The Battle in Christ
Text: Eph. 6:10-20
Introduction
1. Illustration: Video clip from the movie "Gettysburg." Scene 28. Key phrase, "We've got to hold it!"
2. It is fitting that this text, which may be one of the richest texts in all the New Testament, occurs at the end of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. For it is the culmination of all that Paul has said previously in the letter.
3. He has talked about:
a. How we have been blessed with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ."
b. How we have been brought from death to life in Christ.
c. How God has revealed His plan to us in Christ.
d. How God has made us a part of His family in Christ.
e. How we should be imitators of God in Christ.
f. How we must come to grips with our new identity in Christ.
4. Now comes the culmination of all he has said. We are in a spiritual battle, and we must hold our ground in Christ.
5. Paul talks about:
a. The equipment for battle.
b. The orders for battle.
c. The army for battle.
6. Read Eph. 6:10-20
Proposition: We are engaged in a spiritual battle, and we must hold our ground at all costs.
Transition: First, let us consider...
I. The Equipment for the Battle (14-18)
A. God's Armor
1. We will begin by looking at v. 14, which starts out with "Stand your ground..."
a. This is a call to arms.
b. It is a warning to anticipate battle.
c. It is not a matter of if, but when!
d. Paul's cry is "the fight is coming, so prepare yourself for battle!"
2. However, Paul wants us to realize that we are a well-equipped army. He says, "...putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness."
a. The several items of the soldier's armor appear in the order in which they would be put on. Together they comprise the armor worn before taking the field. It indicates that as soldiers of Christ we are well armed and protected.
b. First of all, the belt tied tightly around the waist indicated that the soldier was prepared for action (Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Ephesians/Exposition of Ephesians).
c. Before a soldier could put on the rest of the armor, the belt had to be tightened to bind the loose flowing garments worn in their day, so he could enjoy freedom of movement (Rossier, CBL: Ephesians, 171).
d. We are to stand in and with the truth of the gospel.
e. Jude 1:3 (NLT)
Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.
f. We cannot budge when it comes to God's truth. We must remain firm and immovable.
3. He talks about "the body armor of God's righteousness."
a. The "breastplate" covered the body from the neck to the thighs.
b. An ancient historian tells us that it was known as a heart-protector. Usually it was made of bronze but the more affluent officers wore a coat of chain mail (Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Ephesians/Exposition of Ephesians).
c. We need to notice here that this piece of the armor, which protects the major part of the body as well as the major organs, is not our righteousness but God's.
d. Our righteousness is as filthy rags, but God's righteousness is powerful enough to protect our hearts.
4. Paul continues his description of the armor with "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."
a. Once the breastplate has been fitted into position, the soldier puts on his strong army boots.
b. Josephus described them as "shoes thickly studded with sharp nails" (War VI.1.8) so as to ensure a good grip.
c. "Those who must at all costs stand their ground need to have a secure footing; in the spiritual conflict, this is supplied by the gospel, applied and preached" (Bruce, NICNT: Ephesians, 408).
d. As we preach the gospel, both in season and out of season, we are making our foot sure and enabling ourselves to stand in the face of the Devil.
5. Next, Paul says, "In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil."
a. With the shield, Paul has in mind the large shield Roman infantry used to protect their whole bodies.
b. Such shields were four feet tall and two and one-half feet wide and were constructed of leather stretched over wood, reinforced with metal at the top and bottom.
c. Especially if soaked in water, they were effective in stopping burning arrows.
d. When overlapped with the shields of soldiers on either side, they provided effective protection.
e. One Roman soldier, after a difficult battle, counted over 22 darts sticking into his shield.
f. They were not merely defensive, however, for a line of soldiers with interlocked shields and weapons poised could push right through enemy ranks (Snodgrass, 343).
g. Faith is both a defensive and an offensive weapon.
h. If we read Hebrews chapter 11, we constantly read the words "by faith." This should tell us how powerful a weapon faith is because "it was "through their faith the people in old days earned a good reputation."
6. Paul continues by saying "Put on salvation as your helmet..."
a. It is curious that Paul refers to salvation as our helmet.
b. One of the Devil's favorite ways to attack believers is in their thought life.
c. He tries to get you to think and believe things that are contrary to reality and what the Scriptures teach.
d. He tries to get you doubt, think you are not forgiven, and still under his control.
e. However, the helmet of salvation tells us that we belong to God, are forgiven by God, and we are loved and accepted by God.
