INTRODUCTION
Outline.
3. The Equipment Safeties
Remarks.
1. This is lesson three in this sermon-series: “Fit-to-Fight,” “The Equipment Safeties,” in “Ephesus’ Operations Order.” This lesson will deal with the saint’s equipment safeties required: for 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.
2. In lesson three, we will investigate the saint’s equipment safeties or the "whole armor" of God, designed to be worn during their stand against the devil and his allies. Finally, he pens: “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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:13-17. This is the saint’s battle dress equipment (BDE). The saint’s BDE is worn always to repel Satan’s constant assaults against their faith, hope, and loving obedience to their Captain in battle: the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
3. With this brief introduction behind us, let’s consider the last lesson, in this sermon-series: “the equipment safeties,” outlined in Ephesus' OPORD.
BODY OF LESSON
III THE EQUIPMENT SAFETIES
A. The equipment safeties. Paul now outlines the saint’s equipment safeties. Paul continued: “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.
1. He now outlines the battle dress equipment (BDE), the safety ensemble to be worn by the saints in their OPORD. There were two types of safety equipment; that made up the armor of God: one type was defensive, and the other offensive. We will consider both the saint's equipment safeties. We will review how each piece of armor had its specific function for both the soldier's protection and for the battle that could ensue against certain enemies.
2. Paul makes an analogy of the Roman Centurion’s Armour. He vividly describes each piece of armor and makes an application to the "Armour of God," and how each part of the defensive equipment is designed to be used; and, the protection it affords the saints in battle.
3. The Roman soldier’s armor consisted of 1) the girdle or belt, 2) the breastplate, 3) the greaves (or soldier's shoes), 4) the shield, 5) the helmet, and 6) the sword.
a. It is remarkable that, among all this equipment, there was no protection for the Centurion’s backside; if he were to turn his back upon from the enemy, their backs would lie openly exposed. The Centurion soldiers were Rome’s fighting machine.
b. These armor pieces were designed for defense: the girdle, the breastplate, the greaves (shoes), the shield, and the helmet.
c. Other Roman equipment was used for offensive tactics like the sword, spear, and bow and arrows (Paul did not mention these instruments). These were pieces of tactical equipment carried and used by the Legions following in close pursuit of the enemy, during hand-to-hand fighting, and after overtaking their enemies during their retreat.
4. The Roman soldier(s) that guarded Paul in Rome; perhaps were not equipped in this fashion, Acts 28:16. This soldier(s) was probably chained to Paul, during his entire watch over him, Acts 12:6-7.
5. He may have recalled the Centurions that march with him, when Claudius Lysias ordered, that he be removed from Jerusalem to Caesarea; after Lysias was warned of the Jew’s plot against his life, Acts 23:16-24; Acts 23:25-35.
6. These are the soldiers Paul had in mind when he wrote to Ephesus regarding "the whole armor of God." We will discuss the defensive equipment first, and then the offensive equipment. Just like the Roman Centurion, one piece of his equipment was the sword. Observe--
B. Defensive equipment: We now are at the place in this lesson to address the defensive BDE. Paul continues, stand, therefore--
1. First, “Having your loins girt about with truth,” Ephesians 6:14a. Fasten around your waist the belt of truth. Truth is the foundation of our faith and the fight. The Christian behaves himself: “In the church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth,” 1 Timothy 3:15. It is for truth, whether in battle or bonds, we fight to preserve. The apostle fought:
a. One, “In the defense and confirmation of the gospel,” Philippians 1:7; Philippians 1:17.
b. Two, “Giving no place by subjection, no, not for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue,” Galatians 2:5.
c. Three, “That they (all men) walk uprightly according to the truth of the gospel,” Galatians 2:14. The saints that dwell in Jehovah’s holy mountain and tabernacle will be those: “That walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in (from the) hearts," Psalms 15:1-2.
d. Fourth, "For the hope which is laid up for all in heaven, of whom ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel," Colossians 1:5; 1 Timothy 6:12. After girting ourselves with the sash, strap, or belt of truth.
