1Ephesians 6:10–20— A Christian puts on the whole armor of God to stand against evil powers.
According to tradition Paul wrote Ephesians while in prison. The presence of a Roman soldier gave him an analogy for this reading. He sees a Christian as a soldier properly equipped to do battle with the world. A Christian is in constant conflict with the world because it is evil. The enemy to be defeated is spiritual evil powers, darkness, wickedness. To conquer this kind of enemy, the Christian warrior needs, appropriate spiritual equipment which Paul describes in terms of a Roman soldier’s equipment. Since the Christian is now equipped for battle, he/she goes forth emboldened and empowered by prayer. 2
This last reading from St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians fit exceptionally well with Sunday’s other readings.
Moses had given his instruction to the Israelites because he knew how easy it is for people to fall away from God. In times of both adversity and prosperity, people may be tempted to forsake the Lord. Attacks will come, for the devil hates God and all whom He loves.
The Christian must gird himself for spiritual warfare with the weapons which God has provided: truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation—with these, we are equipped for the assaults of the Evil One.
Prayer for aid against temptation: O God, You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of the sinner. Graciously assist us by Your heavenly aid and evermore shield us with Your protection, that no temptation may separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 3
Sources:
1. Go into all the world, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
2. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
3. Collect for aid against temptation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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