Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God.

Paul uses the word “finally” as he wraps up his teachings to the church at Ephesus. He was not correcting any error in this letter as he does in many of his writings. He gives the saints strong foundational teaching with redemption in the first chapter. Paul lays out eight themes in his letter:

• The blessing of redemption
• We are alive in Christ
• Stewardship relating to God’s Grace
• Unity of the Spirit
• The Christian walk
• Be imitators of God
• Marriage and family relationship
• The armor of God

Paul teaches that our battle is not in the natural realm, but in the supernatural. His message is an important message for believers today. Many come to a church service for the wrong motivations. Let’s consider three so we might search our own hearts concerning our motivation. If necessary, repent and come into alignment with God’s Eternal purpose.

First, many go to a church service to receive a “pep talk,” something to help get them through the week. There are those who need to be encouraged. That is not wrong. It is part of the reason Christians gather. God’s purpose and desire goes much deeper than pep-talks.

Second, some come as a sense of duty. Their heart is not fully engaged. They attend from a need to have religious activity. Many feel a need to “appease God” by their attendance. God is not looking for appeasement, but obedience to His calling.

Third, there are those which attend a church service when their soul moves them on special occasions or when other activities don’t interfere. You could say it is obeying God on their terms.

The purpose of our gathering is primarily for corporate worship, equipping, and instruction. Of course, this includes receiving the Lord’s Supper. Within these areas, the Spirit of God wants to manifest His presence among the body and minister His gifts to meet needs in the lives of God’s people.

“Put on the whole armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). When Paul writes, “put on the whole armor of God,” it is a clue there will be warfare. The armor of the Lord provides for both offense and defense in the battle. This armor is intended to be worn by those who have received God’s salvation. His salvation is greater than most realize. Tomorrow, we will enlarge on this thought.

Father, thank You for the armor You supply for Your saints. Please give me wisdom and understanding for the spiritual battle in which we are engaged.  Cause me to be strong in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Teach me how to effectively wear the armor and be effective both offensively and defensively in the battle against the enemy.