1) Some commentators have called this belt a girdle. My mother often said: “I hope this old girdle holds me altogether.” Our loving sisters might know what she meant! They might appreciate its application here in Ephesus’ OPORD.
2) It will be the truth that holds the church together during its strife and turmoil.
3) It will be the truth that holds the saints together during the trials of their faith.
4) Therefore, girt up your loin with the sash or girdle of truth!
5) Let truth hold you together during every attack of the devil.
2. Further, “Having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” Ephesians 6:14b. In other words, put on the breastplate of righteousness. There can be no righteousness without truth. Through truth, we put on "the righteousness of God," Romans 1:16-18; Romans 10:1-4.
a. Having on the breastplate of righteousness. The Old Testament scriptures have spoken regarding the “breastplate of righteousness.” Isaiah wrote:
1) First, “But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins,” Isaiah 11:4-5.
2) Second, “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke,” Isaiah 59:17. These were prophetic utterances of Christ’s: “Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins,” and “He puts on righteousness as a breastplate.”
b. Paul wrote elsewhere of this metaphor. He wrote:
1) First, “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation,” 1 Thessalonians 5:8.
2) Second, “By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and the left,” 2 Corinthians 6:7.
3) This piece of armor was worn to protect the soldier’s vital organs, his heart, and lungs from flaming darts or arrows, along with the shield. It covered him from his shoulder down to his loins, front and back.
c. The Christian must wear the breastplate of righteousness continually. It is while wearing this armor we walk as children of light: “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth): Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them,” Ephesians 5:8-11; Galatians 5:22-23. He continued--
3. Next, “Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace,” Ephesians 6:15. To understand Paul’s real message here, we must look at the words of this phrase and verb in its original language.
a. Having your “feet shod” in Gr., is pous or pooce and hypodeo or hoop-od-eh'-o, which means: the "foot," and to bind under one's feet, i.e., to put on shoes or sandals:—bind on, or to (be) shod. This phrase and verb, has these meaning.
1) First, having to do with the student listening to their teacher's instruction, and are said to be at his feet; or to bind under one's self, to tie on the feet the message of the gospel of peace, Mark 6:9; Acts 12:8; and Ephesians 6:15.
2) Second, the idea is to prepare or make oneself ready for the work or mission ahead of you; by equipping your feet with i.e., shoes or sandals to stand prepared or being ready to march in an instant.
3) Third, the footwear was an essential piece of the soldier’s equipment, required for long and arduous marches to and from the battlefield.
4) Fourth, Roman's footwear was "shod," affording the sandal firm gripping over wet or muddy surfaces; and comfort while marching quickly over long periods, without injuring the feet.
5) Fifth, some commentators have conjectured that the soldier’s footwear was constructed for movement over all types of terrain, forest, and roads “by having the soul thickly studded with sharp nails" Page 277. See reference 5, below. This metaphor would fit Paul's text: "Having your feet shod.” Paul Continued--
b. With the “preparation.” The word “preparation” in Gr., is hetoimasia or het-oy-mas-ee'-ah, which means:—preparation, readiness, or promptness.
1) The condition of a person or thing so far as being prepared, having preparedness, or readiness, Psalms 10:17.
2) The OPORD is always preceded by a fragmentation order, “FRAGORDER.”
3) The FRAGORDER was to alert the soldiers of an upcoming mission: giving a brief mission synopsis, the enemy situation, rules of engagement, and the required BDE. This was their readiness order. Suit up! Equip yourself with the gospel of peace. He continues--
c. Of the gospel. The word “gospel” has not changed from our previous lessons. In Gr., the word “gospel” is euangelion or yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on, which means i.e., the good news, a message of peace, the glad tidings of good things:—the gospel.
1) The glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom.
2) The messianic rank of Jesus was proved by His words, deeds, death, the narrative of Christ's sayings, acts, and His death, burial, and resurrection: that came to be called “the gospel or glad tidings of good things.”
