Spiritual Warfare Week Two (2)

Our Commander

The passage is not antiquated; it’s ageless

We can’t say “the drone of truth” or “bazooka of righteousness” - that would be ridiculous. Part of the point is the covering of the body, so a drone would not apply.

Humanity has NOT changed. The evil one is still active - just as active now as he was in the garden. Believers everywhere have the same need for Christ and His might power.

This passage has its roots in the OT

Exodus 15:3 CSB

The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.

Psalm 18:39 CSB

You have clothed me with strength for battle; you subdue my adversaries beneath me.

Psalm 35:1–3 CSB

Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me. Take your shields—large and small— and come to my aid. Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers, and assure me, “I am your deliverance.”

Isaiah 42:13 CSB

The Lord advances like a warrior; he stirs up his zeal like a soldier. He shouts, he roars aloud, he prevails over his enemies.

Isaiah 52:7 CSB

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

A Brilliant Conclusion to the Amazing Letter to the Ephesians

Some of these ideas have already been eluded to in the letter

Divine Power

Ephesians 1:19–20 CSB

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength. He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—

Ephesians 3:16 CSB

I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit,

Ephesians 3:20 CSB

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—

Already/Not Yet

Christ has ALREADY triumphed over the powers of darkness

Ephesians 1:21 CSB

far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 3:10 CSB

This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.

Ephesians 4:8 CSB

For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.

We have NOT YET experienced the full fruits of Christ’s victory, for their powers still exist, though they are defeated

Ephesians 4:27 CSB

and don’t give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 5:16 CSB

making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

Christlike Virtues

Prayer

“Put On”

Ephesians 4:24 CSB

and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

Ephesians 5:1 CSB

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children,

Ephesians 6:11 CSB

Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.

To put on the armor is to put on the Messiah himself. It means to be identified with Him and to fight with His strength, displaying his character.

We must remember a few things about this passage - the critical battle has already been won and we put on the characteristics, we don’t just pray them on.

Ephesians 4:24 “and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.”

This passage it informed

Paul reminds us that we MUST take into account sin and Satan when you try to assess the problems of this world. There is a real unseen battle beneath these visible problems. JOHN STOTT QUOTE

How to Stand Strong in Spiritual Warfare

Bible Passage: Eph 6:10–20, Isaiah 11:1–5, Isaiah 59:17

Summary: The passages focus on the theme of spiritual warfare and the specific armor provided by God to equip believers to stand firm against the enemy while also showcasing the qualities of a righteous leader who comes to bring justice and salvation.

Application: These scriptures remind Christians that they are engaged in a spiritual battle and that they must rely on God's provision for strength and protection. By applying these teachings, believers can develop a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ, find comfort in God's strength, and learn how to stand firm during trials and temptations.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare with the resources and strength supplied by God. It highlights the importance of using the armor of God and living in righteousness and truth as they navigate the battles of life.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout scripture, Christ embodies the ultimate fulfillment of the armor described in Ephesians. He is our shield (faith), our righteousness, our peace, our salvation, and the Word of God; He equips us for battle through His sacrifice and ongoing intercession for us as we face spiritual struggles.

Big Idea: Christians must wear the armor of God to stand firm in spiritual battles, drawing strength from Christ, the ultimate warrior and protector.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the historical context of Ephesians 6, particularly how Roman armor parallels the spiritual concepts. Investigate the significance of righteousness and peace in Isaiah's prophecy and how they relate to Christ's role as our mediator. Use your Logos library to explore commentaries on these texts that tackle their practical application and theological implications.

1. Strength in the Lord

Eph 6:10-13

Three Imperatives - “be strengthened”, “put on the full armor of God”, and “stand.”

“Be strengthened”, then how is it appropriated - “put on the full armor.” Why is it necessary? So you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.

“Stand” is the chief admonition of the passage. Stand, hold your ground, not giving an inch. (defensive)

“Take up the sword” (offensive) - speak the gospel in the face of opposition.

We fight together clothed in the armor of God, which allows us to extinquish the arrows of our enemies. (Gladiator, “Hold!” or 300, Greeks holding back the Persians.

You could highlight how God's call to believers is not to rely on their strength but on His mighty power. This section prepares the believer by outlining the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to be clothed in divine armor. Christ's victory over sin and death offers us the strength and protection needed in our battles. Encourage the congregation to embrace their identity in Christ, fully dependent on God's provision for facing life's spiritual challenges.

2. Armor Essentials: Christ-Centered Protection

Eph 6:14-17

Perhaps focus on the specific pieces of the armor: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Each element points to Christ as our ultimate protection. This section suggests the practical application of living out these virtues and being united with Christ's character. Challenge the audience to actively put on each piece, recognizing Christ's embodiment of every element, fortifying them in battle against the enemy.

Belt of Truth - we live in His truth and speak His truth. We display this characteristic of our victorious king. We give the devil a foothold by neglecting to be a person of truth in your language, behavior, and attitude.

Breastplate of Righteousness - covers the chest to protect it against assaults and arrows.

Isaiah 59:17 CSB

He put on righteousness as body armor,

This righteousness is right living. Ephesians 4:24 “and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” Ephesians 5:9 “for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth—” . These righteous qualities are associated with our new life in Christ, the same qualities reflected in the life of Jesus.

We put on the breastplate so we don’t give an inch to Satan in the areas of impurity, lust, greed, or injustice.

Gospel Shoes - Roman soldiers were issued great footwear. They enabled then to travel great distances, cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, pursue enemies in any terrain. We take the gospel everywhere - far away places even hard places.

The gospel of peace. Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” Ephesians 2:17 “He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” Jesus is the ultimate one with beautiful feet, announcing peace to Jews and Gentiles. Those who know Christ have the same mission. In this war, we are not taking life but offering life.

Shield of Faith - the size of a door. Psalm 18:30 “God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart celebrates, and I give thanks to him with my song.” Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” The shield protects us from the darts of the enemies.

Helmet of Salvation - Heavy. Nothing short of an ax could penetrate the helmet. Isaiah 59:17 “He put on righteousness as body armor, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and he wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.”

To resist the devil we must be sure of our salvation. Put your helmet on and do not let the devil get to your head.

The Sword of the Spirit - Offensive weapon. Take up your sword to engage the enemy. Not a William Wallace type sword but a short sword or dagger. This type of weapon is used in personal combat, up close and personal. Paul uses the word rhema instead of logos. So it is the spoken word, refering to speaking the gospel. We are to speak the gospel in the realm of darkness so that those who are help captive by the evil one may go free.

DO NOT GO INTO BATTLE WITHOUT A WEAPON - Trust His the Bible! Read it. Meditate on it. Pray it. Proclaim it.

Nothing on the back of the soldier. Bunyan states in Pilgrim’s Progress that because Christian had no armor for his back, the best option was to stnad his ground.

Let us hold our ground against the evil one, with our armor on, aas we advance the gospel into the world.

Ephesians 4:21 CSB

assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus,

3. Prayer: The Warrior's Weapon

Eph 6:18-20

In this passage, emphasize the necessity of prayer in accessing our armor's full strength. Through prayer, believers connect with God who empowers and brings them courage. It is a reminder of our dependence on Christ as our mediator, who consistently intercedes for us. Encourage the congregation to be vigilant in prayer, seeking boldness to proclaim the gospel and standing firm despite adversities.

4. Messiah: Our Perfect Example

Isaiah 11:1-5

Maybe consider the prophecy of a righteous branch from Jesse, highlighting the qualities of the Messiah, who embodies wisdom, understanding, and justice. This foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate leader and example. Relate how Christ's righteous rule equips believers with His Spirit to fight spiritual battles with godliness and truth, providing a perfect model for Christians to emulate in their lives.

5. God's Garb: Our Shield

Isaiah 59:17

You could illustrate how God's own spiritual armor is described in Isaiah, foreshadowing the armor of God in Ephesians. By putting on righteousness as a breastplate and the helmet of salvation, God acts as both warrior and savior. This image confirms that Christ fulfills this ultimate protection against sin, inviting believers to share in His victory by wearing His armor in their daily spiritual journey.

Last Week - be aware of the battle. Today - be equipped with God’s armor. Next week - be devoted in prayer.