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In his Ephesian letter, Paul focuses on the Church, its unity, maturity, and the spiritual conflict it faces. So this familiar passage about the believer's armor is primarily about a locked-shields corporate defense. But it applies to the individual soldier in the platoon, too.

Paul takes Isaiah's image (59:17) of God angrily intervening in human affairs to vindicate the oppressed, updates it to the Roman soldier of his day, and applies it to followers of the Way.

Ephesians 6:10-18

1. What sorts of "fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan" (v. 16) do you think Paul had in mind?
2. Why, according to verse 12, are the best human defenses inadequate to withstand this assault from the "unseen world"?
3. What is essential (vv. 11 & 13) for a successful defense?
4. In verses 14-17 Paul lists six spiritual outfit items or weapons that the believer must wear or wield to be "fully prepared." Identify each one and give your take on why Paul linked it to the military equipment item he did.
5. Which of these are defensive? Which offensive?
6. What preparation steps do these verses suggest to you?
7. What stance must the believer take as an equipped soldier (vv. 10, 14, 18)?

Ask God to keep you alert and strong so that you can successfully "stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

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 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.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Give me the resolve, Lord, to block Satan's accusations by citing my justification through Christ, and his deceptions and enticements by focusing on You.

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