3) Equip yourself with the message of the gospel of peace. Paul wrote: “As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15. Evangelists, ministers, preachers, and teachers, we all have beautiful feet; and so saith the gospel that we preach. Finally, Paul concluded--
d. Gospel of peace. The gospel is Christ's message, suffering, death, burial, and resurrection, which grants peace to the world, believers, and every soul.
1) The word “peace” in Gr., is eirene or i-ray'-nay, which means peace; by implication, prosperity:—one, peace, quietness, rest, set at one again.
2) The word peace has several meanings, i.e., to be at peace between individuals, God, and conscience; to find harmony and concord; to have peace for one’s soul, in obedience to the gospel of salvation, and knowledge of the truth; and to find comfort and assurance in one’s faithful service to Christ, in life, in death, and the redemption of the body, at the Lord’s second coming.
e. Letters of Paul. Nearly all Paul’s Letters to the saints: either began or ended with this word: peace. It is the message of the gospel and the promise of God that grants peace to the believers. Faith and obedience to Christ afford the Christian peace with God and the hope of eternal life. Amen, brothers and sisters in the Lord. Paul continues in his discussion of the saints BDE.
4. Accordingly, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked,” Ephesians 6:16. Paul now turns to the soldier’s shield: which he calls the “shield of faith.” He instructs them to: “Above all, taking the shield of faith.” The Roman shield — was the large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans, four feet long by two and a half feet broad; not the small round buckler, carried by many other armies. Observe--
a. First, this piece of equipment affords protection from attacks on every side. It was wide and tall enough for the soldier to stand entirely behind it during an all-out dart assault by the enemy.
b. Further, it was their "shield of faith." For what purpose should it be used? He answered.
c. Next, “Wherewith ye shall be able to quench.” The shield was able to quench – the fiery darts. Let's look at the word "quench" a little closer. Observe--
1) The word “quench” in Gr., is sbennymi or sben'-noo-mee, which means extinguish:—go out, quench, Matthew 25:8; Hebrews 11:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
2) The shield was constructed so the arrows would break, glance, or be deflected after striking the shield.
d. Finally, “All the fiery darts of the wicked.” It was a custom of good battle strategies to light the arrow with fire. Some arrows shot at the Roman soldiers would have a flaming or burning tip. The shield provided another feature: the pitch on it would quench the fiery arrows, protecting the soldiers from burns. One commentator made this observation--
NOTE: “The shield of faith will certainly intercept, and so "quench, all the fiery darts" (an image from the ancient fire-darts, formed of cane, with tow and combustibles ignited on the head of the shaft, to set fire to woodwork, tents, etc.).” See Commentary by A. R. Fausset, BlueLetterBible.org, Reference 6, below.
e. Conclusion: Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts of the evil one. Faith will render them ineffectual, that they may not hit us, or at least that they may not hurt us. Confidence comes from the word of God. When applied to our stand against the fiery trials of the devil, it will permit us to quench the darts of our most fierce and vexing temptations and trials. For some temptation:
1) One might only need to command as Jesus: “Get hence behind me Satan.”
2) Others might need to quench their “lusts and passions” by calling upon the Lord or citing the word of God: like Jesus did during His temptations.
3) While a few, during their “fiery trials, miseries, and temptations,” that anguish their souls: will require, that they fall upon their knees and cry out in “effectual fervent” prayers unto the Lord; to quench burning lusts and entices, inflaming the hearts, souls and minds by the evil one in the evil day, James 1:13-15.
4) In either case: “Above all, taking the shield of faith,” Ephesians 6:16.
