Reading: Ephesians 2:1-3

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

Footnotes

1. Ephesians 2:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.

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Devotional: 
It is easy, once we have walked with Jesus for a while, to forget what life looked like before him. Paul did not let the Ephesians forget. He opened with a sobering reminder: they were once dead in their disobedience, following the pull of a sinful nature they could not escape on their own. This was not meant to shame them. It was meant to keep them tethered to compassion. When we remember the darkness we were rescued from, we stop drawing lines between ourselves and those still in it. Humility before God begins with an honest memory.

What parts of your life before Christ do you tend to minimize or forget? How might remembering them more honestly change the way you see people who do not yet know Jesus?

Think of one person in your life who does not know Jesus. Spend time today praying for them with the specific awareness that you were once in the same position they are in now.

"His Grace"

This Sunday, we’ll continue our series on "Life Mission" by stepping into **Ephesians 2:1–10**. After Paul prays for the church in Ephesus, he reminds them of something important: who they were before Jesus, what God did by grace, and what they were created for now.

We’ll talk about the danger of the church becoming a “holy huddle”—a safe, inward-focused group that forgets the mission of Jesus. Paul reminds believers that there is no room for pride or “us vs. them” thinking, because apart from Jesus, we were all dead in sin and in need of grace.

But the good news is powerful:  
**“God saved you by his grace when you believed… it is a gift from God.”**  
And that grace does not leave us unchanged. God makes us new in Christ, calling us His masterpiece, created to do the good works He planned for us long ago.

**Main Scripture:** Ephesians 2:1–10  
**Key Theme:** We are saved by grace, made new in Christ, and sent to live on mission with Jesus.

**You can prepare by reading:**  
- Ephesians 2:1–10  
- Romans 6:1–4

**Questions to discuss before Sunday:**  
1. Why is it important to remember what Jesus saved us from?  
2. What is the difference between being saved by good works and being saved for good works?  
3. How can the church avoid becoming inward-focused and stay on mission with Jesus?  
4. What does it mean that we are God’s masterpiece?

This week’s message will challenge us to remember that the only difference between us and the world is Jesus—and that same Jesus sends us back into the world with His grace, His love, and His mission.

Reading: Luke 9:23

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19

A Prayer for the Ephesians

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Footnotes

[a] Ephesians 3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).

Reading: John 15:4-5

 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

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Devotional: 
A church filled with people but not filled with Christ is not truly a church at all. It is simply a gathering. The same is true of an individual life. You can be surrounded by religious activity, attend every service, sing every song, and still be full of yourself with no room for Christ. Jesus was direct: following him requires giving up your own way. Emptying yourself is not a one-time event. It is a daily surrender, a continual releasing of your agenda, your preferences, and your pride so that he can fill you completely. A life emptied of self and filled with Christ is the life you were created to live.

What are you holding onto that is taking up space that belongs to Christ?

Begin each morning this week by consciously surrendering your plans for the day to God before you make any decisions. Ask him to lead and fill you before you step into your responsibilities.

Reading: Ephesians 1:19-23

9 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Reading: Colossians 1:15-18

The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

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Devotional:
The church can appear small, weak, and without significant influence in the world. Resources feel limited. Culture often dismisses or silences the voice of God's people. But Paul wanted the Ephesian church, and he wants you, to see a different reality. The one who holds all authority in heaven and on earth has placed himself as head over everything for the benefit of the church. That means the church is not operating without backing. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in and through his people. You are not helpless. You are not abandoned. The one in charge is on your side.

In what ways have you been thinking of the church, or of yourself as a member of it, as weak or without resource?

Pray specifically for your local church today. Ask God to make his power evident in and through the body of believers you are part of.

Reading: 2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Reading: Matthew 28:18

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Reading: Romans 8:18-25

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
 
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Footnotes

[a] Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For

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Devotional: 
One of the most honest tensions in the Christian life is living between what God has already accomplished and what he has not yet brought to completion. You are already declared holy, yet you still wrestle with sin. Jesus already holds all authority, yet the world does not yet reflect that authority fully. This tension is not a sign that God has failed. It is a sign that he is patient, not wanting anyone to be lost. You are called to live faithfully in the space between the already and the not yet, trusting that God's promises are certain even when they are not yet visible.

Where in your life are you struggling to trust God in the space between his promises and their fulfillment?

Identify one area where you are tempted to lose hope. Bring it before God in prayer and ask him to strengthen your confidence in his faithfulness.

