• Paul wrapped up his discussion on submission and authority. Then changed subjects to end.
• As Christians, we face three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 2:1–3 - And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.[1])
• 1) “The world” refers to the system around us that is opposed to God, that caters to “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15–17 - Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.[2] ).
• “Society apart from God” is a simple, but accurate, definition of “the world.”
• “The flesh” is the selfishness that is opposed to God and can do nothing spiritual to please God.
• By His death and resurrection, Christ overcame the world (John 16:33; Gal. 6:14), and the flesh (Rom. 6:1–6; Gal. 2:20), and the devil (Ephesians 1:19–23 - and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength. 20 He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens--21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he subjected everything under his feet, and appointed him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.[3]).
• We still live in this world that Christ overcame.
• We still live in the flesh that Christ overcame.
• We still deal with the devil that Christ overcame.
• In other words, as believers, we do not fight for victory—we fight from victory!
• The Spirit of God enables us, by faith, to appropriate Christ’s victory for ourselves.[4]

CHRISTIAN WARFARE
EPHESIANS 6:10-24
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.

• There is no question that believers will face opposition.
• Jesus was a model for dealing with opposition.
• In warfare, the intelligence corps plays a vital part because it enables the officers to know and understand the enemy.
• Unless we know who the enemy is, where he is, and what he can do, we have a difficult time defeating him.
• God's goal is to teach us to fight spiritual battles with spiritual weaponry... not spiritual battles with physical weaponry.

11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.

• Where was Paul during this writing to Ephesus? (Roman prison) So who was he constantly staring at? (Roman soldiers).
• "Put on" - to envelope in, to hide in, to clothe with.
• If you "put on" something, then we can assume it you are able to "take off" as well.
• This is not talking about actual clothing and getting dressed as if you are doing something.
• You don't get up every day and "put on" on your battle clothes.
• You better be hiding in them when you go to bed!
• My neighbor's flood call - Putting on clothes... you better be ready.
• the devil. The enemy has many different names.
• Devil means “accuser,” because he accuses God’s people day and night before the throne of God (Rev. 12:7–11).
• Satan means “adversary,” because he is the enemy of God.
• He is also called the tempter (Matt. 4:3), and the murderer and the liar (John 8:44).
• He is compared to a lion (1 Peter 5:8), a serpent (Gen. 3:1; Rev. 12:9), and an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:13–15), as well as “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4, NIV).
• Tactics/schemes = craftiness, trickery, cunning or deception.
• The devil does this inside the church as well, by getting Christians to spend their energy trying to obtain what is already theirs.
• He made you to enjoy Him... not work you into a frenzy.
• It is not a believer's performance that brings about such a standing not his performance that allows him to maintain his stance.

 
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

• Battle/Struggle/Wrestle
• A wrestling match speaks of a contest at close quarters, and an individual contest, between the Christian and his demon enemies.
• This is not about flesh and blood... because in a battle, there will always be a winner and a loser.
• So what if this battle takes place in a church business meeting. Someone loses. It is not about flesh and blood... purely spiritual.
• Paul not only spends time here making the believers aware of satan's existence but he is reminding them of what they already have and where they stand. (I am a CHAMPION)

13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

• The “whole armor of God” is a picture of Jesus Christ.
• Christ is the Truth (John 14:6), and He is our righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21) and our peace (Eph. 2:14).
• His faithfulness makes possible our faith (Gal. 2:20); He is our salvation (Luke 2:30); and He is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14).

14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest,

• The belt was fundamental, because everything else connected to it. It held everything together.
• The girdle also held the sword.
• Unless we practice the truth, we cannot use the Word of truth.
• Breastplate of righteousness - It is not something you earned. You got it as a believer. Now Paul is telling you to appropriate it. Figure it all and walk in it!
• ‎Satan is the accuser, but he cannot accuse the believer who is living a godly life in the power of the Spirit.
• ‎When Satan accuses the Christian, it is the righteousness of Christ that assures the believer of his salvation.‎
• ‎So you don’t have to get up in the morning determined to try to be righteous.
• Instead, you get up in the morning and say, “Because of Christ, I am righteous today.”
• The breastplate of righteousness is part of the armor you wear all the time, because every day you are dressed in Christ’s righteousness.
• The belt of Truth is more than just intellectual knowledge of the Scriptures.
• It better be Truth attained and applied. You gotta be wearing it... not carrying it.

15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.

• The Roman soldier wore sandals with hobnails in the soles (cleats) to give him better footing for the battle. If we are going to “stand” and “withstand,” then we need the shoes of the Gospel.
• The believer has peace with God as received through faith in Christ... so walk in that peace.
• The believer can bring peace, not necessarily for the physical battle but the spiritual battle.
• Just reminding people that it is spiritual not physical brings peace of mind.

