Ephesians: 6:10-17 BELIEVERS WARFARE and EQUIPMENT Reminder— Eph. 4:1-6:9 –Walk in a manner worthy of your calling –Walk in humility rather than pride –Walk in unity rather than divisiveness –Walk in the new self rather than the old self –Walk in love not lust –Walk by imitating God and Christ’s sacrificial life –Walk in light not darkness –Walk in wisdom not foolishness –Walk in the fullness of the Spirit do not get drunk with wine –Be subject one to another –Walk in mutual submission rather than self-interest/reliance The result of this walk—guaranteed spiritual warfare Preparation: Finally, be strong in the LORD and the strength of His might –2 Chron. 20:15; Isaiah 40:29-31 Provision: Get dressed for war—that you may stand FIRM v. 11

The enemy and the battle v. 11b-12 –Satan—the devil –Rulers –Powers –World forces of this darkness –Spiritual forces of wickedness in heaven places Take up, that you may resist, having done everything v. 13 Stand firm—that’s what victory looks like! v. 14a –Judges 6, 7; James 4:7 Satan’s characteristic attacks –Impugning God’s character Gen. 3: 1-5 –Creating difficulties in life—even persecution—Christ Jesus –Doctrinal confusion and falsehood –Hindering service for God Daniel 10:13; Jude 9 –Causing or instigating divisions

–Persuading/manipulating believers to self trust –Promoting hypocrisy –Worldliness and it’s temptations –Promoting disobedience to God’s word and command The Armor –Truth—a girding a commitment to action to engage in battle –Righteousness—a covering for that which is vital daily moment by moment obedience—practical righteousness –Peace—prepared for victory God having changed from enemy to defender –Faith—defense from temptation Hab. 2:4; Prov. 30:5-6 trusting completely on God’s word –Salvation—hope Gal. 6:9; Eph. 3:13; Rev. 2:3 substance that gives purpose –Word of God—defensive and offensive weapon rhema not logos—spiritual weapons for spiritual enemies Isa. 55:11

Incarnate God! the soul that knows Thy name's mysterious power Shall dwell in undisturbed repose, Nor fear the trying hour. Thy wisdom, faithfulness and love, To feeble helpless worms; A buckler and a refuge prove, From enemies and storms. In vain the fowler spreads his net, To draw them from thy care; Thy timely call instructs their feet, To shun the artful snare. When like a baneful pestilence, Sin mows its thousands down On every side, without defence, Thy grace secures thine own. No midnight terrors haunt their bed, No arrow wounds by day; Unhurt on serpents they shall tread, If found in duty's way. Angels, unseen, attend the saints, And bear them in their arms; To cheer the spirit when it faints, And guard the life from harms. The angels' Lord, himself is nigh, To them that love his name; Ready to save them when they cry, And put their foes to shame. Crosses and changes are their lot, Long as they sojourn here; But since their Saviour changes not, What have the saints to fear? John Newton