Ephesians 4:17

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Verse of the Day: Ephesians 4:17

“So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds.” – Ephesians 4:17

The letter to the Ephesians was written, by Paul, to the saints who resided in Ephesus. “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:1-2.

We see in chapters one through three he writes to them regarding the spiritual blessings that come to those who accept Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3. He continually gives thanks to God for their faith as he prays for them. He encourages them, saying they have received grace from God, though Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.  And then in chapter three, he tells them that he prays for them that they will become and remain strong in the faith. “For this reason I bend my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19. He encourages them to be in unity with all the saints. “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3.

Now because of this Paul tells them, as we see in our focus verse, to no longer live in a worldly way as the non-believers in Ephesus lived but rather in the new life provided to them by Christ when they were saved. “So, I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds.” Ephesians 4:17. Now, as I proceed, I will be speaking not only of the unsaved Ephesians whom Paul was referring to, but also the unsaved today. There are several specific areas Paul focuses on which we need to be on the watch for in our lives as well.

First is that the unbelievers had hardened their hearts to the truth. “being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart.” Ephesians 4:18. Many people then, and today as well, are hardening their hearts against the truth because it goes against what they desire. He is stressing their deliberate choices to reject God and His ways, not necessarily accidental. In a sense sin has caused them to lose their minds. Their thinking process has been tainted by the dark forces of evil, called “the powers of this dark world. “And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 2:2. In essence, they separated themselves from the life of God. And this is a dangerous ignorance, for it is the result not of a lack of knowledge but of a deliberate denial of the knowledge God has made available to them. Paul puts it this way in his letter to the Romans. “because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20. God has made clear his ‘eternal power and divine nature,’ but because of their darkened understanding, depraved humanity has rejected that knowledge and chosen ignorance. Although the world was created by Christ, the world refused to know him. As John put it, “He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him.” John 1:10. Thus they, as the theologian Grant Osborne put it, ‘lost all sensitivity’. Grant then explains what he meant, ‘Ignorance leads to hardness, which in turn leads to callousness, the inability to feel pain; here it refers to the inability to feel shame or guilt in the presence of abiding evil.’  And this becomes even more prevalent when friends and family push you to join them in these wrong activities. “In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you; but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” 1 Peter 4:4-5. In essence, they have become greedy, never satisfied with what they have and do. In Colossians we read, “Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.” Colossians 3:5.

We who are Christians, followers of Christ, need to take heed of what are focus verse is saying. “So, this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,” Ephesians 4:17.  Paul states farther down, “if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:21-25. It is essential that we put aside our old nature, ignore it’s desires, and put on our new self which is given to us, and which is pleasing to God. The cure for a life of sin and excess is to reject the old lies the world told us and to embrace the eternal truths of Christ. This is what we have learned about Him. Since we have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, we should live accordingly. To live in any other way is against what Christ requires.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Verse of the Day: Ephesians 4:31-32

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32 

When you observe what is going on in the world, what do you see?  I see a very angry and vicious people.  Now, I want to say that is not everyone I see; however, people are becoming more intolerant as the days go by.  It used to be that if two people disagreed, they would either walk away, or agree to disagree.  Now, violence seems to be the outcome of more and more meetings of individuals or groups where they do not see eye to eye.

Paul is telling the Ephesians this should not be the case with Christians.  We may disagree in areas, but we must not allow this to break into bitterness and anger simply because we do not agree with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  If we do, how are we different than the world?  And how can we preach love and peace to the world when we do not practice it ourselves?  We should set the example we see in verse 32 of being kind and tender-hearted to everyone, not being angry and talking bad of another person no matter what has happened.

This way, we are following the command to love everyone and shining a light into the darkness that the world will see and be attracted to.  They will see Christ in us.  What a beautiful picture for all to enjoy.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Ephesians 4:32

Verse of the Day: Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 

In this section Paul is giving some thoughts on the new life in the spirit.  This verse addresses how we should be around our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are to be loving and kind.

There are going to be times when our fellow Christians are going to disappoint us.  I have seen so many instances where there is arguing (not debating but fighting), demeaning and taking advantage of one another, just plain treating each other wrongly.

