Bold Declarations Series

Background to passage: The final words of the full armor of God passage, which flows from the be being filled with the Spirit instructions. We have noted the defensive and offensive aspects of these various pieces of armor as well as the foundation of prayer. From that foundation he asks that they pray one thing for him: that he be given the right words to boldly share the glory of the gospel, because he is, as are we, an ambassador for Jesus. We out to be about the business of sharing and representing Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Opening illustration: “No brother should preach contrary to the form and regulations of the holy Church nor unless he has been permitted by his minister … All the Friars … should preach by their deeds”. -St. Francis of Assissi, Rule of 1221, chapter 12.

Main thought: Two truths about Paul’s prayer request of the most important action of the Christian life.

1) The Mystery of the Gospel (v. 19)

Ephesians 6:19 ESV

and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

1) The Mystery of the Gospel (v. 19)

Explanation: The mystery or the revelation of the gospel should be simple enough to be understood by a child, yet deep enough to drown the most “spiritual” of theologians. We must get this one right.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 ESV

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,

and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

Three parts to the gospel: 1) the accomplishments of Christ - the historical facts; 2) and the theological truth - the great exchange, 3) your response - repent and believe

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Titus 3:5 ESV

he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 17:30–31 ESV

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Illustration: Bishop Carlton Pearson, “To be deemed a heretic in this sense is to be declared an enemy of the Christian faith, and apostate, and a threat to the theological integrity of the Christian Church.”

Application: We MUST achieve accuracy and clarity. Jesus paid it all or he didn’t. You can’t fix it, or can you? You must repent, or maybe not. You get this wrong and your eternity and that of others is in jeopardy. Close does not count. The applications don’t stop with justification, but we do not have time today.