Ephesians 6 Summary and Sword
Ephesians 6:10-20 Ready For Battle - Summary
The Christian life is not a playground—it's a battleground. And whether we like it or not, every Christian is called to be a soldier and to " fight the good fight" (I Tim. 6:12). No good soldier enters a battle without being fully prepared and protected.
"Sit Walk Stand!" Watchman Nee
Ephesians 1-3 "Seated with Christ"
"Walk" Ephesians 4,5 "Walk worthy" 4:1 "walk not as other Gentiles walk" 4:17 "walk in love" 5:2 "as children of light" 5:8 "walk circumspectly" 15
"Stand!" Ephesians 6 to stand against the schemes of the devil. able to withstand in the evil day.. to stand firm.14 Stand therefore
Our Adversary
He says "don't underestimate your enemy!" England underestimated Hitler in 1933-1939. Look at the disaster that unfolded into the Second World War! Don't underestimate Satan.
A. He Is Subtle
First of all, he's subtle. Notice in verse 11: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11) Underscore the word wiles, Greek "Methods" He is Wily. "Wile E Coyote" in the Road Runner cartoons was pretty smart. He used all sorts of technology etc. Satan is smarter. He has deceit. Satan is devious. The devil is a very subtle person. He is clever. He uses devices;; he uses all kinds of trickery. As I've already said, one form of trickery is to make men believe that he doesn't exist.
Jesus called the devil "the god of this age," (2 Corinthians 4:4) and he is a clever counterfeiter. And he always appears not in a red suit with horns, but he appears in camouflage. He appears by counterfeit; he appears in disguise. And he's in religion up to his ears. The Bible speaks of an unholy trinity in Revelation chapter 16 and verse 13: of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet. (Revelation 16:13) Just as there's a Holy Trinity, there is an unholy trinity. Why, the devil even has his churches. The Bible describes them in Revelation 2, verse 9, as "synagogues of Satan." (Revelation 2:9) Many people today would call them churches. Satan has his ministers. Satan has supplied many a pulpit.
B. He Is Spiritual Satan is spiritual. Notice in verse 12—he is spiritual: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness"—"against spiritual wickedness"—"in high places." (Ephesians 6:12) Now, so many people don't understand that the devil is a spiritual person. They think if a thing is "spiritual," that's good. They say, concerning a man, "He's a very spiritual person"—and that means that he's a good person. Not necessarily! It could mean that he's a very wicked person. Some of the most wicked people I know are very spiritual people. You see, there are all kinds of spirits. The Bible says, "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." (1 John 4:1) Satan is a spiritual person; that is, we're not wrestling against flesh and blood. Satan likes it when we wrestle against one another. He gets a fight going and stands over in the corner and enjoys it when someone feels they are so right they must condemn everyone else. He works through people.. remember Peter? He went from Hero to zero in just a moment. One moment the Holy Spirit guided him to say Jesus was the Christ! Matt 16: 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you."23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."
The Devil used Ananias and Sapphira, filling them with greed and lies (see Acts 5:1-11) and pride. The Enemy loves to control us, causing us to do and say things we shouldn't.
Satan is not an abstraction. He is a real person, and he uses people, including people in the Church. Ephesians 6 was not written to idol worshipers and unbelievers; it was written to people in the church at Ephesus. Satan wants to work in the Church, using it for his evil purposes.
He Is Strong He is strong and powerful. Devil; diabolous.. In the Bible he is described as a lion, a dragon and a destroyer (see I Pet. 5:8; Rev. 20:2; I Cor. 10:10; Ps. 17:4; Jer. 4:7). His strategies and wiles are subtle and deadly. He is well organized; he has a whole army of demonic forces at his command. but against principalities, against powers."
(Ephesians 6:12) Notice those words: principalities, powers, and then rulers.. Satan has authority; he has great authority. Now, don't make light of the devil. I hear people make slighting remarks and jokes about the devil. Michael the archangel that he "dared not bring a railing accusation against the devil,"—I'm talking about a mighty archangel— "but he said, 'The Lord rebuke you, Satan.'" (Jude 1:9)
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe
His craft and power are great, And armed with cruel hate On earth is not his equal
He Is Sinister How wicked is Satan! Notice how the Bible describes him as "the rulers of the darkness of this world …spiritual wickedness" —"wickedness." (Ephesians 6:12) Satan hates you. Do you know why he hates you? Because God has set His affection on you. Satan's war is not really with you; Satan's war is with God. The only reason Satan wishes to harm you is to get at the heart of God. Do you know people have known for a long time that when there's someone, and you cannot hurt that one, the best way to get to them is to hurt someone they love? Like their daughter! Someone who doesn't know how to defend themselves! Therefore, we must know our Enemy, use the armour we have been given and depend on the energy and strength that God alone can provide if we are to win our war with Satan.
Expressive Individualism…. A sociological term for being nuts! Identify not as a cat (as on a train recently) but as a soldier.
Isaac Watts wrote a hymn Am I a soldier of the cross, A follow'r of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause, Or blush to speak His name? Must I be carried to the skies On flow'ry beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God?
