Review:
Ephesians 6:13-17a
Therefore, take up the whole armor of _____, that you may be able to withstand in the _____ day, and having done _____, to stand. 14 _________ therefore, having girded your waist with _______, having put on the breastplate of _________, 15 and having shod your feet with the ___________ of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of ________ with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the _______ one. And take the helmet of ________, . . .
Ephesians 6:17b
. . . and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
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Yes, the Bible is a comfort, and there is no doubt that after reading the Bible you will feel better. But the Bible is the truth. We can't just soak in the words we want to, the words that are most convenient for us to hear. God has no intentions of wasting time with His Scripture. You are supposed to exalt Him when you feel miserable and treated unfairly (James 5:13) or when you're in despair (James 1:2-4). You are supposed to give to others when you still feel like you're the one in need (2 Corinthians 9:7). You're supposed to place the needs of others before your own (Philippians 2:3,4). When you get smacked hard with life, you are supposed to get back up and keep going (Galatians 6:9). You are supposed to respect your teachers and all authority figures whether you like them or not (Romans 13:1).
Jesus says if your eye causes you to sin, you should pluck it out (Matthew 18:9). Of course, we're not plucking out our eyes, but Jesus is serious about sin. You must be serious about sin as well. Lies, stealing, cheating, laziness, sexual sin, hate, gossip, and greed keep you from having a close relationship with Jesus. He'd rather you be one body part less and walk with him than to drag your sin along.
Yes, you are older and learning a whole lot more, but according to the Bible, we are all supposed to obey our parents and honor them (Colossians 3:20). There's still a whole lot in life that you don't know, and you look like a fool when you dismiss your parents' guidance and instruction.
As a believer, you are supposed to be sharing the love of God with others. You know this, but if it hasn't taken a good slice out of your righteous agenda yet, go find those words again. Here's some help:
- Mark 16:15 "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations."
- Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
- Luke 10:2 The He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
- 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
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Scripture is a double edge-sword, and at your age, you need to take in the whole truth.
You're too old for the playground. You're older and you must act your age. Considering God is giving us a full armor to wear, we are going to have some tough times.
As a 51-year-old, I know that each day of my life gets better and better; even today's tough day is better than a good day 10 years ago. But the only way this happens is by walking in the Truth -- the entire Truth. The goodness and blessings of God (His grace) is continuous and overwhelms me.
There's another edge to that sword to use against the enemy -- victory in Jesus. Jesus came to free us and heal our broken hearts (Isaiah 61:1-4). He is coming back, and we will live in eternity with Him and with all other believers (Revelation 22:12). He blesses us with gifts along the way, and He hears our prayers (1 John 5:14). He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide and help us (Acts 1:8). God never leaves us desolate (Matthew 28:20). God always provides (Philippians 4:19). He gives us life and hope (Romans 15:13).
With the sword, battle away lies and blindness to the truth. Allow the entire truth to be alive within you.
The sword will also be effective against lies of the world and of the enemy, and this is what most Bible commentaries focus on. But if you are not living out the entire truth of God's holy word, you've dulled your sword.
Dear Heavenly Father, reveal to us Your truth.
Where are we turning a blind eye?
Please show us, Lord.
Thank You for Your promises. Thank You for Your armor.
In Jesus' name, Amen.