Week 1 Day 2 Study details through changing the emphasis.

We study the text closely to allow the bible to speak for itself, instead of reading our own ideas into the text. This means we need to spend time observing the text closely. One way to observe a text closely is to change the emphasis as you read.

The Fight (Ephesians 6)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armour 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 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. 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, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

1) You could ask questions and establish the context. Ask yourself Who? What? Why? and How?
Mike La Fleur says it well. Why did Paul write to the church in Ephesus? To encourage the non-Jewish believers. Click for here more details about the background.

2) Look closely at the structuring words found in the text. For example: Finally, so that, against, therefore, in addition, pray also, for me. The use of repetition and contrast. Click here if you prefer to read a full page document. Click individual coloured word for a hyperlink.

3) Meditate on the details of the metaphor. Watch this video description of Roman armour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzTt2uKUhYk. We stand firm in our faith by intentionally take on abstract notions of truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, God's word and prayer. How does piece of equipment help us understand this better. Click here for more ideas.