Ephesians 6:10 - 24

Who the Real Enemy Is

V10 - Whats mentioned again? We talked a lot about the idea “in the Lord”, again it is mentioned. Our strength is not in ourselves, but in God. A strength in God, never fails.

V11 - What’s the keyword? “Whole” armor of God. Again we see we need to fully embrace God. No partial armor. Protection from everything. The devil is out here making schemes. We need to be on guard as we don’t know how the devil is scheming.

“I live in the Managerial Age, in a world of "Admin." The greatest evil is not now done in those sordid "dens of crime" that Dickens loved to paint. It is not done even in concentration camps and labour camps. In those we see its final result. But it is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voices. Hence, naturally enough, my symbol for Hell is something like the bureaucracy of a police state or the office of a thoroughly nasty business concern." [From the Preface]” ― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

What do you think this means?

V12 - Who’s our enemy? Rulers of principalities does not relate to people in in positions of power as that would contradict the scripture when he mentions our battle is not against flesh and blood.

“Second, Paul identifies our spiritual enemies. This list is commonly interpreted as a vague listing of the "ranks" within the demonic armies. "Rulers" seem to indicate a top level of evil spiritual forces. "Authorities" refer to general forces of evil attacking believers. "Cosmic powers" seems to refer to the worldwide nature of this spiritual battle. "Evil in the heavenly places" again emphasizes a battle beyond this world.” - Bible Ref

Cross reference to 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. This is where I see Americans struggle with.

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 ESV

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

The time and attention is more focused on our physical issues, politics, and figuring out how to best live in this world. All of that can be good and God can use that. When things go south however, we put the blame and frustration into that. However, we don’t wage ware to the flesh, but remember the strength of Christ who lives within us and remember who the true enemy is. The true issues we struggle with are the spiritual forces of evil. That is what will beat and turn us away from God.

V13 - He says it again “whole armour of God” that’s how you know its important.

How do we stand firm?

Armor of God / A Complete Set

V14-18 - Where is Paul writing this letter? In the custody of roman soldiers.

We need truth - Truth is exclusive. There is one God, one truth, one Lord, and His name is Jesus. He is the son of God. He’s not a God, he’s not just a good teacher, Jesus is the Truth. That is the crux of our entire faith.

We need righteousness - Miriam websters dictionary. “acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin” We also see this idea in Revelation and other passages of scripture that to be righteous requires action and obedience. A way to fight against the evil one is to obey God and His commands.

Gospel of Peace - God brings about peace. In Greek, peace means oneness or wholeness. Anxiety is a sin, the Bible tells us to cast our anxieties upon the Lord. He is saying we can have peace. “Not only is anxiety a Sin and God tells us to not be anxious, Anxiety is a gateway for more sin”

We need readiness - don’t stay complacent in your faith. God is a God who is still moving. So we need to be moving and ready for attacks against Satan butt also continue making disciples.

We need faith - When Satan wants you to doubt your relationship with God, whisper lies into your head, hold on to the truth and have Faith in Jesus Christ that He is truly real and Impacts our lives.

We need Salvation - The power of Jesus Christ living within us gives us the strength and capability to withstand from the evil one and stand in the Lord.

We need the word of God - The word of God not only defends us against attacks from the enemy but it also can attack the enemy saving other people. Doing bible studies with other Christians, sharing the gospel with them, the bible has stood the test of time and it will continue to stand the test of time. It is inerrant.

How do equip ourselves with this armor?

What piece of armor do you tend to put on frequently?

What piece of armor do you tend to not put on?

We need Prayer - It doesn’t even have an armor piece as it is engrained in the whole set.

“The armor is seen as a complete set; God’s warriors do not select individual items to wear but clothe themselves in the full suit. The imagery is largely that of defense, but it is a defense that wears down and defeats the enemy, so that in the end the believers stand victorious on the field”

Howard Marshall, “Ephesians,” in Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible, ed. James D. G. Dunn and John W. Rogerson (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2003), 1392. V19 - With those things, we stay alert and persevere.

V19-20 - Speaking of prayer, please do so for me. Pray for your spiritual leaders in your life, we need it. This doesn’t just apply to pastors and elders. Pray for the husbands and fathers as they spiritually lead their family. Pray for your mentors, pray for other teachers you learn from, pray, pray pray.

The power of true evil cannot be overcome by human means, it must be overcome by the whole armour of God.

Final Greetings

V21 - Paul actually has a messenger that will give them more detail then this letter we have.

V22 - As Paul is imprison, he is showing us that we don’t need to be discouraged through what we are going through, God is alive and working in our Hearts

V23-24 - The typical closing from Paul, almost identical to the greeting but specific to those who Love Jesus with an undying Love for Christ.

Do you have an undying love for Christ?

What do we do moving forward from this letter?