INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Enemy Situation
Remarks.
1. This is lesson one in this sermon-series: “Fit-to-Fight,” “The Enemy Situation,” in “Ephesus’ Operations Order.” This lesson will deal with the saint’s need to understand the enemy situation in this fight: for the saint’s battle in their spiritual warfare, against the wiles of the devil and his allies. We will review Paul’s Operations Order (OPORD) written to Ephesus’ that would enable them: to be fit-to-fight! He wrote: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” Ephesians 6:10-11. This begins his final directives to the church. It constitutes an assured victory for them over the “wiles of the devil” in their warfare; and, to all the saints in every age, affording them the same triumph. This sermon uses elements of the Army’s 5 Paragraph Operations Order, Reference, 7, at the end of this lesson.
2. In lesson one, we will review the saint’s “situational awareness” regarding their enemy during this spiritual warfare. Paul mentions this twice in the text of emphasis. First, he wrote: “Put on the whole armor of God: that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” Ephesians 6:11. Second, he penned: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand,” Ephesians 6:13. The saints at Ephesus were given an OPORD to make them aware of the enemy’s situation during this spiritual warfare. Paul also instructs them to don the whole armor of God: that they may be able to stand against the wiles, i.e., the evil devices and works of the devil.
3. With this brief introduction behind us, let’s consider the first point, “the enemy situation.”
BODY OF LESSON
I THE ENEMY SITUATION
A. First, he wrote: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might,” Ephesians 6:10. Paul’s Letter to Ephesus was full of mysteries and instructions to these saints (Chapters 1-5). He now concludes his Letter to them. He states to them his last “finally.” This was a foundation for the purpose yet to come in this Letter. It had a dual purpose for the brethren (all saints). Observe--
1. Paul begins: "Finally, my brethren; that we must yet apply ourselves to our work and duty as Christ’s soldiers. Therefore, as good soldiers, it is burdened on us to be both strong-in-hearted and well-equipped for the battles that lay before us. Purpose one is that they “be strong in the Lord.”
2. Strong in the Lord. This was a theme throughout all Paul’s Letters to the saints: that they are to be strong in the Lord. Our strength for this warfare begins, continues, and will end by being strong in the Lord. This is a bold appeal for the soldiers of the Lord; to be of good courage and unafraid during their engagement with the forces of evil and the evil one himself.
NOTE: Illustrate “Jehovah’s encouragement and assurances to Joshua,” Joshua 1:1; Joshua 1:5-9. He said: “As I was with Moses: so shall I be with you. Be strong and very courageous; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest,” Joshua 5:13-15. He promised to be with Joshua in all of his battles. You can read about Jehovah’s strategies to take the city of Jericho, Joshua 6:1-27. It will encourage your hearts!
a. This is a lifetime of warfare; it is unending until we are called from labor to reward. It is such; because we struggle with the typical trials and temptations of our lives while living in the flesh. This is spiritual warfare. We have put down a life living after the flesh; to be engaged in the war against the forces of the flesh: sin, wickedness, and evil lusts and enticements, James 1:13-15.
b. It is so also; because we struggle against the powers of darkness and with evil forces that threaten our spiritual life and favor with the Lord, our heavenly Father, and our hope of eternal life in glory.
c. We have enemies that we fight against, a Captain that we fight with, a banner we fight under, and rules of engagement that regulate our conduct during these conflicts. Purpose two that they (are) to be strong in the power of His might. Observe--
3. The power of His might. Ephesus’ OPORD directed that they were to be strong in the Lord and the power of His strength. We must take a closer look at these powerful words outlining their actions in their original language.
a. First, be strong. The word “strong” in Gr., is endynamoo or en-dü-nä-mo'-o, which means to empower:—enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong; to receive power, or to be strengthened, 1 Timothy 1:12; Philippians 4:13.
b. Further, in power. The word “power” in Gr., is kratos or krä'-tos, which means vigor ("great"):—dominion, might (-ily), power, strength; mighty with great power, Ephesians 1:19; Acts 19:20.
c. Finally, of His might. The word “might” in Gr., is ischys or e-skhü's, which means forcefulness:—ability, might (-ily), power, strength; ability, force, strength, and might, 1 Peter 4:11; Revelation 7:12.
d. Conclusion: Our strength resides in the Lord and the power of His might. We rely on Him to empower, to strengthen, and to equip us for the ability to stand, withstand and having done all to stand: and stand, therefore, in our engagements with the evil one and his forces. We stand in the Lord’s mighty power; and, we are continuously strengthened by Him for this fight and running the race that is set before us: “Looking unto Jesus Who is the author and finisher of our faith,” Hebrews 12:1-2.
