Ephesians Week 16

Day 1 

READ 

Ephesians 6:15-17 

15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

The Christian soldier is to have the message of peace with God that comes from the gospel. The soldier is also to use faith for protection against the attacks of the evil one. The Christian soldier also needs the head covered with salvation. He is also to take the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  In the original language there is no definite article (the) in front of “word” so it is literally “a word.” Every word of God is a sword of the Spirit. The Bible is a whole barrel of swords for the Christian. 

REFLECT 

As a Christian soldier, are you doing what you can to be prepared against the attacks of the enemy? 

RESPOND 

Talk with your disciple about what is said in this passage. Remind yourselves that this is what is needed in spiritual warfare. Especially is this true of the knowledge and use of the Bible. 

Day 2 

READ 

Ephesians 6:18 

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 

Along with having the weapons for spiritual warfare, a key part in the battle is praying “at all times and on every occasion.” Prayer is important for believers. Paul told the Thessalonian believer to “pray without ceasing” (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). The word translated “without ceasing” was used of an incessant cough. So believers should pray at frequent intervals. They are also to pray “for all believers everywhere,” which refers to others in the family of God. 

REFLECT 

How are you doing in your prayer times? Remember, no matter how long you pray, you will always feel you should pray more. Be sure to pray at frequent intervals throughout the day. 

RESPOND 

Talk with your disciple about developing the habit of praying at frequent intervals and the need to pray for others in the family of God. 

Day 3 

READ 

Ephesians 6:19-20 

19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. 

It is usually thought the apostles knew always what to say. Here the apostle Paul, in chaind, is asking believers to pray for him so he would know what to say. He knew the gospel message well, but every situation is different and he needed the right words at such a time. He was especially concerned to have boldness in the presentation of the news that believing Jews and Gentiles are in the same body—the body of Christ. This might not be readily received by some. 

REFLECT 

Have you asked other believers to pray for you to have boldness in witnessing? If Paul could do this, so can you. He wanted to keep preaching even though he was in chains. Use your freedom to proclaim Jesus. 

RESPOND 

Pray together with your disciple and ask God to give you boldness in speaking out for Him. 

Day 4 

READ 

Ephesians 6:21-22 

21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. 

Tychicus was the one who brought Paul’s letter to those now hearing it read in Ephesus. He would bring them up to date on Paul’s situation of being in chains and yet preaching the gospel. Paul described him as “a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work.” Little more needed to be said. Paul had two purposes in sending him: to tell how he was doing and to encourage them. 

REFLECT 

Are you encouraged as you hear of other believers proclaiming Christ even in the midst of difficulties? Could you be described as a faithful helper in the Lord’s work? 

RESPOND 

Talk to your disciple about the need to be serving others in such a way that you could be considered “beloved” and a “faithful helper in the Lord’s work.” Think about what you can do to qualify for such high praise from another believer. 

Day 5 

READ 

Ephesians 6:23-24 

23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. 24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Paul’s desire for the recipients of his letter is that they would be given “love with faithfulness.” He realized this quality had to come from “God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The word he used for “love” was agapē that referred more to an act of the will than of the emotions. The final prayer in his letter was that God’s grace would be eternally on all those who “love our Lord Jesus Christ.” Key words in Paul’s writings were “love” and “grace” because of what he had experienced from God.  

REFLECT 

Are the qualities of love and grace uppermost in your mind? 

RESPOND 

Visit with your disciple about what has been learned from this study of Ephesians. What truths seem to stick with you because of what you have read and learned?