2009-09-20
Ephesians - Conclusion
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction
A soldier is not putting on his gear primarily for his own cause, but for a greater...
What is it that Satan and his demons are fighting?
The gospel
To hold souls in bondage (2 Timothy 2: 26)

Be alert! Wake up! You have enemies who are not letting up.
Belt of Truth - Putting away hindrances to the fight -- everything that impedes.
A Baseline attitude of honest assessment of personal commitment to the cause of Christ.
Breastplate of Righteousness in place.
Gospel Shoes of Peace
The Shield of Faith - Stay alert. Despair --> thunk! Gossip --> thunk!
Put out the fiery darts, and stay in the battle.
Helmet of Salvation - The enemy cannot take our salvation, but he can take our assurance.

B. The Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God

The sword of the Spirit both subdues and puts to death evil desires and wrong thinking.
Examples:
Remember to run to the Word when you are under attack

C. And for the Next One, He doesn't even Use and Analogy: Pray
My soul thirsts for God -- for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Prayer is key to knowing God, and knowing God is key to being used by God.
God-dependence is the most basic necessity.
Believing prayer is key to resurrection power and key to having the full armor.
Ephesians 6: 18
In the Spirit - not some mystical, out of your control, unknown tongue praying. (Romans 8: 26 - 27)
All occasions: always on the verge of prayer.
Jesus said, "Watch and pray, so you do not fall into temptation."
Ephesians 6: 19a
How can I pray for you? (Paul is in prison.) (Ephesians 6: 19 - 20)
Colossians 4: 2 - 6

D. Conclusion/Review

Chapters 1 - 3: What we have in Christ, His glorious grace and blessings.
Chapters 4 - 6: Therefore, live a worthy life. Theology and practicum in living.

Humility and taking on His core purpose
Church structure
Preparation for ministry
Unity in the body
Investing your life in the purposes of Christ, and investing in others.
Put off the old, and put on the new.
Honesty and blind spots
Evidence in the new man.
Make no provision for the flesh.
Marriage and family.
Spiritual warfare -- our tendency to get comfortable.

E. Benediction

Ephesians 3: 14 - 21