In Paul's letter to the Ephesians he reminds us that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities.against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." In other words, we live in a terribly fallen and sinful world, and there are factors beyond our control that contribute to the difficulties we face on a day to day basis. We shouldn't expect even the best situation to be perfect. But we should expect the Spirit of God to be with us all the time.
Paul goes on to tell us that we should continually put on truth, righteousness, peace, and faith. We are to remind ourselves of our salvation (our true worth) and gird ourselves with the word of God. We are to "pray in the Spirit with all kinds of prayers and requests." This means that we can always trust God to take care of us, so that we don't need to be tempted to engage in sinful or unethical behavior that damage our witness for God. If we are truly saved, then we are under the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit and we are not subject to the powers of evil influences in this world. Basically, if your neighbor wrongs you in some way you don't resort to "dirty deeds" to defend yourself. Through the example of truth, right relationships, honest conflict resolution, and faithfulness to God's word do we show the power of the Holy Spirit. All these things that Holy Spirit gives freely to those who only humble themselves and ask.
This approach doesn't happen over night. There is no pill that you can take that will make you think this way. It takes hard work to show the results of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Over time, we will find that we have more patience with those that used to exacerbate us. We will find that we have hope where there was once no hope to be found. We will find that we love people that we thought were completely unlovable. These are things that are found when we are grounded in Christ. He is ultimately victorious over every power that we come into contact with.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore 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. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying 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, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV
Paul goes on to tell us that we should continually put on truth, righteousness, peace, and faith. We are to remind ourselves of our salvation (our true worth) and gird ourselves with the word of God. We are to "pray in the Spirit with all kinds of prayers and requests." This means that we can always trust God to take care of us, so that we don't need to be tempted to engage in sinful or unethical behavior that damage our witness for God. If we are truly saved, then we are under the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit and we are not subject to the powers of evil influences in this world. Basically, if your neighbor wrongs you in some way you don't resort to "dirty deeds" to defend yourself. Through the example of truth, right relationships, honest conflict resolution, and faithfulness to God's word do we show the power of the Holy Spirit. All these things that Holy Spirit gives freely to those who only humble themselves and ask.
This approach doesn't happen over night. There is no pill that you can take that will make you think this way. It takes hard work to show the results of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Over time, we will find that we have more patience with those that used to exacerbate us. We will find that we have hope where there was once no hope to be found. We will find that we love people that we thought were completely unlovable. These are things that are found when we are grounded in Christ. He is ultimately victorious over every power that we come into contact with.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore 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. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying 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, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV
Comments
Post a Comment