Ephesians 6:10-20

Read Ephesians 6:10-20

Helpful Background Information: 

• As seen throughout these devotionals, one of the goals of Jesus’ coming was defeating the reign of Satanic powers and saving people from his oppression. Although Satan’s power over Christians is already broken, and the great war has been won through Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, the reality remains that battles of temptation go on regularly. In our text, the Apostle Paul shows us how God has equipped his people to fight back against enemy forces. The Apostle Paul uses Roman soldier imagery to illustrate how Christians do this. But remember, this is only all possible because Christ has already won - he strengthens us to do this mighty work! 

Reflection Questions: 

• Go through each piece of armor (e.g., the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, etc.) and write down how they apply in your life, especially in your moments of temptation. How would applying these strengthen your walk with God? 

• How does remembering that Christ has already won the war change the way you approach your daily spiritual battles? In what ways do you sometimes fight as if the outcome is uncertain, rather than resting in Christ’s finished victory?

• What does Paul mean when he says our struggle is “not against flesh and blood”? How does that shape the way you view those who oppose the Gospel and how you share the gospel with them?