A Fight to the Finish

10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

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11 Put on the full armor of God,(A) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,(B) but against the rulers, against the authorities,(C) against the powers(D) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(E) 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God,(F) 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,(G) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,(H) 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.(I) 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,(J) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(K) 17 Take the helmet of salvation(L) and the sword of the Spirit,(M) which is the word of God.(N)

18 And pray in the Spirit(O) on all occasions(P) with all kinds of prayers and requests.(Q) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying(R) for all the Lord’s people.

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