Spiritual Warfare
Eph 6:10-20
We are
coming to the end of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians. In the verses we are
going to look at, the Apostle begins with 'finally.' He has written a lot of important things that
are theological and practical. He closes the work with an extended metaphor
before giving his final greetings. The metaphor has to do with armor---perhaps
it was in his mind from seeing the Roman guards who were with him around the
clock. Their attire, when spiritualized, is a great reminder of our
preparations for living the Christian life which is fighting the good fight or
engaging in spiritual warfare. Sometimes the warfare rages. Other times, the
fight is a more subtle skirmish. Our enemies are threefold: the world and its
appeal; the flesh and its desire for pleasure and the Devil and his desire to
deceive and trick us as we are on the straight and narrow.
In 6:10-20
we have two paragraphs that present this extended metaphor.
Let's read
the text:
Eph
6:10-20
1. The
Command
Finally, my
brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
2. The Means
of Strength
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
3. A Caution
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places
4. A Reminder
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
5. The Armor
A. The
Girdle of Truth
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,
B. The
Breastplate of righteousness
having put
on the breastplate of righteousness,
C. Sandals
of the Gospel of Peace
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of
peace;
D. Shield of
Faith
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
E. Helmut of
Salvation
17 And take the helmet of salvation,
F. Sword of
the Spirit
and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
6. Another
Weapon
A. For all the saints
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the
saints—
B. For
Spiritual Leaders
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my
mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak
boldly, as I ought to speak.
This has
been a popular text to speak from when the topic of spiritual warfare comes up.
The two ways the text is approached is either to preach a long series spending
one or more message on each part of the text and each part of the armor, or to
preach one or two messages to explain the overall context and how things fit
together. You know the second is more consistent with my methodology. I think
the whole is so important for us in our day of spiritual warfare in much more
subtle ways--but real spiritual battle it is nonetheless.
The other
problem I see with many of the expositions is this: the text is preached as if
to encourage individuals to be ready to engage the battles. I think that is a
great mistake. Now, I believe each and every Christian in the context of their
church ought to be equipped to engage in the sort of spiritual warfare that
rages. But, none of us are sufficient of ourselves. And, Christ has so ordered
his church that together we are an army moving forward against the gates of
Hell knowing we shall prevail. So, as we look at this section, in somewhat of
an overview, first, remember it is for us all as the army of God in this place,
at this time, with these resources, that these words are given.
Paul sat in
a Roman prison. He could not help but see the soldiers in their armor. It was
their uniform to protect them in battle, but also from unexpected, and
spontaneous provocations.
In battle
the Hoplites and their successors, together they would build a shield wall that
was virtually impregnable. They would take and intertwine their shields leaving
places for the other weapons to be used--pikes, swords, bows and arrows. A
dozen or so well-trained Roman soldiers could hold off many more in the charge.
This is the background Paul would have had in his mind as he wrote these
things. The spiritual armor and weaponry is as necessary for Christians to survive
depending upon one another as much as physical armor and weapons were necessary
for the Roman army to survive.
So, to you
as an army, a small army whomight be tempted to think you are insignificant, but
we are one nonetheless. Why else would the devil and his allies be so opposed
to what we have tried to do? It is to you I bring these words.
Let's look
at the text:
1. The
Command
Finally, my
brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
This is what
Paul wants the church to remember. This is his conclusion that comes out of all
he has said previously in the five plus chapters to them. This is where all of
the great theology leads. This is why a strong and high view of the work of God
in his people is needed. This is why you must understand that you are on the
same footing with the believing Jews. This is why you need to realize the
resurrection power of God in bringing you from spiritual death to life. This is
why the gift of faith is so important. Here is a reason why good works have
been foreordained for you:
That in
seeing the power of God in creation and salvation you might trust in Him for
all necessary things both material and spiritual, with an understanding that
the spiritual are more important.
Notice Paul
doesn't tell them to be strong in themselves. He doesn't tell them to do
anything that is native to them. They are to be strong in the Lord and in the
power of his might.
