Sermon Tone Analysis

Ephesians 6:17a

I hope it doesn’t lower your opinion about me…but as a child I used to watch Saturday morning cartoons—virtually every week (Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry—something about talking animals and the suspension of the laws of physics—real entertaining).

Whenever one of the characters was faced with a moral dilemma, 2 other characters would appear: on one shoulder there was an angel dressed in white with wings and a halo (clearly an angel).

On the other shoulder was the devil (you’d know it was the devil b/c he was dressed in red, with a tail, horns and pitchfork).

So, what does the devil look like?

In our western culture—maybe you’re imagining a demonic being with a pointed tail, horns, dressed in red tights and holding a pitchfork?

That’s actually one of the most common portraits the people think of today.

In his poem, Dante Aligheri (The divine comedy 14th C) portrayed the Devil as a grotesque, winged creature with three faces—each chewing on a devious sinner—whose wings blew freezing cold winds throughout Hell’s domain.

By the end of the middle ages the enduring picture of the devil is what the modern mind thinks of...

5434 Satan As Amusing One

One of Satan’s characteristic stratagems is to give those who believe that he does exist an entirely wrong concept of what his true nature and character really are.

In the Middle Ages, when there were no radios, no magazines, no newspapers, no movies, no telephones, and none of our modern means of passing the time, the people were frequently amused by the miracle plays.

These were a sort of religious pageant in which religious stories were acted out on the stage.

The audience learned to look for one character on the stage who was always dressed in red, wore horns on his head, and a tail dangling out behind him.

His hoofs were cloven, and he had a pitchfork in his hand.

The onlookers were quite thrilled when they saw this figure sneaking up on the hero or the heroine.

The idea arose that Satan could be called the “old Nick,” or “his satanic majesty,” and that he was a slightly comic character.

—Donald Grey Barnhouse

Since Satan is a liar he wants people to think that he either doesn’t exist or that he really is not a threat to humanity.

Paul’s message to the Ephesians raises the alarm to not take the chief enemy of God lightly but to resist, to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

And the provision God makes for every believe is His armor which is complete and effective “so that you will be able...” (vs 11).

It something I’ve not given much thought to previously but it is being pressed on me how the LJC is the armor that protects us.

That is, every piece Paul mentions under the inspiration of the HS expresses how Christ is the fullness of His church (1:23).

The belt of truth (JC Jn 14:6)

Breastplate of righteousness (By Christ’s righteousness that you stand justified, and according to His righteousness that we live holy lives)

Feet shod with gospel (the good news centers around the person and work of JC)

Shield of faith—Jesus is the author and perfecter of faith (Heb 12:2)

5.

The Helmet of Salvation

The connection to Christ is apparent:

Jesus is equivalent to Joshua in OT—YHWH is salvation.

Paul relates the helmet to salvation and picks up the imagery of the divine warrior

In Eph Paul says “and take...” (means to take, receive, grasp) and AMImp —speaks of definite action to receive God’s provision for the spiritual conflict which obviously involves the mind.

The Roman helmet was made of either thick leather with pieces of metal attached to it.

Or, wealthy soldiers wore helmets of bronze (would offer greater protection).

No soldier would go into battle with his helmet.

The sword could deliver a crushing blow to the head which would be fatal without the helmet.

The Journal of Biblical Counseling: Volume 17, Number 2, Winter 1999 (Take up Your Weapons: Ephesians 6:10–20 (Paul David Tripp))

The helmet indicates our identity: we are in Christ the Savior.

Christ defends us.

Our salvation serves to keep us safe...Wear the helmet of salvation.

Accept your identity in Christ.

Appreciate your final distance from Satan.

We have a sure salvation.

The Lord Jesus Christ first wore the helmet (Isa.

59:17; see the breastplate of righteousness, above), and we are in Him.

As the helmet protects the minds of believers, it seems as though the blows, the attacks would be directed against what/how the believer thinks—particularly in relation to his salvation.

MacArthur suggests 2 edges of Satan’s sword are discouragement and doubt.

A. Discouragement

We’re prone to be discouraged.

Satan begins the attack by having us focus on our failures, sins, inadequacies, unresolved problems, negative circumstances, etc…when we do we lose sight of the loving & caring concern of our heavenly Father (its as if we’ve taken off the helmet)

Howard Dial explains:

The biblical record bears this out by revealing Israel’s struggle with discouragement.

It was discouragement which kept the nation from entering Canaan.

They were on the threshold of the promised land, but let the obstacles ahead keep them from achieving the objective.

Their attitude was marked by a lack of faith, and they were intimidated by the presence of the sons of Anakim.

They were afraid; they balked and consequently failed God.

Forty years later Joshua charged a new generation of Israelites to be strong and courageous, and not to be dismayed1 (Josh.

1:9).

Joshua had vivid memories of a disobedient generation dead in the wilderness because of a lack of courage.

He therefore underscored the need for courage (Josh.

1:6, 7, 9, 18).

By the time Israel had achieved only one strategic victory (Jericho) she encountered a bout with discouragement.

The defeat at Ai caused the hearts of the people to melt and become as water (Josh.

7:1–5).2

Elijah is another who battled discouragement.

He had a tremendous spiritual highlight when he called fire form heaven to consume the water-drenched sacrifices on Mt Carmel.

He killed 450 prophets of Baal and reported to King Ahab that it would finally rain on the land.

But his wicked wife (Queen Jezebel) heard about the slaughter of the 450 prophets she said:

The Lord didn’t take his life but instead fed him and he went into the wilderness, sustained by that food for 40 days & nights.

2x the Lord asked him “Elijah what are you doing here?”

In Nehemiah 4:10–23

Jews who were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem struggled with discouragement.

Several things had contributed to this.

The Jews were being ridiculed by their enemies.

Rumors of imminent invasion and attack were many.

Their God was blasphemed in the hearing of the builders.

They were tired from overwork.

Fellow Jews wanted them to stop work and help defend their families.

They were mentally and physically fatigued and were ready to quit.

“And we ourselves are unable to rebuild the wall” (Neh.

4:10).

B. Doubt

Satan loves to assail believers with doubt.

In this you can see why the provision of the Lord to cover the mind is so important.

Satan delights whenever God’s people doubt Him, His faithfulness, His nature, His character, His goodness… Just like in the Garden with Eve Satan tempts us to doubt God: Did God really say…(you have many examples)...

God said: Satan asks:

You are declared righteous.

Are things really okay between you and God? (It sure doesn’t

look it.)

Jesus died for you.

How do you know?

(Why would He die for someone like you?)

I will make the whole world right.

Do you have any evidence?

(God is just kidding.)

No temptation will be too great.

Wouldn’t you really like ——? (Some things are just too

tempting.)

I love you.

Do you feel loved?

(God has forgotten about you.)

You are forgiven.

Do you feel forgiven?

(You’re such a mess—there you go