Well, I invite you to turn again to Ephesians 6, where our text for today is the sixteenth verse: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” When Peterson, in his paraphrase The Message, tackles this and gives to us his rendering of it, I find it quite helpful. And so, as we turn to it now, we pray that you will bring it home to our minds and to our hearts in such a way that we trust and believe and follow Christ, in whose name we pray. Our gracious God, thank you that one of the means employed to hold us fast is in your Word itself.
Well, I invite you to bow with me in prayer once again: To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought.” In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts ofthe evil one and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. I encourage you to read with me from Ephesians chapter 6, if you’ll follow along as I read, and beginning at the tenth verse:
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