Holy Service and Holy Warfare

Ephesians 6:5-13

Christmas concert tonight. 6 pm

Bible Memory Passage Together as a church

Ephesians 6:14–17 “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,”

——

Introduction:

Ephesians 6:5–12“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. 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.”

Slavery

7 Quick Points:

Terminology Matters

The Greek word doulos can mean servant, bondservant, or slave, requiring careful contextual understanding.

Biblical Slavery Differs from Modern Slavery

Slavery in biblical times wasn’t chattel slavery or race-based, unlike the transatlantic slave trade, where freedom was unattainable, and abuse was rampant.

It’s Not a Simple Employer-Employee Dynamic

Ancient slavery was tied to economic structures, but it was not voluntary employment; it often involved limited rights and harsh realities.

Slavery is Condemned

All forms of slavery and human subjugation are sinful. Modern slavery persists today, particularly through the sex trafficking industry, a grievous injustice.

Greco-Roman Slavery Context

In the Roman Empire, slavery was based on war, poverty, or birth, not race. Slaves had limited rights but could gain freedom, unlike modern forced labor systems. Paul’s letter to Philemon elevated Onesimus from slave to brother, exemplifying Christian transformation.

Paul Undermines the System

While not calling for outright rebellion, Paul’s teachings—like treating all as brothers and sisters—challenged slavery’s foundation. Esau McCaulley writes, “Slavery is always and forever wrapped in sin. The Old and New Testament create an imaginative world in which slavery becomes more and more untenable… Stated differently, God created a people who could theologically deconstruct slavery. We rightly have complaints that it seemed to take some 1,800 years before a significant number of Christians came to this conclusion. We do have to recognize that Christians began to amke strong theological cases against slavery as early as the fourth century in a way that would stand out among their non-Christian peers. What is even more interesting is that NO SOCIETY that preceded the 18th century abolitions contended that slavery itself was fundamentally immoral. The widespread move to abolish slavery is a Christian innovation.”

Equal Dignity in Christ

In Christ, social distinctions dissolve: “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).

Esau McCAully says in reference to the letter to Philemon, “The point is clear. Oneness in Christ transforms relationships. Society values those with power and status. Christians treat all people–slave, free, or prisoners as family. The idea that slaves and masters are family undermines slavery. Who would enslave a brother and sister?”

Paul writes to Philemon, to receive Onesimus back as “no longer a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother.”

Paul’s letters reflect revolutionary ideas where slaves, masters, husbands, wives, children, and parents are called to mutual love, service, and submission in reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).

Holy Service

BONDSERVANTS/SLAVES (secondarily, employees, laborers)

With Sincerity

(honest work, with integrity, lacking pretense or ulterior motives)

Obey your earthly masters. (notes the difference, implying there is another, higher master in Heaven)

with “fear and trembling” is a common phrase

Phobos, phobia: Fear, in context is more reverence and respect. (5:21 says the same thing but it’s translated as “reverence.”)

We don’t fear and honor and respect and serve out of fear for our earthly master… but out of our heavenly one.

we serve with sincerity… because we serve God first, not man.

Serve with Sincerity, with honesty, with integrity… not as a people pleaser but because you serve God first.

this is incredibly applicable…

Who are you behind closed doors? Who are you when no one else is looking?

Who are you on your phone….that isn’t you when you’re forced to interact with others in public?

Are you trustworthy? Are you a person of integrity? You can be trusted by the boss, because they know they don’t have to constantly micromanage you, since they know your heart is sincere and honest and genuine. You aren’t just being a “teachers pet” in order to gain favor…. you are seeking to worship Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, through your honest hard work. The boss, the teacher, the employer is secondary.

Why do you work hard? Core motivation. Because we serve Christ first. We honor God by honoring those in authority over us.

Our work ethic is a reflection of our true master??!!

This is God’s time… not just my boss’s time.

Students - How do you study, learn when the teacher isn’t in the room?

