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Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:10-20
Today we finish our study in the book of Ephesians. This has been a good study. I personally got a lot from teaching it. In this final section we will deal with spiritual warfare. It is necessary not only to know how to fight, but what to wear, and who the real enemy is.
Deception is a strategy that the Devil uses. He mixes his bold-faced lies with our natural desires and tries to convince us that God approves.
When we fight against the Devil we need to remember that we are fighting against spiritual beings in the heavenly realms, and not flesh and blood. Therefore, we must use spiritual weapons, not natural ones. There are four types of beings we are up against: Evil Rulers, Authorities of the unseen world, Mighty powers of darkness, and Wicked Spirits in heavenly realms. This is a whole study in itself. Take time to study this on your own.
In verse 13 we receive the instruction to use all of the armor at our disposal. Thus we will be fully protected. It is mandatory to resist The Devil!!!! He is the enemy!! Not your brother or sister. We must get off of the natural plane and see with spiritual eyes.
Now, let�s talk about the armor. (Verses 14-17) Every piece of armor, just as with weapons, serves a different and distinctive purpose. In this particular case we are dealing with a defensive posture. Being told to put on the armor means two things: 1) You are going into battle, and 2) You will be attacked. It also means you will face danger and injury. Armor is your defense against serious injury. I am going to use military thinking to present the posture we need to take. It is the easiest way to explain everything.
In verse 14 the command is to stand your ground! This means DIG IN!! Settle in for the long haul. TAKE THE FIGHT SERIOUSLY!!! (I am using the New Living Translation because the language is so clear in how to plan and get ready.) Once we have set to fight we can suit up for battle.
There is a specific order to the way we are to dress. First, put on the belt of truth, which is the Word of God. Get the Word of God inside of you. You will need it. It is foundational!!
Next, put on your body armor of righteousness. When the police go into battle against criminals, they put on a �bullet proof vest.� Righteousness is our standing with the Lord. When we are �saved� we come into right standing with the Lord. This is our position in him. This vest covers all of our vital organs. For shoes we put on peace (Shalom.) This comes from God alone. This means we are to walk in peace. We are to take peace with us wherever we go. In part this is a restfulness that can only be given by the Spirit. In order to take it, we must be at peace with God, and ourselves. After that, we can be at peace with others. Shalom means to be at one with, or at rest.
Next, pick up the shield of faith. It will deflect all of the ammo the enemy will throw. Faith is something that we must develop. We are given a measure of faith to work with. It is up to us to make it grow. The more we read the Word and put it to work, the greater our faith becomes. The more we speak the word, the more active our faith becomes. We need the shield of faith for every battle we face.
Next, put on salvation as your helmet. It guards the mind. Then you will know and understand your deliverance. You have been delivered from a sinful lifestyle, poverty, and sickness, corrupt thinking, etc.
Finally, we must take up the sword of the Spirit. This is the Word of God. It is also the only offensive weapon we have. It is an attack weapon. With our words we wield the sword. We speak the word over problems, family, and friends.
The bedrock for all of this is prayer. This is communion and fellowship with the Lord. We must develop a solid relationship with the Lord. This cannot be a formula. It has to be spontaneous. This does not mean you cannot set a time every day to meet with him. Just be sure that that�s OK with him. Be flexible in your time with him. He may want to hook up with you at any time of day or night. Talk with him as you would your best friend. Talk about anything. Once the relationship is developed, you will see how quickly the Lord moves on your behalf. Be aware of what�s going on around you. Be filled with the Spirit.
So, now we have finished our study of Ephesians. Thoroughly study this section and put it into practice. It will save your life.
Next month we will begin the study of the letters to the Corinthians. We will deal with problems that arise in the church and see how to keep them from happening and how to fix the ones we do have.
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