Be strong in the Lord
February 1st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
This is a working translation of Ephesians 6.10-20 which I have been working on this morning. I have formatted it a little more poetically, as opposed to the prose format of most translations. I am a visual learner, I hope that this might be a blessing to any readers of this blog…
“Finally, be strong in the Lord – indeed, in the power of his strength. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, for our struggle is not against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual wickedness in the heavenly realms. On account of this struggle, take the full armor of God, in order that you all may be able to resist in the evil day, indeed, having achieved all – to stand.
Therefore stand!
Having girded your loins in truth and
Having put on the breastplate of righteousness and
Having laced up your feet in the readiness of the gospel of peace.
In all things, having taken the shield of faith
With which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
And receive the helmet of salvation
And receive the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.
During all prayer and entreaty, praying in the Spirit at all times. Indeed, keeping alert in the Spirit for all the saints, with all perseverance and entreaty. And on behalf of me, that words may be given when I open my mouth, to boldly make known the mystery of the good news, of which I am an ambassador in chains, in order that I may boldly speak the good news as it ought to be spoken by me.”
***
Lord, help me stand firm. Help me clothe myself in the power of your strength. I need to resist the evil struggles. I need your Spirit to help me stand against the schemes of the devil. You became a man and relied upon the power of the Spirit to clothe you in the full armor of God, and you resisted temptation; you resisted to the point of shedding blood; you resisted to the point of death on the cross. Thank you for leading The Way.
