Thesis: To teach the hearers that God has provided the weaponry needed for this life’s journey, but it takes the God given abilities of work and diligence to don and wield it properly unto the life eternal.
Text: Eph 6:10-18
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes (wiles; methods) of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers (world-rulers) over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil (wickedness) in the heavenly places.
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.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Eph 6:15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Eph 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Eph 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Eph 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Introduction,
We live in a world that is full of sin and wickedness, it has been this way since the Garden.
The snares and devices which Satan uses to draw people further and further away from God and His Truth are everywhere.
Only those who are being transformed by the gospel of Christ are able to see and defeat these.
The plain and simple fact is, there is a war going on, and the person walking within human wisdom can not even see it (Jer 10:23; Pro 14:12; John 3:5).
But the Christian has had the eyes of his heart enlightened by the glorious light of the gospel, he can see the battles, and knows he must enter them, and fight, or perish (2 Cor 10:3-5).
Many who profess Christ do not have this militant attitude, but it is an essential part of being faithful, and thus being saved.
God has made His weaponry available to us, yet He expects us to maintain it, and to use it, as directed.
Therefore with this in mind, we will take a closer look at the Christian’s arsenal from 3 verbal perspectives . . .
1) “Putting on” the whole armor of God.
2) “Taking up” the whole armor of God.
3) “Standing” with the whole armor of God.
I. “PUTTING ON” THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (Eph 6:10-11)
1. (v 10)
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
1. Drawing to a close in the epistle the apostle Paul here encourages the Ephesian Christians to “be strong in the Lord, and in the strength (power; KJV) of His might.”
a. This verse teaches us “where” the strength, the power of God is located.
b. “In the Lord,” which is equal to “in Christ,” in the kingdom, in the church.
c. The power of God is not available to mankind in any other location.
d. And a person can only enter into this location through initial obedience to the gospel (Rom 10:16; NKJV), by hearing (Rom 10:17), believing (John 8:24), repenting of one’s sins (Luke 13:3), confessing Jesus as the Christ of God (Rom 10:9), and then finally being baptized (immersed) unto “for” the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), “into” the possession of the Godhead (Mt 28:19), which puts one “in Christ,” the scriptures teach this is the way to enter into that blessed location (Jn 3:16 LITV; Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27)
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (LITV)
Rom 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.
e. In fact when we are believing and obeying God’s will revealed in the gospel we are actually growing, maturing more and more into Christ (Eph 4:15)
Eph 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
f. So in actuality getting “into Christ” is also a process like “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15).
g. We need to understand that one is separated from the Lord and His power on account of sin before this begins taking place (Rom 3:23; Isa 59:2)
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
Isa 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
2. Notice also that the power, the strength is “His,” not “ours,” with God on our side who or what can stand against us (Ps 27:1; Rom 8:31, 38-39) . . .
Psa 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Rom 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
Rom 8:39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
a. God’s strength, God’s power to save, the gospel (Rom 1:16), God’s righteousness is given, accounted to us, in the Lord, in Christ (2 Cor 5:21b) . . .
2Co 5:21b so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
b. So When God looks at us, He sees Himself, His perfection, His sinlessness, His Son (Jesus).
c. And this state continues for us as we walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:4), walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7), as we live a life of practicing righteousness (1 Jn 3:4-10), not perfection but practice, and if we stumble, we repent (Acts 8:22), pray for forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9), brush ourselves off, regroup, and continue in our lives of holiness.
d. But the flip side is also true, if believe and are baptized, yet do not continue walking after the Spirit, do not continue walking in the light, do not continue living a life of righteousness according to God’s revealed will, then we are not really children of God, but rather children of the devil (1 Jn 3:4-10), and will spend eternity with him and his followers (Mt 25:31-46).
Mat 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
2. (v 11)
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes (wiles; methods) of the devil.
Here is the instruction that is given unto these brethren, and likewise to all Christians, they, we are to “put on” the “whole armor” (Gr. panoplia) of God. Exactly what this armor consists of is seen in this text, and we will look closer at it when we look at those verses.
