I am convinced my sixth-grade teacher had achieved the rank of Chief of the Posture Police. In the classroom, it was “Don’t slouch. Sit up straight.” While waiting in line, it was “Pull your shoulders back. Stand up straight.” I am sure there was a reason behind Mr.Powell’s fixation on posture, but it escaped me then. I better understand it now.
The Apostle Paul shared a deep concern for the believer’s posture. He wanted us to know our position: “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 2:6). He wanted us to realize our vocation: to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling [we] have received” (Eph. 4:1). Paul was concerned with our profession, desiring us to “stand our ground, and after [we] have done everything, to stand” (Eph. 6:13).
Ephesians is one of Paul’s four prison letters, along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, written during his first Roman imprisonment. As a political prisoner of Rome, Paul would have been chained to two soldiers, with two more guarding the door. Day after day, week after week, month after month, Paul observed these guards. And he drew parallels from their armor to the armor of God (Eph. 6:14-18) that enables believers to stand their ground.
There was the belt on which would hang a short sword for close combat. For Paul, this paralleled God’s truth by which we can fend off the perpetual lies of the enemy. The breastplate, fitted individually for the soldier, would protect his heart and other vital organs. This equated to the righteousness of Christ, individually suited for the believer enabling us to guard our hearts. The soldiers' cobbled sandals afforded firm footing regardless of the terrain, reminding Paul of the need to be ready “in season and out of season” (II Tim. 4:2) to proclaim "the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15).
The shield worn on the arm allowed the soldier to deflect various blows as well as commonly used flaming arrows, reminding Paul of the faith required to fend off fiery darts of the wicked one. Topping it off was the Roman helmet, protecting the head of the soldier. Paul knew the mind would be a continual battle ground, and the knowledge of our salvation in Christ would empower us to take every thought captive, making it obedient to Christ (cf. II Cor. 10:5). Finally, there was the sword, a picture of the living and active word of God stored in the human soul.
John Stott writes, “It is our responsibility to take up each piece (of our armor), to put it on and to use it confidently against the powers of evil . . . Our enemies are on every side, and so must our armor be.” That leads to one final and vital posture. Paul wrote we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph. 6:18). Whatever your favorite prayer posture – sitting, standing, kneeling, walking – assume it often as it helps keep your armor on and effective!
You will never stand taller than when you rise up from your knees. It will help you “stand firm in the faith” (I Cor.16:13) and make Mr. Powell, and your heavenly Father, proud!
Blessings,
Pastor David
The Apostle Paul shared a deep concern for the believer’s posture. He wanted us to know our position: “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 2:6). He wanted us to realize our vocation: to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling [we] have received” (Eph. 4:1). Paul was concerned with our profession, desiring us to “stand our ground, and after [we] have done everything, to stand” (Eph. 6:13).
Ephesians is one of Paul’s four prison letters, along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, written during his first Roman imprisonment. As a political prisoner of Rome, Paul would have been chained to two soldiers, with two more guarding the door. Day after day, week after week, month after month, Paul observed these guards. And he drew parallels from their armor to the armor of God (Eph. 6:14-18) that enables believers to stand their ground.
There was the belt on which would hang a short sword for close combat. For Paul, this paralleled God’s truth by which we can fend off the perpetual lies of the enemy. The breastplate, fitted individually for the soldier, would protect his heart and other vital organs. This equated to the righteousness of Christ, individually suited for the believer enabling us to guard our hearts. The soldiers' cobbled sandals afforded firm footing regardless of the terrain, reminding Paul of the need to be ready “in season and out of season” (II Tim. 4:2) to proclaim "the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15).
The shield worn on the arm allowed the soldier to deflect various blows as well as commonly used flaming arrows, reminding Paul of the faith required to fend off fiery darts of the wicked one. Topping it off was the Roman helmet, protecting the head of the soldier. Paul knew the mind would be a continual battle ground, and the knowledge of our salvation in Christ would empower us to take every thought captive, making it obedient to Christ (cf. II Cor. 10:5). Finally, there was the sword, a picture of the living and active word of God stored in the human soul.
John Stott writes, “It is our responsibility to take up each piece (of our armor), to put it on and to use it confidently against the powers of evil . . . Our enemies are on every side, and so must our armor be.” That leads to one final and vital posture. Paul wrote we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph. 6:18). Whatever your favorite prayer posture – sitting, standing, kneeling, walking – assume it often as it helps keep your armor on and effective!
You will never stand taller than when you rise up from your knees. It will help you “stand firm in the faith” (I Cor.16:13) and make Mr. Powell, and your heavenly Father, proud!
Blessings,
Pastor David
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