Employees- How do you work when the boss around?

Christian - Who are you on a Monday when other Christians aren’t around and the pastors not in your conversation?

are you people pleasers?

Or God pleasers?

MASTERS ( secondarily: employers, bosses)

Without Prejudice

(without partiality, without discrimination, without favoritism.)

If you treat people equally not dependent on their social status but rather on their dignity and value before God… and you seek to truly love and care for others as Christ does for you, than you will not threaten others by lording your power over them. You will not be harsh with your employees. You will not act as if you are better than them. You will not operate your business or your authority with arrogance and pride.

You both serve Christ. You both answer to the same Lord and Master.

Who do you think you are?? showing prejudice against one group over another.

This isn’t speaking about hiring or firing or making business decisions. This talking about unjust forms of prejudice against someone or some group based on your assumed superiority.

Earlier, bondservants obey your earthly masters… you have a heavenly one.

earthly masters, bosses, you have a heavenly master over you, so you better treat others just as you would have yourself to be treated.

Leaders Eat Last - Simon Sinek. Talks a lot about this. As a CEO or leader, your business or position is there to simply put food on your table but think about how it is meant to take care and put food on everyone elses table. Think about not always increasing bigger and better for yourself but how you can truly take care and see yourself as responsible for those you employ. Christian businesses should be different than the worldly ones.

Same Lord

You have the same Lord.

“CEO’s and Street sweepers stand in the same line on judgment day.” Richard Coekin

There is no VIP section in heaven. There is no express lane.

we all need God’s grace.

Oneness in Christ transforms relationships and social status and distinctions within the Kingdom of God as one family, the Church.

The church ought to be the first place to demonstrate working sincerity and without prejudice.

RICH MAN vs. LAZARUS —> Luke 16:19 (CSB) “There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. 20 But a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, was lying at his gate. 21 He longed to be filled with what fell from the rich man’s table, but instead the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side., The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. 24 ‘Father Abraham!’ he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!’ 25 “ ‘Son,’ Abraham said, ‘remember that during your life you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.’

God judges the thoughts and intents of the heart… He does not judge the outward appearance or monetary achievements.

We should not be impartial and we should not be harsh, but serve one another in whatever station we are in.

Transition: FINALLY! (Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” )

His tone shifts significantly.

His words and verbs are action oriented.

Urgent and motivational.

From identity to mission.

From worship to war.

Holy Warfare

Warfare is a Frequent Metaphor

1. Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God)

Highlighting the schemes of the devil and the warfare of light versus darkness and wrestling against the enemy.

2. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (Endurance as Soldiers)

Paul calls Timothy to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ, avoiding worldly distractions to focus on pleasing his commander (Jesus).

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits.”

3. 1 Timothy 6:12 (The Good Fight of Faith)

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”

4. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (Spiritual Weapons)

Paul reminds believers that their battle is not waged with physical weapons but spiritual ones, used to demolish arguments and take thoughts captive to Christ.

“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.”

5. 1 Peter 2:11 (War Against the Flesh)

Peter warns of the internal spiritual battle, urging believers to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against their souls.

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”

6. James 4:7 (Resisting the Devil)

James calls believers to actively resist the devil, portraying spiritual life as a battle against evil forces.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

7. Romans 13:12-14 (Putting on the Armor of Light)

Paul contrasts the works of darkness with the armor of light, urging believers to cast off sin and live righteously.

“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Be careful of disenchantment. (Charles Taylor, A Secular Age)

There is real darkness and real evil.

That’s why I appreciate stories that teach this even to little children.

I was literally talking about these stories the other night with my daughter before bed.

——

Chronicles of Narnia.

JRR Tolkien.

Harry Potter.

“Wicked” — a modern take on the wizard of Oz.

