Wednesday 27 October 2010

Background

The theme this week is "The Life of Grace". We are being givenhelp and guidance to help us live our lives as children of God.Paul knew that as Christians we would face difficult times and thatsometimes we would find it hard to continue to fight for what isright. He is writing to the people of Ephesus from prison, so knowsexactly how difficult the Christian life can be.

This passage is a collection of ways by which to defend ourselvesagainst attack. Yet we are only given one weapon with which tofight back - the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God(verse 17). In this, we are still being submissive, still allowingothers authority, but we are also not compromising our faith. Weare expected to show our relationship with God in our lives througha commitment to truth, faith, and speaking up for God's way. Thisis not easy when we live in a world where religion is oftenridiculed or reviled.

However, we are also given righteousness (verse 14) and salvation(verse 17). God wants us to believe in ourselves, to know we areworthy of love and to know that we are God's children. Living alife of grace comes from living in relationship with God. Thisrelationship cannot be taken away. God is our heavenly parent whoreaches out to hold our hands when our Christian journey getshard.

To Ponder

Paul is imprisoned for his faith. How willing areyou to give up your personal freedom for God?

God is always there with a guiding hand for us tohold. Do you sometimes find it difficult to trust God enough toallow yourself to be led? Why?

The armour of God is there to protect us, not asa weapon with which to fight. How can we be "fight the good fight"if we are unarmed?