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Study 9 review notes (to be read at home after the group meeting) Ephesians 6:10–24 Paul was about to conclude his letter. First he shared what it means to be “in Christ”. Then he shared how his readers ought to live in relationship with others when they are “in Christ Jesus”. Church life, social activity, family-life and work-life attitudes and actions were to reflect the believer’s personal relationship with God through Christ. This kind of living was not easy. Indeed, it would bring the believers into direct conflict with Satan and spiritual forces that would overwhelm them if they were not prepared. These realities apply equally to us, and we need to be aware of the spiritual forces arrayed against us. The believer’s need and responsibility (6:10–12) The first priority is to rely on God’s strength. This is not a one-off, one-day event but a daily conflict for the rest of our lives. It is going to take more strength than any of us have — but not more than we have access to in the Lord and in his mighty power! Paul says there is more to fighting this battle than merely understanding it exists. God has provided the ‘battle dress’, but it is the believer’s responsibility to wear it. It is only as we acknowledge that Satan and the spiritual world are formidable foes that we will choose to put on God’s armour. Satan does not present himself to believers in his true colours — if he did, we would not be so easily caught. He is the master of deception, so Paul says we need to be aware of the “devil’s schemes”. Notice the strong words Paul uses to describe the spiritual forces arrayed against us: “rulers”, “authorities”, “powers of this dark world”, “spiritual forces of evil”. All those who are alive spiritually are subject to conflict with the enemies of God. Someone has said that Satan and his hosts are “spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil”. Paul’s reason for showing us so vividly the nature of spiritual conflict is not to make us afraid. Rather his purpose is to encourage us to place our confidence in God’s mighty strength that raised Jesus from the dead (1:19b–21). The believer’s armour (vv 13–17) Paul and his readers were familiar with Roman soldiers, so he used the soldier’s armour to illustrate how we need to be equipped for spiritual conflict. The belt of truth: A belt was essential to tie the soldier’s loose undergarment close to his body. Such a belt was usually made of leather, and from it hung his sword. The belt prepared him for action and allowed freedom of movement. For the believer the belt of truth reminds us of our need for a personal commitment to God’s truth as our basis for living. The breastplate of righteousness: A Roman breastplate was made of connecting metal plates or chain and covered the soldier back and front from neck to waist, giving protection to his vital organs. Our protection from Satan’s attacks is that we are righteous in God’s sight through the work of Christ. As a consequence we are to display that righteousness in our character and conduct. Proper footwear: No soldier would go into battle without his hobnailed sandals. They enabled him to stand firmly and move confidently across difficult terrain. Our ‘gospel shoes’ enable us to stand firm and to be ready to take this message to others. In Ephesians 2:17 we learned about the gospel of peace. How wonderful that in the context of warfare we have a message of peace! The shield of faith: The soldier’s shield was large, made of wood covered with leather. It was used as protection against darts that were dipped in pitch, then lit and fired. Perhaps you have experienced the ‘fiery darts’ of doubt, fear, despair and temptation. Faith in God and his promises provides the protection we need. Roman soldiers were able to lock their large shields together for a united defence against the enemy. What a shield of faith we can present to our enemy when we are united with other believers! The helmet of salvation: The word used here for “take” means ‘to receive’. It was common practice for a fully clad soldier to receive his helmet and sword from the hands of his armour bearer. Salvation is a gift from God for now and eternity. Our helmet of salvation proclaims to Satan that we belong to God. The sword of the Spirit: The last weapon is the sword, used for both attack and defence in close encounters with the enemy. God has, by his Spirit, provided his word as our sword. To use it effectively, we need to know it. If we neglect to pick up our sword, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the attacks of Satan and we will be weak in battle. The believer’s dependence on prayer (vv 18–20) The fully equipped believer is then to be dependent on prayer. How important is prayer? All-important! Prayer is for all occasions, with all kinds of prayer and requests, for always and for all saints. In other words, prayer is to permeate the whole of our lives. Paul, himself, needed prayer and shared his need with others. Long years spent serving the Lord had not lessened his dependence on God. Although he was in prison, he did not ask that he might be released. Rather, he desired wisdom and courage to share the gospel where he was. Are we aware enough of the spiritual battle in which we are engaged? And to what extent have we accepted our responsibility to put on the armour God has provided? And do we, through prayer, depend on God for each circumstance, for each day and for each moment? Finally . . . (vv 21–24) What a tremendous blessing Tychicus was to Paul, and what an important role he played in God’s service! Our part in the work of God does not have to be large to be important. There is still plenty of room for dear and faithful servants! Paul concludes his letter with a beautiful benediction. Peace . . . love . . . grace. All these are blessings from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul has brought new depth of meaning to these words as he has shared with us the glorious grace of God in bringing us into relationship with himself. It is a relationship rich in love and peace and transforming power. Truly we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ! Let us then live to the praise of his glory! |
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