Daily Devotion, September 29, 2019

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 6:10-18a.

  Many scholars believe that Paul wrote this letter from prison. Armed guards may have been nearby. Whether that was the case or not, he had certainly seen the armor and weapons of a Roman soldier many times. So he uses that imagery to write about how we need to protect and arm ourselves for the spiritual battle in which we engage every day.

  

  “What does this spiritual battle look like?” you might ask. When someone is offering words of hatred toward an individual or group of people, you have to decide whether you will join that side of the fight or instead be a part of the Spirit of love and reconciliation. When out-of-control anger is being expressed, will you only add to it? When greed and hoarding is being exhibited by others, will you offer acts of generosity and hospitality? When despair is popular, will you stand against it with a word of hope? Every day, we battle “the spiritual forces of evil.” 

  In warfare, one needs weapons of offense and attack, as well as defensive protection when the enemy is on the attack. With Paul’s focus on armor here, most of what he describes is for protection: breastplate, shield, helmet. Yes, it is important to constantly seek the truth, to do what is right, to pursue the gospel of peace and to know of our salvation through faith in God’s grace. He offers only one offensive weapon: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” I am reminded here that we do not fight our battles alone, but that the Holy Spirit fights alongside us and for us. And the primary weapon by which the Spirit guides us in battle is knowing the Word of God, both the written Word of the Scriptures and the One who is the Word, Jesus Christ.

  You are in a spiritual battle every day. Be sure you are armed and ready and fighting for the right army. 

Personal Worship Option:

What do you need to do to be better prepared to fight your spiritual battles as a soldier in God’s army? (Remember, Satan says destroy enemies; Jesus says love them. Are you prepared?)