4. It is the Lord that fights for the saints. We must trust in His power to grant us patience to endure in this battle, to see our promised victory against all our enemies. We stand, the Lord fights, we see the wins that are pledged unto us, even before the battle commences.
a. Paul wrote: “For we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us,” Romans 8:37. We are conquerors overwhelmingly through Christ’s love of us!
b. John wrote: “This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith,” 1 John 5:4. The victory belongs to the saints; due to the mighty workings of Christ.
c. The word “conquerors” in Gr., is hypernikao or hü-per-ne-kä'-o, which means to conquer beyond, i.e., gain a decisive victory:—more than to obtain the victory. This word is used once in the New Testament, right here, to assure us.
d. Its fuller meaning is that we are more than a conqueror; but, shall gain (or win), a surpassing victory, against all of our adversaries, through Christ Jesus our Lord.
B. Further, he wrote: “Put on the whole armor of God: that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” Ephesians 6:11. He begins to describe this spiritual warfare they were presently engaged in at Ephesus. He instructs them—
1. That they put on: this was their part -to don their battle dress equipment. We will discuss this defensive and offensive equipment later in the lesson. But, for now, it is sufficient to say: “put on;” or “don” the whole armor of God. This is our part in this spiritual warfare; to wear our BDE at all times; because our fight is continual against the “wiles of the devil.” Put on--
2. The whole armor of God. This armor belongs to God; but, was given unto them, to equip themselves for the battle utilizing God's equipment safeties: "the whole armor of God,” Ephesians 6:11. This armor is our safety equipment as well. We too – must – “put on” or “don” our equipment safeties: to be able to stand within the evil day, having done all to stand. Observe--
3. That ye may be able to stand. Listen to Paul’s message: not to wage war or engage the enemies, but, stand fast during the battles that rage in, around, and against us. So that we might endure, overcome and see Christ’s victorious fight in our defense against all of our enemies (human or satanic).
C. Next, the enemy situation. Beloved, we cannot be ignorant of his devices. The saints were given instructions for preparedness; and how to achieve situational awareness. The soldier must know their enemy's capabilities and disabilities. I wish I had some help in this lesson. Observe--
1. To Ephesus, he wrote: “That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” Ephesians 6:11. That we might stand in defense against the wiles of the devil. Notice our part in this fight.
a. Be able to stand. Nowhere in this OPORD were the saints instructed to engage the enemy. Paul told the saints to don their BDE and be ready to stand against – the – “wiles of the devil,” allowing the Lord to repel the onslaught of the enemy forces.
b. Dress up; to STAND up! Suit up to fight; but, allow the Lord to engage the enemy with His mighty power.
c. The soldiers’ stand at Ephesus was in defense, not in the offense. I wish I had some help! We will address this more completely further in the lesson.
d. He instructs them to don the whole armor of God: that they may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil’s evil devices, cunning craftiness, and deceptive arts. The enemy’s workings are outlined in the Ephesus’ OPORD.
2. This OPORD was to provide to give the saints “situational awareness” regarding their enemies: before, during, and after their spiritual warfare. We must know our enemies, their strength, tactics, and not be ignorant of their cunning methods and devices. It would help us investigate the word “wiles” to understand Satan’s ways and workings of evil and deception. Observe—
a. The word “wiles” in Gr., is methodeia or me-tho-da'-ä, which means, i.e., travesty (trickery):—wile, method, or to lie in wait. It’s from this word we get our English word: method. Satan uses cunning arts, deceit, craft, and trickery to deceive or bewitch the people, Acts 8:9-11. Satan’s plans are deception, sorcery, magic, and cunning arts.
1) They are but allusions; false, beguiling words and fancies, done merely to turn away believers from the faith; and, to pervert the right ways of the Lord, Acts 12:8-12. Saints, are you listening?
