Equipped For Battle

Equipped for Battle

Ephesian 6:10-20 (NKJV)

Life Church 11-01-15

This is not a full manuscript but gives highlights of the sermon.

The message is an expository verse-by-verse discussion.

Vs 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Begins with word “Finally”

Culmination of Epistle Previous prepares for Exhortation

(1) Ch 1-3 Acceptance in Christ (Sit) (2:4-10) Seated in Heavenlies Fight from position of grace

(2) Ch 4-6 Lifestyle lived in grace (Walk) (4:1; 5:8)

Know who are in Christ- position in grace Live in power of grace Foundational to contending with adversary

“brethren” – don’t do it alone/ united with Body (Lion roars to separate herd)

“be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Pres. Imp. Passive (reliance) (continuous) endunamoo Abide in Vine IICor. 12:9 perfect in weakness

Vs 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

the whole armor (pan-op-lia) not part “that you may be able to stand” critical to our success—requires active faith Something we have to do (not automatically) What are we standing against? “the wiles of the devil” schemes, strategies not just power—but cunning, craftiness (works on our areas of vulnerability) IICor. 2:11 not ignorant of devices The Devil & warfare are assumed (1Pet. 5:8)

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Must always remember (Lk 9:56 not to destroy lives but to save) “but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (1:3; 20-21; 2:6; 6:12) the spiritual realm—not distant place in outer space

13 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.

What is evil day? Job 2:13-19; 1Cor. 16:9 effectual door-but many adversaries season/crisis –one thing after another Ever had time when doing good to just stand? Picture – soldier fighting off. Then when dust settles-still (poised for more!) Example in 2Sam.23:11-12: Shammah

Process about to describe is not magical, imaginary; is Practical action in daily lives!!!!

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Eph. 4:15 “Speak the truth in love…” 4:25 “Lie not…”

Not doctrinal statement on wall – is simply being truthful Devil operates on basis of lies & deception (Jn 8:44) Any deception, hypocrisy, manipulation = vulnerable

Be truthful & uncompromising and will stand

“having put on the breastplate of righteousness” not imputed – already have that – imputed is foundational to but must be expressed in actions 1 John 3:7 “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (KJV).

Two Builders ( Matt. 7:24-27) At any place operating in unrighteousness—you are vulnerable!

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

We carry & live message of peace (reconciliation)—not strife

Rom. 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Ps 34:12-13 “Who is the man that desires life & loves many days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil & do good. Seek peace and pursue it!”

Heb. 12:14-15 “Pursue peace w/ all people & holiness

Gal. 5:15 “But if you bite & devour one another, beware lest you be consumed one of another.”

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

To defeat us the Devil must bring down our faith. Lk 22:31-32 “And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…”

What is shield of faith? Confidence in God. Devil defeated Eve by first undermining trust in God. Shield = Trust in character, faithfulness, word of God

Roman shield was Large,body-side. Was held in front & set feet to resist (stabilized the soldier in battle formation) Heb. 10:35 “Do not cast away your confidence which has great recompense of reward.”

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

I Thes. 5:9 says “Hope of salvation”—final victory Hope fortifies against depression, despair, despondency

How win battle of mind Phil. 4:8 “whatsoever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, think on these things.” II Cor. 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds. Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”