Beyond the Weekend: Armor of God
Life can leave us feeling exposed and uncertain—but we don’t stand alone. In Armor of God, we’ll discover how to stand firm in the victory Jesus has already won, clothed in His strength and protected by His armor. “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” In the midst of fear and vulnerability, we find hope, confidence, and unshakable faith in Him.
The Formation
Read: Ephesians 6:13-16 Listen: Ephesians 6
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. Ephesians 6:13a
The book of Ephesians is written to a group of believers. From the rich, identity-forming gospel truth at the beginning of Paul’s letter to his instructions at the end, he shares with community in mind. This includes the armor of God. As Paul unpacks the illustration, he doesn’t envision a single soldier but a legion. He describes the shield, understanding that one soldier’s armor alone can’t defend him. He also needs the shield on either side of him, before and behind him. Roman soldiers had a reputation for great success on the battlefield. One reason was the way they protected one another. Believers listening to Paul understand that not only is their own shield important in spiritual battle, they also need the faith of those around them.
We too need to put on the armor and stand firm alongside other believers. There will be days when God uses our faith to sustain someone else or when someone’s faith will protect us. The Christian walk is not a solo campaign. It is meant to be done together. Following Jesus means a commitment to growing alongside other believers. It involves a life already in formation so that when the attacks come, we can help each other stand firm.
TODAY: Reflect on this question: Who is shielding me, and who am I shielding? In this season at Ada Bible Church, a great way to step toward community and get in formation is to serve. Check out existing serving opportunities HERE.
