Ephesians 6:13-18
For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to take a stand on the evil day and, after you have done everything, to stand. Stand, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness fastened in place, and with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace tied to your feet like sandals. At all times, hold up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. Also, take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. At every opportunity, pray in the Spirit with every kind of prayer and petition. Stay alert for the same reason, always persevering in your intercession for all the saints.
Dear Heavenly Father,
It is no secret that we live in an evil age where many reject the truth of your word. The world has even corrupted peace, making it some inner peace each person finds in themselves. However, you give us your armor to fight this evil age. None of your armor comes from inside us but has been formed by Jesus’ innocent life and holy death and put on us by the Holy Spirit. We live in that evil day and must stand ready to wear your armor.
Here are the facts: you love everyone and would have everyone come to know and trust in you through faith. You made salvation possible through your Son, and the truth is this: the forgiveness of sins, which brings peace, came to the world from Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. It is by Jesus’ righteousness that we are restored to you by faith, and as a breastplate, it protects our hearts; Jesus restored us to you.
The gospel of peace is the good news of forgiveness that gives us swiftness and sure-footedness to know Jesus has forgiven all our sins. We have peace, knowing that Jesus has removed every sin that would keep us from you. Jesus won salvation and eternal life for us. In faith, we trust what Jesus has done; he has extinguished the shame and guilt for our iniquities by his blood. In our baptisms, the Holy Spirit has washed away our every sin. So you protect us with the salvation Jesus won; we have eternal life through it; you also give us your Spirit to defend ourselves and combat the evil coming our way. We use your word to thrust away the Devil, the world, and even our flesh’s attacks.
Lord, thank you for putting on us all we need to protect and defend ourselves. As Paul wrote, by inspiration of the Spirit, we pray continually in the Spirit for ourselves and all the saints. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
The armor we have been given was hammered out with God’s love, forged by Jesus’ suffering on the cross, and quenched in his blood. It is put on us by the Holy Spirit through faith and is for all who believe.