Reading: Ephesians 1:17

 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

 Footnotes

[a] Ephesians 1:17 Or a spirit

Reading: Psalm 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

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Devotional:
 Paul did not pray that the Ephesian church would simply know more facts about God. He prayed they would grow in the knowledge of God himself, a personal, living, relational knowledge. If you do not know who God is, you will go through life not fully knowing who you are, because you are made in his image. Growing in that knowledge requires intentionality. It requires paying attention. God is not hiding from you. He is revealing himself through his Word, through prayer, through community, and through the circumstances of your daily life. Are you looking? Are you listening?

In what areas of your life have you been too distracted to notice what God is revealing about himself?

Set aside fifteen minutes today in silence before God. No agenda. Simply ask him to reveal himself to you and remain attentive.

Reading: Ephesians 1:15-18

Thanksgiving and Prayer

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

 Footnotes

[a] Ephesians 1:17 Or a spirit
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Devotional:
Paul prayed that believers would be flooded with light so they could understand their true identity. It is easy to move through life constructing an image of yourself built on accomplishments, failures, or the opinions of others. But God, the creator of the universe, has already spoken over you. You are his holy people, set apart for his plan and his purpose. This identity is not earned. It is declared.

Ask God today to flood your heart with light so that you can see yourself the way he sees you, clearly and without distortion.

What false images of yourself have you constructed that need to be surrendered to God's truth?

Write down one identity statement God speaks over you in Scripture and return to it every time a competing voice tries to define you differently.

Reading: Ephesians 1:13-14 

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Reading: Acts 19:1-20

Paul in Ephesus

19 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues[b] and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
 
8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
 
11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
 
13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.[c] 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
 
Footnotes

[a] Acts 19:2 Or after
[b] Acts 19:6 Or other languages
[c] Acts 19:19 A drachma was a silver coin worth about a day’s wages.

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Devotional: 
Ephesus was not a holy city. It was home to one of the ancient world's most celebrated centers of idol worship. Three hundred thousand people lived in the shadow of a temple dedicated to a false god. And yet God chose that city, those people, that darkness, as the place where his church would take root and grow. He has not changed his strategy. He still plants his people in hard places and calls them holy not despite their surroundings but within them. You are not in the wrong place. You may be exactly where God intends for his light to shine through you. Ask the Holy Spirit today to make you aware of your mission right where you are.

Reading: Ephesians 1:7-14

 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[a] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

 11 In him we were also chosen,[b] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Footnotes

[a] Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he
[b] Ephesians 1:11 Or were made heirs

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Devotional: 
The word guarantee carries weight in a world full of broken promises. Paul uses it deliberately. The Holy Spirit living inside every believer is God's own guarantee that the inheritance he promised will be fully delivered. This is not wishful thinking. It is the living God taking up residence in you as a seal of his commitment. You may carry doubts. You may wrestle with skepticism about whether any of this is truly real. That struggle is honest and God is not afraid of it. But at some point, faith must choose to act. The Spirit in you is the evidence that God has already acted first. Trust the guarantee.

Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[a] predestined us for adoption to sonship[b] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Footnotes

1. Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love. 5 He
2. Ephesians 1:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.

Devotional: 
Paul does not say God has given his people some blessings or even many blessings. He says every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms belongs to those who are in Christ. This is not a promise reserved for a spiritual elite. It is the inheritance of every person who has placed their faith in Jesus. The question is not whether the blessing exists. The question is whether you are walking closely enough with him to recognize it. A child who wanders far from home may forget what provision feels like. Draw near to God today. The blessings have not moved. He has not changed his mind about you.

Reading: Ephesians 1:2

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reading: John 16:33

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Devotional: 
Paul's greeting of grace and peace was not a casual formality. He was writing to people living in a city saturated with idol worship, moral corruption, and spiritual opposition. Being set apart for God does not insulate you from hardship. If anything, it places you directly in the path of resistance. In John 16:33, Jesus acknowledged plainly that trouble is part of life in this world. But he followed that acknowledgment with a declaration of his own victory. Grace is God's unearned favor meeting you in the middle of your struggle. Peace is his settled presence anchoring you there. You need both, and he offers both freely.

Reading: Ephesians 1:1-4

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To God’s holy people in Ephesus,[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:
 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

Footnotes

1. Ephesians 1:1 Some early manuscripts do not have in Ephesus.

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Devotional: 
Before the world was formed, God already knew your name. Paul's opening words to the Ephesians were not written to perfect people in a comfortable place. They were written to ordinary people surrounded by darkness, people God had chosen and set apart for himself. Your identity does not begin with your failures, your past, or what others have said about you. It begins with what God decided before time itself. He chose you. He called you holy not because you have earned it, but because he has declared it. Rest today in the truth that you were wanted before you were born.

