His Mighty Power
A final word: 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.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT)
Jesus has ultimately won the victory over Satan through His death and resurrection, providing eternal life for all who trust in Jesus for salvation. But Satan continues to try to deceive us and influence us away from the life we can experience in our relationship with Jesus today. Thankfully, we don’t fight this unseen enemy alone. The power of God’s Spirit is available to us. He provides His armor to protect us and weapons to fight the strategies of Satan.
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.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:13-18 (NLT)
God’s Protection:
- Belt of truth – The perspective of God’s Word.
- Breastplate of righteousness – We’re forgiven and made righteous by the blood of Jesus.
- Good News shoes – Equipped with the story of what Jesus has done for everyone and me personally.
- Shield of faith – Trusting Jesus and not myself.
- Helmet of salvation – Remembering that Jesus died for me and made me a child of God.
God’s Weapons:
- Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God given to us through the Bible.
- Prayer – Constant access to God’s Spirit, listening and speaking to me while praying for me.
Application: Write down what each of these elements of protection and each weapon means to you. Ask God to understand how you can use each of the parts of His armor in your life.
Prayer: Thank God for each element of protection and each weapon He has provided.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?