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
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!
WITHSTAND IN THE EVIL DAY The evil day is when Satan is most active. He is active when we are:
- newly converted.
- afflicted.
- achieved success.
- idle.
- isolated.
- dying.
DON'T BE SURPRISED! 1 Thess 5:4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
DON'T BE HALF-HEARTED! Romans 13: 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.12 …. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light
DON'T BE FRIGHTENED Joshua 1: "Be strong and courageous… Only be strong and very courageous.. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
DON'T PLAN TO RETREAT!
DON'T DISHONOUR GOD!
OUR ARMOUR
The Belt of Truth
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Shield of Faith
The Helmet of Salvation
OUR ATTACK
The Boots of Peace Stability, Durability, Mobility,
The Sword of the Spirit
The Weapon of All Prayer
Listening Prayer
Lingering Prayer
Loving Prayer
Laboring Prayer
You Are Soldiers Who Wrestle to Win
It is Essential to Wrestle Because Satan is Real
It is Essential to Wrestle Because Sin and evil are Real
It is Essential to Wrestle Because Salvation is Real
It is Essential to Wrestle Because World History is Real
It is Essential to Wrestle Because Victory is Real
Eph 6:13 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
He intends us to withstand and to stand!
We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom 8:37
Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. 1John 4:4
(Verse 3) And though this world, with devils filled Should threaten to undo us
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us
The Prince of Darkness grim We tremble not for him
His rage we can endure For lo, his doom is sure One little word shall fell him
(Verse 4) That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth
Let goods and kindred go This mortal life also
The body they may kill God's truth abideth still His kingdom is forever
I hope you never have to face Satan himself. I think we more often fight principalities and power of the invisible world. Demonic angels. Satan has his hierarchy of demons serving his purposes. But should you ever have to face the most evil one, God promises He will strengthen and protect you against the evil one. 1 Peter 5: 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word 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
Our Adversary Blinds Minds
2Cor 4: 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
1 John 5: 19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Our Adversary Dominates Dying
Eph 2: And you were dead in the trespasses and sins2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience---3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved---6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Our Adversary Hinders Hope
2Tim 4: 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Sword of the Spirit.
Swords..
The Word of God.
People are Blind
2 Corinthians 4:
2Cor 4: 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
1 John 5: 19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
People are dead.. he uses the Word to make people alive.
Eph 2: And you were dead in the trespasses and sins2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience---3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved---6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Use God's Word to bring regeneration 1 Peter 1: 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;24 for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
James 1: 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
People Oppose OUR ALLY HOPE
Use God's Word for the Lord stands with you.
2Tim 4: 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
What is the difference between truth as our belt and the Sword of the Spirit?
Rhema. And logos
Matthew 4
None could be saved were it not the Sword of the SPIRIT.
REVELATION
INSPIRATION
ILLUMINATION
ALLOW THAT the words of God to be compelling. That is, they have a way of getting a hold on us and moving us as no other words do. Calvin wrote, "This power which is peculiar to Scripture is clear from the fact that of human writings, however artfully polished, there is none capable of affecting us at all comparably. Read Demosthenes or Cicero; read Plato, Aristotle, and others of that tribe. They will, I admit, allure you, delight you, move you, enrapture you in wonderful measure. But betake yourself from them to this sacred reading. Then, in spite of yourself, so deeply will it affect you, so penetrate your heart, so fix itself in your very marrow, that compared with its deep impression, such vigor as orators and philosophers have will nearly vanish. Consequently, it is easy to see that the Sacred Scriptures, which so far surpass all gifts and graces of the human endeavor, breathe something divine."
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT the words of God are convicting. Anyone who has faithfully tried to preach or teach the Word of God has had the experience that after the sermon or lesson is over a person will come up and say, "What you were talking about is exactly what I have been doing. Somebody must have told you about me."
Sometimes it is difficult to convince such a person that nobody has said anything about his or her particular sin or situation. It is just that the words of God, carried home by the power of the God who spoke them, have burned into the heart. I think this is what must have happened to the Emmaus disciples when Jesus explained to them out of "Moses and all the Prophets" the things that concerned himself. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32).
ASSUME the words of God are converting.
They change lives as no other power on earth can.
There is nothing on earth that convicts people and transforms lives the way the Bible does.
ASSUME the words of God are consoling. You and I often go through difficult times in life; times that involve sickness or the loss of a job, friends, or a close family member. The world has its way of handling such situations. It says, "Keep a stiff upper lip," "Every cloud has a silver lining," "Things will get better"—profound words like that. But they are not much help. Where does a person who is suffering sickness or loss or persecution or misery find comfort? Let me say it clearly: There is no comfort like that of reading or hearing the very words of God. To hear such words is to hear God himself, and it is God who ministers to the suffering soul through them.
If we are to resist Satan and find the convicting, converting, and consoling words of God that we need to live and triumph as Christians, we must take the words of God into our minds and hearts. We must pick up the sword of the Spirit and wield it forcefully.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature's night:
'Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I awoke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth and followed Thee'.
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