A. INTRODUCTION: EPHESIANS 6
1. After becoming servants, we must also become soldiers.
2. The war of spiritual dimensions, “in the heavenlies” (v. 12). Paul is a prisoner, “in chains” (v. 20).
3. Sister book to Joshua, i.e., an outward battle for land, Ephesians an inward battle for spiritual victory.
4. “Be strong” (v. 10), is endunamousthe, i.e., a middle passive. God empowers us, it’s not what we do, it’s what we receive.
5. “In the Lord” (v. 10), our strength is in relationship.
B. THE CHALLENGE
1. “Put on” (v. 11), aorist, once and for all.
2. “Armor” (v. 11), the whole military gear we receive at enlistment.
3. “Stand” (v. 11), do not retreat, but defend a position.
4. “Wiles of the devil” (a) attractive, (b) deceptive, (c) addictive. The devil will slander, accuse and undermine the believer.
5. “Wrestle” (v. 12), the aim to throw to the ground, and pin down. A personal face-to-face conflict.
6. “Flesh and blood” (v. 12), people are not our enemy.
7. “Principalities” (v. 12), high-ranking hierarchy of demonic authority.
8. Our enemy rules evil that he will use against us.
9. “Power of darkness” (v. 12), there is energy in his evil.
10. “Rulers of darkness” of this world” (v. 12), Satan has the power of revolution at his command. He is the “god of this world.”
11. “Spiritual wickedness” (v. 12), Satan can command the unseen world.
C. SPIRITUAL ARMOR
1. “The whole armor of God” (v. 13,) no ordinary weapons will do. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal” (2 Cor. 10:4).
a. Lock and load,” be ready for an assault.
b. “Ready, aim, fire,” action now.
2. “Evil day” (v. 13), not the coming final tribulation, but an average day of temptation.
3. “Stand” (v. 13), once for all.
4. “Having a leather belt of truth on your hips” (v. 14, ELT), you hang all the other weapons on this belt of truth. You must know you are fighting for the truth and with the truth.
5. “Having the body armor of righteousness” (v. 14), at first you are protected with Christ's imputed righteousness, i.e., justification gives you a new position with God. Second, you stand in your own personal righteousness which is your experience.
If you have a guilty conscience, It will make you a coward.
6. “Your feet in a state of preparedness or readiness in the gospel” (v. 15, ELT), the gospel is propositional truth, i.e., the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The gospel is personal truth, i.e., it is Jesus.
7. “Above all take the shield of faith” (v. 16), double protection body armor and shield. Faith has double meaning. First it is “the faith,” the objective content of Christianity. Second, it is our inner belief in God. Roman shields become protection wall.
8. “Fiery darts” were dipped in tar or pitch, set afire, and fired at the enemy. They really hurt!
9. “Helmet of salvation” (v. 17), usually a leather cap with metal attached. Could be entirely metal. When you know you are saved, you are formidable against your enemy satan, and against unsaved people.
10. “The sword,” which is the Word of God which is from the Spirit” (v. 17). All other weapons to defend, but the sword is to attack. The term word is Rehma, i.e., the spoken word. Jesus said, “It is written” (Matt. 4:4-10).
11. “Praying always” (v. 18), two words for praying, deomi is to beg, and proseuchomai is “abiding in His presence;” this means pray doubly hard. Technically it says twice, “Pray and beg.” The word for beg is supplication in the King James.
12. For whom should you pray?
a. For victory for yourself.
b. For all saints everywhere to be victorious.
c. For the opportunity of Paul. “That I may open my mouth boldly to make known” (v. 19).
d. Note what he didn’t pray ____________________________.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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