God is so
much stronger than we are. He will stand with us as we seek to do his will and
follow the truth--although, we had better know the truth is on our side. Many
Christians try to turn to their own strength. Some Christians encourage others
to be strong. What is often forgotten is the source of our strength. It is in
the Lord and the power of his might.
How mighty
is the Lord? We have talked before about the creation showing forth his power
and Godhead. Go outside sometime. Look around. Every thing you see will either
be created by God like the rocks and stones, or derived from something God created.
Even plastic toys, insomuch as they are made from petroleum derivatives, are
made from what God has created. Creation is one demonstration of the power of
his might. Another, is the resurrection power it takes to make a dead soul
alive unto God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
This creator
and savior God is the one to who we can go corporately to take up our fight and
preserve us for the battles of another day. We don't fight in our own power and
strength--we go with God and his Word to engage in the spiritual battles of
life. And, the ones that come to us individually, as best fought with the aid
of God and all the saints praying--but, we will get there in a few verses.
Paul moves
on to the means of this strength….
2. The Means
of Strength
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
There is a
metaphorical armor that we are to put on. Armor is a protective layer between
warriors and their advisories. Our adversaries are many. Therefore we must
always be prepared to fight for others.
Part of the
armor is not enough. Cheap imitation armor is insufficient. We need the real
thing.
One year
when I was about 8, an evangelistic team came to town. They had week long
special meetings. It was all centered on the content of Eph 6. The Vietnam War
was raging and many used the imagery of warfare to make spiritual points. They
gave prizes for bringing the most guests. By Friday, the auditorium was full.
The biggest event of the week was held. It was a contest to see who could dress
up in the best armor. My older brother helped us to draw armor on large paper
bags that we wore over our heads. He also folded newspapers to give us hats. We
were quite a sight. We didn't win the prize for best armor, but we were given
extra stickers. We looked great. However, nobody would be able to stand against
a foe with paper armor that looks good, but has no protective power. I think a
lot of Christians are content to have a set of paper armor somewhere that looks
good, rather than being prepared to fight in accord with what we find in this
passage.
We need the
best armor possible. And, it is because of the caution the Apostle gives:
3. A Caution
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places
It may appear to us that our battles are with other men and women, when
they are not. These words introduce the true source of so many of our
skirmishes. These wrestlings or strugglings are not against flesh and blood,
they are against something much more ominous. Wrestling with another human can
be tough enough, but this passage shows us there is something beyond and behind
our spiritual struggles. Those we wrestle with are conveyed in words used for
the structure of the dark, demonic world with all that are allied against God
and his agenda. They are principalities and powers against rulers, not just the
minions of these beings, but the rulers of the darkness of this age.
Studying this epistle we had opportunity to look at that darkness a
little. They are powerful, but not all-powerful like one true and living God.
Neither are they omnipresent of omniscient. They are limited beings.
These are spiritual battles against the spiritual hosts of wickedness.
Hosts entail a large number of beings that have an interest in these battles.
Seeming small things can be cosmic disruptions and epic spiritual battles in
the world unseen. That doesn't mean they all are of this variety. But, there
are more than one would think.
Turn over to 2 Tim 23-26: I have shown this section to some who have
caused division and strife. It was as if it was the first time they ahd ever
heard these words. Paul instructs Timothy--who was still ministering in Ephesus
when this letter was sent. So there is a direct connection with the Epistle to
the Ephesians.
Paul tells Timothy:
23 But avoid
foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife
What should ministers who desire to be faithful to God's Word do when
men stir up what the minister sees as foolish and ignorant disputes over words?
Ministers are to avoid them. They are not to take them up and engage them. Why?
Simply, they generate strife. This is what some of the people did here in the
past. I refused to discuss them after giving correction and admonition knowing
such discussions would generate strife. I knew that not because of my
experience, but because it is what God said would happen.
