Ephesians 6:10-24

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Whole Armor of God

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. ¹² 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. ¹³ 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. 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, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Final Greetings

²¹ So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. ²² I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

²³ Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Paul ends with instructions on how to with stand spiritual warfare. In these last few weeks I feel like have with stood great spiritual warfare, yet I struggle with how to tell people about it. I have second guessed myself saying it's only this emotion that I need to deal with, it's my hormones acting up, or I'm merely frustrated with this situation. After I read this passage, I feel like Paul is speaking directly to me. I am not dealing with flesh and blood. I am dealing with thoughts, emotions, insecurities, authorities, and things unstable. I have heard many pastors say, if the bible says "therefore" you ask what it's "there for." Here Paul is telling us how to be strong in the Lord. God has given us spiritual armor. Truth is hard to hear, but people don't have a leg to stand on when you present them with truth. If you are righteous, then they have nothing to accuse you of. If your feet a quick to point to the gospel and a peaceful gospel, they have nothing with which to attack you. It will take faith and perseverance in God to stand against the doubts that we have in our heads and the words that others say. Salvation is key to protect our heads from doubts. Salvation is so key to our theology. We need to understand how to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. He is our helper and advocate now. He is how we should fight spiritually. He is the word of God in our hearts. We not only should be praying for ourselves to persevere in the faith, but also for others as well. 
I love how Paul sends someone to encourage the hearts of the Ephesian church. One of my hearts desires is to encourage people. In their faith, in their health, and their hearts. The fact that Paul thought that was so important shows that we need to be doing that for each other. Often our language is full of criticism and sarcasm, yet how much more effective would I be if I used my words to encourage and not to tear down.   
Holy Spirit, I  ask that you would work on my heart, my tongue, my lips today. May I encourage people today and point them to You and Your awesome gift of salvation. May I be strong in You. As You advocate for me before God, I ask that You would protect my mind from doubts and worry. Would You show me Your will so that I can firmly walk in Your way. Help me to firmly walk in Your way. I ask that You would do the same for my brothers and sisters in Christ. May the words of our mouths and meditations of our hearts be focused on You. In Jesus name, Amen.