16 and

service

It is quite probable that Paul wrote this epistle while imprisoned in Rome. So, for him, the idea of using a soldier’s armour as an analogy for the Christian life was quite a natural one. Roman soldiers were everywhere. They represented the dominant power of the day and everyone who read or heard Paul’s words would have immediately recognised what he was saying.

Today, Roman armour is something seen in movies, museums or history books. So, coming to this text, the modern reader can understand what Paul is saying but the analogy does not serve as a ready cultural reference that we can take from everyday life.

QUESTION O Can you think of a modern-day analogy that you would use to get across the point that Christians need to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power?

Most of the items Paul lists in verses 13 to 17 have the purpose of keeping the wearer safe under attack. You might notice that only the sword is an offensive weapon, the sword that is ‘the word of God’ (v17). Paul’s aim is that his listeners should first and foremost stand firm in their faith. And, having stood firm,

WEDNESDAY Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms.

(Ephesians 6:11 and 12)

THURSDAY Leave no unguarded place,/ No weakness of the soul;/ Take every virtue, every grace,/ And fortify the whole. (SASB 979)

Prayer Lord Jesus, we thank you for choosing us to continue your work in winning the world for God. Aided by your Holy Spirit, may we be courageous in fighting evil wherever it is found, as we seek to do your will.

wield ‘the word of God’ through which he accomplishes his work in people’s hearts and lives.

Paul leaves his beloved readers with a final command: ‘Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people’ (v18).

As we continue that work of bringing about the Kingdom of God where we are, we too need to take up Paul’s challenge and become prayer warriors. Think of all that is happening in our world, your nation, and your community and, led by the Spirit, take it to the Lord.

MAJOR BORRETT IS DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, WEST SCOTLAND

FRIDAY But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

( Jude verses 20 and 21) SATURDAY Stand up, stand up for Jesus,/ Ye soldiers of the cross!/ Lift high his royal banner,/ It must not suffer loss./ From victory unto victory/ His army he shall lead/ Till every foe is vanquished,/ And Christ is Lord indeed. (SASB 982)