Ephesians Week 12- Armor of God

Week 12

Ephesians 6:10–24 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. 21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

The Whole Armor of God.

Paul concludes his exhortations with instructions for all Christians.

His imagery is a sustained portrayal of the Christian life as spiritual warfare using the Lord’s resources.

There are three subsections: vv. 10–13, 14–17, and 18–20.

Paul concludes his letter with closing remarks (vv. 21–22) and a final benediction (vv. 23–24).

The remarks concern his introduction of Tychicus.

Breakdown of VS. 10-24

VS. 10-13

Paul introduces the armor of God by focusing on the strength it gives

Because Christians cannot stand on their own against superhuman powers, they must rely upon the strength of the Lord’s own might

The Greek word for whole armor (panoplia) refers to the complete equipment of a fully armed soldier, consisting of both shields and weapons like those described in vs. 14, 16–17.

This list of spiritual rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers (see 3:10) gives a sobering glimpse into the devil’s allies, the spiritual forces of evil who are exceedingly powerful in their exercise of cosmic powers over this present darkness.

And yet Scripture makes clear that the enemy host is no match for the Lord, who has “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Col. 2:15; see also Eph. 1:19–21).

Because the Christian’s enemies are superhuman spiritual forces, he cannot rely upon mere human resources but must take up the whole armor of God

VS. 14-17

With the simple, rousing order, stand, Paul urges the Ephesians to withstand the enemy (cf. vs. 11, 13), and not give in to fear.

Believers must always be ready to proclaim the gospel.

These are metaphors for the spiritual resources given to them in Christ, namely, the truth, righteousness (v. 14), gospel (v. 15), faith (v. 16), salvation, and the Word of God (v. 17).

As mentioned in the note on v. 13, these are aspects of God’s and the Messiah’s own character and work (as depicted in Isaiah) with which Christians are now equipped

Burning arrows were designed to destroy wooden shields and other defenses, but the shield of faith is able to extinguish the devil’s attacks.

The spiritual nature of the church’s resources is nowhere more plain than in its reliance upon God’s Word, which is the only offensive weapon mentioned in this list of spiritual armor.

The Word of God is to be wielded like a sharp two-edged sword, in the mighty power of his Holy Spirit (see Heb. 4:12).

VS. 18-20

The weapons for warfare are spiritual because they are rooted in prayer, which is the Christian’s most powerful resource.

Prayer is to permeate believers’ lives as a universal practice, as seen by the use of “all” four times in this verse: at all times … with all prayer … with all perseverance … for all the saints

VS. 21-24

Tychicus the beloved brother had served Paul faithfully for some time (see Acts 20:4; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12) and probably carried the original letter to Ephesus.

Paul concludes his letter with a benediction of peace, love, faith, and grace upon the church, as he had done in the opening (1:2).

He mentions “love” three times, which is fitting for a letter where the love of God, the love of Christ, and Christian love have been prominent themes.

Questions

What questions do you have from Ephesians 6:10-24?

Paul mentions that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood. When someone wrongs you, how should Paul’s words cause you think and act?

What are some ways that Satan has attacked you since the beginning of rGroup?

There is only one weapon mentioned in the armor of God. Why do you think that’s the case?

Even with all armor, in VS. 18 Paul mentions that must be praying continuously. Why should prayer play such a big role in our life despite the fact that we have the protection of the armor?