Text: Ephesians 6:10-20, Title: Engaging the Enemy, Date/Place: WHBC, 2.18.18, AM
A. Opening illustration: Priscilla Shirer story of the lack of invite to the critters under the boat. MacArthur list
B. Background to passage: Interestingly enough, this is the church at which Timothy was dropped off. Paul has laid out a theological foundation for salvation, and practical guidelines for Christian living in the first five chapters. Here he turns his attention to the spiritual battle that they must not be ignorant of or apathetic about. He begins by instructing that spiritual battle is about standing in the face of satanic attack. He repeats the goal multiple times. Then he gives insight into the ultimate, unseen battle against forces of darkness. The penultimate battle will be a little more tangible, visible because it will be manifested through the means of other men/women, organizations, industries, sickness, and finally death. So, these believers are commanded to take up weapons and stand and fight. Side note: many of these word pictures are images from the OT, especially from Isa, regarding the Messiah as a warrior; but a Roman soldier is more the intention of Paul’s description. Speak about influence upon believers, fight from union with Christ-gospel.
C. Main thought: Today we will look at the weapons for our good warfare.
A. The Belt of Truth (v. 14) WORLDVIEW
1. It was an undergarment piece of leather that protected the thighs and held up loose clothing so one could fight with speed and agility. This symbolizes preparedness, a readiness for battle. Similar to the other week, awareness of the spiritual battle raging, and willingness to engage in it. It comes off of the end of a Spirit-filled behavioral section, so it is connected to the idea of a biblical worldview of truth. A Christ-focused lens through which all feelings, events, teaching, thoughts, convictions, relationships, and situations will be interpreted. It has the idea of total truthfulness and total commitment.
2. 2 Sam 18:9, Isa 11:5
3. Illustration: Chloe Kim, gold medalist, said she was just so proud of herself! Staff study about human-centered worship music and its importance, because "We are willing to be God-centered, it seems, as long as God is man-centered." Where are the young men and women of this generation who will hold their lives cheap, and be faithful even unto death, who will lose their lives for Christ’s, flinging them away for love of him? Where are those who will live dangerously, and be reckless in this service? Where are the men of prayer? Where are the men who count God’s Word of more importance to them than their daily food? Where are the men who, like Moses of old, commune with God face to face as a man speaks with his friend? Where are God’s men in this day of God’s power? -Howard Guinness, Sacrifice [1936]
4. 1. When we engage in spiritual warfare we must think biblically. Deception is a tool of Satan. Heresy is another. A hundred other things require you to have your mind continually renewed to Christ. 2. Worldview is key. Systematic theology is key. Prepared to tie up loose ends. 3. Embrace the truth that to radically, recklessly, throw your life away to Christ for his glory is your highest goal, and you will strap on your belt ready to face the devil, so that when reviling comes, when suffering comes, when pain comes, when discouragement comes, when hateful people come, when loss comes, you rejoice and count it a blessing to be used of Christ to demonstrate his worth and value. 4. Have a well-rounded, biblical filter through which you see life (pro-life, how we view government, tragedy, creation, evil, salvation, prayer, etc.).
5. Attempts to impugn God’s character and credibility
6. Undermine present victory by generating trouble in life to make it difficult to be obedient
7. Doctrinal confusion and falsehood
8. Hindering our service to God
9. Causing division and discord
10. Persuading us to trust in our own resources rather than God
11. Leading us to hypocrisy
12. Leading us into worldliness
13. Leading them to disbelieve and disobey God’s word.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world – 1 Peter 5:8-9
B. The Breastplate of Righteousness (v. 14) INDIVIDUAL PURITY
1. This was that piece of armor that protects the heart from arrows from a bow. Satan is called the accuser of the brethren because he will use sin to grab a foothold in your life and cause discouragement, doubt, guilt, shame, embarrassment, brokenness, and destruction in your life. This is not a justifying, imputed righteousness, but practical righteous. He can lead you to wrong/false emotions and thoughts. You stand before God guiltless in Christ, no condemnation legally, but Satan accuses you practically because of how “good” you don’t live as a Christian.
