Greetings,
I decided to take a brief side-trail in my Chapter Memory Study this week. Since the whole passage on the Armor of God did not 'fit' into the parameters (self-imposed) of the memory study, I felt it would be beneficial to take a week to hear, hide, and heed this passage further.
So, the passage is;
Ephesians 6:14-18 (ESV)
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
This whole subsection (starting in verse 10) calls for us to 'be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might'. Thankfully, Paul expands this directive in the verses to follow. Beginning in v14 He outlines the spiritual armor that we have access to as believers. Two common verbs used in this passage are 'put on' (cf. Christ in Rom 13:14, Gal 3:27; new self in Eph 4:24, Col 3:10; immortality in 1 Cor 15:53-54; Christ's character and virtue in Col 3:12) and 'take up' (used for Jesus going to heaven, Mark 16:19; Paul onto a ship, Acts 20:13-14, a person to in order to bring, 2 Tim 4:11). While I don't understand the nuances of these words, the implications are helpful. We 'put on' these gifts from God, as clothes or covering, for protection, identification, regeneration, and even as a sign of future glorification. It becomes a part of who we are and how we stand before God. We 'take up' the armor in order to use it (as Paul wanted Mark 'taken up' to him because of his usefulness, 2 Tim 4:11). The armor of God is not just for decoration or style; it is useful and intended to be used in the kingdom.
'Stand therefore' is the initial command; it is imperative that we stand our ground without wilting or retreating. The 'belt of truth' is to be fastened around us, as a binding for our garments and a place to hang armor and weapons. Truth both binds us and frees us in the service of Christ. This is not just the facts about God or the Gospel, but His manifest truth seen in our life and walk; integrity, faithfulness, wisdom, etc.
The 'breastplate of righteousness' consists of our walk in the righteousness given by Christ. Not just our status of justification, but the out-living of His righteousness in us. Not just our knowledge of Christ, but our living and submitting to Him.
Our shoes are the readiness (or preparedness) that comes from the Gospel of peace. I, and many others I presume, have read this to mean that the Gospel is our footwear. But it seems that the shoes are the foundation of faith and hope that comes from the Gospel. Again, I fall short on the nuances of the syntax, but either approach emphasizes the importance of the Gospel being our firm, and only, foundation. It is the power of God for salvation, the revealed righteousness of God (Rom 1:16-17) for faith.
This 'shield of faith', or the shield that consists of faith, is to be taken up as a defense against the flaming assault of the evil one. The arrows will fly, but the shield of our faith, by the grace of God, stands ready to deflect and extinguish them.
The 'helmet of salvation' is either salvation from present trial and trouble or the future salvation and victory assured to believers. Either way, we can be assured that God is our Rock, our Fortress, our Shield, and our salvation (Ps 18:2).
The 'sword of the Spirit' is the spoken word of God as directed and applied by Holy Spirit. Our example of this sword in action is Jesus' wielding of the Word in opposition to Satan's temptation. Again we see the importance of hearing (Rom 10:17), hiding (Ps 119:11), and heeding (James 1:22) God's Word.
Prayer was referred to by some as the 'spear' in the armor. While the text doesn't say that, nor is that the reason I include it in this study, it is clear that prayer is the essential attitude and posture that must always surround and abide in the Christian warrior. 'At all times', 'keep alert', and 'all perseverance' clearly convey a sense of consistency, urgency, and 'endurancy' for our prayer lives.
One commentator noticed that there is no armor listed for our backs. Thus the importance of praying for the other saints, those at war along side of us, as we stand firm together in Him.
While this is clearly a brief overview of a passage that could be drawn out and examined much more closely, I still have been challenged and awakened in new ways as the Lord guided me through it.
I hope you have been, too.
grace and peace,
Ethan
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Ephesians 6
Greetings again my friends,
The memory passage for Ephesians 6 is'
Ephesians 6:1,5,10-11 (ESV)
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
The outline theme is Submission and Armor in Him.
Paul continues on the theme of submission (picked up from the second half of chapter 5) and deals with the parent-child relationship and the slave-master relationship. Children are to obey their parents because it is right; according to the 5th commandment. Fathers (again only fathers are mentioned here, as in Col 3:21) should not provoke (exasperate) their children to anger, but should be disciplined to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
While the slave-master relationship does not exist in our modern culture, there are principles that apply to other interactions such as the employee-employer relationship. The keys that Paul outlines for proper service are obedience, reverence, sincerity, integrity, doing the will of God, and working as if for the Lord. This can be done regardless of any human response or reward because all things 'reward-worthy' will be acknowledged by the Lord. Masters must always remember that they, too, have a Master who gives them the right example of how to lead. In fact, our Master gives us the perfect example of a Servant and a Master.
In both of these relationships we see principles for godly submission in whatever our situation may be. Of course, we must remember to first be submitted to our Master and let Him and His peace rule in all of our relationships.
The second section of Ephesians 6 is introduced well in vv 10-11; be strong in the Lord and put on His armor. By drawing on His endless strength and bearing His armor we can stand against the schemes of the devil. These schemes do not originate with flesh and blood, but with the spiritual forces of evil that are working in this present age.
