Columbus, OH
Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Ephesians 6:6-7,13-20 posted July 20, 2013 - Prayer Tents
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Verses 6-7. In all things, let us seek the will of the Lord and carry them forward with all our hearts. Many times, we have fears of chartering the unknown—whether unknown experiences, unknown confrontations, and unknown circumstances. When we say “doing the will of God,” He often takes us away from our comfort zone (consider Abraham, Moses, David, all Biblical heroes of faith—and us too!) and puts us in places where we can only trust in Him. And in the end, this is the test in itself, that instead of giving up, grumbling before the Lord, and renouncing Him—we cling to Him. (BTW, He often is doing amazing things in the background to bring about incredible results during this time).
In these times where fear may be imminent, let us move with enthusiasm with trust that He is in control—for surely, we are working for the Lord than for the people.
Verses 13-18. Following above, this is how we cling on to God; it is by placing our trust in Jesus. As we do God's will, there will be spiritual opposition. Many will turn against us, things will go wrong, problems may arise. What should we do in this situation? run? hide? give up on God? Certainly, this scenario is similar to the temptation Jesus went through after his forty days of wilderness (see Matthew 4). Nope... you stand firm. Your trust in God does not waiver. Put on the armor of God.
Truth - check that your actions are based on His Word. If any failings, come before the Lord—for He is merciful. Then stand on His Word.
Righteousness - Be sure that your relationship with God is right, and that your dealings with and actions toward others are right. This is what it means to be righteous.
Peace - this one may be hard, especially in light of difficult circumstances—”believe” (without wavering) that God is in control. This is the Gospel—that He will walk with us, be our guide. The question that would bring us true peace in our hearts: do we really believe it? Note: this faith, this peace, is so that “you will be fully prepared” to withstand enemy's attacks.
Verse 15. Faith - trust, unrelenting, unyielding reliance on God—again to withstand enemy's attacks.
Salvation - we certainly have it, and we know the victory is ours even as we face Satan's attacks.
Sword of the Spirit - the Word, the will of God. His revealed direction for you. Go forward enthusiastically knowing that the Lord is by your side.
Verses 19-20. Speaking as someone who doesn't have it all together—I still look forward to what God has in store for me. It certainly is a journey! I know God has a plan for me in the marketplace; that is, to be influential to the people who do not know God outside the church. How that comes about, I do not know—how I will be influential? Only time will tell.
As a brother in Christ who is in need of grace and mercy, I do need your prayers, as each of you do too. As your pastor (which many of you know is a temporary role in my life's journey), I ask for your prayers that I may not cease to speak the Good News, which is the Truth (Scriptures in its entirety), and continue on in doing His will during this time of ministry. I believe this experience will enable me to proclaim God as He develops me in the marketplace.
And you too—fight the good fight. Let's enjoy the experience we have together in the now, and look forward to what God has for us. He certainly has an amazing future for you too. Let's stand amazed at what God is going to do through each of us. He is doing incredible things.
6Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. 7Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19And 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. 20I 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.
Ephesians 6:6-7,13-20 (NLT)
Saturday, July 20, 2013
New York, NY
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