July 10, 2011
Morning Service

Throughout the book of Ephesians, God is revealing to His people that He has made all things “new. “

·         How salvation is received. (Eph. 2:8)

·         Who can receive it. (Eph. 2:13)

·         The relationship of those who receive it and Himself. (Eph 2:19)

·         Finally, He creates the one who receives it into a new creature. (Eph 4:24)

 

2Co 5:17 So that if anyone is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

·         That means you Christian.  You are to be changed, with all things becoming new.

·         Remember, since the garden, nothing is easy.  Science tells that: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  As we seek light (God’s holy ways) we will be opposed by darkness (Satan’s evil ways).

·         We are in a battle.  But even this battle is a “new” one.  It is not a physical battle, but rather a spiritual one.  (Peter in the garden).

·         How do we fight such a war?  What weapons or protection do we need?

1Jo 4:4 You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

·         Look for the theme of “Jesus is my all in all, He is all I need.”

 

Eph 6:10-12 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  (11)  Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

·         This passage is a “call to arms.”  We are called to rely on the Lord’s strength and power by putting on the whole armor God provides for us.  

·         Wrestle- to struggle, to fight, or combat with.

·         We are now introduced to our opponent, not of flesh and blood, but spirits (demons).

o   Fallen angelic beings who now serve the devil himself, whose job it is to oppress, tempt, and harass the Christ followers.  Spirits like:  ignorance, depression, hate, depravity, suicide, anger, and malice, all being fully evil and full of darkness.

o   This battle is real and we are right in the middle of it.

 

Eph 6:13-14  Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  (14)  Therefore stand, having girded your waist with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness

o   Belt of Truth-a sash or belt wrapped around the soldier’s waist and tunic that held his sword.  It allowed the soldier freedom of movement.

o   We must likewise take God’s truth and tie it around us so that it is holding us and we are holding it. 

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through Your truth. Your Word is truth.

Joh 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

o   Others struggle and stumble around blindly searching for purpose and guidance, but we know the truth and are free to act quickly and decisively. 

o   Are you encompassed with truth?  Do we know who Jesus is?

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.

            Jesus is our Truth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

o   Breastplate of Righteousness-armor worn to protect the internal organs, rendering attacks useless.  The breastplate was one solid piece, impenetrable.

o   Righteousness is simply living the right way.  Protecting ourselves by avoiding sin.

 

Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have come between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, from hearing.

o   When we sin it allows holes or gaps to develop within our armor.  Holes that the enemy will quickly use to injure or even kill us.

o   “Words are no defense against accusations, but a good life is.”

o   Is there sin in your life that makes you vulnerable to the enemies attack?

 

Gal 3:27 For as many as were baptized into Christ, you put on Christ.

o   Jesus is our Righteousness.

 

Eph 6:15 and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

o   Shoes shod with the gospel of peace- Roman sandals had spikes or nails embedded in them to keep the soldier from slipping and enabling him to move in any terrain.

o   We are called to be ready to go and share the gospel allowing peace to keep our feet planted firmly (being unmovable). 

 

Rom 10:14-15 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without preaching?  (15)  And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!"

o   We are not to sit around idly waiting for others to come to us, but go (the great commission) without fear knowing Christ goes with us. 

o   Are we venturing out into the battlefield and sharing the gospel of peace?

Mat 28:19-20  Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  (20)  teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen.

o   Jesus is our Gospel of Peace.

 

Eph 6:16 Above all, take the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

o   Shield of Faith-The shield mentioned here was one that was oblong, about 3 ½ foot tall. And made with a slight curve to deflect the full force of an enemy’s blow.

o   Our faith must be taken up like a shield to deflect the attacks of the enemy.  Fear, worry, doubt can only hurt us when our faith is not in place to deflect them.

 

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

Dan 3:17-18 If it is so that our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, then He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.  (18)  But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods nor worship the golden image which you have set up.

o   Faith is the evidence that we really believe what God says.  Do I really trust Him?

 

Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me.

o   Jesus is our Shield of Faith.

 

We are in a spiritual battle.  We can protect ourselves if we; encompass ourselves with truth, live in righteousness, share the gospel with others, and use our shield of faith.