Stand Strong. Ephesians 6.10-24AMP
Whether we want to face it or not, the world is in a spiritual battle. We are to be strong Christians, not weak Christians.
Charles Swindoll in his commentary on, Ephesians, he states, Ephesians 1-3, Is all about good theology. Topics such as, God’s love, God’s sovereignty, the Holy Spirit, God grace, predestination etc. Ephesians 4-5, Is the practicum of ministry, applying what you’ve been taught. Giving love, walking in fellowship, Being the light etc. However, Ephesians 6, mixes the sovereignty of God, the love of God, with the practical of God, how to get along. Even, Ephesians 6, begins with more practical.
Just listen to, Ephesians 6.1-3AMP Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. 2 Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise—3 so that it may be well with you, and that you may have a long life on the earth.
Now for the cool part of, Ephesians 6. Are you ready?
Ephesians 6.10AMP In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.
Again, Be strong! -Eleven miles off the coast of Scotland stands the Bell Rock Lighthouse. It is the world’s oldest surviving sea washed lighthouse. It was built on an acre of solid rock in the middle of the North Sea. Waves and storms have been crashing into this lighthouse for 200 years. But it still stands strong as a beacon of light because of its solid foundation.
The apostle Paul begins by making sure every reader. “Everything I’ve said to you, Now hear this!
Be strong in the Lord. Be empowered through your union with Him! But most of all, Be empowered because of Jesus’ boundless might! P.H
What qualifies you for this? -His boundless might!
Paul goes on, Ephesians 6.11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For every NT believer, the full armor of God begins by applying God’s word through speech and conduct.
The full armor of God will manifest powerful blessings, full authority, while making you, “devil ready’, stab in the back ready!”
The full armor of God makes a believer successful. The full armor of God, gives you backbone to stand up to evil! P.H
Ephesians 6.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.
Say, “My struggle.” Ephesians 6.12TPT Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.
Remember what apostles Paul stated in, 2 Corinthians 10.4-5NKJV For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Listen, I don’t have to revisit what Jesus gave me authority and power to overcome! P.H
Ephesians 6.13AMP Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done ever ything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].
The next verses Paul tells us what this armor exactly is: We are told to put the complete armor of God on. Never take it off.
Verse 13 teaches, When we learn to wear God’s armor, don’t take it off. You will resist evil and stand your ground!
Ephesians 6.14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart),
My mind got tired so I text two personal friends of mine. My pastor stated this detail to me, he was very excited about it!
What is it? “Howard, Since I’ve retired I got some really good friends.”
Paul states in Verse 14, Stand firm.
Listen to, Ephesians 6.14NKJV Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
The waist of truth is, personal integrity, and moral courage!
How does it, or hopefully how would it make you feel if someone comes against your personal integrity and moral courage?
And of course, this Breast plate of righteousness (vs14), was earned by Jesus, but given to you! P.H
2 Corinthians 5.21NKJV For He made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
All true believers are righteous, but most don’t apply the knowledge and benefits of that.
Say, “I am the righteousness of God.”
Again, Ephesians 6.14 pleads put on this armor, wear it, no taking it off.
Ephesians 6.15AMP and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].
These shoes of peace produces peace. If you can’t find, Shalom, you won’t find anything.
Shalom isn’t just a word used in, Jerusalem. Shalom is what is promised to those that habitually cling to God’s Holy Word! P.H
This is is what Jesus said, John 16.33NLT I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Remember these words of Jesus right before He would leave His disciples.
John 14.1 Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me.
You can’t do too much with a troubled heart. P.H
Ephesians 6.16AMP Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Say that with me. “Above all.” Lift up the shield of faith.
This is what God said to me, You lift your shield up, you live with your shield... He said, “I’ll do the rest!”
Remember this, The scripture, The just shall live by faith is given 3 times in the NT! (Rom, Gal, and Hebrews)!
Ephesians 6.17AMP And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Verse 17 teaches, that while putting up the shield of faith, 17a. Take the helmet of salvation.
Real practicing salvation protects your head.
Testimony, When we were called to come to, CECC, we still lived in, Gainesville, Ga. I got the great idea to buy myself a Suzuki boulevard 850 cc. I think. The same time I purchased the motor cycle, I ask the owner of the store, What kind of helmet I should get. I’ll never forget, 20 years ago, Wow. 20 years ago. he said, “Well, Mr Strickland it depends on how much you love your head.”
Wear the helmet of salvation. Hear me, “If you are saved don’t take it off!”
Verse 17b. Just like you took up the helmet of salvation, You are to take up the sword of the spirit which is God’s word.
“Not your word, or words, but God’s Word!" P.H
Jeremiah 23.29NIV Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
Ephesians 6.18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.
Notice, Prayer is needed in every season.
This I know, “Prayer makes you alert. It awakens you to the spirit world, It takes you into the land of possibilities!”
Ephesians 6.19-20AMP And pray for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news [of salvation], 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. And pray that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly and courageously, as I should.
I think it’s safe to say that Paul was saying, As I pray for you, as I teach prayer, As I live prayer, Pray for me!
The apostles Paul gets personal at the end of his letter to Ephesians, he say’s, Pray for me.
Would you say that with me right now, Pray for me... “Pray for me...”
Then Paul say’s, here’s how, Vs.19-20.
Pray that words be given to me as I open my mouth.
I will proclaim, the mystery of salvation. (Good news)
Pray, that when I speak it (Proclaim it) that I may speak courageously and boldly.
I want to read to you the last two verses of, Ephesians 6. Verse 23-24. Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible love.
Benediction.
