An Alert People Ephesians 6:10-24

-We must be alert to the reality of spiritual warfare

The 1995 movie “The Usual Suspects” contains a memorable line spoken by a guileful character about the existence or non-existence of the Devil.

The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.

I. We are in a Spiritual Battle vv. 10-12

Paul addresses the Ephesians with a closing command: Be strong in the Lord

This is not a call to inner strength

It is a reminder that there is a strength that is available to us and it comes from the Lord

Paul gives a word of warning:

The Devil, the accuser of the brethren, is scheming against us

We must understand his aim

He cannot take us away from our position, seated in Christ in the heavenly places

However, he can hinder our walk with Christ

As a result, we must stand against the devil if we are going to withstand his attacks

If not, we lose the joy of relationship with God, others, and purpose

Paul gives us a word of instruction. This battle is:

Spiritual, not fleshly

We are not fighting people

We are fighting powers

Personal, not corporate

We are not primarily focused on corporate organization

We must remain focused on personal commitment

Defensive, not offensive

We are not having to reclaim ground owned by the enemy

We are protecting what is ours in Christ

“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”-Abraham Kuyper

II. We Have Weapons of War vv. 13-20

Their Necessity v. 13

There is good news in the fight; our Father has armed us for spiritual warfare

This is how we can stand in His strength

Their Variety vv. 14-18

These are all gifts from God, not simply character traits

Belt of truth- a life of integrity to the truth as it is in Christ, marked by the truth is the belt that holds us together

Breastplate of righteousness- a life that reflects the righteousness of Christ gives no place for the Enemy to attack

Shoes of readiness- a constant awareness of our Gospel hope so that we can “dig in” and withstand the Enemy’s push

Shield of faith- a settled commitment to God’s character and intent that fends off the fiery darts of doubt

Helmet of salvation- a constant reminder of our new position in Christ so that we do not forget whose we are

Sword of God’s Word- provides instruction and clarity in the midst of the fog

Prayer- Communication with God so that we have direct access to Him

Their Purpose vv. 19-20

That we may persevere in our walk with Christ

That we may proclaim the Gospel with boldness!

[32] “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32) (ESV)

III. We Have Reasons for Hope vv. 21-24

The Encouragement of Our Family vv. 21-22

Paul sends Tychicus as his messenger of encouragement to the Ephesians

The family of God is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the flesh

Our Christian life is always better together in community

The Grace and Peace of Our Lord vv. 23-24

Paul wishes us peace and love for one another that comes from God

Likewise, he wishes us the grace that is God’s gift to those who love Him

We can trust that we will receive all that we need to endure from Him

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Devil’s Effect on Christians

While on a trip to the zoo one day, a boy and his father saw a huge lion. The lion was prowling around his enclosure and letting out chilling roars. The boy became very frightened and screamed in terror, but his father remained calm and unafraid. Why? The boy was frightened because he saw only the lion, while the father was unafraid because he saw the cage enclosing the lion.

The Christian’s view of Satan should be like that of the father rather than that of the boy, for our fierce enemy is like a caged lion.