.24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel
but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility
correcting those who are in opposition,
Some people don't want to be
corrected. For the sake of illustration: One man had many conversations over
13+ years and never conceded the weight of biblical evidence was against him.
There was little humility on his side, and many years of patience, instruction
and interaction on the part of others.
Why is some of this done? Why answer a fool at times according to his
folly? Lest he be wise in his own conceit or as we read in 2 Tim 2:25b
if God perhaps will grant them
repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to
their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Did you catch what that says? Divisive men do the work of the Devil.
They will never admit it, but that is what God's Word says they do. They are in
the Devil's snare--a snare is a trap to immobilize the prey. And being
immobilized by the Devil, they go on their way to become his prisoner to do his
will. Remember the end of Verse 11 that
I didn't make direct comment about? We are to put on all of God's armor, that
we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. He is very tricky if he
can get some to think they are engaging in serious theological discourse while
they are really sowing heretical or heteredoxical dischord.
This is amazing, isn't it? How do people react when you
Tell them they are ensnared by the Devil to do his will? They don't
respond very well. But, by the fruit of their works, we see what is really
going on.
Putting on the whole armor of God may involve keeping some former
friends at a distance, lest we get caught up in their sin.
This section is Ephesians is one of those A B A sections when the
Apostle actually gets back to his main point: The Armor of God….
4. A Reminder
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
This
underlines the importance of the whole armor of God. God wants us to withstand.
Insomuch that we read of the Spirit's deposit as a seal, we understand him to
be present as the quiet sovereign helping us just as he was a part of the work
of God in the creation--quietly hovering over the face of the deep. His is a
quiet, yet powerful presence.
By now, some
might wonder, what are the particular parts of this armor and why are they
important. Well, there are at least six. Even though on a soldier the six would
entail more.
Let's take a
look at what we need:
5. The Armor
A. The
Girdle of Truth
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,
A girdle
holds all things together. It was often the last part of the armor to put on.
The spiritual warrior can stand in the face of danger having the truth wrapped
all around them. They can use it in many ways because they have been trained.
There are
some treatments of the armor that say something like this: There is no armor to
cover the back. Therefore it is never right to retreat. One could get slain due
to an injury to the back. Well, Roman armor included protection on the back and
backside. The girdle protected the latter as it held the rest of the armor in
place.
It is the
truth of God that holds the spiritual armor together. It is the truth and only
the truth.
What did
Jesus use to defeat Satan during his time of temptation in the wilderness? At
least three times He replied, "It is written…."
If
professing Christians will not listen to the Word of God, but twist it for
their own purposes, there is very little hope of winning them over. They do
what their master the devil did of old. It amazes me how much people are
willing to twist the scriptures, or to use them selectively, in order to get
their way, or to attempt to prove their point. It is the devil's work. Be weary
of those duped by the devil.
Gird yourself
with truth. That also entails, you are present to hear instruction. We learn
together as an army of God. It is the Word read and proclaimed that we store
away for future use. We also have the possibility of private study. But, this
is a fairly new thing that has been possible for less than a quarter of the
time in the age of the church. The printing press was invented in the mid
1400s. Personal copies began to be owned a couple hundred years later. Throughout
the centuries truth was learned corporately as they listened to the Word read
and proclaimed.
B. The
Breastplate of righteousness
having put
on the breastplate of righteousness,
The
breastplate protected the vital organs. It was worn much like our bullet-proof
vests. In spiritual warfare, it is a breastplate of righteousness that is to be
put on.
Righteousness
is not ours inherently. Righteousness is an attribute of God that is given to
us in two ways: objectively, it is imputed to us by virtue of the work of
Christ. It is put on our account in heaven. Interestingly, to put on
righteousness is a fitting picture. Christ has put his righteousness on us that
we might be justified by faith, being declared not guilty by our Father in
heaven.
Our claim to
any spiritual good or grace is due to the work of Christ, not our own. In many
ways it is his breastplate, or at least he is the one who gives it his holy
character.