1. The phrase “put on” concerning this armor is in the aorist tense, middle voice, imperative mood.
b. What this means in a nutshell is this – aorist tense basically signifies something that is done in the past, in other words this armor must be fitting, tested, and ready for battle, we must have initially believed and obeyed the gospel, and are growing spiritually through it.
c. The middle voice here teaches us that both parties have something to do with this.
God made His armor/the gospel available, but we must be determined to put it on.
d. This is contrary to most Calvinistic doctrines, none the less, it is what the bible consistently teaches, we must be doers of God’s divine directives and not hearers only deceiving our own selves (Ja 1:22).
e. And this “putting on” is in the imperative mood. This is quite easy to understand, it is “imperative” that this armor be fitted, tried, and ready for battle, we must have a working knowledge, an understanding of how the gospel works to deliver us from sin, the mechanics of it, so to speak.
f. Jesus’ blood and righteousness making us perfect in the sight of God as we live lives according to the gospel, in other words our “(our) practice makes (us) perfect” in the sight of God, this is in accordance with God’s plan based on grace not law (Jn 1:17; Rom 6:14; Eph 2:4-9).
2. Here is the reason that we need to put on the whole armor of God, “that we may be able to stand against the “wiles” or “schemes” of the devil.
No person in his own wisdom can take on Satan, his “wiles,” his schemes, his “methods” (Gr. methodeia; Rom 8:6-7)
Rom 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
Nor can these be recognized or acknowledged by those who have not had their spiritual eyes opened, enlightened by the power of the gospel, they are as blind men walking off the edge of a cliff (Jn 3:3).
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Jesus stated (Jn 9:39) . . .
Joh 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see,
Paul wrote . . .
Eph 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
Eph 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Eph 1:19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
Eph 1:20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
3. One contributing factor to spiritual blindness would be the harsh, unchaste, self-centered, profane, ungodly spewings of the world that are constant throughout the media, and through the speech of many.
1Ti 1:9a understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane . . .
Jesus said (Mt 12:38) . . .
Mat 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Mat 12:37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Therefore we as disciples are taught that our words are important, that God's name is to be hallowed (Mt 6:9), set apart, as special, and that Jesus’ name is the name above all names (Phili 2:9), Jesus actually means “Jehovah is salvation”, yet oftentimes all one ever hears from those of the world is “oh god this” and “oh god that,” and “je” or “jez,” which is short for Jesus. Thus the unregenerated take the name of the Most High and make it as common language, giving no more thought to spewing this out as to the blinking of an eye, instead of to the exalting of the King and Creator of the universe.
And there is the phrase “holy crap”, the terminology “holy” means “something set apart for God,” stating that one’s bowel movements are something set apart specially for God is about as base and profane and demeaning as one can get toward God, and He is listening (Pro 15:3).
Those that expose themselves to such ungodliness and believe they are not affected by such need to stand back and take another look from a different perspective, for they are still being influenced, controlled, thus blinded by the god (little g) of this world, the devil (2 Cor 4:4), here is a list what of the Christian “is” to be exposed to, this is what we “are” to be affected by (Phili 4:8; Rom 16:19; 1 Cor 14:20 ).
Phi 4:8 . . . whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.
1Co 14:20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
Satan was already responsible for the destruction of the entire human race besides eight souls in the time of the flood, and he has this present world like putty in his hands today, “he” is their potter, they are “his” clay, it is easy to see why he is called the god of this world (2 Cor 4:3-4)
2Co 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.
2Co 4:4 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.
4. But when a person is born again, born anew, born from above by believing in and obeying the gospel and thereby receiving the Spirit (Gal 3:2; Eph 1:13), they are enabled to see the spiritual battles that are ongoing and through the gospel have been given the privilege to “put on” God's armor in order to engage and destroy the methods (schemes; wiles) of the devil, which are taking place in many of our everyday occurrences.This is why it is imperative that we “put on the whole armor of God.”