2) Let no man beguile you, Colossians 2:18; Colossians 2:8.
3) Let no man bewitch you, Galatians 3:1.
4) Let no man deceive you, Matthew 24:24.
b. We find an example of Satan’s “wiles” elsewhere in this Letter. He wrote: “That we henceforth are no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive,” Ephesians 4:14. These are unstable minds and hearts.
c. The goal of donning the whole armor of God is to be able to know and understand the wicked ones' use of these devices: every wind of doctrine, sleight of men, cunning craftiness, whereby they (evil men and seducers) lie in wait to deceive. These are the "wiles," "methods," and “schemes” of the devil.
d. To the saints at Thessalonica. Paul wrote: "With all power and signs and lying wonders: And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this, cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness,” 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12. Observe--
1) Satan’s workings are with all power and signs and lying wonders.
2) With all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish.
3) Because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
4) For this cause, God will send them strong delusion:
a) That they might believe a lie.
b) That they might be damned who believe not the truth.
c) But have pleasure in unrighteousness.
NOTE: Moses suffered the people's afflictions, rather than enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season, Hebrews 11:24-26.
3. What a sad picture Paul paints. Satan deceives with powers, signs, and lying wonders. Causing all unrighteousness in them that perish; they do not accept the truth so that they might be saved. Their reward is a belief of Satan's lies that those who desire evil might believe it and be damned because they have pleasures in unrighteousness.
NOTE: Illustrate the “Lies of President Trump.” They have deceived the hearts of many. His lies spud an insurrection caused innocent people's lives, and now sow divisions throughout the Halls of Congress. And not one Republican leader has stood and exposed his lies, wicked behavior, and continuous divisive discord among the American people. Why?
a. They are truly bewitched and ignorant of Satan’s devices; they love the pleasures of unrighteousness; they are not willing to receive the love of the truth.
b. How shameful and cowardly is their silence during the times of this nation's loss of lives and desperate need for healing and relief during this pandemic.
c. A word from this Party’s Leadership could help heal the nation. Where are the soldiers of Christ? Who among them will don the whole armor of God and stand against the wiles of the devil?
d. Is their re-election more vital to them than the health and safety of this nation? I am praying and trusting that some will “stand-up and speak-up!” With this, let me move forward in this point--
4. To Corinth Paul wrote:
a. Of Satan’s gaining advantage of us: “Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. To this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive anything, I also forgive: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices,” 2 Corinthians 2:8-11.
1) Here, he admonishes the saints after forgiving a brother or sister, and reconfirm love towards them, to receive them again within their company; lest Satan should take advantage of the situation: causing the one forgiven to feel still rejected, and remaining an outcast from the church family, because of their sins. He urges--
2) Forgive them, reconfirm your love, and receive them again into the church’s fellowship. When God forgives, we must also forgive.
3) To do less is to allow Satan an opportunity to cause confusion and division and to sow ill will between the saints forgiven; and, the saints that are restoring, the erroring brother or sister to the church.
4) True forgiveness means complete restoration and inclusions into the church's worship, fellowship, and business affairs.
b. How the serpent beguiled Eve. He wrote: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ,” 2 Corinthians 11:3.
1) Paul advises that Satan beguiled Eve through his cunning words and slander against God. Satan inferred God did not mean you: “Would die; He just doesn’t want you to be wise like Him.” He's just trying to hold you back; sound familiar? God was trying to preserve them; not, destroy them. Sin causes death and separation from God, Isaiah 59:1-2. Consider--
2) Moses wrote: “And the serpent said unto the woman: Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day you eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil,” Genesis 3:4-5.
3) Satan craftily places doubt in our hearts regarding the commandments and promises of God. He didn't mean "water” in John 3:5. He was speaking of Spirit,” in John 3:8. Such words are beguiling to anyone blinded by the evil one, and not having on the "whole armor of God." Jesus said what He meant and meant what He said! His words require our obedience, not deceptive interpretations!