Where is the love in that?  Jesus commanded this of us.  John 13:34 says, ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  Note, this is not a suggestion.  We are required to love just as He loves us.  He loves everyone, including the those who are against Him.  This does not mean He did not admonish some, like the Jewish leadership.  However, like with the brethren, His love was unquestionable.  In fact, in fact, a few times it led to tears.  I think what we see here is that disagreements should not lead to anger.  It should lead to a friendly learning experience where all can come to the truth.

If a brother or sister offends us in any way, forgiveness should be the outcome.  We should never hold a grudge but should strive for reconciliation.  There should be nothing that separates us.  We are the body of Christ.  Therefore, we should act as Christ did.  This will bring the unity God has called for and will bring glory to God through the ‘true’ love we show everyone.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Ephesians 5:20

Verse of the Day Devotion: Ephesians 5:20

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” – Ephesians 5:20

God has done, and is doing, so much for us.  Much more than we could ever imagine.  We often give thanks to God when a great thing happens that gives us joy.  Some examples are when we win a wonderful prize, when someone we enjoy fellowshipping with comes and visits us, when a miracle happens in that we are either healed of a terrible disease or we are delivered from a very trying issue.  We give thanks for the food we are about to eat, and for the day we are about to rise from our sleep and enjoy.

But what about for other times?  What about when we go through difficult situations? Paul says regarding this thought.  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. This can be difficult to do, but let’s look at this closer.  We are to rejoice at all times, in all situations and circumstances.  It is easy to see why we would rejoice when wonderful things happen to and for us; and even when it is just an ordinary event.  But what about being thankful during hard times?  Yes, we should be thankful to God even during these times.

Why should we be?  As the above verse states, ‘for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us.’  Whatever God does or allows to happen, we know it is for our good.  If He chooses for us to, for instance, lose our job, He has a purpose for it.  If He allows us to become disabled in any way, then He also has a reason for it. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. Everything that happens to us, God has a reason for it. This is what we must remember during these times. I remember when I was blind for around three months. Yes, it was hard, but it helped me understand even more His love for me.

Also, I have been able to help others in the same situation. As Paul also said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. Sometimes, what God allows is not for our benefit but for another’s. However, we benefit because we now have the knowledge and the compassion to help others through very similar situations.

In closing, every situation and circumstance we find ourselves in is something to be thankful for, whether we perceive it as good or not.  And the reason is that God either caused it or allowed it.  If there was not a ‘good’ reason for us to be placed in a situation, God would not have allowed it. Remember, all things work together for our good.  We may never know or understand what that good is, but we must trust Him that it is for our good.  And a lot of times, these trials may be the means to draw us to Himself.

What an amazing and loving God.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Ephesians 2:8

Verse of the Day Devotion: Ephesians 2:8

“For by grace, you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8 

The Jews in Jesus’ time truly believed that by following the law completely, they would be saved.  They believed that as long as they did exactly what the law required, including the blood sacrifice for any sin they should commit, they would be good enough to be saved.  However, it is clear from our focus verse plus the next that this is not the case.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.  We can do nothing to make right our rebellion.  Salvation is through grace alone.  Our works have nothing to do with it.

Unfortunately, too many live their lives as though this is still true.  They go to church simply because they believe they must.  They read the bible because they believe this is what a Christian is expected to do.  They say a prayer before every meal and bedtime because that is a tradition they have grown up with.  Also, when they think about whether they are saved, they think about what they did and do, not who they serve.

I remember a Pastor friend who was preaching one Sunday morning and he said the following which has stuck with me since I heard it.  “We do not go to church because we have to, we go because we get to.  We read the bible not because we have to, but because we get to.  And we pray not because we have to, but because we get to.”  These are things we do to fellowship with the one who saved us through His death burial and resurrection.  It is not by what we do, but what He did, and because we accepted this, we GET to fellowship with Him.

Again, let’s look at what James said.  “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? “James 2:14. Our works are the sign of the faith we have.  If we truly have given our lives over to Him, then we will desire to do the things He wants us to.  We do them not to be saved, but because we are saved.  Because we truly love Him.  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”  John 14:15. Also, remember James’s wording. “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” James 2:17. So, summing this all up, Faith by itself, without the works to show the reality of our faith, is not true faith.  But also, works by themselves, without the faith in the works Christ did on the cross, are simply deeds alone with no reconciliation with God.

