The Unhindered Harvest Acts: The Unhindered Harvest
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995
The Focus Point The Struggle The Opponent Not people Spiritual forces
The Focus Point "While Paul knows that the Christian life is wonderful, he is also well aware that it is a conflict…
The Focus Point [and] reminds the readers that Christianity is no religion for weaklings." (Morris, pg. 199-200)
The Focus Point What is at stake? The Display of glory Our walk which glorifies
How we are called to glorify God Reconciliation and peace among the races (2:15-16) Walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance in love (4:1-2)
How we are called to glorify God Building up the body (4:12) A transformed life (4:25-32) Be good stewards of the time given (5:16-17)
How we are called to glorify God Spousal relationships (5:22-33) Parent and child relationships (6:1-4) Slave and master relationships (6:5-9)
How we are called to glorify God In summary… Every area Every relationship Belongs to Christ For His glory
The Objective in the Struggle Stand firm Resist Our objective is not to conquer or defeat the enemey
The Objective in the Struggle "...far more emphasis is placed on readiness and firmness in the struggle than upon any actual human accomplishment during the battle." (Morris, pg. 202)
The Provisions for the Struggle Strength from God Armor from God Armor is external Must be added Must be provided
The Provisions for the Struggle The Armor Provided by Christ Found only in Christ
The Provisions for the Struggle "Paul is not writing about armor forged by Christian achievement, but armor that is the gift of God." (Morris, pg. 205)
The Provisions for the Struggle The Armor Belt of Truth (Eph. 4:21) Breastplate of righteousness (Eph. 4:20-24) Boots of Gospel Peace (Eph. 4:14-17)
The Provisions for the Struggle The Armor Shield of Faith (Eph. 2:8) Helmet of Salvation (Eph. 1:13) Sword, God’s Word (John 1:1, Heb. 1:1-2)
Celebrating the Victor Jesus is the Truth The Life of Jesus The righteous One Came to reconcile in peace
Celebrating the Victor The Death of Jesus Foundation of faith Source of our salvation