Useful Bible Studies > Ephesians Commentary > chapter 6
Paul has finished his description of the soldier, but he has not changed his subject. In fact, in the original (Greek) language, his sentence that began at verse 14 will continue to the end of verse 20. So, Paul has described those things that a Christian needs in order to stand for God, against the devil’s attacks. They are truth, righteousness (goodness), the gospel (God’s message about Christ), faith (trust in God), salvation (a right relationship with God) and the Bible.
Now, Paul explains how Christians use these things to oppose the devil. It is by prayer - not just with prayers from their own mind, but also in the power of God’s Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 14:14-15). Christians should ask God to guide them by the Holy Spirit as they pray. Then the Holy Spirit will guide them to pray for those things that God desires (Matthew 6:10; 1 John 5:14-15).
Paul urges Christians to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In other words, they should pray at every opportunity. Whenever something else does not need their attention, they can pray, perhaps very briefly, to God. In that way, prayer becomes an immediate reaction in every situation and to every problem. For example, in Nehemiah 2:4, it seems that Nehemiah was able to pray briefly for help during his conversation with the king.
It is so easy for Christians to be lazy when they should pray (Mark 14:32-41). Christ taught Christians to pray always and not to give up (Luke 18:1). The prayers of God’s people are powerful and achieve real results (James 5:16-18).
Next part: Paul's own request for prayer (Ephesians 6:19)
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© 2019, Keith Simons.