Today we come to the end of several months of study from the book of Ephesians.   I sincerely hope that you have been challenged and encouraged throughout this series.

Over these last several weeks we have focused on that great passage on “the armor of God” from Eph. 6:10-20.  So many great studies and songs have come from these great words that call us to consider our preparedness and activity in the spiritual struggle that we face each day.

And it is not just our physical lives that are threatened, though this battle certainly affects our health and life, joy and peace while in this world.  Even more important, our eternal well being is at stake, as well as the eternity of loved ones and others with whom we have relationship, contact and influence.

And if this battle were just up to us, we would lose.  Ephesians puts it this way in contrasting trusting in ourselves with trusting in our great God and Savior.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³ All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  (Eph. 2:1-10)

And so we gladly trust in the Lord and in HIS mighty power!  We confidently take up the whole armor of God, knowing not only that we can win the battles, but that through Jesus Christ the war is already won!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² 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 the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore 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. (Eph. 6:10-13)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  (Eph. 3:20-21)