Why did Jesus have to die?

The cross is central. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1: 18; 23

Why did Jesus have to die? For us: We are chosen For our sin: We are a new creation For our relationship with God’s church For our relationship with one another For our death and life For us to live spiritually aware Looking at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power 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. Ephesians Ch 6: 10 – 24 (NIV)

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. Ephesians Ch 6: 10 – 24 (NIV)

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. Ephesians Ch 6: 10 – 24 (NIV)

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. 21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. Ephesians Ch 6: 10 – 24 (NIV)

22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. 23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians Ch 6: 10 – 24 (NIV)

Sit Walk Stand Context of Ephesians Our position in Christ Our life in the world Our attitude to the enemy

v10 Finally … v10 … be strong v11 … take your stand v13 … when the day of evil comes ... be spiritually aware … that there is another team on the field

1 Peter 4:12: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Purposes of God in Ephesians conflict, fighting, suspicion, mistrust, gossip and slander reconciled, harmony peaceful relations new society with barriers broken down rebuild walls and divisions living in purity and holiness uncleanness problem-free, battle-free = a cult, distorted Christianity

The purpose of discovering God’s strength? Four times: to stand v11 – Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. v13 – 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. v14 – Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...

Where do we find the strength to stand? Not us v10 …be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power But we have a part: v11. Put on the full armour of God Balance of scripture: Divine enabling with human co-operation The armour is God’s but we take it up

Old Testament: God is the warrior Is 59:17: The Lord … put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head. Today: the armour and weapons are his, but he shares them with us.

Belt of truth Truth Belt Both Revelation of God in Jesus and the Bible … John 31-32: Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ Truth Belt 1

Belt of truth Truth Belt … and personal; sincerity and integrity Eph 4:25: Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour Truth Belt 1

Belt of truth Truth Belt truth : revelation vs. distorting and selecting truth : integrity vs. deceitful, hypocrisy, intrigue, scheming The devil hates transparent truth He loves darkness Honesty about oneself is indispensible Truth Belt 1

Breastplate of righteousness Truth Both The righteousness of God’s gracious initiative in putting us sinners right with himself through Jesus. And righteousness of character and conduct. Belt Breastplate 1 2

Breastplate of righteousness Truth Standing before God not condemned but accepted. Essential defence against an accusing conscience and slanderous attacks and the way to resist temptations. Belt Breastplate 1 2

Boots of the gospel Gospel Truth Breastplate Boots Belt Righteousness Both Firmness and steadfastness that the gospel brings to those who absorb and believe it. And Readiness to announce the good news. Belt Breastplate Boots 1 2 3

Boots of the gospel Gospel Truth Breastplate Boots Belt Righteousness Col 4:5-6: Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Both stabilizing influence And introduces others. Righteousness Truth Gospel Belt Breastplate Boots 1 2 3

Shield of faith Gospel Faith Breastplate Boots Shield Righteousness Full length shield designed to put out flaming arrows. God himself is a shield: Proverbs 30:5: Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. By faith we can flee to him for refuge. Righteousness Gospel Faith Breastplate Boots Shield 2 3 4

Shield of faith Gospel Faith Breastplate Boots Shield Righteousness What arrows? Accusations and false guilt Thoughts of disobedience, rebellion, lust, malice This shield of faith quenches those darts Righteousness Gospel Faith Breastplate Boots Shield 2 3 4

Helmet of salvation Righteousness Salvation Gospel Faith Helmet Boots Both the measure of salvation we have already received (forgiveness, deliverance from Satan's bondage, adoption into God’s family). And the confident expectation of full salvation on the last day. Boots Shield Helmet 3 4 5

God’s saving power is our only defence against the enemy of our souls. Helmet of salvation Righteousness Salvation Gospel Faith Boots Shield Helmet God’s saving power is our only defence against the enemy of our souls. 3 4 5

Sword of the Spirit Salvation Word Faith Helmet Shield Sword v17: Take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Scripture God’s written word The Bible The Bible’s origin is repeatedly attributed to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Salvation Faith Word Shield Helmet Sword 4 5 6

Sword of the Spirit Salvation Word Faith Helmet Shield Sword The words in the Bible can… … cut through people’s defences … prick the conscience … stab into spiritual awakeness Shield Helmet Sword 4 5 6

Sword of the Spirit Salvation Word Faith Helmet Shield Sword In our hands, the Bible helps us to … … resist temptation (as Jesus did, quoting scripture). … share Jesus with others; not being ashamed to use, or acknowledge our confidence in, the Bible. Salvation Faith Word Shield Helmet Sword 4 5 6

The armour of God: Righteousness Salvation Gospel Truth Word Faith Belt Breastplate Boots Shield Helmet Sword

Pray in the Spirit After those 6 pieces of armour, Paul adds prayer: v18: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests … keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, … 20 … Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Not a separate weapon, but prayer pervades it all.

The armour of God: Righteousness Salvation Gospel Truth Word Faith Prayer Belt Breastplate Boots Shield Helmet Sword

Pray in the Spirit The armour is dependence on God, as is prayer. In the Spirit: prompted and guided by God. v18: Comprehensive and universal: On all occasions All kinds of prayer Always keep on praying For all the Lord’s people

Why did Jesus have to die? For us to live spiritually aware: the past the present the future