DON’T take off your helmet when you go in your house.
SO WHY NOT take off my
helmet? Just keep reading...
When I read and study my
Bible, I’m usually focusing on a specific verse or group of verses. For
instance, in my last blog post, the focus was on the armor of God, which Paul
wrote about in his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:14-17).
As I zero in on a selected passage,
I also take a look at what is written before and after. This is what we call
looking at a verse or group of verses in
context. Looking at a phrase or sentence in context gives us a broader and more accurate sense of what the writer
is trying to convey.
It’s interesting that in
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, his instructions regarding the armor of God
come right after his instructions regarding relationships. Have you ever
noticed that?
In the verses prior, he teaches
about walking in love, walking in the light of Christ and walking in wisdom (Chapter
5). He continues then, in that same chapter, to instruct regarding the marriage
relationship.
When we read all of Chapter 5
as a continuum, we see a beautiful picture of the husband and wife relationship
within the body of Christ.
From there, in Chapter 6,
Paul gives words of wisdom to children and to fathers in regard to
child-rearing. He even addresses the relationship between the bond-servant and
master. For us today, that would pertain to employee and employer.
Then at this point in Chapter
6, Paul says, “Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His
might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the
wiles (scheming, deceits) of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of
darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand
the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13).
Paul then describes each implement
comprising the armor of God. We addressed these in my last post.
Consider what we have just
read in verses 10-13 and again take note of its context in Paul’s letter—it immediately
follows his comments about relationships.
His are strong words about
serious matters—we’re talkin` demons and demonic activity!
Many of us may not have
considered a need for armor when dealing with our family members. After all,
they’re our most precious loved-ones. But think about it. Often the most
frustration, harshest anger, most deep-seated bitterness, and deepest hurts are
experienced in family relationships.
I believe we would all agree
that our enemy, the devil, wants to tear apart families, especially Christian families.
I’ve even heard people refer to their own home as a war zone.
We need to recognize demonic
influence and activity even within the walls of our own homes. We must put on
the whole armor and war against wickedness and darkness that rises up against
our spouse, ourselves, our parents and our children.
Paul said, it’s not flesh
and blood that we wrestle against, but spiritual foes that come against us in
many forms.
Keeping Paul’s writing in
context, let’s look also at what he stated after describing the armor. He says
to pray always and to be watchful (Ephesians 6:18).
In prayer, we cry out to the
King of glory who the psalmist, David, called “the LORD strong and mighty, the
LORD mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:8). He is our fearless leader and our strength.
He will go before us and even fight for us. Our battlefield should be on our
knees.
When we are watchful, as
Paul directed, we are awake, alert, and in tune to what is going on both in the
physical realm and the spiritual realm. We need to guard our hearts and our
tongues when battles rage. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to accomplish
this. Also, the Holy Spirit can give us discernment and when we just don’t know
what’s going on, we can trust that God knows ALL.
So, next time you find
yourself cross-wise with a loved-one, whether it be a simple quarrel or a major
brawl, step back and check yourself. Are you walking in love, in the light of
Christ, and in wisdom? Are you wearing every part of the armor of God? Are you
invoking the help of the King of glory and are you being watchful to be careful
to handle the matter God’s way?
Of course, we cannot control
how the other person handles disagreements, but we can set an example and pray
for that other person. God loves him or her and wants His best for them just as
much as He does for us.
We may take off our clothes
at the end of the day but we should never remove our armor, perhaps especially
at home.
AND—don’t forget, when you
read and study a passage of Scripture, check out the context in which it is
used.
If you have not read last
week’s post about the whole armor of God, I invite you to do so. You’ll then
have this whole message in context.
Thanks for stopping by. Your
comments are welcome.
©Connie
Wohlford 2016
