TEACHING NOTES Introduction It could be said that the last thing someone says in a letter is intended to stick with you. As we come to the end of Ephesians, Paul leaves his readers with a loaded illustration on spiritual warfare. This passage teaches us so much about how we should view the world and even reality. Paul is going to teach us who are real enemy is and how to conquer this enemy. Ephesians 6:10–11 ESV 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. In the strength of his might = Grk. kratos autos ho ichys - Lit. in the power of His ability and potential. This phrase serves as a heading or main idea. What follows is the explanation or “how-to” of this main idea. Whole armor of God = Paul is using armor as an illustration. Each part of the armor represents elements of discipleship. Be able to stand = Grk. dynamai histemi - To make a stand or remain firmly in place. The armor of God is the only strategy to remain firmly in Christ against evil. Schemes of the devil = The Greek word for schemes is methodeia, which is where we get our word for methodology. It can also be translated “craftiness” of the devil. The devil is portrayed as crafty as far back as Gen. 3:1. Every part of the armor of God is a specific defense against the devil’s strategies/methods. Ephesians 6:12 ESV 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but 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 do not struggle against flesh and blood = This statement makes clear that our enemy is not human. Our fight is not against lost humanity. When Jesus came to earth He was not angry with humanity. Jesus was angry with someone else. Rulers, authorities, cosmic powers = In all of Paul’s writings, these phrases always refer to spiritual evil and never to humans. The Old Testament is the backdrop for Paul’s view. In the Israelite worldview, rebellious spirits (angels, sons of God) deceived humanity into worshiping them as gods. These rebels gained authority over nations and led them to be brutal and destructive. Over this present darkness = The New Testament writers believed that the earth was under the power of evil. This is why the devil is often called “the ruler of this world” (John 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 1 John 5:19). However, Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God on earth, which stripped the evil one of his power and authority over humanity (John 12:31; Matt. 28:18-20). Spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places = This proves that Paul is not talking about human rulers and authorities. Spiritual forces in heavenly places is related to Paul earlier statement in Eph. 2:2 “in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—” Ephesians 6:13–14 ESV 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Whole armor = Notice that this is the second time Paul mentions the whole armor of God. Paul wants us to make sure that no part of this armor is left out. We will need every part to defend ourselves against every scheme of the devil. Withstand = Grk. antihistemi - To be hostile toward, to resist or set one’s self against. This isn’t only defensive but also offensive. The church must defend itself against evil but is primarily on offense. As Jesus said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not be able to withstand it” (Matt. 16:18—my translation). Having fastened on the belt of truth = Lit. having prepared/guarded your waist with truth. In Roman armor, the belt connected the lower and upper armor. The belt also held the sword. The Greek word for waist (osphys) can also refer to a person’s private parts. Paul could be referring to guarding one’s self sexually. The key focus here is on truth. Disciples of Jesus must know what is true and live in truth. Why? Because the devil’s best scheme has always been deception. Truth is our only defense against deception. The devil’s best tool is deception. He whispers lies into our minds to slowly draw us away from truth. The devil is an expert liar and Jesus called him the father of lies (John 8:44). Without a focus on truth we will slowly drift into deception without even realizing it. This is why Paul wrote, “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5. Every thought must be submitting to Jesus, who is the truth (John 14:6). Breastplate of righteousness = This comes from God’s armor in Isa. 59:17 “He put on righteousness as a breastplate.” The breastplate protected the body’s most vital organs (the heart, lungs, abdomen). Righteousness is not merely doing the right things, but primarily about being right in relationship. Practicing righteousness is about being right with God and others (unity). This practice guards our hearts against the scheme of the devil to create division. OT Connection: Paul is drawing this imagery from the Greek version of Isa. 11:5 where the Messiah is described as, “he will be girded at the waist with righteousness and enclosed with truth at his sides.” Righteousness guards the heart against division and unforgiveness. One of the devil’s schemes is to stir up division and deceive people into thinking they cannot forgive others. The devil’s best version of this scheme is to use religion and theology to create division in the body of Christ. Ephesians 6:15 ESV 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Shoes of readiness of the gospel of peace = A person with their shoes on is ready to go. What should we be ready to do? We must always be ready to share the gospel of peace when the opportunity arises. The outcome of the gospel is peace with God and others. OT Connection: Paul is drawing this from Isa. 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”” This is also connected to Ex. 12:11 where the Israelites are told to stay ready to leave Egypt, which they understood as their salvation. Readiness guards us against laziness. Readiness requires continual discipleship. The devil has deceived the modern church into lazy, half-hearted faith. Those who are not committed to being discipled will not even notice opportunities to share the gospel, and will not be ready when they do notice. Ephesians 6:16 ESV 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; In all circumstances = Every part, area, and event of life. Shield of faith = Faith is not a one-time belief, but an ongoing and growing trust. Paul says this is like a shield that extinguishes the flaming darts (schemes) of the devil. Paul likely has in mind Gen. 15:1 “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”” Our trust in God as our Father (relational) is our shield. The Roman shield was very large and used to protect the entire body from arrows. Our relationship/trust with God is the only shield against evil. The devil’s greatest desire is to separate humans from God. If he can get you to put other things before your relationship with God, he can remove your shield. If God is merely an add-on to your life, you are a sitting duck for the enemy. Ephesians 6:17–18 ESV 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Helmet of salvation = Isa. 59:17 describes God as wearing a helmet of salvation. This implies that salvation belongs to God and He gives it to His people. In the first century, helmets were used as both protection and as a decoration of victory. For believers, salvation has already been accomplished and the victory already won. Our identity in Christ is “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37). Our victorious identity in Christ is our defense against the enemy’s lie that we are merely sinful failures. Sword of the Spirit = This is the only offensive part mentioned. The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. This is related to the belt of truth, which would hold the sword of the Spirit. While every other part of the armor is defensive, the word of God is our weapon to slay the enemy. The temptation of Jesus is our best example of this, because Jesus fought Satan by quoting Scripture (Matt. 4:1-11). The Bible is the history of the failures of humanity. Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it. Disciples of Jesus must be committed to learning and applying Scripture. Praying at all times in the Spirit = Although not mentioned with armor imagery, Paul likely sees prayer as a weapon as well. Paul connects prayer to staying alert by praying for others. Neglecting prayer is neglecting our relationship with God. Prayer keeps us in-tune with the Spirit and renews our minds. Ephesians 6:19–20 ESV 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Pray also for me = Notice what Paul wants the Ephesians to pray for. Paul is a prisoner in chains for preaching the gospel. Paul asked that they would pray that he would continue to preach boldly. He doesn’t ask for prayer to be released from persecution but that he would continue to do the very thing that got him arrested. Fear of persecution and desire for comfort is killing everything good in the world, including the church. Conclusion Today, our response of worship and communion should include prayer that God will help us increase His armor in our lives. Our prayer: God help us to guard ourselves while we spread Your kingdom and conquer evil in Your Name.