EPHESIANS 6

English Standard Version (Introduction)

IntroductionThe apostle Paul wrote Ephesians to the churches around Ephesus (Acts 19) to display the scope of God’s eternal plan for all humanity—for Jews and Gentiles alike. This is the mystery of God, hidden for ages but now made known in Jesus Christ. The first three chapters focus on what Christians should believe, unfolding the glorious riches of God’s grace in Christ. Dead sinners are made alive and gain eternal salvation “by grace … through faith” (2:8). The last three chapters explain the implications of God’s grace for the church, for individuals, and for families. This second section comes to a climax with a command to stand with the armor of God against the devil. Paul wrote this letter while in prison, probably in Rome about A.D. 60.

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Open bibles.

Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 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.

Msg: “STANDING ROOM ONLY”

Context - In Ephesus the audience would understand what Paul is talking about with super powers and dark forces at work. There was close association with magic at the time.

Ephesian 6:12 “12 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.”

what you have here is some information.....

The battle is a very real one - but Paul wants the Christian to know there is a HIGHER POWER.

The battle is real with real enemies- But there is armour available.

The battle is real and there is a REAL invitation- You have a part to play.

I want to give you some things tonite that i believe will help you as you battle as a believer

write this down: you arent saved from a battle, you are saved into a battle.

a common misundertsnaidng in 2023 amercia is that Christianity is a creampuff faith and its the easy way through - Its actually not - its going to take an overcoming spirit and a willingness to do some things like paul says:

here is what we have to do (from EPH 6)

We have to.....

1.TAKE A STAND

Ephesians 6:11 ESV

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

take a stand, means joining the battle.

if you never stand up, you can never be counted

You wont be in the battle if you are sitting on the sidelines.

But here is what you find as you join the battle - the GRACE of GOD Armours you for the battle. You dont step out onto the battle field without armour - you have options.

But first up - will you - knowingly GO INTO BATTLE by taking a stand?

What does taking a STAND for JESUS look like: the same thing it always has.

a clear message: i am a follower of the WAY

I dont live according to the FLESH, i live according to the spirit

I live according to the word, not what my friends are into right now

i change my behaviour because i want to honor the LORD.

here is a thought for you:

“if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”

what are you standing for?

Are you standing for your purity? Your purpose? your calling? Your Love for God? Are you standing for your future? Are you standing for your unsaved friends (being the beacon of light for them).

The New Bible Commentary 6:10–20 Final Appeal: Fight the Spiritual Battle Together!

Truth and righteousness are often taken as references to the gospel and to its offer of righteousness-by-faith. But the terms here (as in Is. 11:5; 59:17) denote quality of character, and they stand alongside ‘holiness’ at 4:24–25 and ‘goodness’ at 5:8–9. Paul is saying that the church’s basic equipment in the spiritual battle is integrity and righteous living, and they are effective because these qualities bear the stamp of Jesus and the new creation he brings (see on 4:17–24).

Decide you stand - be Godly in Character

Decide to Stand - Choose righteous living

STAND FOR JESUS

you have to

2.STAND YOUR GROUND

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

13 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.

Once you have STOOD UP. you have you stand your grouund.

dont let the evil one push you back, even a little.

we arent called to find commonground with the enemy or with sin… we are called to OVERCOME it.

You dont just get a little bit saved. God saves ALL OF YOU.

He removes you from your old family… with the fatehr of lies- the devil. and he places you in a new family. which is HIS.

Now let me ask you a question, do you really think he is a father who would do shared custody of his own kids?

ocourse not - GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD

Exodus 20:5–6 ESV

5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

So just like God is jealous for you

we need to be just as uncomrimsiing in our following of HIM. oru serving of HIM. our DEDICATION TO HIM.

DONT COMRPISMISE. STAND YOUR GROUND.

Once you have taken ground, the enemy will try to reclaim it. But if you have the armour. you will be able to STAND FIRM. You will be able to WITHSTAND.

is there any area of your life you have compromised?

your allegiance is to JESUS, so there is no room to be on any other team.

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

13 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.

LET ME ASK YOU - is the day evil?

Its the evil day!

STAND YOUR GROUND.

every tuesday when you come here - your standing

every sunday when you come to church - yoru standing

every weeknight where you could go off and do whatever but instead devote that time to God- your STANDING

evry time you serve in church - yoru standing

everytime you show up to that bible study - yoru standing

here is one: every time you TITHE - your STANDING!

****this generation is looking for people who are standing for something. and not comprimising.... The one who stands.. stays....****

stand

stand your ground

and finally

3.KEEP STANDING

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

or therefore - STAND

Stand

Stand firm

Stand Therefore.

or in other words - KEEP STANDING / Be found standing

BE FAITHFUL - BECAUSE HE WILL ALWAYS BE FAITHFUL TO YOU.