C. Sandals
of the Gospel of Peace
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of
peace;
Wherever we
go, we go with the gospel. We bring it with us in the way we live, in the way
we talk, in the way we treat others. It informs us how we converse and
interrelate with others. It is, again, a matter of preparation. The gospel and
its effects are tied tightly upon us to bring us where we ought to be.
In a very
real sense, as the army of God, we are directed by his Word. Sometimes we fill
in the blanks with sanctified common sense. But, in the majority what we do is
based on what we find in the good news. We have not been left to ourselves to
continuously create a new religion. The faith has been delivered to the saints
once for all. It is to us to learn it, to live by it and to communicate it to
others.
D. Shield of
Faith
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Faith in God
through Christ allows those in the church to deflect all that the wicked one
sends our way. He is ingenious and knows many ways to shoot his fiery darts.
The shield will put their fire out. And, bless the language of "all the
fiery darts…."
The Faith
has two senses in the scriptures. The first is a body of truth. Jude tells us
of the faith once delivered to the saints. There is a discernible body of
doctrine that we can understand from the scriptures. This body of doctrine is
apostolic and ought to be put together and studied. The second sense is that
God-given ability to believe.
Faith is usually delineated into three senses. First there is Noticia or taking note of the
information. This is faith in a historical sense. James confronted some of his readers with
this sort of faith. James 2:19
You believe that there is one God.
You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
This is not the faith that saves. Because
someone embraces a form of Theism, even Christian Theism, it does not mean they
have been converted or saved. Many who inhabit pews in churches on Sunday
mornings, have only this kind of faith. It is a mere historical belief in
someone called the Son of God.
The second type of faith is called Assensus. It is knowing the historical
facts one assents to them as true and compelling. Again the mere assent to
something is not the same as embracing it. There are many things I know and
assent to as being reasonable, or even compelling, that have nothing to do with
the salvation of my soul.
The final type of faith is called Fidduccia. This sort of faith is a
profound interest in the thing believed. It is to trust the object of faith as
foundational. Saving faith is a whole-souled trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for
one's soul's salvation. The good news of Jesus is believed without a divided
heart. The facts of his life and death become realities that we believe to the
point of trusting them implicitly. We trust in Jesus to do what he said in such
a way that we will only fall if he does. And, we trust that he will never, nor can he ever.
It is this sort of full-fledged faith that is a shield
against all the fiery darts of the devil.
When he
throws his darts, remember this--he is a defeated foe. Listen to what Paul
wrote to the Colossians. Listen to some language we have already encountered.
And, listen to the conclusion of the matter. This is in part what Jesus
accomplished for his church: Colossians 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of
them, triumphing over them in it.
Do you know
what it is to have someone make a public spectacle of someone else? They
embarrass them and show them as unworthy of any adoration or affection. At the
final judgment a public spectacle will be made of all humans who have not trusted
savingly in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What this
verse is telling us is that Jesus has already done this to the devil. The devil is defeated and chained. But still
has some influence and power. We need not fear Him. We know from Job 1, that he
needs permission to afflict the saints. We also put on….
E. Helmut of
Salvation
17 And take the helmet of salvation,
This
salvation can only be in place if one believes rightly in the Lord Jesus Christ
to save them from the power of sin, the penalty of sin and the presence of sin
in ever-growing degrees. The helmet is placed on top as if a crowing jewel in
the armor. It also protects the head and the mind that are so important in
God's way of doing things. Men and women need to hear and understand the
gospel. May God preserve our right thoughts about him and his word even in the
midst of battle.
F. Sword of
the Spirit
and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Why sword of
the Spirit? He is the one who inspired it. He breathed out the very word of God
so we might know his will.
This is what
it is:
2 Tim
3:16-17 All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work.
This is what it does:
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
6. Another
Weapon
A. For all the saints
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the
saints—
B. For
Spiritual Leaders
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my
mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak
boldly, as I ought to speak.
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