II. “TAKING UP” THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (Eph 6:12-13).
1. (v 12)
Eph 6:12 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 (hosts) of evil (wickedness) in the heavenly places.
We need to be able to identify the enemy if we expect to win this battle which is all around us, we need to understand that we are not at war with certain individuals or nations or other physical entities.
a. Rather we need to recognize that many of these physical entities are the instruments which Satan and his cohorts use in his attempt to bring to naught the work of God contained within the gospel, His Son, and those being saved through Him.
b. But the actual battle is that of a spiritual nature, it is in the realm that transcends this one, yet it is none the less it also extends here (turn to 2 Ki 6:14-17).
2Ki 6:14 So he (the king of Syria) sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city (Dothan).
2Ki 6:15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?"
2Ki 6:16 He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
2Ki 6:17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
c. This is what was really taking place concerning the followers of God in our context, they were being protected by unseen spiritual forces, the same is true for us, if we are following God and not the devil, God has promised “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” and, “are not the angels ministering spirits sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” The answer is “yes”, angels protect God’s people. Now look at Luke 10:17-20 . . .
Luk 10:17 The seventy-two (or 70) returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!"
Luk 10:18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Luk 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Luk 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
d. When Jesus’ disciples went out and spread the good news of the kingdom being near, Satan was losing his foothold on individuals through sin and ignorance, thus he (Satan) was seen by Jesus falling like lightning from heaven, in other words Satan was losing control over individuals from where he was in the spiritual realms, therefore he was pictured as falling from the place of control, i.e. heaven. Now turn to Mt 16:21-23 . . .
Mat 16:21 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.
Mat 16:22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you."
Mat 16:23 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."
e. We need to understand (2 Cor 10:3) . . .
2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
f. Satan took Christ on head to head in the wilderness through all the avenues of temptation, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) and lost (Mt 4:1-11)
g. Satan took Christ on through Peter’s carnal thinking in this context concerning His not being crucified and lost (Mt 16:23)
h. Satan took on Christ through Judas’ betrayal and unknowingly fell directly in line with God’s plans and thereby lost (Luke 22:3)
i. And he attempts to take us on likewise, and the outcome will be the same, “if” we follow God’s divine directions concerning such assaults (1 Pet 5:8-9; Ja 4:7)
1Pe 5:8 Be sober (minded); be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1Pe 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
j. Submit to God is equal to resisting the devil, we, as Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit, to see Satan’s working, God’s working, and, through the Spirit of Jesus within us, submit to God and resist the devil, this power only comes through the gospel, from God. Turn to Rev 12 . . .
Rev 12:1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (This is a picture of the faithful of God before the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, God’s people are pictured in the feminine sense, being married to God, Who is masculine, the sun and the moon, shows us this is part of the physical realm, the 12 stars represent the 12 tribes of Israel)
Rev 12:2 She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. (This is a picture of the Messiah’s birth and the pains that go with change, from Moses to Jesus, it would be hard for many to accept the new and living Way)
Rev 12:3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.
Rev 12:4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. (Here is Satan and his demons/angels who would try to foil God’s plan of salvation through Christ) And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. (This is a picture of things that Satan tried to stop the gospel; Joseph’s rejecting of Mary, Herod’s murderous plans, and so forth)
Rev 12:5 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, (Jesus became flesh, brought forth God’s teachings, died for our sins, was raised for our justification, and ascended to heaven)
Rev 12:6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. (This is the time of the siege upon the Jews by the Romans, 42 months, at this time the faithful obeyed Jesus’ instructions and hid out at Pella until God destroyed the unbelieving Jews)
Rev 12:7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back,
Rev 12:8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Like our Lk 10 passage heaven is pictured as the ruling place, after Jesus became flesh, was crucified, was raised from the dead, and ascended to heaven, and the Jews were destroyed by the Romans while the faithful hid out at Pella, then the gospel had free run in the world, and still does to this day)
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.