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Next Sunday, we are jumping into the book of Ephesians before completing the book of Acts. Comment what sticks out to you from the chapter(s) each day this week!
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Reading: Ephesians 6:1-24

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a]
 
4 Fathers,[b] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
 
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
 
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
 
The Armor of God

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.
 
Final Greetings

21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

 23 Peace to the brothers and sisters,[c] and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.[d]
 
Footnotes

1. Ephesians 6:3 Deut. 5:16
2. Ephesians 6:4 Or Parents
3. Ephesians 6:23 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
4. Ephesians 6:24 Or Grace and immortality to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Next Sunday, we are jumping into the book of Ephesians before completing the book of Acts. Comment what sticks out to you from the chapter(s) each day this week!
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Reading: Ephesians 4:1-5:33

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
 
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives
    and gave gifts to his people.”[b]

 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
 
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

 Instructions for Christian Living

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
 
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
 
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
 
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
 
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[e] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Instructions for Christian Households

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[f] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[g] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
 
Footnotes

1. Ephesians 4:8 Or God
2. Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18
3. Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
4. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
5. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God
6. Ephesians 5:26 Or having cleansed
7. Ephesians 5:31 Gen. 2:24

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Next Sunday, we are jumping into the book of Ephesians before completing the book of Acts. Comment what sticks out to you from the chapter(s) each day this week!
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Reading: Ephesians 3:1-21


God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
 
A Prayer for the Ephesians

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
 
Footnotes

1. Ephesians 3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).

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Next Sunday, we are jumping into the book of Ephesians before completing the book of Acts. Comment what sticks out to you from the chapter(s) each day this week!
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Reading: Ephesians 2:1-22

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
 
Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
 
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
 
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

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Next Sunday, we are jumping into the book of Ephesians before completing the book of Acts. Comment what sticks out to you from the chapter(s) each day this week!
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Reading: Ephesians 1:1-23

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To God’s holy people in Ephesus,[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:
 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
 
11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

 Thanksgiving and Prayer

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

  Footnotes

[a] Ephesians 1:1 Some early manuscripts do not have in Ephesus.
[b] Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love. 5 He
[c] Ephesians 1:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
[d] Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he
[e]Ephesians 1:11 Or were made heirs
[f]Ephesians 1:17 Or a spirit

Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 Footnotes

1. Ephesians 2:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.

Devotional: 
You are a new creation—not improved, not renovated, but entirely new. You are no longer of this world; you're a citizen of heaven, a child of God. This identity isn't based on your performance, background, or past. It's based solely on being "in Christ." The world around you hasn't changed, but you have. Your mission, perspective, and very essence are different. You were once dead in sin; now you're alive in Christ. You were once following the ways of the world; now you follow Jesus. Today, declare over yourself: "I am a new creation. I belong to Jesus." Let this truth shape how you see yourself, how you make decisions, and how you walk through this day. You are His, completely and forever. (AMEN!)

Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols

8 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.[a]
 
4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
 
7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

Footnotes
[a] 1 Corinthians 8:3 An early manuscript and another ancient witness think they have knowledge do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves truly knows.

Devotional:
 Freedom in Christ is beautiful, but it comes with responsibility. The Jerusalem Council didn't burden new believers with endless rules, but they did call them to live respectfully and considerately. Your freedom shouldn't become a stumbling block for others. This isn't about legalism—it's about love. You may have freedom to do certain things, but love asks, "Will this help or hurt my brother or sister in Christ?" True maturity isn't found in maximizing personal freedom, but in willingly limiting it for the sake of others. Today, consider: Are there areas where my freedom might cause someone else to stumble? How can I use my freedom to build up rather than tear down?

Reading: Romans 8:1-17 

Life Through the Spirit

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
 
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
 
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[d] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[e] his Spirit who lives in you.
 
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
 
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
 
 Footnotes

[a] Romans 8:2 The Greek is singular; some manuscripts me
[b] Romans 8:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 4-13.
[3] Romans 8:3 Or flesh, for sin
[4] Romans 8:10 Or you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is aliv
[5] Romans 8:11 Some manuscripts bodies through
[6] Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.
[7] Romans 8:15 Aramaic for father

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Devotional: 
What truly changes when we meet Jesus? The Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. This isn't a minor upgrade—it's a complete transformation of power source. Before Christ, we were driven by flesh, desires, and self-directed ambitions, hopelessly enslaved to sin. In Christ, we're filled with God's Spirit, given new desires, and set free to walk in obedience. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you. Temptations still come, but your motivations have fundamentally changed. You're no longer fighting sin in your own strength; you're walking in step with the Spirit who empowers holy living. Today, invite the Holy Spirit to lead every decision, conversation, and thought. 