5. Afterwards, “And take the helmet of salvation, Ephesians 6:17a. Now take unto you the "helmet of salvation;" putting it on in the hope of your defense and salvation, by the Lord, during your trial of faith and pending conflict.
a. Take the helmet. The word helmet in the Gr., is perikephalaia or per-ee-kef-al-ah'-yah, which means an encirclement of the head, i.e., a helmet:—helmet—designed to the protection of the soul which consists in (the hope of) salvation.
b. Prophet Isaiah wrote: “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke,” Isaiah 59:17.
c. Paul wrote the Thessalonians: “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation,” 1 Thessalonians 5:8.
d. The helmet of salvation is subjoined to the shield of faith, as its inseparable accompaniment, Romans 5:1-5. The head of the soldier was among the principal parts of the body to protect. The enemy can strike the deadliest blow to the soldier's head while in battle. It is the head that commands the whole body.
e. The head is the seat of the mind, which, when it has laid hold of the sure Gospel “hope” of eternal life. This saint will not receive false doctrine or give way to Satan's temptations to despair. God, by this hope, "lifts the head,” Psalms 3:3; Luke 21:28. And call upon the “name of the Lord” in their time of need, whether in the trial, temptation, persecution, or despair. He can deliver thee! Now let's consider the first of two offensive weapons for the saints in this warfare.
6. Lastly, “Take the sword of the spirit,” Ephesians 6:17b. The sword of the Spirit is the first offensive weapon employed by the saints in their spiritual warfare. But, there is another: prayer. Paul wrote: “Praying always with all prayers and supplication in the Spirit,” Ephesians 6:18. We will discuss them both under the heading: Offensive weapons, below. We are coming to a conclusion.
C. Offensive weapons. The last piece of the saint’s BDE is the sword. We will discuss it as the first piece of the soldier’s offensive weaponry. Observe--
1. First, “And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17b. The sword is worn on the Centurion’s side (favoring either his right hand or left). The soldiers use the sword during hand-to-hand combat, when in the heat of battle, within striking range of the enemy. The Romans developed the art of using the blade in defensive and offensive operations.
a. The sword of the Spirit — that is, furnished by the Spirit, who inspired the writers of the word of God, 2 Peter 1:20-21. Again the Trinity is implied: the Spirit here; and Christ in “salvation” and God the Father, Ephesians 6:13.
b. Christ used it during His temptations as our pattern as to how the saints must wield it against Satan and his forces. Amen, brother Doors!
c. When Satan puts: “heat on you;” you put: “the word on him.” It is written!
2. Second, “This is the word of God.” Paul wrote that the “sword of the Spirit” represents the “word of God.” Through Jesus’ wielding the word of God, He was able to repel all the devil's attacks. How did Christ swing the word of God? He quoted the scriptures: "It is written." He did this three times.
a. Temptation one: “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. And the tempter came to Him.”
1) He said: "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stone be made bread." This temptation is the lust of the flesh.
2) But Jesus answered and said: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” Matthew 4:3-4. Notice, the Lord said: “It is written.” It was the word of God that caused the devil to withdraw. Saints, put the scriptures on him when he puts heat on you to sin!
b. Temptation two: “Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and sitteth him on a pinnacle of the temple.” This temptation is the lust of the eyes and a presumptuous’ sin unto God.
1) And said unto Him: “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands, they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
2) Jesus said unto him: “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God,” Matthew 4:6-7. Are you starting to see a pattern here?
3) David wrote: “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression,” Psalms 19:13.
c. Temptation three: “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.”
1) And saith unto Him: “All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me." This temptation is the pride of life.
2) Then saith Jesus unto him: “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve,” Matthew 4:8-10.
d. Temptation ended: “Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him,” Matthew 4:11.
3. Quick and powerful. Paul wrote: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12.
a. It was a two-edged sword, cutting both ways. As Brother Warren would often say: “the word of God cuts gwo’win’ and com’min,” Psalms 45:3-4.
b. It strikes some with conviction and conversion, and others with condemnation, Acts 2:37-41; John 12:48.
c. It resides in the mouth of Lord, Isaiah 11:4-5; Revelations 19:15.
d. And within the hands of His saints, Psalms 149:5-9; Isaiah 49:2-3.
4. Conclusion: The word of God has the power to save, convert, and rebuke the evil one during his attacks on the saints. Follow the pattern of the Lord. When Satan tempted, the Lord quenched the temptation by quoting the word of God. The apostle John penned: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb; and, by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death,” Revelation 12:11; Acts 20:24; Acts 21:13.
D. Praying always. He concluded: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, pray that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak,” Ephesians 6:18-20.