4) We cannot be deceived by the elusive words of evil men and seducers. Paul advised Timothy: “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which can make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17. True wisdom is found in the study and investigation of the scriptures. Don't be fooled; if Satan has his words or doctrines; then, he also has his apostles, messengers, and ministers. I present this only to inform you! Observe--
c. Satan’s ministers: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works,” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
1) We cannot be ignorant or swayed by their works or words. Equipping the saints in the scriptures will protect them from the devil and his ministers' doctrines.
2) Some will depart from the faith, 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
3) Some will turn away their ears from the truth, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
4) Some are now following their pernicious (perishing and destructive) ways, 2 Peter 2:1-2. These are they who:
a) “Profess to be wise, but became fools before God,” Romans 1:22-25.
b) “Profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good works reprobate,” Titus 1:15-16.
c) “Have a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,” 2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 1:1-3.
d) “Creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts: Every learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth,” 2 Timothy 3:7.
NOTE: I once was lost, but now I’m found. I was blind, but now I see. I found the light, and now try to correctly inform others of the “light of the gospel of Christ.” Hoping many will accept it, so as to become as I am, yet without these bonds, Acts 26:27-29. This said, the apostle Paul to King Agrippa when ending his sermon.
d. An appeal to you. Don’t just read this lesson, but, search out the truth of it with all diligence. I will pray that God will: “Peradventure give unto these repentance to the acknowledging (accepting) of the truth; and that all may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will,” 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Acts 16:13-15; Acts 16:25-34. Just like these:
1) Buy the truth and sell it not, Proverbs 23:23.
2) Discard all that you have, and surrender unto the Lord all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, Philippians 3:7-8. And do just what he asks!
3) He said: “If any man will come after me, let him deny self, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works,” Matthew 16:24-27; Matthew 10:37-38; 1 Peter 4:1-2. Let me continue, we are almost done.
5. To Rome, Paul wrote: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,” Romans 16:17-18. Paul calls their teaching; good words and fair speeches. In such doctrines there is no "power to save," Romans 1:16; James 1:21.
a. And notice who is being deceived: the hearts of the simple. These are the unlearned, beguiled, and infants in the faith, being unable to "discern between good and evil," Hebrews 5:12-14.
b. This is the challenge for the church of Christ in every generation. To keep the children of God rooted, grounded, and settled in the truth.
c. Satan will make every effort to twist, arrest, sway, bend and even pervert the gospel of Christ, Galatians 1:6-12.
d. The soldiers of Christ must "contend for the faith once delivered unto the saint," Jude 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:1-4; Titus 1:4; Titus 1:9-11.
e. Paul now begins to deal with the whole armor of God. Observe--
D. Additionally, he penned: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,” Ephesians 6:13a. We will discuss the armor in fullness later in the lesson.
1. For now, it is sufficient to say: that we must put on the whole armor of God.
2. Equip ourselves with every piece of God’s “panoply” or “defensive armor.”
3. Every part is needed; every piece has a specific function: to aid in our protection against the enemies’ assaults.
4. The saints cannot and should not engage the enemies of evilness without being correctly suited–up for the conflict. They must be fit-to-fight!
5. The armor of God consists of the saint’s equipment safeties: their battle dress equipment (BDE).
E. Finally, the evil day. The reason: “That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand,” Ephesians 6:13b.
1. That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day!
2. To bear and endure Satan’s assaults in the evil day. The apostles wrote in chapter 5 that the days are NOW evil.
a. He penned: “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise: Redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is,” Ephesians 5:14-17. He proposes—
b. To Rome: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed,” Romans 13:11. To Ephesus again he compels them--
c. To walk circumspectly, Ephesians 5:15. He meant to observe our entire surroundings. The saints will not always know from where the assaults will originate. By being observant, they could watch that any given situation is changing, and therefore, could be the start of the enemies’ assault.
d. To redeem the time. To Colossae, he also wrote: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time,” Colossians 4:5. He meant they were to buy back the time; preserve it for later use. Walk wisely in all that we do.
e. To know that days are evil, Ephesians 5:16. Please note—He did not say the times or days will become evil. But, the days are already corrupt.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: “Don’t be foolish serve God,” from SermonCentral.com. It discussed these verses more fully. Observe--
1) David wrote: “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied,” Psalms 37:19; Psalms 37:25.
2) Solomon penned:
a) First, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth,” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2.
b) Second, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them,” Ecclesiastes 12:1.