7. Then Paul says, "and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
a. There is something here that can not be seen in our English translations.
b. The normal Greek word for "the word" is logos, which refers to the written word, but the word that Paul uses here is the word rhema, which refers to the spoken word (Fee, God's Empowering Presence, 728).
c. It is not the written word that Paul is referring to, but the proclamation of the Gospel through preaching, teaching, and witnessing.
d. Every time that we proclaim the Gospel and share our faith with others, we are stabbing the Devil right in the heart.
8. Unfortunately, most preachers and scholars think that the list of armor stops with v. 17. This could not be further from the truth. In v. 18 Paul says, "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion."
a. Based on what Paul has written elsewhere, there can be little doubt what Paul is referring to here. Paul is referring to praying in tongues.
b. 1 Corinthians 14:18 (NLT)
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you.
c. This was a type of prayer that was a regular occurrence for Paul, as it should be for us. He tells us to pray in the Spirit "at all times and on every occasion."
d. But you might ask, how is this a weapon?
e. 1 Corinthians 14:14 (NLT)
For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.
f. When we pray in tongues, we cannot understand what we are saying because it it the language of the Spirit, and what makes it such a powerful weapon is that the Devil cannot understand it either.
g. That’s why Paul tells us to pray in the Spirit "at all times and on every occasion."
B. Spiritually Equipped
1. Illustration: Recently National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose. The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken. That ensures defeat. The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk. There is a lesson here for us. Spiritual battles await. Satan will choose a season to attack. Will we be victorious, or will we fall? Much depends on what we do now--before the wars begin. The bull-moose principle: Enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they're needed.
2. God is warning us that the battle is coming.
a. Will we be prepared?
b. Will we answer the trumpet call?
c. Will we take our place in line?
3. God has provided us with Spiritual Armor.
a. The Christian army is the best equipped army in history.
b. Every part of the body is protected.
c. Every provision has been met.
d. Every need accounted for.
e. Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
4. God is calling us to take up what He has provided.
a. Will you take up the belt of truth?
b. Will you take up the righteousness of God?
c. Will you wear the Good News on your feet?
d. Will you take up the shield of faith?
e. Will you put on the helmet of salvation?
f. Will you pick up the sword of the Spirit?
g. Will pray in the Spirit?
Transition: The question is not will there be a battle, but will we be ready for it.
II. The Orders for the Battle (10-13)
A. Stand Firm
1. Now that we have looked at the armor of God, let us look at what He wants us to do with it.
2. Paul says, "A final word..."
a. This phrase is literally "as for the rest."
b. In other words, "based on what I've already told you, this is what I expect you to do."
c. Everything that Paul has told us in this letter points to this text.
3. This is what he expects us to do: "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
a. Again, English fails us, because in the Greek it is not be strong but "be empowered."
b. The passive form of the verb ("be strong") indicates that this empowering is something done to Christians, not something they do themselves; its present tense shows the empowering is continual (Snodgrass, 338).
c. Acts 1:8 (NLT)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
d. It is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and brought us from death to life. It is God's power!
e. To be strong in the Lord means to know his strength and to draw closer to him. It is an exhortation to act on what is known.
f. The Holy Spirit provides the power, but we must choose to use that power.
4. The reason that Paul gives such a clear description of the armor, and the reason that I dealt with it first, is that we need it to do what is expected of us. So, what is expected of us: "Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil."
a. First, putting on the armor of God is not an option it is a command. This verb is an imperative, a command. Put it on!
b. However, the reason that we are to put it on is so that we can stand our ground against the Devil.
c. The key to this entire text is to stand your ground. In v. 11 "stand firm," in v. 13 "standing firm," in v. 14 "stand your ground."
d. It is the picture of a soldier standing firm against the onslaught of an enemy. He refuses to give ground no matter the pressure and strength of attack. He does not flinch; he is not unstable, and he is never defeated (Practical Word Studies in The New Testament).
e. There are too many Christians today that are turning and running because they are afraid of the Devil, but Paul tells us that we can stand firm against him.
f. If it wasn't possible, he wouldn't ask us to do it.
