Reading for Tuesday, Nov 6: Eph 6

In this final chapter of Ephesians, Paul continues to talk about the concrete realities of the Christian life. Children live in obedience to their parents; fathers embrace their role as teachers and disciplinarians; slaves are to live obedience to masters; and these masters administer their responsibility in light of our common subject to the ultimate Master in heaven.

Paul’s closing discussion of the armor of God fleshes out the thought that began in 1:3 regarding our possession of “every spiritual blessing in Christ”. I believe the armor of God is a description of the fullness of these blessings. Look at them again:

• Armor of God – to stand against the schemes of Satan.
• Belt of truth – countering the lies of the present evil age.
• Breastplate of righteousness – covering our old life of unrighteousness.
• Shoes of peace – transforming our every step into moments of Gospel possibility.
• Shield of faith – protection against the arrows of sin.
• Helmet of salvation – the mindset of the believer.
• Sword of the Spirit – God’s word, the instrument we deploy as we wage war not against flesh and blood, but in the heavenly realms.
• Prayer – our persistent posture, petitioning God’s favor in the midst of this spiritual struggle.

And so Paul closes out this letter to the Ephesians, a letter that stretches out across the expanse of time to touch our hearts and fortify us for these hard days:
“Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” (v23-24)