LIFT UP AND PUT ON

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST PLEASE FOLLOW US, SHARE WITH OTHERS AND PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND GIVE US A LIKE.

Translate this site into your preferred language, look for our Google translator in our home page: diningwithjesus.net

Traduce este sitio en tu idioma preferido, busca nuestro traductor de Google en nuestra página de inicio ve a: diningwithjesus.net

Called to Action

One of the most important elements of the teaching given by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul that is found in Ephesians 6:10-20 relates to the action that each believer in Christ is being called to take. 

Read the passage again and look for the actions that the believer are being asked to take as they seek to stand firm in the Lord’s power:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

(Ephesians 6:10-20 NIV11)

Verse 13

For me, the most important part of this passage is not the awesome description of the various elements of the armor of God nor is it the description of the spiritual battles that rage around and in us. 

For me, the most important part of this teaching is found in verse 13, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Put On

The action language used here is that of, “put on.” This idea comes from the Greek word, analambanō, which carries the idea of, “be lifted up.” The action being asked of the believer in Jesus Christ is that of repeated lifting up and putting on of the gifts and promises of the Lord. 

We need to daily remind ourselves of God’s gifts of love and protection. We need to repeatedly lift up the truth of God’s word. We need to fit ourselves with the realities of God’s spiritual and eternal power that cannot be fully understood as long as we are limited by this flesh and blood life. 

In the Good Times

Another truth related to this action of repeatedly lifting up and putting on the gifts of God’s strength and power can be seen in the occasion of this action. 

When should we be about this equipping work?

And the answer can be heard again in verse 13 as we read, “so that when the day of evil comes” we will be able to stand firm. We are called to lift up and put on the promises and truths of God’s Word and person in the good times. 

In times of peace and prosperity we need to be investing in our spiritual maturity and strength. We cannot wait until the day of evil to start being fitted with the armor of God. We need to be equipping ourselves daily now, not waiting.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, remind me of the truth that I am feeding myself as I read your scriptures. Bring to mind the message I have read today in the times when I need it most. I trust in you and desire to serve you in the good times and in the tough times. Thank you for equipping me and empowering me as I invest in your truth today.

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

Copyright © 2024 Ryan Laden – All Rights Reserved.