Ephesians Sources: David Jackman: He is Our Peace Pathway Bible Guide 2012 JP Norris: Commentary on the Pauline Epistles 1881 HGC Moule: Ephesian Studies 1902 LS Chafer: The Epistle to the Ephesians 1935 FF Bruce: New International Commentary on Ephesians 1984

References to the spiritual world in Ephesians 1.10 “to bring all things in heaven and earth together under one head, even Christ” 1.20 “when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion” 2.2 “when you followed… the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who now at work in those who are disobedient” 3.10 “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” 6.12 “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

1 Corinthians 10: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. ‘Temptation’ = peirasmos (  ς) means more than an enticement to sin, it means a trial, a test.

Ephesians Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Whose power and whose armour? 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God……

Isaiah The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene, so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. 17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head…… 20 ’The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,’declares the Lord. 21 ‘As for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the Lord. ‘My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants – from this time on and for ever,’ says the Lord.

The elements of this armour 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

The elements of this armour Truth Righteousness Peace Faithfulness (cf Rom 3.3,Gal 5.22) Salvation God’s Spirit God’s word.

God’s character is our armour “I am your shield and your very great reward” Gen “The Lord is the stronghold of my life” Ps 27.1

The nature of the fight 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ‘struggle’ = pale (παλη) = wrestle

The victor stands firm 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then…….

Matthew ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ ‘Easy’ = Chrestos (χρηστος) = well-fitting, snug, right

Our offensive weapons 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. “Take… the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) and pray in the Spirit on all occasions…”

Spirit and Word Rom May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rev Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. Heb For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Supporting each other 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

The basis of the victory Col Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross Rev.12 10,11. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.

Paul’s last command 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.