Reading Plan:

Ephesians 6:10-20 

Just Ask

Author: Amy Fontenot  

Anyone who has ever been around a toddler has probably witnessed a streak of independence. Putting on clothes, fixing a snack, eating messy food - things they haven’t quite mastered but want to do on their own. I CAN DO IT! Teenagers have been known for the same independent streak - learning to drive, making plans, and receiving advice. I KNOW! Even as adults, many of us feel pressured to show our independence. We don’t ask for help, we don’t accept help, and we burn ourselves out trying to prove that we can do all things in our power. I’M OKAY! So often, I try to do things in my strength, do things myself, and I resist asking for help. I have to resist the thought, "People will think I’m weak or too much trouble if I ask for help."

In Ephesians 6:10, we read that the Lord will give us strength; He will strengthen us. We don’t have to battle in our power. Verse 13 tells us to take up the armor God is offering us. He is giving it freely, but we have to accept it, take it, stand firm, and use what He’s given us. The Lord wants us to ask for His help, His strength. He never intended for us to fight the enemy or any battles on our own.

But one part of the armor of God that is often overlooked is prayer. It doesn’t have an illustration like the rest of the armor of God, so sometimes we forget about it when we talk about this passage.

Ephesians 6:18-20, “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. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

These verses tell us the importance of praying in every circumstance, for every need, not only for ourselves but for fellow believers. Paul instructs us to stay alert – look for opportunities to pray for others especially when things seem impossible! We can personally ask for help for ourselves, and it is freely given. We can ask for help for others and it is freely given to them. The Lord is ready to give us what we need- He simply wants us to ask. How much more do we appreciate good gifts when we know that they come from our Good Father. We see this promise in Matthew 7:7, John 15:7, and Ephesians 3:20 as well. 

Paul instructs the church to pray for each other but also asks them to especially pray for him as he strives to boldly share the gospel. Paul wasn’t too proud to admit he needed his faith community to support him through prayer. He didn’t have all the answers, and he didn’t have the strength to do it himself. Paul is setting an example here for believers; he is demonstrating that it is good to humbly ask for prayer from others because of our dependence on God for boldness, wisdom, and strength to share truth with others. When we feel weak, overwhelmed, or defeated, just remember Paul - you don’t have to do it alone. Pray and ask others to pray. The Lord will do the rest. 

Reflection: 

• Take a moment and pray for whatever you are currently struggling with. Give it to God and ask Him to give you everything you need. Then reach out to a friend and ask them to pray for you as well.
• Spend time asking God to reveal the ways you can pray and support your faith community. 
• House Church starts back on August 10th. If you don't belong to a House Church, you can visit our House Church webpage to get connected. 

Family Application: The Armor of God 

Author: Nichole McCardle 

• Have you watched a baseball game lately? Maybe you noticed the player who was positioned right behind the batter. That player is the catcher, and their job is to catch any of the balls that are not hit by the batter. The catcher comes into contact with lots of high-speed balls, and they need special equipment to keep them safe. Without their equipment, they would likely get hurt while playing their position. The Bible teaches us that as Christians, we need special protection, just like a catcher requires special equipment to keep themselves safe. In Ephesians 6:10-17, we learn about the armor of God, which are gifts that God gives us to protect our minds and heart from the devil. But what does it look like to wear the armor of God, and what does it all mean? Ephesians 6 gives us a clear picture of what it looks like to wear the full armor of God. 
• The belt of truth: Our truths come from God and His word.
• The breastplate of righteousness: Choose to do what God says is right.
• The gospel shoes of peace: Our peace comes from knowing Jesus, and we should be ready to share that with everyone.
• The shield of faith: Our faith in Jesus will shield us from anything that comes our way.
• The helmet of salvation: When we accept Jesus, He saves us from our sin and the sins around us.
• The sword of the spirit: God’s Holy Word, the Bible, protects us and points us in the right direction.
• A catcher needs a mask, a catcher’s glove, a chest protector, and shin guards to protect themselves during the baseball game. A Christian needs truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Bible to protect our minds and hearts every day.  
• A great way to remember to wear the entire armor of God every day is to put it on right after you put on your real clothes. Each day this week, as you get dressed in your clothes for the day, put on God’s armor and thank Him for His protection. 
• Prayer: God, You are my protector! Thank You for loving me and giving me protection! Help me to remember to put on every piece of Your armor every day. Amen.