The Vine and the Branches: Staying Connected to Jesus

SUNDAY, 15 JUNE 2025

TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:10-20

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.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: PREPARATION FOR WAR!

Paul explained the duties and responsibilities of different people in

the society or family, saying that each of them is expected to carry

them out as unto God (Ephesians 6:6-8) for He will reward each one according to their work.

However, unseen forces often make it difficult for people to serve God. Because spiritual forces control the physical world, Paul advises believers to prepare for life's battles.

War is better fought when one is aware and prepared for it than when it comes suddenly.

Let's read Ephesians 6:12-18 and note the seven spiritual weapons Paul said believers are contending with.

These are not 'flesh and blood' battles but spiritual wars, requiring spiritual weapons.

QUESTION: How alert and prepared are you for the battle that may come suddenly?

PRAYER: Grant me, O Lord, the understanding to know that the battle before me is not physical so that I will always be prepared spiritually, in Jesus' name. Amen.