In closing, Paul lays out how salvation is attained.  “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9-10.  Works has nothing to do with it, they are simply the proof of our salvation through faith in Christ and His works.  Let us change our thoughts if we place works as a means rather than a sign of our acceptance of the grace God has for us.  Moreover, let us help those who believe works are relevant to our salvation understand what the bible actually says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.  There is much freedom that comes from realizing that salvation is a gift of God we accept through faith alone.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Ephesians 4:2

Verse of the Day Devotion Ephesians 4:2 

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2

Paul here begins a discussion regarding the importance of unity in the body of Christ. He starts by saying the following, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”  Ephesians 4:1.  He is calling the church as a whole to walk in a manner worthy of the calling placed upon them. This calling is twofold. First, that the Church is to be composed of both Jews and Gentiles. There should be no holding one group above another but all are to be looked at equally. Paul also made this clear to the Church in Galatia. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:27-28. Everyone follower is equal in the eyes of Christ.

And second, the Church is a ‘holy’ people, set apart from the secular world, like Israel in Old Testament days, to belong to God. And this is the idea expounded on in this section of Ephesians. And how are we to walk worthy of our calling?  “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3.  And as theologian John Stott says, “Therefore, because God’s people are called to be one people, they must manifest their unity, and because they are called to be a holy people, they must manifest their purity. Unity and purity are two fundamental features of a life worthy of the church’s divine calling.”

The first thing Paul mentions is ‘lowliness’ or ‘humility’. This lowliness is essential for unity.  Pride lurks behind all discord, while the greatest single secret of concord is humility. The idea is, if instead of maneuvering for respect from others, we give others our respect by recognizing their God-given worth. Through humility, we will be advancing harmony. 

Next he adds ‘meekness’ to the picture. This is essentially kindness. It is mildness of disposition and gentleness of spirit. It is not a synonym for weakness. On the contrary, it is in essence the gentleness of the strong, whose strength is under control.  It is the not asserting personal rights, either in the presence of God or of men. It is particularly appropriate in pastors and other church leaders who should also use their authority only in a spirit of gentleness.  So, as you can see, lowliness and meekness form a natural union, for one cannot exist without the other. Another natural pair is the next two on the list, longsuffering and forbearing. Patience is longsuffering towards aggravating people, for example what God in Christ has shown towards us, while forbearing one another speaks of that mutual tolerance without which no group of human beings can live together in peace.

Then there is love, which embraces the other four, and is the crown and sum of all virtues, since to love is constructively to seek the welfare of others and the good of the community. Paul  lays this out also to the Church in Colossae, where he wrote, “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14. 

It is absolutely essential that we follow what Paul is saying here, loving everyone equally and working toward the unity of the body as Christ has called us to.  I have seen too many churches where this has not been followed, and it has not worked out at all and is diminishing the impact to it’s members and the community around them as a whole.  It is up to all of us to truly join the body of Christ together in the bonds of love through our humility and gentleness, with patience and forbearing. And when there is true unity, the world will see this and understand what this Christian life is all about.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Ephesians 4:1

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 4:1  

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,” – Ephesians 4:1 

In this verse, Paul is laying out to the Christians in Ephesus the kind of walk he desires and encourages them to walk.  In our focus verse we read, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1.  This is the basic encouragement Paul was now giving to those who followed his teachings in the prior three chapters.  And the general idea here is unity in the Body of Christ.

In those chapters he has taught them what this Christian life is about.  He told them about the spiritual blessings they have received in Christ; that they have been saved by the grace of God on their behalf through Christ’s blood being shed for their redemption.   They were dead in their sins; however, God provided the way their transgressions were removed, through accepting, by faith, the sacrifice of Christ who did not sin and therefore was able to pay for theirs and bring life to them once again.  And through everything, He shows His mercy and love to them.  There is much more that was said; however, this is the core of what Paul presented to them.