2. King Saul and his disobedience, Peter, get behind me Satan, Eph 4:27, Heb 12:15, Isa 59:17
3. Illustration: The Holy Club, the name given to John and Charles Wesley’s group by their fellow collegians in mockery of their emphasis on devotions, was the first sign of what later became Methodism. Begun by Charles and led by John after his return to Oxford University in 1729, the Holy Club members fasted until 3 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays, received Holy Communion once each week, studied and discussed the Greek New Testament and the Classics each evening in a member’s room, visited (after 1730) prisoners and the sick, and systematically brought all their lives under strict review… John Gambold later became a Moravian bishop. John Clayton became a distinguished Anglican churchman. James Hervey became a noted religious writer. Benjamin Ignham became a Yorkshire evangelist. Thomas Brougham became secretary of the SPCK. George Whitefield praying in the dirt, preaching to 80% of colonists. “When we willfully turn away from what we know to be God’s will, we open ourselves up to spiritual/demonic attack.” -Chip Ingram, “No program, method, or technique can bring wholeness and happiness o a believer who is unwilling to confront and forsake his sin.” -MacArthur, officers going in w/o vests,
4. 1. When you sin, he says, how can you really be a Christian and act like that? Think thoughts like that? Look at things on the computer like that? Speak to your wife/husband/kids like that? We get discouraged when we struggle, and guilt is crushing. 2. Addictions, broken homes, violence, sexual sin, some mental illness flow from awful things that we have done and the shame we feel. This is why we are commanded to walk in holiness. 3. We are to take drastic measures to defeat besetting sin, cutting off the hands and gouging out the eyes. Personal holiness is not high on the personal goals of people, but merely avoiding big sins…What areas in your life are you being disobedient to Christ? Don’t be generic. What has God convicted you of? Maybe attitudes as well, pride, anger, victim, fear, bitterness, unforgiveness, greed, failure to give, to love? 4. If there are none, then you’re are deceived about your faithfulness as a believer.
C. The Gospel of Peace (v. 15) POWER OF THE GOSPEL
1. This is the last piece of armor that we are told to put on, next three are things we pick up. The shoes were leather fighting boots with cleats in the front for digging in and holding ground already taken. They also were used for pressing forward in the Roman fighting formation taking enemy ground. So, they are defensive and offensive. Paul says to strap up with the gospel of peace. To fight against Satan is to declare the gospel as we go into areas in slavery and captivity to sin. To declare, we must first understand. Gospel misunderstanding was so common then and is so common now. The gospel is our firm foundation. Doubt is the aim of Satan with a lack of clarity of the gospel. Truth not feelings.
2. I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God to salvation, Phil 3:7-8
3. Illustration: Additions to the gospel to attain salvation, Roman Catholicism, “Engaging in spiritual warfare is fortifying our lives against the enemy by applying the Gospel to every part of our lives (i.e., our relationships, our dreams, our self-esteem, our suffering, our joys, our hopes). Any part of us that is not saturated with the Gospel is subject to manipulation by our enemy for our destruction.” –JD Greear
4. 1. What if I asked you to in 60 seconds or less tell me the gospel? Not a definition that comes from a systematic theology, but a robust one from scripture? 2. The true gospel rules out a lot of other things that corrupt Christianity: works based salvation, man-centered faith, good works maintenance of salvation, incompleteness of the cross, all which mess up our thinking and sharing. Our assurance based on an accurate understanding of this great transaction will be a powerful force against attacks. 3. Fear God, but find deepest, most enduring, foundational joy in the gospel of absolute forgiveness. Make the gospel a regular meditation/reminder/conversation. 4. This is a confidence in battle issue, we must be confident that our gospel is correct and powerful enough to bring sinners reconciliation and peace with God. It’s the gospel that helps us deal with sin. It’s the gospel that can overcome hatred. It’s the gospel that gives righteousness and kills condemnation. Announce divine rescue.
