“Finally”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Friday, January 5, 2024

Ephesians 6:10-20 (Forward, p. 68) CEV p. 1226

It might well be said, at least by some ‘observers’, that the words ‘finally’ and ‘in conclusion’ are the most misused words in the English language—at least, that is, when it comes to preachers and other public speakers. What I mean by this is that when it comes to a spoken message, the hearer can be duped by these words into thinking that the speaker is about to bring the message to a conclusion. But, alas, that is not always the case. Sometimes the speaker simply pauses for a moment and then drones on.

However, when it comes to the letters of the apostle Paul, his ‘finally’ takes on a different complexion. He wants to leave them with a final message, one that is of ultimate importance to them and their spiritual lives. In his second letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3), his ‘finally’ takes the form of a prayer request—for himself—and a warning about those who would deviate from the faith. And in here in Ephesians, it has to do with the ‘bigger picture’, one that should frame and give perspective to everything else that he has said. In this letter he has talked a great deal about relationships, both within the church as a whole and within one’s own domestic situation.

In both, it would be quite natural, and quite easy, to get ‘hung up’ on people, or at very least, on those particular individuals that we have issues with—that is, to see them as the problem. Paul says that doing so would be a big mistake, for these ‘flesh and blood’ people are only the ‘tools’, the outward manifestations, of something bigger and more sinister, namely heavenly, demonic powers. That is who we really at war with.

And so, recognizing where the problem really lies, and who it is, Paul goes on to suggest just what should be the nature of our defence, the nature of the weapons we bring to bear in this fight. And here, something that Paul says elsewhere is of singular importance. In 2 Corinthians 10:4, he says that the weapons of our warfare—our spiritual warfare—are not carnal or worldly but mighty in God. This is something that I have learned rather painfully, namely that often the ‘weapons’ or strategies used generally in society to effect change are simply out marshalled, out maneuvered, by a much more savvy and informed opposition.

So, just what are these ‘weapons of our warfare’, as outlined here in this passage?

-truth should be like a belt, to prevent us from being tripped up

and to enable us to be prepared for action.

-righteousness, a right standing with God and others, which will act

like a breastplate, like body armour, to protect our vital organs.

-a readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace, which, like shoes, will

give us a solid footing.

-a living, lively, informed faith and trust in God, which like a shield can

ward off the attacks of the evil one, all those doubts and fears

which can so easily assail us.

-the salvation which comes from God—our knowing that we belong to

God and are safe in His love and care, which like a helmet,

protects our minds and decision-making.

-the word of God, the one offensive weapon lists here, which like a

sword, cuts through ‘all the crap’ of Satan’s attacks and

temptations. (This is the one weapon that Jesus used against

Satan in the wilderness!)

-and, to top it all off: prayer, constant prayer, for each other and for

himself.

Now, in some senses, this ‘finally’ section should not be the last thing we think of, or come at the end of everything, but, rather, it should permeate and instruct everything that we are and do. This realization that we are up against something much bigger and more powerful than ourselves, and that God knows this and has empowered us, equipped us, to deal with it should be a fundamental part of our thinking. And to know that in Him we can be victors and overcomers—if only we will fully put on this armour and trust in Him to help us and use us. Amen.

Forward notes: “Therefor take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (verse 13).

“Everything tells a story. The way we eat and worship, the way we move, and even the clothes we wear tell stories about who we are. The fashion statement described in this Scripture boasts a powerful story. Each

accessory we don has a message of fortitude, courage, confidence, hope, and peace.

“Fashion psychology suggests that the clothes we wear can affect our behaviour and allow us to take on challenges in our work and our personal lives. You know the difference it makes to wear clothes you live! Imagine what challenges we could conquer if we dressed like this, in the whole armour of God.”

Moving Forward: “What pieces of God’s armour do you need to put on today?