And because of this, he entreats them to walk in a manner worthy of Him and the sacrifice He made.  There are four foundation stones that are used to build Christian unity.  “ With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another, in love,” Ephesians 4:2.  In this verse, He starts with humility.   Humility, or lowliness of mind, was much despised in the ancient world. The Greeks never used their word for humility (tapeinotēs) in a context of approval, and even less in admiration.  Instead, it was used in the context of an abject, servile, subservient attitude in the crouching submissiveness of a slave.  When Christ came, He exhibited a true humility, for He humbled Himself.  And among all the world’s religious figures and ethical teachers, only He set the model we were to follow, as of a little child.  

Next there is gentleness, also referred to as meekness. This was warmly applauded by the philosopher Aristotle because he hated extremes and leaned more toward moderation, which here refers to the middle of being too angry and not being angry at all.  We see this idea from Paul later in this chapter where He said, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Ephesians 4:26.  As theologian John Stott says, “So ‘meekness’ is not a synonym for ‘weakness’. On the contrary, it is the gentleness of the strong, whose strength is under control. It is the quality of a strong personality who is nevertheless master of himself and the servant of others. Meekness is ‘the absence of the disposition to assert personal rights, either in the presence of God or of men’. It is particularly appropriate in pastors who should also use their authority only in a spirit of gentleness.”

The next quality is patience, which is the idea of bearing with one another.  Patience is essentially longsuffering in difficult situations, which may include difficult people. And we should exhibit it in the same way Christ showed toward us.  It is forbearing one another with tolerance without which no group people can live together in peace.  And lastly, doing all these things within the bounds of love.  Everything we do must be covered in love.  “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. his is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40.  Remember, our neighbor is anyone we come into contact with.

God calls us all to walk in unity.  Paul tells the Ephesians this in a later set of verses.  “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-13. 

In closing, let me add one more quote from John Stott.  “Here, then, are the foundation stones of Christian unity. Where these are absent no external structure of unity can stand. But when this strong base has been laid, then there is good hope that a visible unity can be built. We may be quite sure that no unity is pleasing to God which is not the child of charity.” Let us pursue unity in our faith in all we do.  When this becomes the norm, we will be amazed how much we can accomplish for Him. And this is what it means to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1b.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Ephesians 6:17b

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:17b   

“And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:17b 

I want to start again with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

The phrase “sword of the Spirit” is found only once in Scripture, here in our focus verse.   The sword is one of the pieces of spiritual armor Paul tells the Ephesian Christians to put on as part of the full armor of God that will enable us to stand our ground against evil.  The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon used by soldiers or warriors. In our case here, it is a weapon belonging to the Holy Spirit.  Swords were used to protect oneself from harm or to attack the enemy to overcome or kill him. In both cases it was necessary for a soldier to get rigid training on the proper use of the sword to get maximum protection. All Christian soldiers need the same rigid training to know how to properly handle the Sword of the Spirit, the sword that Paul refers to here as the Holy Scriptures.

This sword is useful for every good work we do.  “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  The scriptures are from God written through men.  And as stated above, it is both defensive and offensive.  Since every Christian is in a  spiritual battle with the satanic and evil forces of this world, we need to know how to handle the Word properly. Only then will it be an effective defense against evil, but we will also be on the  offensive to demolish strongholds of error and falsehood. And this is very much needed for there is an abundance of false teachings going around, and we need to, first know what is error as opposed to truth, and secondly we need to know where in scripture this is laid out.  And we must be bold in pronouncing all falsehoods and wrong teachings, providing for them the truth that is found in the word of God.

We see this analogy also in the book of Hebrews.  “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.  Here the Word is described as living and active and sharper than a double-edged sword. The Roman sword was commonly made in this manner. The fact that it had two edges made it easier to penetrate, as well as to cut in every way. The idea is that of piercing, or penetrating; the Word of God reaches the “heart,” the very center of action, and lays open the motives and feelings of those it touches.

It is because of this that it is important for us to study His Word and plant it deep within our hearts.  “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”  1 Peter 3:13-15.  Note the words “always being ready to make a defense.”  This is important for we are those called to bring the gospel to all.  And how can we do this if we do not know His word. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

 

Ephesians 6:17a

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:17a  

“And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION.” – Ephesians 6:17a

I want to start again with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

The next part of our armor is the helmet of salvation, or as it is expressed by Paul to the Thessalonians, the hope of salvation.  This is the assurance of our salvation.  It is the impenetrable defense against anything the enemy can throw at us.  When a soldier suited up for battle, the helmet was the last piece of armor to go on. It was the final act of readiness in preparation for combat. A helmet was vital for survival, protecting the brain, the command station for the rest of the body. If the head were badly damaged, the rest of the armor would be of little use.

