Paul closes his letter by encouraging the saints to wear the full armor of God. Summed up, we seek truth, righteousness, peace, faithfulness, salvation, and to know God’s word. In fact, God’s word is the sword of the Spirit—the thing the Spirit uses to cut through our own hearts and the hearts of others. We do not fight with physical weapons or defend with physical armor. We seek the things of God through His word so that we will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. So, read your Bibles. Go to church. Be the church. In doing so, you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

We pray at all times with the fruit of the Spirit and God’s word in view. We make petition for all the saints. Paul even asks the saints to pray for him as he preaches, that God may guard his words.

Paul wants the hearts of the saints to be comforted, not burdened—which I think is the proper motivation for every preacher of the Gospel. He proclaims peace to them and love with faith from God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, Paul blesses them by proclaiming grace upon those who love Jesus with incorruptible love. Yes, there is such a thing as incorruptible love. It is sincere. It will not be shaken because God Himself holds it fast.