Ephesians 6:10-21
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, 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 rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Finally- Paul is wrapping up his letter and has some parting advice.
my brethren-This advice is for all believers not just a set of believers.
strong in the Lord- we are to get our strength from Christ not ourselves. He is the source.
In– we are to be strong in the person of Christ but not that alone.
power of His might. – Eph 1:19. Unlimited
Put on- we are to do this by using his power and might not ours.
Whole- not just part, but all of it
armor of God- Rom 13:12, 2 cor 10:4 spiritual armor
be able to- this is what the armor is able to do.
wiles of the devil- the ruling party’s attack on believers.
Wrestle- Hand to hand combat
heavenly places- spiritual realm
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.
Therefore- once again!
take up- the armor is ready to be used, we just need to put it on.
evil day- the day when he attacks, 1 Peter 5:8 roaring lion!
done all- nothing is done half heartedly
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 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— 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.
Stand- Not giving ground
girded your waist with truth- our lives are marked with truth, we are not burdened with lies and manipulations it is our integrity (Teflon Christian)
breastplate of righteousness- this is referring to our actions Rom 6:13. Our actions should promote Christ and nothing else. These two work together, truth in what we say and righteous acts.
shod your feet- our job is to stand, not advance, with that in mind, we are to stand firm by standing on his gospel, which is the source of peace and hope in our lives. This makes the battle easier for us, knowing where our strength comes from.
shield of faith- The shield protects the armor and soldier, our faith in God can stop all that Satan throws at us.
helmet of salvation– This is the realization that we are saved, 1 Thess 5:8 this keeps us from doubt and fear.
sword of the Spirit-The word of God is the strongest weapon that a believer has. Jesus used it himself!
praying always- in every season of life Col 4:2
prayer and supplication- These are two separate things, first is general and the second is an imploring ask.
in the Spirit- This is referring to living in the spirit, and allowing the spirit to fill us and work in us, rom 8:15, gal 4:6 and Jude 1:20
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Vs 21- 2 tim 4:12
Telling them to trust and listen to Tychicus
First Baptist Church Delmar 