Together in Christ: 'Four Relationship Commitments' — Ephesians 6:16-20

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
 
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
 
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
— Ephesians 6:16-20 NLT

Key Thought

Paul had reminded the Christians in Ephesus that they were at war with the forces of darkness. [1] He stressed that they shouldn't be afraid but should be prepared to stand their ground against Satan's attacks. [2] In the previous verses, he told them about some of the armor they had to withstand the attacks of the evil one and defeat him:

  • The belt of truth that helps us distinguish what is from God and what are the lies of Satan.
  • The armor or righteousness, a life focused on honoring God's holy character by our righteous living, pushes Satan's influence from the center of our lives to the periphery.
  • Wearing the shoes of peace, knowing that we are not at war with people but Satan. We want to bring the world the love and peace that only Jesus gives through the Good News.

In today's verses, Paul adds other pieces of spiritual armor available to believers.

  • The shield of faith that helps us ward off the arrows of Satan.
  • The word of God, which the Spirit uses to help us defeat all false messages and attacks against us.
  • Praying by the power of the Holy Spirit for our situation and the challenges faced by our brothers and sisters worldwide.

These spiritual weapons help us repel the attacks of Satan and his forces and empower us to stand our ground.

[1] Ephesians 6:10-12.
[2] Ephesians 6:13-15.

Today's Prayer

Father, I thank you for the wisdom Paul has given us to live in the proper orientation to four sets of relationships. Based on what the Spirit has taught me through him, I am committed to these four relationship strategies:

  1. Trusting You, God, in faith.
  2. Resisting Satan and standing my ground as I face his attacks.
  3. Relying upon my brothers and sisters in Christ as we pray for each other.
  4. Empowering outreach through prayer to help the lost and broken find peace in Jesus.

Lord, please bless me as I seek to be strong in these relationship commitments. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 6:10-20
  • Colossians 4:2-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 6:16-20 NLT — In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.   And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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