Stand Fast

Stand Fast Ephesians 6:16-17 Review/Preview • With the word “finally,” Paul unveils how the entire letter prepares us for a call to arms. • Paul’s closing theme: Stand Fast in God’s Power through Prayer. • Paul commands us to stand our ground with the help of God’s armor, which has 6 specific pieces. Last week, we covered the first three: belt, breastplate, and shoes. • Today, we will cover the last three pieces of armor: shield, helmet, and sword. Shield of Faith • Paul’s Certain Command: 1. “Every” and “all” 2. Future tense: in which you shall be able • Imminent Danger: lit, flaming missiles of evil (or “evil one) • Why is faith so instrumental and protective? 1. Luke 17:1-6 – Faith that forgives does remarkable things 2. Habakkuk 2:4 – The just shall live by faith 3. John 16:33 – Faith says Jesus is greater than any evil 4. Hebrews 11:33 – Faith emboldens actions 5. 1 John 5:4 – Faith overcomes the world 6. Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ Helmet of Salvation • For “helmet” and “shield,” Paul changes the verbiage from “having taken up” to “receive.” • Emphatic command addressed to all with extreme urgency • The LORD, the Redeemer, adorns his helmet of salvation in Isaiah 59:17-20 • According to Frank Thielman, “[Paul] urges his readers, then, to receive salvation not because they do not already have it, but because, although they have it, they need to appropriate it constantly in faith.” See Romans 8 Sword of the Spirit • The only offensive weapon • What is the “Word of God” 1. Fundamental, categorial truth (John 17:17) that can never be broken (John 10:35) or lost (Luke 21:33). 2. Living and able to make a person born again (1 Peter 1:23) 3. The direct out-breathing of God (2 Timothy 3:16) and is able to save those who hear it (1 Timothy 4:13-16). 4. God’s personal word to every reader/listener (Romans 15:4) as the Spirit of God delivers the message of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). 5. Alive and powerful; able to interpret our own hitherto misunderstood feelings (Hebrews 4:12). Conclusion These implements of warfare are taken up by frequent and prolonged meditation in the word of God.