D. The Shield of Faith (v. 16) POWER IN BATTLE
1. This shield was the large shield carried by the Romans that covered the whole body. It was usually soaked in water in order to be able to withstand flaming arrows covered with tar and lit on fire. It offered protection in battle as long as it was held, especially in connection with other soldiers. (Ever thought about the fact that you holding your shield helps protect those believers close to you? CORPORATE). Faith here is trust in Christ, not necessarily in a salvific way (comes later), but in his ability to protect you and sustain you in battle.
2. 1 Pet 5:8-9, Pro 23:7, Mark 9:24
3. Illustration: Our deputies have to wear their vests, not an option, just in case they get shot. Special response teams know they are going to get shot at, therefore the next level of protection is needed, shields that are bulletproof with glass to see through, then if that is not enough armored vehicles—God is the armored vehicle
4. Be assured that arrows will come. Three messages now, some of you are about to face trials and attacks. How do we know that God will sustain and protect? Make sure and get the proper definitions of sustain and protect; meaning not necessarily diverting all pain and suffering. Afterwards, then we can take note of the (1) thousands of promises in the Word that God will honor and demonstrate his faithfulness and care. Know that (2) your ability to stand firm in your faith that God will sustain and overcome will help others as well. Tell about the church planter’s wife that said that her faith was going to have to be enough for the both of them. (3) Satan attacks with temptation to conform to the world, to lust for money, sex, power, education, possessions, relationships, etc. He tries to divide, bring dissension, and mistrust. He causes persecution and cultural anti-Christian sentiment. He causes confusion in your mind, doubt, depression, despair, lack of assurance, circumstances that cause wavering of faith. There will be (4) many times that you will cling to the promises of God as your only hope. When all you can do is duck down, and pray, this is the confident trust that God is who He says He is and will do what He said He would do. You will need to fight the battle of your mind and desires with his promises, putting to death the flesh, by the Spirit (which wields the Word). One reason that it is so important to stay in and memorize the scriptures.
E. The Helmet of Salvation (v. 17) UNION WITH CHRIST
1. This is the bronze helmet with cheek plates that covered the most important part of a man in battle. This deals with our union with Christ, and the changes he makes in us by virtue of the new birth. These experiential, demonstrable evidences and truths that make spiritual warfare winnable. This is the fact that we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, the identity that we are one with Christ in being heirs to the kingdom, the confidence that comes with walking daily with the one that we know, love, and long for, with him giving himself to us. This union gives us endurance as deadly and crippling blows are repelled.
2. 1 Thess 5:8, 1 Pet 1:1-3, 13, Job 19:23-27
3. Illustration: my running and chopping in Peru, trusting in my own strength, not relying on anything, “an indication of a man’s character is his ability to endure,” We have not been given a spirit of fear – Mackenzie’s coach has them memorizing four “No’s” this year – No fear, no fatigue, no frustration, and no excuses.
4. Satan first wants you to try to do things on your own. You will fail eventually. If you succeed, pride only worsens, and the fall will only be bigger. When you fail, Satan tries to cause us to doubt our salvation because of temptations and guilt over failures. He wants us to consider our feelings a good indication of reality rather than truth. He wants these doubts to wreck our confidence in our redemption so that we are weak and timid with our faith. He wants to discourage us in our waiting on prayers to be answered. He wants us to focus on our problems, and not on the God who is over all the problems. He wants you under the bondage of shame and despair over sin to the point that you give up, or count yourself unworthy, stop coming, or shipwreck your faith altogether.
