1. Ephesians Lesson 10

2. Ephesians at a Glance 1 – Blessings and riches in Him/Prayer 2 – Gentiles in the body by grace 3 – Paul revealed the mystery/Prayed 4 – Walk in a manner worthy, no longer as Gentiles 5 – Walk in love, light, wisdom/Husbands & Wives 6 – Stand firm, put on God’s armor, pray

3. Ephesians 6: 10-12 Be strong in the strength of His might Put on the WHOLE armor of God Stand…against the devil’s schemes “Stand Firm” histemi – stand fast on God’s Word against the enemy Spiritual battle: is NOT against people, but the spiritual forces controlling the people There are rulers, authorities, powers over the present darkness There are spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places

4. The devil John 8:44 Murderer, liar, father of lies, deceitful I Peter 5 A roaring lion seeking someone to devour Matthew 4 Tempter John 12 Ruler of this world I John 5:19 The whole world, unbelievers, lies in his power Ephesians 2:2 “The prince of the power of the air”, works in the sons of disobedience, unbelievers

5. The believers’ struggle Believers’ struggle with the devil is NOT with flesh and blood people in their lives. It’s against the devil’s associates in the heavenlies Acts 19 Evil spirits inhabited some people Some people were practicing magic Idol worship of Artemis led to a riot I Cor. 10 Demons are associated with idols Rev. 12 and Daniel 10 World forces of darkness in battle with Michael and other angelic beings Col. 2 and I Pet. 3 No need to fear; Jesus triumphed Eph. 1 and 2 Believers are seated with Him in heavenly places

6. Full Armor - Truth “Panoplia” – a complete set of defensive and offensive armor. Everything needed to wage a successful warfare: figuratively the full resources the Lord gives to the believer so they can successfully wage spiritual warfare. In this way they do not fight FOR victory – but from HIS victory Paul commands us to be strong, put on and take up the full armor Truth is the basis for standing firm Studying God’s Word is the way to arm yourself

7. Ephesians References 1:13 Gospel of truth is our salvation 4:15 Speak the truth in love 4:21 Truth is in Jesus 4:24 The new self..has been created in righteousness and holiness OF the truth 4:25 Speak truth each one…with his neighbor 5:9 The fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth 6:14 Gird your loins with truth

8. Breastplate of Righteousness “dikaiosune” – justice, justness, righteousness of which God is the source or author Conformity to the claims of higher authority and stands in opposition to “anomia” lawlessness. Righteousness is the state commanded by God and stands the test of His judgment 2 Cor. 5:21 Our source of righteousness – Jesus, who knew no sin, but became sin on our behalf 1 John 3 The one who practices righteousness, just as Jesus is righteous, is His

9. The Armor Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace Peace with God AND peace with other believers Eph.1:2 Grace & peace from God Eph. 2:14 Christ Himself is our peace Eph. 2:15 Christ established peace Eph. 2:17 Jesus preached peace Eph. 4:3 We are to be diligent to PRESERVE the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Eph. 6:15 Gospel of peace Eph. 6:23 Peace be to the brethren

10. Peace IF peace of the gospel is what one stands on, then it’s a firm foundation I Cor. 15 Christ born, dead, buried, risen again Heb. 2 Sin and death conquered rendering the devil powerless Rom. 6 We are no longer slaves to sin

11. Shield of Faith Purpose: to protect from whatever the enemy throws The shield extinguishes his flaming arrows/darts Faith: pistis – A firm conviction producing a full acknowledgment of God’s revelation or truth A personal surrender to Him A conduct inspired by such surrender Believing what God says extinguishes lies Knowing and living the truth is the result 2 Cor. 10:3-5 We destroy fortresses Fortress: used figuratively of a false argument in which a person seeks “shelter” to escape reality

12. Helmet of Salvation/Sword Protects the head where one thinks Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10) Is. 59:17 Jesus is described as taking the helmet of salvation on His head, coming to recompense His enemies Sword of the Spirit Rev. 19:15 Jesus has a sharp sword coming from His mouth, with which He will strike the nations Know God’s Word and use it appropriately

13. Prayer Eph. 1:15-23; 3:14-21 Paul’s prayer for them Eph. 6 Pray for each other Pray for all the saints Pray for him! Be alert in prayer – watchful for the other saints Perseverance is another trait for prayer Tychicus as an example: Beloved brother, faithful minister in the Lord Act 19-20 Companion to Paul Colossians Faithful servant and fellow bondservant 2 Tim. Paul sent him back to Ephesus

14. Application How will YOU pray for the saints? How would you like them to pray for YOU? How will you walk worthy? What are you to do with the truth you now know? Thank God for the mystery that has now been revealed, in the kind intention of His will