Monday, July 10, 2006
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For 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. 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, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (ESV)
by Linda Harris
I enjoy reading mysteries. Looking for clues, putting them together, and seeing if I can figure out “whodunit” is intriguing.
Paul asked the Ephesian believers to pray that he would be able to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel (6:18). The Holman Christian Standard Bible explains that “mystery” means “a secret hidden in the past but now revealed.” Like a mystery novel, the gospel has “clues” (i.e., Jesus told his disciples he would rise from the dead, but they didn’t believe it at first). As we mature in Christ, we gather up the “secrets” of the Christian life, put them together like a puzzle, and “solve the mystery” of living according to the gospel.
Copyright Information
Daily Bible Meditations are taken from The Helping Hand,a Sabbath School student quarterly for youth and adults. Copyright © 2008, Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service .
