Read: Ephesians 6:10-17
Watch: BibleProject: Gospel Acts (Part 1)
How big is your God?
Remember the old childhood song? “My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty; there’s nothing my God cannot do!” Lately, we have been praying through Ephesians 3:16-17:
“…from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots grow down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love and keep you strong.”
Today’s Admonition: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!
How R we 2B strong in the Lord? By trusting and obeying. By surrendering and submitting. By imitating Jesus and continually being filled with the Holy Spirit—just to name a few! These disciplines speak to our active participation with God as we strip off our old, sinful nature and clothe ourselves with Christ. Think of this as our spiritual undergarment: a radiant robe of light.
Therefore, put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand! Note that it is His armor. We follow a warrior-God who equips us with His very own weapons so that we may stand firm in the power of His strength.
Understanding the Battle
Remember, this is spiritual warfare. We are not fighting against flesh and blood, even though it sometimes feels that way. Our true war is against the forces of evil in the spiritual realm.
Ask yourself today:
- Have you buckled on the belt of His truth?
- Have you secure the breastplate of His righteousness?
- Are your feet fitted with the shoes of His peace?
- Have you taken up the shield of His faith and the helmet of His salvation?
- Are you wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is His Word?
- Are you standing your ground, claiming His Kingdom and His will in your life?
When we have done all of this—humbly submitting ourselves to God and to one another—we are able to stand firm. The God of Angel Armies is the victor! Sin has been conquered, death is defeated, and Jesus is ruling and reigning. We stand with Him!
Pray with Me
Jesus, I stand firm today. I clothe myself with Your truth, Your righteousness, Your peace, Your faith, and Your salvation. I stand and fight with Your Word. Thank You that I am never alone, and that the ultimate battle belongs to You. Amen.
Discussion Questions:
1. The “Undergarment” of Grace &. The Armor of God
- Discussion Question: Why is it essential that we are “clothed with Christ” before we attempt to put on the armor of God? What happens when we try to fight spiritual battles (using the armor) without first surrendering and submitting to Him (the undergarment)?
2. Identifying the True Enemy in Daily Conflicts
War is not against other people, though it often feels that way. In the heat of a disagreement or difficult season, it is incredibly easy to view people as the enemy.
- Discussion Question: Think of a recent conflict or stressful situation in your life. How does the realization that “our war is with evil in the spiritual realm” shift your perspective on that situation? How does it change the way you pray for or interact with the people involved?
3. Relying on “His” Resources, Not Our Own
The scripture passages emphasize that the armor belongs to Him, and the strength comes from His unlimited resources, not our own willpower.
- Discussion Question: Which specific piece of God’s armor (Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, or the Word) do you find hardest to rely on, and why? What does “standing your ground” practically look like this week in an area where you feel weak?