Ephesians 6:10-24
Ephesians • Sermon • Submitted
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Ephesians: Part 1
God’s Reconciliation in Christ, Chapters 1-3
Ephesians Part 2
Our Response to God’s work in Christ, Chapters 4-6
Let’s sit on “in the heavens” for a minute.
The first three chapters, where the mystery of the Trinity unfolds throughout history restoring Eden with a new race of people, gives us a new perspective. Now, with that perspective, we are instructed on how to live now.
Finally ...
The “household code” (of wives-husbands, children-parents, slaves-masters) explains how we are to “submit to one another in the fear of Christ”. After explaining the mystery of the gospel, and our reaction to the gospel in holy living, now what?
First, some questions.
Do you ever feel powerless? Wounded?
Is temptation worse in the morning or at night?
Why?
Do you want people to pray for you? Do you ask?
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should. Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts. Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.
It may not look like it at first, but this is a summary of the whole book.
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians Original Meaning
Heading: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (v. 10)
Means of achieving the goal: “Put on the full armor of God” (v. 11a)
Purpose: “so … you can … stand … against the devil’s schemes (v. 11b)
Explanation of the problem: “For our struggle is … against the spiritual forces of evil (v. 12)
Repetition and explanation of the means of achieving the goal: “Put on the full armor of God” (v. 13a)
Purpose: “so … you may … stand”
Call for commitment: “Stand” (v. 14a)
(Four participles explaining the means by which we stand)
“with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (v. 14b)
“putting on [NIV, “with”] the breastplate of righteousness” (v. 14b)
“with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (v. 15)
“taking up [NIV, “take up”] the shield of faith” (v. 16)
Call to be equipped: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit” (v. 17)
(Two participles explaining how we take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit):
“praying [NIV, “pray”] in the Spirit” (v. 18a)
“being alert with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints” [NIV, “be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints”] (v. 18b)
Request for prayer for Paul for two purposes:
“that … words may be given me” (v. 19)
“that I may declare [the gospel] fearlessly” (v. 20).
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
Jesus as Lord has vast strength. Is is a common theme of the OT. We put on Jesus because we are weak. This is how we stand against the devil’s “schemes”.
“Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” 2 Cor. 11:14
This whole section is 2nd person plural (“you all”). These actions are to be done by the church as a group.
It is important to note that Paul doesn’t say the enemy is the government, unbelievers, neo-cons, liberals, communists, or cats. This is a spiritual battle fought in the heavens. We love our earthly “enemies”, because they will see our good works and praise God.
For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.
Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.
Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts. Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Application