10 "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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.
13 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. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.
23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. 24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ."
Well we're finally finishing Ephesians! Congrats all of you who have pushed through and stuck with it! =) This part of Ephesians is also one of the most famous sections, especially for children's VBS, haha. I've always thought it's interesting to study how Paul attaches aspects of the Christian walk and way of life to pieces of battle armor. I think it's cool too, how after he talks about the armor, he encourages believers to pray on every occasion, being persistent especially in praying for other believers. I find myself lacking often times in this area of my prayer life. It's certainly something that I want to continue to grow in, as I've certainly been growing a lot over the past year. I just have a lot more room left to improve! =) I love how he asks for the believers in Ephesus to pray for other believers first, and then he also asks them to pray from him. I just think that's cool and might be showing more of Paul's selflessness. But in verse 19, he asks for prayer for himself, but in a way that's unlike the way that a lot of us ask for prayer today. Did you notice what he was asking prayer for? Personal evangelism! He asks for prayers that he would be given the words by God to explain the mystery of God concerning salvation with boldness. This is an example that I hope I can make more of a part of my core, and become like Paul in. Verses 21-22 are just some information regarding everything that's going on and who's going to be visiting them along with the letter to share and teach what Paul is trying to communicate. I love the ending benediction that Paul ends his letter with. I think it's well worded and very encouraging. Take a minute or so and read it slowly. Isn't that cool? =)
Well since we've finished Ephesians, do any of you have any suggestions as to where to go next? I was thinking it might be cool to alternate between New and Old Testament, but I'll leave it up to you all! =)
"Father I pray that you would grant us words so that we might be able to present the Gospel to others with boldness. I pray that we would be aware of situations and opportunities that You provide, and that we would be faithful in responding to them. Please be with our brothers and sisters across the world, especially those undergoing persecution. I pray for peace and strength for them, and that they would rely upon you when they need You most. Please continue to guide us as we continue our reading through Scripture. Reveal things to us that will help us become more Christlike and more faithful to You. It's in Jesus' name that I pray all these things, amen!"
Go Old Testament!! I am just finishing Phillipians. But that's another book of written by Paul. What about doing Job?
ReplyDeleteJob sounds good to me! =)
ReplyDelete