Rev 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, (the gospel is God’s power to save) for they loved not their lives even unto death. (a reference to those who died because of their faith in Christ)
Rev 12:12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!"
Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. (The woman is the faithful to God through Jesus)
Rev 12:14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. (This refers to 3 ½ years, 42 months, 1260 days, again likely a reference to the Pella exodus)
Rev 12:15 The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. (This is likely a reference to the Roman legions that would have destroyed the Christians with the Jews), but for some unknown reason Cestius Gallius withdrew from the battle,
Rev 12:16 But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. (But for some unknown reason Cestius Gallius withdrew from the battle, and at that time the Christians fled, but the Jews regrouped for battle)
Rev 12:17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea (Satan wasn’t after the unbelieving Jews, but rather the Christians, so he left the scene. This is speaks of persecutions upon the church, which are promised upon the faithful in this world, the sea represents society.)
.
k. The point being made is our wrestling is not against flesh and blood but evil spiritual entities in the heavenly places working behind the scenes, these scriptures pull back the veil somewhat in order that we who see may better understand what is actually taking place, and how heaven and earth are linked together.
j. And like God we also have to be able to make a separation between individuals and their evil entity led sins, this is how God can love the world (Jn 3:16), yet hate their sins (Heb 1:9) simultaneously, we have to recognize this differentiation also, and do the same, imitating God (Eph 5:1; 1 Cor 11:1), being like God.
2. (v 13)
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).
We must “take up” (take unto you; KJV) the “whole” armor of God, and we will discuss the specifics of the armor when we reach those verses.
a. The word for this phrase “take up” in the Greek is the second aorist tense, active voice, and again the imperative mood.
b. Basically the aorist tense teaches us that it is something we must do before hand, but the voice here is active, in other words, it is “all” in our hands, we will have to “do” it our selves beforehand, and the imperative mood teaches us that it is of utmost importance that we “do” such.
c. So how do we “take up” the whole armor of God?
d. Well, just as our physical bodies need “food,” “exercise” and “rest” to be healthy, likewise our spirits also need food, exercise, and rest to be healthy.
1. We receive our spiritual “food” from God's word, and being nourished through it (1 Pet 2:2).
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
a. And it takes time to study of the living and active word (2 Tim 2:15a).
2Ti 2:15 a Give diligence (“study”; KJV) to present thyself approved unto God.
b. So we need to be like the Bereans having a ready mind, examining the scriptures “daily” and thereby learning from God (John 6:45), and thus partaking and digesting of this food (Acts 17:11)
Act 17:11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
c. This will keep the food available which enables our spirits to be transformed, renewed back into the likeness of our Creator, that image which we were born with, but slowly, yet steadily, lost as we were exposed and conformed to the things of this world, while we grew and matured (Eph 4:23-24; Col 3:9).
Eph 4:23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
Eph 4:24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Col 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
d. This will cut into our time in this life, yet eventually, it will likely be something you cannot do without; and when you do, you will note the difference, the void, that lack of comfort, which only God's word can give (Rom 15:4).
Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.
2. But the hardest part of this is the “exercise,” the submission to God’s word, the “application.” We must not only study, examine and thus know God's will, but we must also manifest it in our lives, the Lord clearly stated (Mt 7:21; Ja 1:22)
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who keeps saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will get into the kingdom from heaven, but only the person who keeps doing the will of my Father in heaven. (ISV)
a. People will see this doing, (that is one of God’s purposes behind it) and some will even ridicule those attempting to live holy lives unto God, I refer to this as the Cain and Able syndrome (1 John 3:12).
1Jn 3:12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.
b. But that is only to be expected from those who are but putty in the hands of the devil (1 Pet 4:2-4; 1 John 5:19), he is working through them.
1Jn 5:19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
1Pe 4:2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions (lusts of men) but for the will of God.
