Ephesians 6:13-24 - An Encouraging End
“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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God 18 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” —Ephesians 6:13–20
If you want God to hear your prayers, the “breastplate of righteousness” is foundational, not optional. It’s senseless to ask God for supernatural help against spiritual rebels while living in rebellion against God.
“If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. (see also Proverbs 15:8, 29)” —Proverbs 28:9
“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. (see also Psalm 66:18)” —Isaiah 59:1–2
“ You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions…. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” —James 4:3, 7–8
Paul wrote Ephesians from prison because he was on the offensive and his offensive was offensive. His boldness challenges us to reflect and ask, “Am I fighting or floating?”
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” —2 Corinthians 10:4
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” —Matthew 16:18
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5
What might Scripture-informed spiritual warfare prayer sound like?
God, I confess my sin and receive the forgiveness You offer through Jesus Christ so that Satan’s accusations against me fail (1 John 1:9; Revelation 12:10–11)
God, I ask that you take away any spiritual blindness that I (or others) have. I ask that you give me eyes to see and ears to hear. (Ephesians 1:16–18, 2 Corinthians 4:4; Matthew 13:9; Deuteronomy 29:4)
God, I pray against the schemes and effects of Satan, demons, powers, and principalities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:11–12)
God, teach me to give no opportunity to the devil. Train me to use the power of the Holy Spirit to put my sinful desires, thoughts, words, and actions to death. (Romans 8:13; Ephesians 4:27)
God, I pray that you would take away my love of darkness and the resulting desire to be deceived. (John 3:19–21; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12)
God, help me be bold in the face of fear. I will walk in victory over evil powers because of the authority you have given true disciples by the name of Jesus. (Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:19; Acts 8:7, 16:16-18, 19:15-16)
God, I ask you to raise an army of bold preachers, teachers, counselors, advisors, and leaders who refuse to twist Scripture and tickle ears, and proclaim your uncompromised and undistorted Word with authority (Luke 10:2–3; 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Peter 3:16)
Paul ended his letter to the Ephesian church by encouraging them with the good news of how the fight was going…
“So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” —Ephesians 6:21–24
…so, how’s the fight going for One Missoula Church?
How do I give to 1MSO?
The people of One Missoula Church give tangible resources back to God in order to suffocate greed in our own lives and amplify the impact of the Gospel in the lives of others. We’ve removed every barrier and inconvenience to make this sacrificial act as accessible and simple as possible. At present, here are the avenues for this act of devotion:
- Sunday Morning – offering boxes on the communion tables at the back
- Snail Mail – postage-paid envelopes available
- Text “1MSO” to 406-631-3323
- Online at https://onemissoulachurch.com/give
- Via the One Missoula App under the “Giving” tab
