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When In Rome...
At the time Paul wrote the book of Ephesians, he
was imprisoned in Rome and was no doubt very
familiar with the sight of Roman soldiers
patrolling the grounds. During his time of house
arrestjust before his martyrdomhe may have
been directly chained to one of these soldiers.
Paul's letter overflows with encouragement,
exuberant thanksgiving, prayers and songs for
the Ephesians. It divides neatly between doctrine
(chapters 1-3) and practical advice (4-6), with the
latter half detailing the changes that should be
taking place in our lives as a result of the
wonderful message of salvation in Christ.
A Slumbering Lion
Before a soldier is given weapons or armor of any
kind, he must undergo basic training. If you took
the weakest, frailest man you could find and gave
him the best armor and weapons available, he
would still be an ineffective soldier. Without
physical strength, he would be easily defeated.
So it is with spiritual warfare: we must first be
strengthened in the Lord before we are fit for
battle against our enemy.
God assures us of this through the prophet Isaiah:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be
dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen
you and help you; I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand.1
Paul writes, "...be strong in the Lord and in His
mighty power."2 It is only by the power of God,
not our own strength, that we have any hope of
standing against our adversary.
The Bible tells us to look to the Lord and His
strength, and seek His face always.3 God's
mighty power is readily available to the believer,
but it only becomes manifest as we rely on it by
exercising our faith.
Demolishing Strongholds
In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul
writes, "For though we live in the world, we do
not wage war as the world does. The weapons
The Breastplate of
Righteousness
The breastplate, or cuirass historically, was cast of
bronze and weighed close to 25 pounds. It
provided essential protection for the soldiers
most vital organs, and was often designed to
mimic an idealized human physique.
Its no coincidence that Paul likens righteousness
to this critical item of defense. However, rather
than being cast in the imperfect form of man, the
believers righteousness is the ultimate idealthe
perfect Son of God!
Shoes of Preparation
Shoes worn by Roman soldiers were actually a
type of sandal designed to minimize the
likelihood of disabling foot conditions that were
common as a result of long marches, including
blisters, ringworm, and trench foot.
Additionally, iron hobnails were hammered into
the leather soles of the shoes, providing
reinforcement and traction, and allowing the
soldier firm footing and a stronger stance.
like a well-placed
sword thrust the Spirit
reveals and recalls truths
to us at precisely the
right moment.
The Spirit is faithful to equip us in the Scriptures.
He guides us in our study of the word,4 bringing
it to life.5 And, like a well-placed sword thrust,
reveals and recalls truths to us at precisely the
right moment.
A Slumbering Lion
4. Hebrews 11:1
5. Romans 10:17
6. 1 Corinthians 2:5
3. Psalm 105:4
7. 1 John 5:4
4. James 2:17
1. Romans 5:1
1. Ephesians 6:12
2. Philippians 4:7
2. 1 Peter 5:8
3. Colossians 3:2
Demolishing Strongholds
1. 2 Corinthians 10:34
1. Ephesians 6:17
2. Dictionary.com
3. Matthew 4:4
4. John 16:13
5. Hebrews 4:12
1. Hebrews 10:23
2. Romans 1:19
1. Ephesians 6:18
3. Psalm 119:16, 20
3. Colossians 4:2
1. Romans 3:22
4. Ephesians 6:18
2. 1 John 3:1
5. 1 John 5:14
Shoes of Preparation
6. Psalm 34:4, 6, 15
1. 1 Peter 3:15
2. Isaiah 52:7
1. Hebrews 12:2, 3
2. 2 Timothy 4:78
1. James 1:3
3. Ephesians 6:13
2. 1 Peter 1:5
3. Ephesians 6:16