1Pe 4:3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
1Pe 4:4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign (speak evil of) you;
c. But a few of them may take note, become curious, and ultimately come unto God through our shining as lights in this sin darkened world (Mt 5:13-16).
Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
3. And lastly, we must also have spiritual “rest,” and that comes from the “hope” that we receive from God's promises, and the contemplation thereon (1 Pet 1:3-4; 1 Cor 15:23)
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming.
a. The wonderfulness of heaven, being among the faithful, permanently separated from the wickedness of the world, and most importantly being able to see, fellowship, serve, and worship God face to face, as the patriarch Job stated (Job 19:26; Rev 22:3-5) . . .
Job 19:26 And after my skin, even this body, is destroyed, Then without my flesh shall I see God;
Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;
Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.
Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
b. And when we have “studied,” “applied,” been grounded in “hope, “and are in good spiritual shape walking in the light of the gospel, then and only then are we prepared to stand in the battles that are all around us.
III. “STANDING” WITH THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (Eph 6:14-18)
1. (v 14a)
Eph 6:14a Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
When the ancients went to battle, they girded themselves with a device somewhat similar to a wide belt that would synch up all their lose clothing, in order that they may have freedom of movement in order to fight more effectively.
a. It would also be that to which the armor would be attached and the sheath of the sword would be hung on.
b. In other words, many things essential to the soldier were attached, based upon this belt or girdle.
c. The Christians is to be girded with, in “truth”, our speaking “only” truth to any and everyone (Eph 4:24-25).
Eph 4:24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Eph 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
d. Jesus informs us that are words are very important, there is to be no more white lies for others supposed good (Mt 12:37).
Mat 12:37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
e. For we are shown the end of all unrepentant liars (Rev 21:8)
Rev 21:8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.
f. If we can’t figure out a way to help others by telling them the truth, then we are better off to just keep quiet.
2. (v 14b)
Eph 6:14b and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
The breastplate is that which would cover the vital organs of the chest and abdomen area, this also would be attached to the belt, the girdle.
a. The Christians breastplate is righteousness; it is to be “put on,” by living a life of “right doing” according to that unchanging standard for morality, the word of God (Ps 119:172; Mt 7:16-20; 1 John 3:9).
Psa 119:172 Let my tongue sing of your word; For all your commandments are righteousness.
Mat 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
Mat 7:18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
1Jo 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
1Jo 3:10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. (ESV)
b. Keep in mind that our practice of righteousness is the proof that we are God’s children, and the actual righteousness that we receive through the gospel is God’s righteousness, the perfection of Jesus imputed to us (Rom 4:4-8) in Christ (2 Cor 5:21), as we walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:4), walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7).
3. (v 15)
Eph 6:15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
The proper footwear is essential in battle; it is easy for us to make application from a sporting event. On artificial turf, one type of shoe enables the runner to be swift, and on natural turf, another type, perhaps spiked or studded, this would enable the runner to get a better bite on the ground, thus be able to outrun the competition. The same would apply on the battlefield; the more appropriate the footwear for the terrain, the better one’s balance and fleetness of travel, thus the more likeliness of victory.
a. In like manner the Christian is to be prepared, shod with the gospel, that “good news,” in order that he is ready to cut around, plant firmly, and wield his sword in the spiritual battles one will confront on a daily basis. One essential element of the gospel is that we are always to be ready, looking for, earnestly desiring, the Lord’s coming (Mt 24:42-44; 2 Pet 3:7-14).
Mat 24:42 Therefore, stay awake (alert), for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
Mat 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.
Mat 24:44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
2Pe 3:7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
2Pe 3:8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
2Pe 3:11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 waiting (looking) for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
2Pe 3:13 But according to his promise we are waiting (looking) for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2Pe 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
b. Here the gospel is referred to as the “gospel of peace”, it imparts to us the “peace that surpasses understanding” (Phili 4:6-7), knowing that we have been reconciled to God through His Son (Rom 5:6-11), and now have no fear to enter into the eternal realms, from which we came
c. Those that teach and believe another gospel, one not found in God’s word; “faith only,” “grace only,” “love only,” “whatever only,” and attempt to take these into spiritual battles will fall to the wiles (methods) of the devil, they cannot stand with these man made gospels (Gal 1:6-7; Rom 1:16).
