan is not out to frustrate you. He plays for keeps and to the death. Destruction is his goal. And playing defense is NOT the move.

The Christian life is a position of offense.

The whole Armor of God is a believer’s strategic move to “stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be watchful.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.”

Your enemy is constantly active.  Prowling. Seeking.  His nature is a verb.

His life is movement.

So Paul is saying, “Finally, for the rest of your life, moving forward – protect yourself and stay MORE active than he. Cover yourself with Truth (belt), remember you are the righteousness of Christ (breastplate), keep peace amongst you (shoes), protect your mind – remembering you are saved (helmet), combat Satan’s attack with your faith (shield) and by ALL means STAY IN THE WORD – it is your weapon (sword).

The Armor of God isn’t cartoon art – it is a WORD PICTURE so you don’t forget.

We aren’t playing tag or flag football. This is full contact.

It’s pads or death.

And we pick.

Take a minute and read this passage again. Just you and Jesus. Let it sink in that you have a very real enemy – but do not let that scare you – let it motivate you. So that, henceforth, we won’t be slack in covering ourselves AND the one’s we love most, with the WHOLE Armor of God. Let us lock our shields and STAND FIRM….so after the battle, we will still be standing – together. v.13

Xoxo, love to you all…