Sermon Tone Analysis

Ephesians 6:16–20 (ESV) — 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

I.

A SHIELD

Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) — 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

Every temptation, directly or indirectly, is the temptation to doubt and distrust God.

The purpose of all of Satan’s missiles, therefore, is to cause believers to forsake their trust in God, to drive a wedge between the Savior and the saved.

He even tempted God’s own Son to distrust Him in the wilderness—first to distrust His Father’s provision, then to distrust His protection and His plan (Matt.

4:3–9).[1]

Paul here again emphasizes that our struggle is against personal forces of evil—not simply against bad philosophies or wrong ideas, as liberal theologians and preachers have long maintained.

Our battle is not against abstract evil influences but the personal evil one and his hordes of personal demons.[2]

II.

A HELMET

Ephesians 6:17a (ESV) — 17 and take the helmet of salvation,

III.

A SWORD

Ephesians 6:17b (ESV) —17b …and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

James 4:7 (ESV) — 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

[1] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986).

Ephesians (p.

359).

Moody Press.

[2] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986).

Ephesians (p.

360).

Moody Press.