Gal 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
Gal 1:7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
d. The gospel found in the bible contains facts to believe, promises to receive, commands to obey, and warnings to heed. These together are that through which God saves us, God justifies us (Rom 8:33), His way, and that is according to the Way, that once for all time delivered Faith (Jude 3), there is no other way, nor no other faith (Eph 4:5)
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.
Jud 1:3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
4. (v 16)
Eph 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
The shields that were used in the ancient days were large (2 x 4 ft), the soldier could hide behind it when flaming arrows were shot at him, and remain unharmed.
a. The faith of the Christian is likened unto this shield, it is to be large, it is that which motivates one into action, unto obedience, unto love, unto holiness towards eternal life (Gal 5:6).
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
b. Faith is key, seeing that things of the spiritual realm are many times unseen, none the less, by faith, according to God’s word (Rom 10:17), we do (Heb 11).
c. Just like faith without works is dead (Ja 2:24), works or anything else without faith is also dead, truth, God's righteousness, the gospel, salvation, God's word, prayer, all are useless without faith being part thereof (Heb 11:6).
Heb 11:6 and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.
d. We must believe what God says concerning evil (sin), and the originator thereof (Satan), and follow His directions even though many times we do not fully understand the why of our actions, then and only then will we be able to stand up and intercept that which Satan throws at us.
5. (v 17a)
Eph 6:17a And take the helmet of salvation,
Here we have salvation pictured as a helmet, the helmet would protect the head which directs the rest of the body, just as Christ directs “all things” to “His” church, which is His body (Eph 1:22-23).
Eph 1:22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 which is his body, the fulness of him that fills all in all.
a. When one can look at God's ever abiding word and know in their mind that they have eternity with God on the horizon, it motivates the body to bring itself into subjection to God Almighty and that which He commands, the Lord states (John 8:31a-32) . . .
Joh 8:31a If you abide in my word, then are you truly my disciples;
Joh 8:32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
b. Our head, our mind, our inner man, our spirit is essential to our relationship with God through His Son. This is that common ground we share with our Creator, (Gen 1:26; we have a spirit; Ja 2:26; God is a Spirit; John 4:24), we are not to be, nor act like the brute beasts of the field, like many in this world.
c. Salvation is realized in one’s mind when we see our actions line up with that which God says, not by what one feels or thinks, but by what is written (1 John 5:13).
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you, that you may know that you have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.
d. How do we know? Summed up 1 Jn reveals that our practice speaks of whose we are, God’s, or the devil’s. If we are attempting to live holy lives unto God, we can know we posses eternal life, if we are attempting to live like the devil, we can in like manner know that we do not.
6. (v 17b)
Eph 6:17b and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
The sword is the only offensive weapon that the Christian has, all the other armaments are defensive in nature, they are designed for keeping “ourselves.”
a. But an offensive weapon is designed primarily to strike out.
b. Our sword is the word of God, it is that which we speak, walk (live by), and thus wield.
c. We, as did Jesus need to renounce sin and error, our own, and others, we also need to commend righteousness and the truth, as did Jesus, and was commended for it (Heb 1:8-9).
Heb 1:8 But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
Heb 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness (iniquity; i.e. sin); therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
d. Do you want “joy” in your heart? The oil of gladness, that beyond your fellows? Then imitate Jesus by loving righteousness and hating sin and God will fill you with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
e. Our Lord’s perfect example in the wilderness teaches us that when in combat with the forces of darkness, our battle cry is to be “it is written,” then we can have assured victory (Mt 4:4, 7, 10)
Mat 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Mat 4:7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Mat 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"
f. Our Lord’s earthly ministry started with Him quoting God’s word in the wilderness, and it ended with Him quoting God’s word upon the cross, we likewise ought to spend our time of service upon this earth doing the same.