1. Paul directed the saints to pray. Prayer is our second offensive weapon: prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Paul leads the saints to pray elsewhere. Observe--
a. First, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
b. Further, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting holy hands, without wrath and doubting,” 1 Timothy 2:8. Notice--
1) Don’t fear, pray, Psalms 3:6; Psalms 27:1; James 5:16.
2) Don’t faint, pray, Luke 18:1; Psalms 27:13; Proverbs 24:10.
3) Don’t fret, pray, Psalms 37:7-8; Proverbs 24:19; Matthew 7:7-8.
4) Don’t falter, pray, 1 Kings 18:21; 1 Kings 18:36-40; Matthew 6:24.
c. Next, Luke wrote of Paul: “And when Paul had thus spoken, he kneeled, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship,” Acts 20:36-38.
NOTE: The scene here is as passionate and moving as the prayer and words of the Lord, at the tomb of Lazarus, John 11:33-44. The Lord's sorrow forced Him to weep at this gravesite gathering.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: "Paul's Farewell to Ephesus" from SermonCentral.com. Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It expounds upon this scene on the seaside in Miletus.
d. Finally, Luke wrote of Paul: “And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled on the shore, and prayed,” Acts 21:5.
2. Paul asked the saints for their prayers. He wrote: “And (pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak,” Ephesians 6:19-20. Pray that--
a. That utterance might be given to me:
1) That I may open my mouth boldly.
2) To make known the mystery of the gospel.
b. For which I am an ambassador in bonds:
1) That I may speak boldly.
2) As I ought to speak.
c. Conclusion: Pray for me that I might remain bold in my preaching of the gospel message. It is for this message I am now an ambassador in bonds. For the truth, Paul was now in prison: the truth of God's mystery concerning the Gentiles. Many of the Jews that visited him were not in favor of this message. Like many of us at this time, we are criticized for our stand for the truth. It will be the truth that prevails; when the error is exposed. What this nation needs now, more than ever, are voices that speak righteousness at every level of government, pulpit, and saints. I ask:
1) Where are the righteous voices in our local, state, and federal governments?
2) Where are the righteous words being preached from the nation’s pulpits?
3) Where are the righteous saints during this “evil day” in America?
3. Paul’s “evil day.” The apostle was now chained to a Roman soldier in Rome. Yet, he was permitted to “preach Christ” unto all that came to visit with him. The results would be that he would win for Christ: “Chiefly they that are of Caesar's household," Philippians 4:21-23. This beloved servant of Christ was not silent during this imprisonment. He encouraged; and sought to embolden the saint at Philippi and elsewhere. Observe--
a. To Ephesus, he wrote: "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory,” Ephesians 3:13; Ephesians 6:19-20.
b. To Philippi he wrote: “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, are waxing in confidence by my bonds, are much bolder to speak the word without fear,” Philippians 1:12-14.
c. To Colossae, he wrote: "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak,” Colossians 4:4.
d. To Thessalonica, he wrote: "But even after that we had suffered before and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention,” 1 Thessalonians 2:2.
4. What is America’s "evil day?" We as a Nation are undergoing our "evil day." How are we going to get through this pandemic? The saints will put on "the whole armor of God" and encourage others to do the same. We will be patient, trusting, and obedient to "the powers" ordained by God, for our God. We also have another “evil day” to contend with now and in the next few weeks. That is--
5. Terrorist’s attack on the Nation’s Capital. The attack on the Capital Building" was by an armed terrorist group! This occurred on January 6, 2021. What were their intentions? It was to “overthrow the 2020 election.” The current “impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump,” as the leader and chief inciter of this terrorist mob’s that attacked the United States Capital, has just concluded on January 13, 2021. The former president was "found not guilty" by the Republican Party leadership and members. The vote was 57 "yeas" and 43 "nays." Their vote was along party lines. What does this mean?
a. The Republican Party cared more for their seat than they did the nation. They could not even stand up for Mike Pence, their former vice president: whose life and theirs were in mortal danger from an angry mob, sent to the Capital to assassinate him and members of both political parties.
b. Donald J. Trump, again, has escaped punishment in his second impeachment trial because of Republican’s fear of reprisal from him if they did the right thing.
c. The 50 Democrats and seven Republicans that stood with them voted that Trump was indeed guilty of the charges of inciting an “insurrection.”