F. The Sword of the Spirit (v. 17) PERSONAL WEAPON
1. He then tells young Timothy to take up a weapon. This is different from the other pieces of armor; however, a Roman soldier would not have been complete without some form of offensive weaponry. This is also the piece which is further identified as the Word of God. So, we’ve gone from a metaphor to the meaning of this piece. The word of God is used to slice and cut and kill others. The link is that the Word is what changes hearts and defends us against attack, but it is the Spirit that wields it in and through us. This is not the word logos, but rhema which is a specific word or saying. Within the context of spiritual warfare, it is that which can destroy arguments, undercut doubts and fears, give boldness and confidence where there is timidity and depression, give us the pathway to holiness to keep footholds from forming, call out lies and deception, avoid division
2. Matt 4:4, Heb 4:12, 2 Cor 10:3-6,
3. Illustration: Hacksaw Ridge, great story, inspiring, brave, idealistic, not Roman, nor Christian, “The bible is an armory of heavenly weapons, a laboratory of infallible medicines, a mine of exhaustless wealth. It is a guidebook for every road, a chart for every sea, a medicine for every malady, and a balm for every wound. Rob us of our bibles and our sky has lost its sun.” –Thomas Guthrie
4. To take up something that is a powerful offensive weapon, you must have a good grip, you have to know how to use it, you have to have the strength to swing/thrust it. It will do you no good as you seek to stand against spiritual forces of wickedness in high places if you only carry your bible around, only bring in to church on Sunday, only have the app on your phone. You must immerse yourself in his word to have the armor you need to fight. Fighter Verses, VOTD on KLOVE or Holy Bible App. The word of God exposes false theology and deception. It will dispel lies that you are told about your worth by describing your union with Christ. It will help you climb out of pornography, addictions, occult, debt, or greed. It will convict you of sin. It will help you know the victory that Christ has already purchased for you and will surely bring to pass. Jesus is our model for scripture usage. Suppose a man struggles with lust. He memorizes Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways and calls on the Spirit to do this for him. Suppose a woman is resentful against her husband for his time he spends fishing or work, and she memorizes Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you, and believes the gospel to deal with bitterness, and repents and is freed and has victory. Suppose you are a high school or college student and you are being ostracized for your faith and its openness, memorize Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are not strong enough on your own. You can’t just claim victory and go on. You have to arm yourself.
G. Prayer in the Spirit (v. 18) MOST POWERFUL WEAPON
1. Often overlooked, many times not included in the list of armor is the most important weapon of all. Paul saves the most important for last (usually the first and last points of a list are most emphasized). It is included in the sentence with verse 17, and there is a period after 18. Paul wants all the armor to be put on, worn, and wielded with Spirit-led/empowered prayer. Prayer is our lifeline to the greatest reservoir of joy, power, insight, wisdom, endurance, discernment, patience, growth, etc. Prayer that is of the Spirit is that which is led by the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit, crafted by the will of the Spirit, and through the person of the Spirit. Only by those that have the Spirit. Then Paul gives an example of spiritual warfare engaged Spirit-led prayer.
2. Mark 9:29
3. Illustration: Often it is said, “the only thing we can do it pray,” “prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscles of omnipotence.” -Spurgeon, “The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean people who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time and pray. They have not time. It must be taken from something else. This something else is important. Very important, and pressing, but still less important and less pressing than prayer.” –S. D. Gordon, Greek orthodox clergy/monk giving an interview on NBC was asking if he was praying right now.
4. If it is any place that we fail most often it is Spirit-empowered prayer. It is prayer that is in sync with the Spirit, in concert with him, led by him, and consistent with his will and nature. It often is the most underutilized and under-realized pieces of armor. We don’t understand the cost paid to gain access to the holy of holies. We don’t understand the power and necessity of prayer in spiritual battle. We can ask God to give us victory over strongholds of sin in our lives. Even through the simple use of prayer, we express our trust in a greater power than us, one needed to give victory over our enemies. None of these weapons were meant to be used in our own strength. It is God who fights our battles and gives the victory. We memorize the scripture, we ground ourselves in the gospel, we fight for purity, but God empowers and saves. Jesus says that as we pray we can speak to the mountains, James says that we can affect the body and pray
A. Closing illustration:
B. Recap
I am inviting you to enter the battle in your own life and the life of this church more than ever before. We are surrounded about with many demons and evils that if not warred against will destroy us. If we battle, it may get harder; but we must for the kingdom, for the church, for your family. We need prayer agonizers. We need those willing to fast. We need spiritual warriors, not those that play church, go through the motions, or are wolves in disguise, messengers of Satan sent to subtly harm the church. I am begging you, pleading with you, praying for you, that your eyes would be open to the battle, that you would feel the need to rise and fight, that you would take up this armor that you may be protected, and willingly, valiantly, courageously, and passionately enter the battle! Fight for your God! Fight for your King! Fight for your family! Fight for your own soul!
