Introduction to Ephesians 6:1-20

Be Prepared for 2017:Ephesians 6:1-20

For the next few days, we are going to look at the 6th chapter of Ephesians. Why this particular chapter? Because when it comes to being prepared for the challenges of the new year, I like the imagery of a soldier putting on his duds in order to be ready to stand his ground and to fight. But before we get to the soldier, the chapter addresses some specific attitudes that we need to spend some time on.

And hopefully when we are finished, we will be more prepared to face whatever comes our way.

We’ll start with verse one tomorrow. Maybe today you can look up Ephesians 6:1-20 and start thinking about the whole passage. But for today’s blog, I want to talk about a verse from Joshua.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

God gave this directive to Joshua after the death of Moses. It was time for him to assume leadership of the Israelites – a rather daunting task. Yet God did not want Joshua to be overwhelmed. He wanted him to stand firm. He wanted him to speak the truth to the people. All with His help.

The same is true for us in 2017. God does not want us to be timid or shy about stepping out and doing the right thing for Him. Not only does He tell us to “stand firm,” He tells us HOW. He lists several scenarios and what our position should be in them. And He tells us how to be ready to fight when the need arises.

God is like that. He gives us all the information we need. He doesn’t leave anything to chance.

So get ready for a good little study.

Lord, we look forward with anticipation to the next few days. What would you show us in this Ephesians passage? Help us to remember that you desire for us to be strong and courageous no matter what we have to face. Help us to remember that our strength and courage comes from You and from no other.