Year 2, Week 48, Day 3 Bible Reading Observations

Year 2, Week 48, Day 3

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Ephesians 6; Philippians 1.

Today’s reading covers the closing chapter to Ephesians. The Book of Ephesians, which is also one of the four letters that Paul wrote during his time in Rome, is a letter to the church in Ephesus explaining the glorious purposes of God for the church. Ephesians 3 focuses on concluding instructions concerning practical dimensions of life together as the church; but also highlights the Gospel armament provided to the church: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). The life that believers are called to live is to be experienced in the Lord’s strength: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). The armor is what provides the strength. Today’s reading also covers the opening chapter to Philippians. The Book of Philippians, which is the last of the four letters that Paul wrote during his time in Rome, is a letter to the church in Philippi is oriented around the theme of living life and pursuing ministry in the joy of Christ: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:3-5, 25).

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading is the focus on experiencing the strength needed: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” While “be strong” is a command, it is in the passive voice, which means that while believers are required to be strong, they do not merely acquire that strength on their own; believers do not have their own native strength. Believers must be strengthened by the Lord; it is the Lord’s strength that believers must live in. Paul explains the strength that the Lord provides His people by speaking metaphorically about the armor that belongs to the Lord, which He supplies to His people. Paul describes key pieces of armor a Roman foot soldier would wear into battle in order to explain the spiritual strength that believers need in their spiritual battle to live the life required: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” The overarching directive from Ephesians 4:1-6:9 was walking, which underscored the life that believers were required to live. Now the overarching directive is standing, which underscores that in order to live or walk in the life required by the Lord, believers would need to stand against the devil in the Lord’s provisions.

Paul lists six pieces of the armor or weapons by which a believer is able to stand firm: “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. Stand therefore” (Ephesians 6:13-14a). The first piece of armor is the belt of truth: “having fastened on the belt of truth” (Ephesians 6:14b). The felt properly fastened together all the other armor so that the warrior would be ready for battle. Isaiah spoke of the Messiah wearing the belt of truth: “Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins” (Isaiah 11:5). Believers are provided with Christ’s own belt. The second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness: “and having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14c). The breastplate was a piece of armor covering the chest to protect it against blows and arrows. Isaiah also spoke of the Messiah having a breastplate of righteousness: “He put on righteousness as a breastplate” (Isaiah 59:17a). Believers are provided the very protection afforded Christ. This is also true for the fifth piece of armor—the helmet of salvation: “and take the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17a); which Isaiah also spoke of: "and a helmet of salvation on his head” (Isaiah 59:17b). The third piece of armor is proper footwear: “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). Isaiah once again spoke of the Messiah’s footwear: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace” (Isaiah 52:7a). The call to stand in battle requires proper battle footwear. Believers are supplied the very battle footwear supplied to Christ. The fourth piece of armor is a shield: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). An important defensive weapon is a shield to offer protection from incoming weapons. By faith, the Lord is a shield to His people: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great” (Genesis 15:1). The Father’s shielding of His Son, is now also each of His people’s shield. The sixth piece of armor and weaponry is the believer’s opportunity to take up, "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17b). The Spirit is the source of the sword, making it powerful and effective. This Spirit-given sword is what the Spirit have given to believers in the Word.

With all the armor in place, Paul identifies the battlefield: “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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18-19). The Lord’s armor enables His people to stand in the battlefield of prayer. Especially, praying for Gospel advancement.

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe