Standing Firm
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Introduction
Introduction
I graduated High School in 1979 while living in Walbridge, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo, Ohio. My Dad retired as a 1SG after serving in the Army for 23 years to include serving in Korean and Vietnam wars. Both Mom and Dad wanted me to go into the military but initially I was not interested. After a while I decided I wanted to leave Toledo, Ohio but didn’t know how so I decided to give the Army a try. My Mom said, “Whatever you do, go in as an officer.” My Dad said, “Whatever you do, don’t go into the infantry.” I went to the recruiter and they offered me a $5,000 bonus if I enlisted in the infantry so I actually got paid to disobey both of my parents.
I enlisted in the Army in 1981 so that I could leave Toledo, Ohio. The Army met my expectation and they shipped me from Toledo, Ohio to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina for in-processing. From there I was shipped to Ft. Benning, GA to attend the Infantry Basic Training Course. Basic Training prepares Soldiers with the basic skills necessary to engage the enemy and survive on the battlefield. I vividly remember a cold, grey morning where it wasn’t really raining but it was misting just enough so that the cold could sink into your bones. We were sitting on bleacher stands and my Drill Sergeant, SSG Piegorse, stood in front of us with an M60 machine gun positioned on the ground next to him with an assistant instructor on the other side of the weapon. The SSG Piegorse bellowed in a way that replaced the cold chill in your bones with fear when he said, “In this next hour you will receive an Explanation, Demonstration and Practical Application on the firing of the M60 machine gun.” He proceeded to explain the features and characteristics of the M60 machine gun and how to load it, clear it, fire it, and handle misfires. He then demonstrated how to load it, clear it, fire it, and handle misfires. SSG Piegorse then bellowed, “You have received an explanation and demonstration of firing the M60 machine gun. You are now going to receive practical application. Put on your gear, file down to the range and take all commands from the tower.” He then marched all of us out of the bleachers down to the firing line and put each of us behind a weapon with live rounds where we received practical application putting into practice all of the things he previously explained and demonstrated as we did everything the person in the tower commanded.
Ephesians, similarly, is a book of Christian Basic Training. To this point in the letter Paul has given an explanation and demonstration of the Christian life. In the first 3 chapters Paul gave us an explanation of basic Christian doctrines of redemption by the blood of Christ, forgiveness of sin, adoption of the redeemed believer into the family of God, the doctrine of salvation that is by grace through faith, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that occurs in every believer who accepts the free gift of salvation purchased for us by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and that reconciles all people, not just Jews and makes us citizens of heaven making heaven our home and this world being a part of the journey that we are passing through.
A man who does not understand the nature of the problem he is confronting is a man who is already doomed to failure. Christian people are like first-year college students—they think at first that every subject is quite simple, there is no difficulty. Well, we know what is likely to happen to such when they face an examination! The first thing you have to do is to understand the nature and character of your problem. So we have to realize that we are called, in the Christian life, to a battle, not to a life of ease; to a battle, to a warfare, to a wrestle, to a struggle.
Beginning in Chapter 4 Paul provided demonstration of what the application of these basic, foundational Christian doctrines should look like as we apply them in the Church, in the marriage relationship, in the family and in society.
Now, Paul spurs us on to practical application of these basic doctrines so that you and I can Stand Firm in the Lord. The objective is that in the end, when it is all done, you and I will be strong in the Lord and be able to stand our ground.
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An Army acronym commonly used is “TTP” which stands for “Tactics, Techniques and Procedures.” As we read listen and look for these three “Tactics, Techniques and Procedures”:
TTP#1: Identify Enemy, Terrain and Tactics
TTP#2: Identify Your Spiritual Gear
TTP#3: Receive Your Spiritual Battle Gear and Engage the Enemy
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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,
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Intro thoughts:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18a
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Ephesians 6:10-
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Eph 6:13-15
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16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Eph 6:16-18
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TTP#1: Identify Enemy, Terrain and Tactics (vs. 11-12)
TTP#1: Identify Enemy, Terrain and Tactics (vs. 11-12)
Ephesians I. The Christian Warfare (6:10–20)
A note of tranquility pervades most of Ephesians. Beginning with a doxology of praise to God for the blessings of redemption, it proceeds to speak of the electing grace of God, the wonder of spiritual resurrection in Christ, the blissful indwelling of Christ in His people, and the pure and holy lives they are to live. The Epistle closes, however, amid the din of battle with a rousing call to arms. For all the joys and for all the peace and happiness of the Christian life, it is nonetheless a life lived out on a spiritual battlefield.
Some commentators liken the Christian experience to life within a camp located in enemy territory. Within the camp the scene is one of loyalty, love, and fellowship. The ramparts, however, cannot for a moment be left unwatched. The saint must never live and move unarmed.
In the preceding section Christians have been singled out by groups, with special counsel for each. But what is said here is for all. Like a general leading an army against the enemy, Paul issues commands and gives instructions. He mentions the believer’s strength (vs. 10), his foe (vs. 12), and his protection (vss. 11, 13–17).
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Identify the Terrain:
Identify the Terrain:
a. Not a physical battle. The battlefield is primarily in the spiritual realm.
b. This battle is being fought in the heavenly realms.
c. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are in the midst of a war that is actively being waged for your very heart and soul.
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Identify the Enemy
Identify the Enemy
The enemy is Satan himself. He is referred to as Ruler of this world, the god of this world, the great dragon, tempter, accuser, evil one, etc.
He is identified as Satan, which means adversary 52 times and the Devil which means slanderer 35 times.
Ephesians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Enemy: Satan
This fallen archangel and his fallen angels who became demons have been tempting and corrupting mankind since the Fall. They are an evil, formidable, cunning, powerful, and invisible foe against whom no human being in his own power and resources is a match.
Now that we have identified the enemy we need to understand his tactics.
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Identify Enemy Tactics
Identify Enemy Tactics
This passage says that we are in a struggle or that we wrestle with evil. It is an up-close, close quarters, hand to hand, in your face type of battle.
747. Know Satan's Moves
When your in a wrestling match, you get down and get dirty. There is no halfhearted involvement. You give it everything you've got, or you lose.
I read a story of a young man about to wrestle a three time state champion in the state finals. The state champion outweighed him by 35 lbs. Before the match, a reporter asked, 'Who is the toughest wrestler in this room?'
"The young man answered confidently, 'You are looking at him!'
"The reporter looked at him and asked, 'What makes you think you are so tough? You are about to wrestle the man who has won the state championship three times in a row.'
"The young man said, 'I know. He is bigger and perhaps stronger than I am, but I know his methods.'
"We are in a similar fight against Satan. We also need to understand Satan's moves. We need to know how he operates, so that we can prepare ourselves 'to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm' ().
(from A Treasury of Bible Illustrations Copyright © 1995, 1998 by AMG International, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by Permission.)
Here are a few of Satan’s Tactics:
Compromise your values:
8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Daniel and his teenage friends were in exile in Babylon far from family and friends. They were selected to be indoctrinated into the Babylonian culture because they were young, strong and smart. They received the best education and were offered the same food as the King. These were foods and practices that went against their faith practices. They could have given in and succumbed, after all nobody was watching and “what happens in Babylon stays in Babylon.” Instead, they chose not to compromise their faith.
2. Subtle Deception (; )
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Gen 3:1-4
3. Creates Dissension (, )
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”
Praise be to God that we are thoroughly equipped to stand firm against all of Satan’s schemes and tactics.
,
It’s no wonder Paul emphasizes the theme of unity throughout the Book of Ephesians; Unity in the church, in marriage, in family, and in society. Satan wants to disrupt unity and he works subtly to achieve that disunity.
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TTP#2: Identify Spiritual Battle Gear (vs 13-18)
TTP#2: Identify Spiritual Battle Gear (vs 13-18)
Belt of Truth: (, ) refers to both the Truth of the gospel as reflected in EPH 1:13
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
And our continual transformation into the likeness of Christ as reflected in PS 51:6
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Breastplate of Righteousness - ()
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace: () - thick sandals with studs on the bottom for protection and to move quickly and surely.
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.”
Shield of Faith: Large shield that provided total body protection. This is the basic belief that God exists and putting total trust in his Son Jesus Christ as the crucified, buried, risen and ascended Savior. () It is this faith, this shield that draws us near to God as we continually seek him to know him more.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Helmet of Salvation: Satan often times tries to get us to doubt our salvation, our position in Christ, who we are in Christ and condemn us. The helmet of salvation is to guard our minds reminding us that nothing can snatch us out of the Father’s grip ()
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
Salvation: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world
and
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Sword of the Spirit: Hebrew sword was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the girdle; The word of God is likened also to a sword (;
of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the girdle
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.
M. G. Easton, Easton’s Bible Dictionary (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1893).Double edged sword,
The word of God is likened also to a sword (;
So we have this full armor of God that covers us from head to toe and we know a little bit about each piece.
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.
Knowing ABOUT spiritual armor, knowing ABOUT the Armor of God is good. But mere factual, head knowledge does not protect us, it does not SAVE us.
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TTP#3: Receive Spiritual Battle Gear and Engage the Enemy (vs 10-11)
TTP#3: Receive Spiritual Battle Gear and Engage the Enemy (vs 10-11)
We have to actually personally receive our spiritual battle gear, we have to put it on and we have to personally engage the enemy.
1. Be Strong in the Lord.
We receive our spiritual armor by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And we do that by:
Acknowledging that I am a sinner, eternally separated from God.
Acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh and that he sacrificed himself being crucified on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. That he ascended into Heaven where he purchased a place for you by his blood which he offers to you as a free gift, a gift which who do not deserve and could never earn.
Accept that free gift by asking Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior.
At that point, God knowing your heart, changes your identity and calls you Christian, meaning Little Christ and the full armor of God is ours.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
2. Put it on!
When we accept Christ it is like the ultimate Transformers movie where our old self passes away and we receive a new life and a new Identity in Christ. We are clothed in His righteousness and not our own. The dilemma is many times we choose to live our life in Christ the same way we lived our life in the World. There needs to be a change of habits, a change of perspective. This Armor of Guard is not meant to be taken off like our military body armor. It is intended to be a new way of life walking with Christ, clothed in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit.
3. Put it into action
Alexander the Great was the greatest warrior and conqueror that ever lived. There is a story of a young soldier in Alexander the Great’s army who fled from battle and deserted. This young soldier was brought before Alexander the Great. Alexander asked the young soldier “What’s your name?” The soldier replied, “Alexander.” Again, Alexander the Great asks the soldier “What’s your name?” The soldier replies, “Alexander.” One last time, Alexander the Great asks the soldier “What’s your name?” The soldier replies, “Alexander.” Alexander the Great stood up and said, “Either change your behavior or change your name.”
Friends, family and co-workers are watching how we live. Think about your personal interactions this past week and imagine being asked, “What’s your name?” Christian. Reflect on your prayer life this past week and imagine being asked, “What’s your name?” Christian. Reflect on the websites you visited. “What’s your name?” Christian. Are there areas of your life where you might sense that you need to change your behavior?
We all do. We need to be continually transformed by the renewing of our mind. We do that through prayer, through Bible study, by serving one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, admonishing one another.
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Conclusion
Conclusion
This speech was broadcast by legendary ABC Radio commentator Paul Harvey on April 3, 1965: 53 years ago!
If I were the Devil . . . I mean, if I were the Prince of Darkness, I would of course, want to engulf the whole earth in darkness. I would have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree, so I should set about however necessary to take over the United States. I would begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: “Do as you please.” “Do as you please.” To the young, I would whisper, “The Bible is a myth.” I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what is bad is good, and what is good is “square”. In the ears of the young marrieds, I would whisper that work is debasing, that cocktail parties are good for you. I would caution them not to be extreme in religion, in patriotism, in moral conduct. And the old, I would teach to pray. I would teach them to say after me: “Our Father, which art in Washington” . . .
If I were the devil, I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten T.V. with dirtier movies and vice versa. And then, if I were the devil, I’d get organized. I’d infiltrate unions and urge more loafing and less work, because idle hands usually work for me. I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. And I’d tranquilize the rest with pills. If I were the devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellects but neglect to discipline emotions . . . let those run wild. I would designate an atheist to front for me before the highest courts in the land and I would get preachers to say “she’s right.” With flattery and promises of power, I could get the courts to rule what I construe as against God and in favor of pornography, and thus, I would evict God from the courthouse, and then from the school house, and then from the houses of Congress and then, in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and I would deify science because that way men would become smart enough to create super weapons but not wise enough to control them.
If I were Satan, I’d make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas, a bottle. If I were the devil, I would take from those who have and I would give to those who wanted, until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. And then, my police state would force everybody back to work. Then, I could separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines, and objectors in slave camps. In other words, if I were Satan, I’d just keep on doing what he’s doing.
Paul Harvey, Good Day.
Ladies and Gentlemen, if SSG Piegorse were here (and the Chapel did not burn down) he might be heard saying something like, “you have received an explanation and demonstration of the Armor of God. You now have the opportunity for practical application. Put on your gear, the full armor of God, and proceed to the range which is all around you. Take all commands from the Tower, who is the Lord your God who promises to never leave you nor forsake you. He will order your steps.”