Be careful, of modern stories who try to teach you the exact opposite. It’s subtle but it can be devastating on a culture. Modern stories and fabrications like “Wicked.” The newest movie musical, which ultimately teach that evil is not actually evil it’s just misunderstood. And really everyone is good on the inside and if we all just love each other than there will be no more evil in the world. There is no such thing as right and wrong and good and evil there is simply just one way of looking at something and another way of looking at something…

Paul is not saying… the devil is just some misunderstood kind of a being, that once to get to know him, just needs a little love and guidance….

Jesus did not come into the world… for kicks… he came to rescue the world from the domain of darkness and death… the people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. the light of Jesus Christ!

Paul is saying, there is evil in this world. We are up against, “cosmic powers of this present darkness.” It is up to the Church of Jesus Christ full of the Holy Spirit to stand and resist the devil.

So Paul gives a plan…

Battle Plan (10-13)

Intelligence Briefing

Targets:

Enemy #1 - Devil

The Devil commands Spiritual Forces of Evil. He is not alone. Numerous. Great numbers of demonic powers…

Terrain:

We engage with them on Spiritual Turf

Not Flesh and blood

We wage war, spiritually speaking, not by shooting guns, or tanks, or war horses… but through spiritually engaging the enemy… through prayer.

Prayer is how you put the whole armor of God into use.

Ephesians 6:18 “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

Tactics:

Psychological Warfare

Deception, Schemes, Accusation, Division, Temptations

Operational Strength and Force Projection

Advantage 1: Our Commander, Jesus Christ

BE STRONG in the LORD.

It’s HIS STRENGTH

It’s HIS MIGHT.

it’s HIS ARMOR.

Jesus equips us, enables us, empowers us.

Jesus commands a mighty force of spiritual soldiers called, his church. To stand, resist, fight against evil and darkness by wielding the light of the gospel of truth.

Advantage 2: Superior Equipment

Whole Armor of God will empower you to stand against the enemies schemes.

Stand firm - being, well equipped for battle.

Load out - equipment, weapons, armor, details NEXT WEEK!

Transition: we know our targets, we know the terrain, we know the tactics.

We also know our two main advantages, our superior strength and leadership of Jesus Christ our commander, and God on high as the God of angel armies. Yet, he has not left us exposed but given superior equipment for this battle.

Part of this briefing is to inform us on our actual battle strategy.

Battle Strategy

Defensive.

We have the high ground. Be Strong.

Stand firm.

Wrestle.

Hand to hand. Face to face. It may come to this. But stand firm.

We wrestle spiritually in hand to hand combat against the darkness of this world…

We wrestle in prayer, wearing the full armor of God.

Reinforcements are always at the ready.

Victory is Assured.

JESUS HAS WON D-DAY ON THE CROSS

WE FIGHT IN THE ALREADY/NOT YET, THE IN BETWEEN, before VICTORY Day comes.

Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Romans 8:37: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

1 Corinthians 15:57: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,

What are you standing against this today? This week?

Pray about it right now…

Eucharist … giving thanks… thanksgiving

COMMUNION

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,

from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian(catholic) Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Announce: buckets to pick up. Disposal of communion packets from the servers in the back.

Stand.

BREAD

Prayer emphasizing the gospel (Christ’s body that was given for us)

PLEASE STAND

(if the men would now distribute the bread)

I Cor. 11:23-24

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

CUP

I Cor. 11:25

In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Declare:

1 Cor. 11:26 - For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

“Lend Us Your Grace (After Communion)” A Prayer by Myles Coverdale (1488-1569)

Lord Jesus Christ, our redeemer, we give you forever honor and praise for feeding our souls with this spiritual and heavenly food.

We look to you for your tender mercy. You have given this communion celebration to us as an observance of ongoing thankfulness, of daily remembrance, and of loving unity.

Even so, merciful Savior, please lend us your grace. May we be thankful to you not only for our redemption, purchased through your death and shed blood, but also that in this observance we would increase in love toward you, toward all others for your sake.

DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.