I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Today I focus on Ephesians 6:10-20 where Paul describes believers are to equip and defend themselves against spiritual warfare. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not leave us unprotected in spiritual warfare - He equips us and we also have the assurance that the battle is already won. We are armed just as Jesus was armed during His time with His earthly ministry.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv10-12: It is only through God that we can defend against "the schemes of the devil" and "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." We are to be strong "in the strength of his might" - not in our own strength. Vv13-18: Describes how God equips how believers are given "the whole armor of God" to be equipped for spiritual warfare - we are able to "withstand" and "stand firm." The belt of truth - based on His Word - helps us defend in the same way Jesus defended Himself in the wilderness - see also Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13. The breastplate of righteousness is imputed righteousness through the doctrine of justification. Believers are righteous in God's eyes and not condemned to death which is "the wages of sin" (Romans 6:23). We have the peace of God, a peace that surpasses understanding which "guard[s] [our] hearts and...minds in Christ Jesus" - see Philippians 4:7. We have the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation - faith gives us the assurance that God is always at work and that regardless of what is thrown at us God will never leave or forsake us. Our salvation is sealed and guaranteed. We also have the Holy Spirit in us, His Word, and we have prayer.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid thinking you can defeat Satan in your own strength. Claim the promise that God equips us and the battle is already won. Follow the example of Jesus who relied on the same defenses that God gives us to defeat sin and death. We are to be alert, and to put on the "whole armor of God," including prayer not just for ourselves but for all the saints....that we boldly "proclaim the mystery of the gospel."
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for equipping me to defeat sin and death. I know that You will never leave or forsake me and that my salvation is sealed and guaranteed. Thank You Jesus! Thank You also for my salvation and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
