EQUIPPED FOR BATTLE
by Pastor Richard Tow
November 15, 2015
Text: Ephesians 6:1-20
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Description: Spiritual warfare is a reality for every child of God whether we like it or not. We are on one side; and the Devil is on the other. 1Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (KJV). In our text (Ephesians 6:10-20) Paul tells Christians how to be equipped for the battle. This message interprets Paul’s instruction in the light of what he has already said in the first five chapters of the epistle. Pastor Richard helps believers see the practical application of how to take the full armor of God and win your battle with the adversary.
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OUTLINE
This is an expository verse-by-verse sermon.
Vs 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Begins with word “Finally”
Culmination of Epistle
Previous prepares for Exhortation
(1) Ch 1-3 Acceptance in Christ
(Sit) (2:4-10) Seated in Heavenlies
Fight from position of grace
(2) Ch 4-6 Lifestyle lived in grace
(Walk) (4:1; 5:8)
Know who are in Christ- position in grace
Live in power of grace
Foundational to contending with adversary
“brethren” – don’t do it alone/ united with Body
(Lion roars to separate herd)
“be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Pres. Imp. Passive (reliance) (continuous) endunamoo
Abide in Vine IICor. 12:9 perfect in weakness
Vs 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
the whole armor (pan-op-lia) not part
“that you may be able to stand”
critical to our success—requires active faith
Something we have to do (not automatically)
What are we standing against?
“the wiles of the devil” schemes, strategies
not just power—but cunning, craftiness
(works on our areas of vulnerability)
IICor. 2:11 not ignorant of devices
The Devil & warfare are assumed (1Pet. 5:8)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Must always remember (Lk 9:56 not to destroy lives but to save)
“but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
(1:3; 20-21; 2:6; 6:12) the spiritual realm—not distant place in outer space
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.
What is evil day? Job 2:13-19; 1Cor. 16:9 effectual door-but many adversaries
season/crisis –one thing after another
Ever had time when doing good to just stand?
Picture – soldier fighting off. Then when dust settles-still (poised for more!)
Example in 2Sam.23:11-12: Shammah
Process about to describe is not magical, imaginary; is Practical action in daily lives!!!!
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Eph. 4:15 “Speak the truth in love…” 4:25 “Lie not…”
Not doctrinal statement on wall – is simply being truthful
Devil operates on basis of lies & deception (Jn 8:44)
Any deception, hypocrisy, manipulation = vulnerable
Be truthful & uncompromising and will stand
“having put on the breastplate of righteousness”
not imputed – already have that – imputed is foundational to but must be expressed in actions
1 John 3:7 “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (KJV).
Two Builders ( Matt. 7:24-27)
At any place operating in unrighteousness—you are vulnerable!
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
We carry & live message of peace (reconciliation)—not strife
Rom. 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Ps 34:12-13 “Who is the man that desires life & loves many days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil & do good. Seek peace and pursue it!”
Heb. 12:14-15 “Pursue peace w/ all people & holiness
Gal. 5:15 “But if you bite & devour one another, beware lest you be consumed one of another.”
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
To defeat us the Devil must bring down our faith.
Lk 22:31-32 “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…”
What is shield of faith? Confidence in God. Devil defeated Eve by first undermining trust in God.
Shield = Trust in character, faithfulness, word of God
Roman shield was Large,body-side. Was held in front & set feet to resist (stabilized the soldier in battle formation)
Heb. 10:35 “Do not cast away your confidence which has great recompense of reward.”
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
I Thes. 5:9 says “Hope of salvation”—final victory
Hope fortifies against depression, despair, despondency
How win battle of mind
Phil. 4:8 “whatsoever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, think on these
things.”
II Cor. 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds. Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Carnal mind is vulnerable to Satan’s wiles
Rom. 8:5 contrast a mind set on things of flesh v Spirit.
(17) “and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.”
Not Bible as a book but word engrafted in heart
“rhema” short saying from Scripture Quickened by Spirit
Lk 4 – Jesus example of how sword of Spirt is used against the Devil. “It is written….”
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints —
Metaphor stops at verse 17
Prayer most important—pulls all together –build faith praying
“always” – continual way of life, not just in crisis
“all prayer and supplication” –develop practice of praying in tongues, petition, thanksgiving, praise, intercessions, private, corporate.
“being watchful” implies diligence & vigilance –persevere
“for all the saints” not just my four and no more
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
So, taking armor of God is a practical exercise in godliness as we live our daily lives. This type of thinking and living is the protection Paul is talking about.
Questions
- Why is knowing who we are in Christ foundational to spiritual warfare?
- What is the “heavenly places” referred to in Eph. 1:3, 20-21; 2:6; 6:12?
- What have you learned about the “wiles” of the Devil and how to counter his
attacks?
- Why is it important to understand the practicality of these pieces of armor? How does practical lifestyle of righteousness protect a person from destruction? How does being truthful protect us?
- Why is the shield of faith so important?
Why was that Satan’s focus of attack against Peter (Luke 22:31-32)?
- As a practical matter, how does the Christian put on the helmet of the hope of
salvation?
- What is God speaking to you from this message?