5. Well why is this so important? "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."
a. The word translated "struggle" occurs nowhere else in the New Testament and is not frequent in other writings.
b. It refers primarily to wrestling but can be used more generally of a fight or battle (Snodgrass, 339).
c. Notice, however, that who we are wrestling with are not people, but Satan himself.
d. Just as he has fought against God and His people from time he was kicked out of heaven, so he is still fighting today.
e. "Christians are not shadowboxing in this spiritual warfare. The enemies are real but thank God that they can be overcome by His grace" (Rossier, 169).
6. Paul tells us, "Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm."
a. Notice that Paul says to put on "every piece of armor."
b. Again, it is not a suggestion; it is a command. Put it on!
c. We cannot pick and choose which pieces of the armor we want to pick up and put on, but we must put it all on.
d. If you are saying right now, "yeah, but that whole tongues thing doesn't work of me," or "yeah, but that whole faith thing is not my strong point." Let me tell you something, anytime you say "yeah, but" to God you're in big trouble.
e. Also notice the result of putting on the armor and standing and fighting when the battle is over "you will still be standing firm."
B. Hold Your Ground
1. Illustration: Clip from Gettysburg. Scene #29. Key phrase: "We cannot retreat. We cannot withdraw. We are going to have to be stubborn today."
2. God has given us the order to hold our ground.
a. We cannot give in.
b. We cannot give up.
c. We cannot give out.
3. Our battle is not physical, but spiritual.
a. It is a spiritual fight.
b. In a spiritual realm
c. So, we must fight with spiritual means.
4. Our enemy is formidable but defeated.
a. He is crafty and deceptive.
b. But greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.
c. When Jesus said, "it is finished," it was finished!
d. Take up the armor, stand your ground and you will win.
Transition: This brings us to...
III. The Army for the Battle (18-20)
A. For All Believers
1. You may have noticed something significant in the armor of God: there is nothing to protect the back. There are several reasons for this:
a. There is nothing to cover the back because we are never supposed to run from a fight. We are to face the enemy head on.
b. The second reason that there is nothing to cover the back is our fellow believers are supposed to cover our backs for us.
2. Returning to v. 18, Paul tells us "Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
a. The word for "stay alert" means "to make an effort to learn of what might be a potential future threat - 'to be alert, to be on the lookout for, to be vigilant.'" (Louw and Nidda, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Symantic Domains).
b. We are to watch out for one another. In other words, we are to watch one another's back.
c. The way that we do that is being persistent in our prayers for all believers everywhere.
d. Satan will attack when we least expect it, so we need to stay alert to prayer needs when they arise. Satan will rarely let up if he thinks he can win the battle, so believers must be persistent in praying, no matter how long it takes (Life Application New Testament Commentary).
3. Paul adds to this by saying "And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike."
a. Paul knew that he was not beyond the need for prayer. so, he asks that they pray for him as they pray for other believers.
b. Notice what Paul asks them to pray for: boldness to preach the Gospel.
c. Keep in mind that Paul is writing this letter from prison, and that the proclamation of the Gospel is one of the spiritual weapons to which Paul has already mentioned.
d. In other words, Paul is bound and determined to go down swinging!
4. He makes this evident in v. 20 when he says, “I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should."
a. It is because of his faithfulness in preaching the Good News that he has been placed under house arrest.
b. Yet, until the end Paul is determined to fight the good fight of faith.
c. He asks that prayers be made for him that he would not lose his boldness
d. In essence he is saying "watch my back."
B. Power of Prayer
1. Illustration: Clip from Gettysburg, Scene #33. Key phrase: "Tom!!"
2. We are our brother’s keeper.
a. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are our responsibility.
b. We are to be there for them when they need us.
c. We are to be watching and looking out for them.
3. We are literally partners in prayer.
a. Philippians 1:4-5 (NLT)
Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.
b. We are to pray for one another that we stand strong in the battle.
c. We are to pray for one another that we do not give into temptation.
d. We are to pray for one another that we do not give into discouragement.
4. We are to fight side by side with one another in prayer.
a. Pray for encouragement
b. Pray for strength
c. Pray for boldness
d. Pray for determination
Transition: Do you have one another's back?
Conclusion
1. We are in a spiritual war, and the stakes are high.
2. What are you doing in this battle?
a. Are you using all the equipment that God has given you?
b. Are you standing your ground?
c. Are you watching one another's back?
3. What’s the point? We must stand our ground together.