3) Amos recorded: “Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time,” Amos 5:13.
4) The Lord’s evil day. At the arrest of the Lord, Jesus said: “Unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him: you come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness,” Luke 22:52-52.
a) The days of the wicked are continually evil, and their final day will end with desolation and destruction,” Ecclesiastes 8:13; Psalms 9:5; Job 21:30.
i. The wicked: “shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it,” Proverbs 2:22.
ii. But the: “Horn of the righteous shall be exalted,” Psalms 75:10.
b) Some days of the saints will be evil. However, they shall emerge from them with God’s blessed assurance: “That all things will work together for good for them that love God, and are called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ecclesiastes 8:12.
c) This pandemic is the nation’s evil day. We are all engaged in defending ourselves, our families, and our neighbors from this terrible virus.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: Learning to be Content, from SermonCentral.com. We present instruction for the church and the world on how to fight against this evil.
f. Conclusion: There seems to be an excellent warning for all regarding the evil days. The evil days shall come; and, those that prepared for them shall be satisfied. God will provide for their needs. Those that help others shall obtain a return of their bread in the evil days. The youth that remembers their Creator in the days of their early age shall find no pleasure in its follies. The wise that remain silent (and in prayer) during the bad times shall be blessed.
3. Understanding the will of the Lord. Paul also reminds them to understand the will of the Lord. Understand that they must withstand the evil day as faithful stewards and soldiers of Christ. He then concludes, with: having done all to stand.
NOTE: For a complete “understanding of the will of the Lord,” get our lesson entitled: “Don’t be foolish serve God,” as mentioned earlier.
4. Having done all to stand. Some translate this, “having overcome all," although it may have some merit. However, many do not agree this is the best translation of the phrase: “having done all to stand.” The appeal is first "to withstand,” i.e., to resist all the enemies’ attacks; when we have "done all" that we are called upon to do, then “stand,” i.e., by planting our feet firmly on the rock of Christ, being “steadfast and unmovable,” 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 15:58.
a. The first explanation seems to exalt the soldier's gallantry in battle (fighting all he can); but, the second shows the saint’s calming quietness and patient waiting for the Lord's help in the evil day.
b. We must do all that is possible to stand-on and hold the higher grounds in Christ Jesus.
1) Once we have been valiant in our stand, then, stand your ground without wavering, in the strength of Jesus Christ.
2) We should stir up ourselves to resist every temptation; endure every trial and suffering, with our total reliance upon Christ's all-sufficiency, we can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20-21.
c. Job inscribed: “He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine, he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword,” Job 5:19-20.
d. David rehearsed: “Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident...I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD,” Psalms 27:3; Psalms 27:13-14.
e. Conclusion: Nowhere in Ephesus’ OPORD did Paul instruct them to fight or do battle with any weapon of warfare. His orders were: suit up, stand against, withstand, having done all “to stand,” and “stand, therefore,” now, let me add: “stand some more.” Amen brethren. The victory is our; but, the fight belongs to the Lord, hold your peace and pray, Deuteronomy 20:4; Exodus 14:14; 2 Chronicle 32:7-8. At our next gathering, we will discuss lesson two in this sermon-series: “Fit-to-Fight” “the engagement strategies.” May God bless each of you as I conclude this lesson, recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Enemy Situation
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this first lesson in the sermon-series: “Fit-to-Fight,” we reviewed the saint's "situational awareness" regarding their enemy during this spiritual warfare. Paul mentions this twice in our scripture lesson. First, he wrote: “Put on the whole armor of God: that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” Ephesians 6:11. Second, he penned: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand,” Ephesians 6:13.
2. The saints at Ephesus were given an OPORD to make them aware of the enemy’s situation during this spiritual warfare. Paul instructed them to don the whole armor of God: that they may be able to stand against the wiles, i.e., the evil devices, schemes, and works of the devil.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. New Testament Commentary, “Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon,” by William Hendriksen, Baker Books House Company, P. O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49516, First Printing, December 1995.
6. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, BlueLetterBible.org, 1871.
7. The Operations Process, Field Manual No. 5-0, Headquarters Department of the Army, Washington, DC, 26 March 2010.
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
