HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 1440
EP H ES IA N S 6
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s
armor so you will be able to resist the enemy
in the time of evil. Then after the battle you
will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground,
putting on the belt of truth and the body armor
of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the
• Spiritual Warfare
E PH E S IA NS 6 :1 1
Soldiers are trained to keep their equipment in battle-ready condition. Weapons
are cleaned and oiled, communications
equipment is checked and doublechecked, and helmets are kept in place
in case of sudden attack. If we prepare
so diligently to face a human enemy,
Paul says, how much more ought we to
prepare for battle against our spiritual
enemy? Satan will attack, he says, and
only the believer who is grounded in the
truth will recognize his lies. Only a personal acceptance by faith of God’s love
can protect our hearts from Satan’s fiery
temptations. Only a sure knowledge of
salvation protects our minds from doubt.
And only the Word of God and the power
of Jesus Christ can cause Satan to flee in
terror. Are you fully prepared for the battle?
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peace that comes from the Good News so that
you will be fully prepared.* 16 In addition to all
of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the
fiery arrows of the devil.* 17 Put on salvation as
your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every
occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your
prayers for all believers everywhere.*
19 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.* 20 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.
Final Greetings
21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you
a full report about what I am doing and how I
am getting along. He is a beloved brother and
faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent
him to you for this very purpose—to let you
know how we are doing and to encourage you.
23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters,* and may God the Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness.
24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who
love our Lord Jesus Christ.
6:15 Or For shoes, put on the readiness to preach the Good
News of peace with God. 6:16 Greek the evil one. 6:18 Greek
all of God’s holy people. 6:19 Greek explain the mystery of
the Good News; some manuscripts read simply explain the
mystery. 6:23 Greek brothers.