Series EPHESIANS with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 12: The Call to Stand |
Memory Text: Ephesians 6:10,11 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. |
Content:
12.1 Battle Speech
Paul urges believers to stand their ground in the spiritual battle by equipping themselves with the complete “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10–20). His call to “be strong in the Lord” and the emphasis on fighting against the schemes of the devil challenges us today to remain steadfast in our faith and actively confront spiritual challenges. Similar to battle speeches in the Old Testament, Paul emphasizes not human strength but reliance on God’s power and providence for victory in the fight against evil.
12.2 Finding Strength in Christ
Paul stresses in Ephesians 6:10-20 the significance of believers finding strength in Christ and encourages them to equip themselves with the “armor of God.” His focus on the spiritual battle against supernatural forces underscores how central this theme is to his entire letter. It’s crucial for us to remember in our daily lives the crucial truth of Christ’s power to remain steadfast against spiritual challenges and to endure in faith.
12.3 The Great Controversy in Paul’s Letters
Paul uses figurative language in several of his epistles, calling believers to engage in the battle of faith. In passages like Romans 13:11–14; 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8; and 2 Corinthians 10:3–6, which employ similar figurative language, he encourages believers to resist evil and equip themselves with spiritual armor. These military metaphors serve to illustrate the spiritual conflict between good and evil and prepare believers to fight for what is right.
12.4 Standing on the Ancient Battlefield
Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 6:10–20 the concept of “standing,” which in the ancient battlefield signifies a crucial, not just defensive, posture. It reflects not only holding ground in battle but also vigorous engagement and direct combat, highlighting the necessity to actively and resolutely fight in the spiritual battle to resist the assaults of evil.
12.5 Wrestling Against Evil Powers
Paul lists in various passages of his letters to the Ephesians different designations for evil spiritual forces to emphasize the diversity and power of these adversaries. He aims to highlight the reality and diversity of these hostile forces while pointing to God’s armor and the power of Christ available to believers to aid them in battle.
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