In Matthew, we read the following, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”  Matthew 10:28.  The idea in this verse is that, as we prepare for Satan’s attacks, we must grab that helmet and buckle it on tightly. Salvation is not limited to a one-time act of the past or even a future hope. God’s salvation is an ongoing, eternal state that His children enjoy in the present. It is daily protection and deliverance from our sin nature and Satan’s schemes.  We must understand the importance of protecting ourselves with the helmet of salvation so we can counter and reject the lies of the enemy.

There are several things a believer can do that can keep his helmet fastened and functional. First, we must renew our minds for our mind is a great battlefield. “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Romans 12:1-2.  We must allow the truth of God to wipe out anything contrary to the Word.  This includes old ideas, opinions and worldviews.  These must be replaced by the truth of God, knowing that His word is truth. 

We must also reject any doubts that come from bad circumstances.  If we allow them to, these circumstances can convince us that God does not really love us as we thought or that His Word is not true.  We must also keep an eternal perspective, knowing that this life will end and a better life is coming.  Also, we can call to Him and He can bring us safely through anything that comes our way.  And lastly, we must find all our hope in Him.  We must be assured that what He has promised will come about, even though we may not see it now.  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.  And, our focus needs to be on Him.  “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.” Psalm 73:25.  Our helmet is most effective when we treasure what it represents. The salvation Jesus purchased for us cannot share the place of importance in our hearts with earthly things. When pleasing the Lord is our supreme delight, we eliminate many of Satan’s lures and render his evil suggestions powerless.

Therefore, always put on the helmet of salvation every day, and wear it all day.  Our minds will become insolated against the suggestions, desires and traps the enemy lays out there for us.  We must choose to guard our minds from excessive worldly influence and rather think on things that honor God.  In doing so, we wear our salvation as a protective helmet which will guard our hearts and minds in Christ.  In this we will have the peace of God in us, and as Paul said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.   

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Ephesians 6:16

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Ephesians 6:16 

“In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” – Ephesians 6:16

I want to start again with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.  He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil. 

The next part of our armor is the shield of faith.  As our focus verse says, “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16.  What is meant here is that “over all” take up the shield of faith.  It constitutes a protection over every part of the body, as it can be turned in every direction. The idea is, that as the shield covered or protected the other parts of the armor, so faith has a similar importance in the Christian virtues.

The shield in ancient Rome was made of a lightweight wood or a rim of brass which was covered by several folds of thick and strong animal hide, which was preserved by frequent anointing.  This shield was carried or held by the left arm and was secured by straps which the arm passed through.  The outer surface of the shield was made somewhat rounded from the center to the edge.  It was polished smooth or anointed with oil so that the arrows or darts would glance off or rebounded.  This large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans was four feet long by two and a half feet wide; not the small round buckler.  It was of great important to a soldier for it provided a blanket of protection which was meant to be taken up in all circumstances.  And they would protect the soldier from fiery darts projected at them.  These darts, known as “falarica” which were headed with lead, in or about which some combustible substance was placed that took fire in the passage of the arrow through the air, and often burnt up the enemy’s engines, ships, etc.  They were made to stick in the shields and set them on fire.

And note that, when used, we will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Not that it might but will quench the fiery darts of the enemy.   Paul here no doubt refers to the temptations of the great adversary, and/or those furious suggestions of evil that lures us to sin which he may throw into the mind like fiery darts.  It would also refer to doubts placed in our mind regarding God and the Christian life.   

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.  It is one of the three great gifts stated in 1 Corinthians, which are faith, hope and love.  And it is through faith that we are justified.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.  And because we have faith in God, our suffering need not faze us; in fact, we can persevere under it.  All Christians have this promise.  “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5.  Faith is a protective barrier between us and the schemes of Satan. When we believe God and take Him at His word, we remain grounded in truth, the lies of the enemy lose their power, and we become overcomers. In that way, faith is our shield.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.