1. The Unhindered Harvest
Acts:
The Unhindered Harvest

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

6. and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

7. 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.

8. 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

9. The Focus Point
The Struggle
The Opponent
Not people
Spiritual forces

10. The Focus Point
"While Paul knows that the Christian life is wonderful, he is also well aware that it is a conflict…

11. The Focus Point
[and] reminds the readers that Christianity is no religion for weaklings." (Morris, pg )

12. The Focus Point What is at stake? The Display of glory
Our walk which glorifies

13. 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)

14. 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)

15. 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)

16. How we are called to glorify God
In summary…
Every area
Every relationship
Belongs to Christ
For His glory

17. The Objective in the Struggle
Stand firm
Resist
Our objective is not to conquer or defeat the enemey

18. 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)

19. The Provisions for the Struggle
Strength from God
Armor from God
Armor is external
Must be added
Must be provided

20. The Provisions for the Struggle
The Armor
Provided by Christ
Found only in Christ

21. 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)

22. 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)

23. 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)

24. Celebrating the Victor
Jesus is the Truth
The Life of Jesus
The righteous One
Came to reconcile in peace

25. Celebrating the Victor
The Death of Jesus
Foundation of faith
Source of our salvation