7. (v 18)
Eph 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
a. We must always approach God in prayer first and foremost, in all aspects of our lives, in all matters, whether we deem them important or not (Phili 4:6-7; Rom 12:12; 1 Thess 5:17; Col 4:2).
Phi 4:6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Phi 4:7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Col 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing;
b. It should be noted here that there is no definite article (the word “the” here) before the word “spirit” in the original, it is likely that this means we should pray from our inward persons, from our spirit, in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), many translations properly render it so (APB+; Bishop’s Bible, DRB, KJV 1611, LONT, JMNT, Wycliffe NT), this is “not” talking about praying in tongues.
Eph 6:18 ThroughG1223 allG3956 prayerG4335 andG2532 supplicationG1162 prayingG4336 atG1722 everyG3956 timeG2540 inG1722 spirit,G4151 andG2532 inG1519 this same thing G1473 G3778 being sleeplessG69 withG1722 allG3956 attention,G4343 andG2532 supplicationG1162 forG4012 allG3956 theG3588 holy ones;G39 (APB+)
c. Now “in (the) Spirit” could be rendered “according to the Spirit” as He directs through His sword (Eph 6:17), His instrument of choice, that living and active (Heb 4:12), life imparting (John 6:63), Holy Spirit delivered and confirmed word of God.
d. We don’t pray “to” Jesus, we pray “through” Jesus, through His mediation (1 Tim 2:5; 1 Pet 2:5).
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,
1Pe 2:5 you also, as living stones, are (being) built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
e. And we don’t pray “to” the Holy Spirit, He intercedes for us when we just don’t know what words to say in trying situations (Rom 8:26)
Rom 8:26 And in like manner the Spirit also helps our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;
f. We are to pray “to” God, the Godhead, addressing the Father as its head (Eph 5:20)
Eph 5:20 giving thanks at all times for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, even to God the Father,
g. Jesus prayed to the Father (Mt 6:9) . . .
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
h. Paul prayed to the Father (Rom 1:8) . . .
Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.
i. We are to imitate Paul who imitated Jesus (1 Cor 11:1) . . .
1Co 11:1 Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
j. Also we need to be “watchful” “keeping alert” (v 18), walking/living carefully, continually, for Satan is looking to devour as many as possible (Mt 24:42-44; Eph 5:14-17).
Mat 24:42 Therefore, stay awake (alert), for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
Mat 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.
Mat 24:44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Eph 5:14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
Eph 5:16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
k. And we need to pray for one another, for our needs, for our faithfulness, for our spiritual growth, because the prayer of those made righteous by God through the gospel avails much in its working (Ja 5:16).
Jas 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
l. Lastly, let us note that all this armament is geared for the front of a person. We are to be
moving forward, never in a mode of retreat, (i.e. backsliding; Jer.) remembering that the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Sam 16:47).
1Sa 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands.
m. We are merely the instruments through which He works, preserving as salt, shining as lights in this world, holding forth the word of life, as the apostle Paul wrote (Phili 2:12-16) . . .
Phi 2:12 So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Phi 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for His good pleasure.
Phi 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and questionings:
Phi 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,
Phi 2:16 holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.
Conclusion,
So let us enter “into the Lord”, through initial obedience to His gospel (hearing, believing, repenting, confessing Christ, and being baptized for the remission of sins), and access “His” strength, “His” power.
And therein “put on” the “whole” armor of God, which enables us to see and engage the devil, and take up the battle God has set before us against Satan and his devices in this dark and dying world.
“Taking up” God's armor, through study (learning), application, and hope.
So that we are able to “stand” in the times of testing, and not fall away from the living God.
Wielding the sword of the Spirit, God's powerful “word” against sin and error.
Being watchful for attacks, and for the second coming of the Lord, always approaching God’s throne of grace through “prayer” in all things.
Not counting on one’s self, but rather on God, Who with all things are possible (Mt 19:26).