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OCTOBER 6
the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the saints— and for me, that utterance may be
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spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly
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places. Therefore take up the whole armor of to make known the mystery of the gospel, for
God, that you may be able to withstand in the which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I
evil day, and having done all, to stand. may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist 21 But that you also may know my affairs and
with truth, having put on the breastplate of how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother
righteousness, and having shod your feet with and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all
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the preparation of the gospel of peace; above things known to you; whom I have sent to
all, taking the shield of faith with which you will you for this very purpose, that you may know
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the our affairs, and that he may comfort your
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wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, hearts.
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word 23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith,
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of God; praying always with all prayer and sup- from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
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plication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end Christ. Grace be with all those who love our
with all perseverance and supplication for all Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
DAY 5:Why does Paul insist in Ephesians 6:10–17 that Christians must be prepared
for spiritual battle?
The true believer described in chapters 1–3, who lives the Spirit-controlled life described in
4:1–6:9, can be sure to encounter spiritual warfare. So Paul closed his letter with warnings about
upcoming battles and instructions about victorious living. The Lord provides His saints with suffi-
cient armor to combat and defeat the adversary. Ephesians 6:10–13 briefly sets forth the basic
truths regarding the believer’s necessary spiritual preparation as well as truths about the enemy,
the battle,and the victory.Verses 14–17 specify the six most necessary pieces of spiritual armor with
which God equips His children to resist and overcome Satan’s assaults.The spiritual equipment par-
allels the standard military equipment worn by soldiers in Paul’s day:

1. Belt of truth—The soldier wore a tunic of loose-fitting clothing. Since ancient combat was
largely hand-to-hand,the tunic was a potential hindrance and danger.The belt cinched up the loose
material.The belt that pulls together all the spiritual loose ends is “truth”or, better,“truthfulness.”
2. Breastplate of righteousness—A tough, sleeveless piece of leather or heavy material cov-
ered the soldier’s full torso, protecting his heart and other vital organs. Because righteousness, or
holiness, is such a distinctive characteristic of God Himself, it is easy to understand why it is the
Christian’s chief protection against Satan and his schemes.
3. Boots of the gospel—Roman soldiers wore boots with nails in them to grip the ground in
combat.The gospel of peace pertains to the good news that through Christ believers are at peace
with God, and He is on their side (Rom. 5:6–10).
4.Shield of faith—This Greek word usually refers to the large shield that protected the soldier’s
entire body.The believer’s continual trust in God’s Word and promise is “above all” absolutely nec-
essary to protect him or her from temptations to every sort of sin.
5. Helmet of salvation—The helmet protected the head, always a major target in battle. This
passage is speaking to those who are already saved; therefore, it does not refer to attaining salva-
tion. Rather, since Satan seeks to destroy a believer’s assurance of salvation with his weapons of
doubt and discouragement, the believer must be as conscious of his or her confident status in
Christ as he or she would be aware of a helmet on the head.
6.Sword of the Spirit—A sword was the soldier’s only weapon.In the same way, God’s Word is
the only weapon that a believer needs, infinitely more powerful than any of Satan’s devices.

This One who is glorious in His
OCTOBER 6 apparel,
Traveling in the greatness of His
strength?—
Isaiah 63:1–64:12 “I who speak in righteousness, mighty
to save.”
Who is this who comes from Edom,
63With dyed garments from Bozrah, 2 Why is Your apparel red,

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