Reading: Galatians 3:1-14 

Faith or Works of the Law

3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[a] 4 Have you experienced[b] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[c]
 
7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[d] 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
 
10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[e] 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”[f] 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[g] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[h] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Footnotes

[a] Galatians 3:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
[2] Galatians 3:4 Or suffered
[3] Galatians 3:6 Gen. 15:6
[4] Galatians 3:8 Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18
[5] Galatians 3:10 Deut. 27:26
[6] Galatians 3:11 Hab. 2:4
[7] Galatians 3:12 Lev. 18:5
[8] Galatians 3:13 Deut. 21:23

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Devotional: 
The early church struggled with a question we still face: "Is Jesus enough?" Some insisted that faith needed additions—rituals, rules, cultural conformity. But Peter's declaration remains true: "We are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus." Salvation isn't a reward for good behavior; it's a gift for believing hearts. You didn't receive the Holy Spirit by following rules perfectly—you received Him by believing the message about Christ. Today, ask yourself: Am I trying to earn what's already been freely given? Rest in this truth: God's acceptance of you is complete, unconditional, and based entirely on Jesus' finished work, not your ongoing performance.

Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 

 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
 
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Footnotes

[a] 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation.
[2] 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or be a sin offering

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Devotional: 
"The old life is gone. A new life has begun." These aren't just beautiful words—they're a divine declaration over your life. When you belong to Christ, transformation isn't about trying harder or doing more; it's about receiving what Jesus has already accomplished. God doesn't ask you to clean yourself up before coming to Him. He invites you to come as you are, and He does the transforming work. Today, reflect on what "old things" you're still carrying that God has already declared gone. Your past failures, shame, and sin have no claim on your new identity. You are not who you were. In Christ, you are completely, radically, wonderfully new.

Reading: Acts 14:21-28

The Return to Antioch in Syria

21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
 
26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-12

A Final Charge to Timothy

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

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Devotional: 
After facing persecution, Paul and Barnabas returned to the very towns where they'd been threatened, "strengthening the believers" and teaching them "we must suffer many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." This isn't popular preaching, but it's biblical truth. Following Jesus means turning from the world's values and facing its opposition. Yet Paul didn't present suffering as defeat—it's the pathway into God's kingdom. He established churches, appointed leaders, and returned to Antioch having completed what God called them to do. God's mission succeeded despite—and sometimes through—the suffering. Your commitment to Christ may cost you comfort, reputation, or relationships. But you're participating in God's unstoppable rescue plan, and nothing compares to that privilege.

What is God asking you to risk for His mission? How does knowing His mission will ultimately succeed give you courage today?

Reading: Acts 14:8-20 

In Lystra and Derbe

8 In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10 and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
 
11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
 
14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” 18 Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
 
19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

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Devotional:
One day the crowds wanted to worship Paul as a god; the next day they stoned him and left him for dead. This whiplash of human opinion didn't deter Paul. The next day, he got up and continued preaching. What drove such persistence? Paul had experienced God's grace when he was the enemy, persecuting believers. He understood that people who need salvation most often reject it violently. Like Jesus who prayed, "Father, forgive them," Paul was compelled by love to risk everything for those who didn't yet know they needed rescue. This is mission risk—offering people what they desperately need but may violently reject. It's choosing to love sacrificially, knowing rejection is possible but salvation is worth it.

Who in your life needs Jesus but resists Him? How is God calling you to love them persistently despite rejection?

Reading: Acts 13:6-12 

6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.”
Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18 

The Armor of God
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.

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Devotional:
When Paul encountered the sorcerer Bar-Jesus, he wasn't just confronting a man—he was confronting spiritual forces perverting God's truth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul spoke with divine authority, and the governor witnessed God's power and believed. We often forget that our struggles aren't merely against human opposition but against spiritual forces of darkness. This doesn't mean we see demons everywhere, but it does mean we recognize that behind resistance to the gospel lies an enemy who wants to keep people from salvation. Like Paul, we need the Holy Spirit's filling to discern spiritual battles and respond with truth, prayer, and bold faith rather than human wisdom alone.

Where do you see spiritual opposition to God's work around you? How can you put on God's armor today?