Paul encourages all believers, regardless of their background or experience, to find their strength not in themselves but in the Lord and His mighty power. This strength is available to everyone who looks to God, relies on Him, and follows His will, rather than depending on personal wisdom or ability. No matter your circumstances—whether you feel weak, unqualified, or uncertain—God’s power is sufficient for you. When you face challenges, remember that your strength comes from the One who is eternal and unchanging, and He equips you for every good work. [42:31]
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to stop relying on your own strength and instead ask God to empower you today?
There is a real spiritual battle taking place, and the devil continually tries to lure believers back into their old ways of living, tempting them to doubt God’s goodness or to return to unhealthy habits. Yet, God calls us to stand firm, not by our own power, but by putting on His armor and remembering that our new life in Christ is far better than anything we left behind. When temptations come—whether subtle or obvious—God gives us the ability to say “no” and to claim our identity as His beloved children, living in the freedom and joy of Christ. [49:34]
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV)
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Reflection: What is one temptation or old habit that tries to pull you away from your new life in Christ, and how can you actively stand against it today?
Though we may experience hurt, opposition, or even persecution from other people, Scripture reminds us that our true struggle is not with them but with spiritual forces of evil. This perspective frees us to love and pray for those who oppose us, just as Jesus did, and to seek their good rather than harboring resentment. When we encounter conflict or mistreatment, we are called to respond with Christlike love, praying for our “enemies” and desiring that they too would know God’s love and salvation. [58:44]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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.
Reflection: Is there someone who has hurt or opposed you whom you can pray for and bless today, asking God to show them His love?
When we face suffering, loss, or tragedy, it can be tempting to doubt God’s goodness or even His existence. Yet, God invites us to trust Him even in the valley of the shadow of death, knowing that He is with us and will sustain us. In moments of pain or uncertainty, we are called to equip ourselves with God’s truth and presence, so that we can stand firm in faith and continue to praise Him, confident that His love and victory remain sure. [01:03:10]
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Reflection: When have you experienced God’s presence or comfort during a difficult time, and how can you remind yourself of His faithfulness when new challenges arise?
God calls us not only to stand firm ourselves but also to share our stories of His faithfulness with others. When we testify to how God has helped us overcome temptation or endure hardship, we encourage and equip those around us to trust Him as well. Sharing your experiences—whether with a friend, family member, or small group—can build up the faith of others and remind everyone that God is at work in our lives, giving us victory and hope. [01:05:25]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Reflection: Who is one person you can share a story of God’s faithfulness with this week, so that they too might be encouraged in their faith?
As the seasons change and we witness the beauty of autumn, we are reminded that while our lives are always shifting—our bodies aging, our circumstances evolving—God remains eternal and unchanging. His love is steadfast, and we gather to celebrate that constancy, to express gratitude, and to open ourselves to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. God’s love is not content to leave us as we are; He desires to shape us more fully into the likeness of Christ, even when that process is uncomfortable.
Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we are called to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” This strength is not rooted in our own abilities, education, or status, but in God’s power and presence. Paul, writing from prison and likely gazing at Roman soldiers, uses the imagery of armor—not the armor of empire, but the armor of God. We are to put on this armor so we can stand against the devil’s schemes. Spiritual warfare is a reality, and one of the enemy’s primary tactics is to lure us back into our old ways, convincing us that the new life in Christ is less satisfying or less free. Yet, the truth is that our new life in Christ is far richer, more joyful, and more liberating than anything we left behind.
Every believer, no matter how mature, faces these temptations. The devil’s schemes are persistent, whether we are missionaries, politicians, athletes, or pastors. The temptation to take the easy path, to coast, or to compromise is ever-present. But God calls us to stand firm, not in our own strength, but clothed in His armor. Our struggle is not ultimately against other people, even those who oppose or persecute us, but against spiritual forces. This perspective frees us to love and pray for those who hurt us, desiring their good and their salvation.
When trials come—loss, grief, disappointment—the temptation is to doubt God’s goodness or even His existence. In those moments, we must be equipped with the armor of God, able to stand firm and declare, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Reflecting on our own lives, we can see times when God has preserved us from temptation or given us victory. Sharing these testimonies with others builds up the body of Christ and points to God’s faithfulness. Let us not be ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV) — > Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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.
Psalm 23:4 (ESV) — > Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
We have been made new creations in Jesus Christ. And one of the devil's primary schemes to attack us and to bring us down is to try to get us to live our old lives, rather than the new life that God has given to us in Jesus Christ. [00:48:22] (20 seconds) #NewLifeInChrist
The devil is constantly saying, this new life isn't as good as your old life. This new life isn't as enjoyable. You don't have as much freedom. You don't have as much fun. Forget about it. Go back to how life used to be. And so Paul is telling all of us, no, stand against that. Not in your own power, but in God's power. Put on the armor of God, that you might be defended against these attacks and the devil's schemes. [00:49:15] (39 seconds) #StandInGodsPower
``Because the good news is that God has won the victory already. Jesus has conquered sin and death. Jesus defeated Satan. But he is still at work. But all we need to do to win the victory is to stand against him and say, no. I am the Lord's. These hands belong to him. This mouth belongs to him. This heart, this mind, this body are his. And my old life was not nearly as wonderful, as joyous, as free as this new life in Christ. [00:49:54] (40 seconds) #VictoryInChrist
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood. It's almost shocking for Paul to say that. Because he has not experienced anything but struggles at the hands of other people. Human beings, men predominantly, maybe a few women, who persecuted him because he was proclaiming good news. Because he was preaching a crucified Messiah. He was imprisoned. He's writing this letter during his imprisonment. He had been whipped. He had been beaten with rods. He had been chased out of cities and towns. He had experienced nothing but struggles at the hands of flesh and blood men and women. And yet Paul sees that his struggle is not with these people. But with the rulers and authorities and the powers that work in this dark world. The spiritual forces. [00:56:58] (71 seconds) #ClotheInGodsArmor
We should not be hating anyone, but be praying for them, to bless them, to desire their best, to desire that they know him and his love as we do. [00:59:23] (18 seconds) #FaithInTrials
Therefore, he says again, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. And after you have done everything to stand, to remain standing, put on the full armor of God. Put on the full armor of God. Clothe yourself with him. Don't try to do it in your own strength, in your own power, in your own wisdom. Clothe yourself with him. [00:59:45] (39 seconds) #ThankfulForProtection
We will be able to stand firm and say, God, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I praise you, I glorify you, for I know that you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they protect me. [01:03:10] (20 seconds)
I hope that all of us could think of at least one time when we have overcome those kinds of temptations. And in addition to thinking about those times, I would encourage you to share that with your spouse, with a family member, with a friend, with members of your small group. Share about those victories that you have experienced. Not to brag, not to say, look how good I am. Look how good God is. God has been faithful to me. The Holy Spirit of the living God dwells within me. And he has given me victory. [01:04:47] (49 seconds)
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