1) The evidence was overwhelming and brilliantly presented by the prosecution team. This team performed an excellent service for the nation, its client. All of the team members should be commended!
2) The defense team defended their client, Donald J. Trump. They ignored the evidence and "cried wolf" for their client. They were merely the mouth-pieces for an evil and corrupted administration that nearly destroyed democracy in America.
3) The total fault in this failure of justice; rests with Mitch McConnell and the Republican Party. 7 Republicans broke from their ranks and voted the convict Donald J. Trump, and did the right thing. I am proud of them: there is hope for this party and America!
d. Conclusion: This behavior is the spiritual wickedness in high places. It is to these leaders that Paul makes mention of in this Letter. These are “the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places” that appose: truth and justice every day in America.
1) And our mission as soldiers for Christ is to stand against them, "with the whole armor of God."
2) To fight the good fight of faith; defending the helpless and needy; standing for righteousness and truth in all that we do and say.
3) May our “oath to Christ” mean more to us than these Republican’s “oath of office” that they would: “Support and defend the Constitution of America against all enemies foreign and domestic.”
a) On January 13, they were miserable failures to themselves, their party, the American people, and ultimately to God when they swore an oath invoking His name: “So help me God.” They swore an oath unto God! Observe--
b) Moses spoke to Israel’s leaders: “And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying: The LORD hath commanded. If a man vows a vow unto the LORD or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth,” Numbers 30:1-2.
c) David wrote: “I have sworn, and I will perform it,” Psalms 119:106.
d) Jesus said: “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne...But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than this cometh of evil,” Matthew 5:33-37. He Moses again--
4) Conclusion: “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee, and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee,” Deuteronomy 23:21-22. We will pray for Mitch McConnell and for those of his party that did not keep their vow or oath unto God. As I approach our conclusion, let me speak briefly to Paul's compassionate closing of this Letter to the Ephesians.
E. Paul’s salutation and benediction. He wrote: “But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace unto the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is with all of them that love our Lord Jesus Christ with sincerity. Amen,” Ephesians 6:21-24. Observe--
1. First, as with all his salutations, he mentions his faithful brothers. He gives reasons for sending them unto the church.
a. I send Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.
b. He shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose.
c. That ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
d. I send Tychicus, unto you a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord. This brother was to inform the church at Ephesus how Paul was faring, during his imprisonment in Rome: that they might know of his affairs, that their hearts may be comforted.
2. Further, Tychicus was mentioned in the Colossians’ Letter as well. He wrote: “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here,” Colossians 4:7-9.
3. Next, Timothy was charged with a similar role unto the church at Philippi. He wrote: “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I may be of good comfort when I know your state. I have no man likeminded who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel...Him, I hope to send presently,” Philippians 2:19-24.
4. Also, Epaphroditus was sent unto Philippi with news of Paul, after undergoing sickness from his last journey to Rome, Philippians 2:25-30.
5. Finally, his benediction. He concludes: “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is with all of them that love our Lord Jesus Christ with sincerity. Amen,” Ephesians 6:23-24. It is these words I now leave unto each of you here today/tonight. May God bless each of you as I conclude this last lesson, in this sermon-series: “Fit-to-Fight,” “the equipment safeties,” recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
3. The Equipment Safeties
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this last lesson in the sermon-series: “Fit- to-Fight” we investigated the saint's “equipment safeties” or the "whole armor" of God, designed to be worn during their stand against the devil and his allies. Finally, 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:13-17. This was the saint's battle dress equipment (BDE).
2. Their BDE must always be worn for their constant engagements against Satan's attacks against their faith, hope, and loving obedience to their Captain in battle: the Lord Jesus Christ.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, 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
