THE CHRISTIAN’S PERSISTENCE PT 3

EPHESIANS 6:10-18

We are getting ready to close our our study of Ephesians

We’ve talked about husbands, wives, kids, servants (employees and employers), but Paul starts to close this letter of encouragement with a final call - a call to arms

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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,

I. THE FIGHTING—vv. 10–18

1. Strength—v. 10 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Strength comes from the Lord.

We are called not to work off of personal strength – but the strength that comes from the Lord – not by the Lord but IN THE LORD

Be strong – endynamoo – en doo nam o’-o – receive strength, endure with strength - increase in strength – in God – kyrios –

And in the strength – kratos – force power might – the force, power, and might of the living God

Joshua 1:6-7, 9 - Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

v9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1 Timothy 1:12 – I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,

2 Timothy 2:1 – You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

2. Standing—vv. 11– Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

To stand against evil – takes courage – when we are strengthened in the Lord – He gives us the ability to stand against such evil

Histemi – make a stand – firm, fixed stance, stand ready and prepared

Methodeia – schemes – we get method from – cunning arts, deceit, craft and trickery

Deflect what Satan throws our way – not just temptation – anger (unrighteous), division, pride, unforgiveness, lack of desire or willingness to read the Bible

Call to stand firm – hold the fort – hold the ground –

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – 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. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

3. Satanic v12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

This is a daily battle, against the powers of Satan and his forces.

Our – ego

Struggle – pale – pal ay – wrestle victor holds the opponent down w/ their hand around their neck – intense battle

Rulers - arche – ar khay – beginning, origin, active cause, principality, angels and demons

Authorities – exousia – ex oo see ah – rule of government, authority over mankind,

Cosmic Powers over the Present Darkness –

kosmokrator – kos mok rat ore the devil and his demons

skotos – skot os – darkness night, blindness, ignorance of respecting divine things

Spiritual Forces – pneumatikos – rational soul, spirit

Of Evil – poneria – pon ay ree ah – depravity, malice, wickedness, evil desires

Heavenly places – epouranios – op oo ran ee os – existing in the heavenly regions, heavens of clouds and stars – 1st and 2ndheavens

Satan is not a fairy tale we tell kids to make them love God

Demons are not a fairy tale to scare kids into being good

Neither are part of our psyche –

Satan, demons are real spiritual forces

Rulers – authorities – suggest a social and a power structure – not needed if imaginary

12 times we read in the NT of Jesus casting out demons –

Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness/desert – he could not be part of Jesus’ inner being, mind, heart etc

He is not a cartoon character – no is he red with horns, pointed tail and pitch fork

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

4. Protection– v13 – Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Repeats verse 11 – put on the full armor of God – the full armor – not part of it –

Armor is for protection – weapons are for attack – put on all the armor of God – everything that He gives you for protection

To stand firm – not give up ground –

verse 11 – stand firm is histemi – make a stand – firm, fixed stance, stand ready and prepared

verse 13 – withstand – anthestemi – anth is tay me – resist, oppose, set one against

Paul takes stand firm into a more serious aspect – don’t just be prepare with a fixed stance – resist and oppose the enemy forces

1 Corinthians 16:13 – Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Galatians 5:1 – For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Philippians 4:1 – Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

1 Thessalonians 3:8 – For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 – So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

5. Paraphernalia —vv. 14–18 – Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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,

a. Belt – Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth –

Belt – over tunics – Roman soldiers had a thick leather and bronze plated belts to hold the tunic in and housed the sheath for swords and dagger – you lose the belt you lose your weapons and/or the ability to fight and defend

Bible is the only source of Truth – God is the only source of Truth – Jesus is Truth

For there to be truth – there can only be one source

b. Breastplate – and having put on the breastplate of righteousness

Breastplate protects all the vital organs – heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, stomach, intestines.

Made of metal, tied together – must be put on –

Isaiah 59:17 – He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head;

Romans 3:22 – the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

It God that saves, God protects – not us – His righteousness imputed to us through accepting of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – not our own righteousness

When we look at our good deeds, our righteousness – it puts gaping holes in the breastplates – leaving us vulnerable to attack and serious injury

c. Shoes – and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace

Soldiers’ shoes were thick leather sandals rising above the ankle and leather straps securing it to the leg – also had metal spikes/nails in the bottom to keep footing and grip during battle

Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

The good news of peace in the Gospel cannot be by word alone but our lives are required to mimic what we say – our words and our actions should match

Cannot stand firm if we slip – if we lose our footing – barefooted soldiers were easily defeated – stand in peace not conflict, not vengeance

We battle and defeat conflict through love and forgiveness so the peace of God can rest in a person’s heart

Readiness given – we must be ready at all times to speak the Gospel of Christ – the Gospel of Peace – finally peace between a sinful people and a completely Holy God – bridged and secured by the cross of Christ

Notice this is everyone – not just pastors – not just missionaries – all are required to know the Gospel and not only share it but live it out!

d. Shield – In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one

Long rectangular shields about 4ft high and 2 ft wide – wood covered by lined and leather – excellent in hand to hand defense but also shoulder to shoulder could create an impenetrable wall – row 1 would kneel and hold shield to ground – row 2 would place shields on top of row 1’s shields and arch back allowing row 3 archers to launch attack

Like Roman soldiers – one shield good – several even better – no such thing as a lone Christian

Faith cancels doubt – Faith cancels worry – fait cancels fear – faith eases pain – faith provides comfort during the hard times – the battles – drop the shield lose protection – drop faith same thing

Satan shoots fiery darts to not just penetrate but to ignite and burn

Roman shields were soaked in water before battle and or covered by leather that would not burn to when arrows dipped in pitch and lit on fire – were not a threat to the army standing firm – thus being able to advance

e. Helmet – and take the helmet of salvation

The defensive piece of armor – the helmet made of bronze, leather straps protected throat, neck and sides of the face – protected from both weapons launched like arrows and swords being swung

Isaiah 59:17 – He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head;

1 Thessalonians 5:8 – But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

Psalm 140:7 – O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

f. Sword – and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

The only offensive weapon in the armor

Short 2ft long – 2 in wide – hand to hand combat – had to face the enemy eye to eye to be utilized

Skillful knowledge of this sword made a Roman Soldier effective in eliminating the enemy

Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus in the desert being tempted by satan himself – defeats satan not with power, muscles or strength – the Word of God

Matthew 4:4 – But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

v 7 – Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

v10 – Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

g. Prayer – 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,

Not part of the armor but part of the battle – like tactical commands and directions from a general

The first term, proseuchē, is a general word for prayer, while the second, deēsis, is focused on specific requests or petitions

– verb – praying

Philippians 4:6-7 – do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:12 – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Colossians 4:2 – Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – pray without ceasing,

1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Romans 8:26-27 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Summarize and Pray