Now to the armor; again with the purpose of withstanding the evil in this age. The six pieces listed are;
1. belt of truth (listed first; the belt holds the armor together)
2. breastplate of righteousness (righteous living in the Spirit)
3. shoes of the Gospel (as the foundation on which we stand in hope and peace)
4. shield of faith (or a shield made of faith, protects the other armor)
5. helmet of salvation (protects our head, assures us of victory and salvation)
6. sword of the Spirit ('word' is the preached word (rhema) as directed by the Spirit for a specific need)
While not pieces of the armor, per se, prayer and alertness are critical characteristics of a soldier who is fully girded for battle. We must pray continually (1 Thess 5:17) in the power and sphere of the Spirit and be persistent in perseverance. Paul includes (as He does in Col 4) a plea for prayer for himself and his ministry of boldly proclaiming the Gospel.
In order that the Ephesians would know how and what Paul was doing, Paul sent his faithful brother and messenger Tychicus. Paul's written testimony and personal testimony are to be a source of encouragement to the hearts of the believers.
How does this affect my worship?
Even though the context is good servant-hood, the content of verse 6 seems to speak also to our worship. Worship that is truly pleasing to God is not to be done 'in front of other people'. Even while in the corporate setting (in which we are clearly visible by others) our actions should not be to draw attention to ourselves. As servants, and worshipers, of Christ, we are to do His will and offer Him worship from a heart that longs to obey Him and serve Him. We are to be God-pleasers, not man-pleasers.
How does this affect my discipleship?
One commentator noted that there is no armor listed for one's back. If nothing else, it caused me to think about the importance of not going into battle alone. As you walk with the Lord and bear His armor in the battle against the enemy, it is critical to go to battle with someone who has your back. We were never intended to fight this battle without Him, and we were never intended to fight this battle without each other.
Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible,
Ethan
The memory passage for Ephesians 6 is'
Ephesians 6:1,5,10-11 (ESV)
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
The outline theme is Submission and Armor in Him.
Paul continues on the theme of submission (picked up from the second half of chapter 5) and deals with the parent-child relationship and the slave-master relationship. Children are to obey their parents because it is right; according to the 5th commandment. Fathers (again only fathers are mentioned here, as in Col 3:21) should not provoke (exasperate) their children to anger, but should be disciplined to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
While the slave-master relationship does not exist in our modern culture, there are principles that apply to other interactions such as the employee-employer relationship. The keys that Paul outlines for proper service are obedience, reverence, sincerity, integrity, doing the will of God, and working as if for the Lord. This can be done regardless of any human response or reward because all things 'reward-worthy' will be acknowledged by the Lord. Masters must always remember that they, too, have a Master who gives them the right example of how to lead. In fact, our Master gives us the perfect example of a Servant and a Master.
In both of these relationships we see principles for godly submission in whatever our situation may be. Of course, we must remember to first be submitted to our Master and let Him and His peace rule in all of our relationships.
The second section of Ephesians 6 is introduced well in vv 10-11; be strong in the Lord and put on His armor. By drawing on His endless strength and bearing His armor we can stand against the schemes of the devil. These schemes do not originate with flesh and blood, but with the spiritual forces of evil that are working in this present age.
Now to the armor; again with the purpose of withstanding the evil in this age. The six pieces listed are;
1. belt of truth (listed first; the belt holds the armor together)
2. breastplate of righteousness (righteous living in the Spirit)
3. shoes of the Gospel (as the foundation on which we stand in hope and peace)
4. shield of faith (or a shield made of faith, protects the other armor)
5. helmet of salvation (protects our head, assures us of victory and salvation)
6. sword of the Spirit ('word' is the preached word (rhema) as directed by the Spirit for a specific need)
While not pieces of the armor, per se, prayer and alertness are critical characteristics of a soldier who is fully girded for battle. We must pray continually (1 Thess 5:17) in the power and sphere of the Spirit and be persistent in perseverance. Paul includes (as He does in Col 4) a plea for prayer for himself and his ministry of boldly proclaiming the Gospel.
In order that the Ephesians would know how and what Paul was doing, Paul sent his faithful brother and messenger Tychicus. Paul's written testimony and personal testimony are to be a source of encouragement to the hearts of the believers.
How does this affect my worship?
Even though the context is good servant-hood, the content of verse 6 seems to speak also to our worship. Worship that is truly pleasing to God is not to be done 'in front of other people'. Even while in the corporate setting (in which we are clearly visible by others) our actions should not be to draw attention to ourselves. As servants, and worshipers, of Christ, we are to do His will and offer Him worship from a heart that longs to obey Him and serve Him. We are to be God-pleasers, not man-pleasers.
How does this affect my discipleship?
One commentator noted that there is no armor listed for one's back. If nothing else, it caused me to think about the importance of not going into battle alone. As you walk with the Lord and bear His armor in the battle against the enemy, it is critical to go to battle with someone who has your back. We were never intended to fight this battle without Him, and we were never intended to fight this battle without each other.
Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible,
Ethan
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