Ephesians: Wholeness in a 
World
Week of September 4, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Ephesians 6:10-20
10A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. 13Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. 16In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. 17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. 19And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God’s secret plan that the Good News is for the Gentiles, too. 20I am in chains now for preaching this message as God’s ambassador. But pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, I pray that you will empower me by Your Holy Spirit to put on the whole armor of God! Protect me from the works of Satan, and use me to overcome Him through the use of the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your word. Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will empower me by Your Holy Spirit to recognize the Satan in all his forms. When he comes disguised as “an angel of light” let me see him for who he is, and in Jesus’ name overcome him. Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, today I pray for all who are standing in the name of Jesus bearing witness to You and Your coming kingdom. Pour out Your Holy Spirit that each may know the joy and power of serving You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, I pray that as I read Your word today, that You will imprint it on my heart that I may not only hear it, but also do Your will. I pray that I may be a soldier worthy of the name of Jesus as I go about this day. Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, FILL every person in our congregation with Your Holy Spirit. I pray again that we may put on the full armor of You, our God, that we may stand firm against all the tricks of Satan, and that You will use us to overcome him. Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are in chains this day for their allegiance to you. I pray that you will encourage them, and that you will change the laws of all lands, so that serving Jesus may be seen as worthy of honor and respect rather than imprisonment. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, glorify Yourself in me today. Where You can use me, show me how I can speak or act to advance Your purposes. Open the doors of opportunity today that I may bring You honor and praise, in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Background on the Text
Today’s Scripture reminds us that we must be intentional in approaching our battle with Satan. Satan’s one focus is to turn us away from following Jesus. He knows that he stands condemned and wants all of us to face the same condemnation. The Apostle Paul reminds us that Satan will seek to turn us against one another, but our battle is not against “flesh and blood,” but against spiritual forces. Thus, we must use “spiritual” armor. As we look at each piece of armor noted by Paul, we see that if we “put on” each piece, we will be safe from frontal attack by Satan. There are no “butt guards” in God’s armor. He expects us to stand against Satan and his works, not to run away or to hide from them. As you review each of the pieces of God’s armor this week, make a point to remind yourself that this is no theoretical advice for biblical scholars; God’s armor is practical and is given to protect us that we may stand against Satan and move forward in advancing God’s kingdom. Satan doesn’t give ground easily, but in Jesus’ name he does give the ground as we advance!
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points.
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts