2013-08-04
Ephesians 6 - Spiritual Warfare Pt. 4
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction
Attack on the mission but also very personal – the battle for your mind 2 Cor 10:4 – 5
You don’t have to go through a ritual every morning of putting on your gear…

2 Cor 11:1 – 5 But we need to know the enemy is at work constantly – he deceives
2 Cor 11:14
The enemy is fight harding for us not to live out Gal 2:20 (Christlife) – and Gal 5:22 (fruit) “to live as Jesus would live if He were in your place”

Stand Firm, make your stand!
Ephesians 6: 14 Belt of Truth
The different spheres of life in Ephesians that God desires submitted to Him
Putting away hindrances to the fight, everything that impedes, Being Alert!

Having this belt makes every other piece of gear more effective.
Knowing Jesus, the truth, and obeying Jesus – Responding to the Word

Breastplate of righteousness in place – Ephesians 6:10 - 17
Thick leather, bronze, or chain mail to protect the most vital organs.
The righteousness of Christ Rev 12:11, 2 Cor 5:21, Gal 2:20…

Righteousness came by faith and we continue to get the benefit by faith – Rom 3:23
Are you ready?? Gal 2:20 today? Rom 6:11 today? These must be in place

Gospel shoes of peace. Football without cleats?
Ephesians 6:19 – moving ahead even at this point Rom 10:15, Isaiah 52:7
Romans 8:31, 37 – 39 Pretty good footing -

The Shield of faith. Usually A framework of wood with layers of oiled leather…
The soldier could hide completely or use in hand to hand or being attacked from a distance and used in a group to form a wall of protection but effective also if caught alone.
Stay alert. Despair Thunk…gossip Thunk… lust thunk confusion thunk
Put out the fiery darts and stay in the battle.

Helmet of salvation - Bronze with leather attachments
He can take our assurance of salvation with many attacks from doubt to lies but if we have our proper armor on we will not doubt our salvation –
1 Thess 5:8, Eph 1:13 – 14

The sword of the Spirit – the Word of God
Double edged and short 18” or less, A cut and thrust weapon for offense and defense
The sword subdues and puts to death evil desires and wrong thinking being thrown at us

OT, The example of Jesus in the desert Matt 4:4

Pray - Vital to the effectiveness of your armor and your mission/armor vital to prayer
Ephesians 6: 18 – 20

Final Greetings – Ephesians 6:21 - 24