16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

• The shield was large (similar to a door), usually about four feet by two feet, made of wood, and covered with tough leather.
• As the soldier held it before him, it protected him from spears, arrows, and “fiery darts.”
• These "fiery darts/arrows/missiles" are aimed for your brain... fleshly thoughts and temptations.
• ‎The “faith” mentioned here is not saving faith, but rather living faith, a TRUST in the promises and the power of God.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.

• The actual helmet protected the crown of the head, the forehead, the cheeks and the neck as well. Protected against decapitation.
• Satan will even cause you to doubt your salvation.‎
• The helmet refers to the mind controlled by God.
• ‎This sword is the offensive weapon God provides us. The sword is the Word of God.
• The believer saturates his mind with the Truths of God's Word, the Spirit brings to remembrance the specific verses needed to counter each of the enemy's schemes.

18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

• Prayer is the energy that enables the Christian soldier to wear the armor and wield the sword.
• We cannot fight the battle in our own power, no matter how strong or talented we may think we are.
• Prayer - Refer to Keith's teaching in the Fall of 2010.
• What does praying at "all times" look like?
• Pray with your eyes open.
• Watching means “keeping on the alert.”
• The phrase “watch and pray” occurs often in the Bible.
• Praying for others... multiplies our defense/offense... as well as moves the focus off of self.

19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

• Paul had confidence in the church at Ephesus that they would pray for his boldness in sharing the Truth.

20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

• "in chains" - confirms his imprisonment in Rome.
• "Boldly" - freedom, confidence, clarity, openness and frankness.

 
PAUL’S FAREWELL
21 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed.

• Tychicus would bring this letter to Ephesus. (as well as the letter to Colosse).
• Tychicus was from Asia (Acts 20:4)
• He could add more to the letter about Paul and answer questions concerning Paul because he knew Paul's heart.

22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts.

• Paul always made it about the church rather than about himself.

23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Peace, love and faith all come from God as gifts.

24 Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.[5]

• Grace: 1) unmerited favor and 2) daily power to walk by the Spirit and accomplish God's will.

"I am a champion"
"I am redeemed"
"I am forgiven"
"I am complete"
"I am perfect"
"I am holy"
"I am a saint"
"I am victorious"
"I am righteous"
"in Christ"

• Believe it... Believe it... Believe it...
• And when you walk out of this locker room onto the playing field... those darts will be coming.
• The enemy will look huge.

Stay together as a team... Remind each other that "You are a Champion... in Christ"

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 2:1–3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (1 Jn 2:15–17). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 1:19–23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 56–57). Victor Books.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 6:10–24). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew 26:39-46
39 Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And he came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.
44 After leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” [1]
 
Not concerned about premature death –
John 10:18 - 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”[2]
 
Luke 19:10 - 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”[3]
 
John 10:17 - 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again.[4]
 
Mark 14:35-42
35 He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38 Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” [5]
 
Luke 22:44-46
44 Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

• Hematohidrosis also known as Hematidrosis, hemidrosis and hematidrosis, is a condition in which capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing them to exude blood, occurring under conditions of extreme physical or emotional stress.4

45 When he got up from prayer and came to the disciples, he found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t fall into temptation.”[6]

• We are committed to studying the Gospels from a Jewish perspective.
• Jesus needed to die on Friday Morning at 9:00
  AM to fulfill prophecy.
• The Jewish leaders gave more value to the Oral Law than they did the written Law.
• God’s timing of our lessons has occurred all throughout this study… whether personal situations within Leavener of in light of what is happening with our news of the world.
• It’s no different today… as we watched a man on trial this week and the timing of the whole ordeal is critical.

 

• 1) There were to be no steps of criminal precedings after sunset (Mishnah – p. 387, CAPITAL CHARGES MUST BE TRIED BY DAY AND CONCLUDED BY DAY)
• 2) There was to be no arrest by religious authorities that was affected by a bribe (Exodus 23:8)
• 3) Judges or Sanhedrin member not allowed to participate in the arrest.
• 4) There were to be no trials before the morning sacrifice.
• 5) There were to be no secret trial, only a public trial
• 6) There were to be two to three witnesses, and their testimony had to agree in every detail (Deuteronomy 19:15)
• 7) The procedure was to be first the defense and then the accusation: (Mishnah - p. 386, CAPITAL CASES MUST BEGIN WITH REASONS FOR ACQUITTAL AND MAY NOT BEGIN WITH REASON FOR CONVICTION.)
• 8) There was to be no allowance for the accused to testify against himself.
• 9) All may argue in favor of acquittal, but all may in argue in favor of conviction: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CHARGES ALL MAY ARGUE IN FAVOR OF ACQUITTAL BUT NOT IN FAVOR OF CONVICTION)
• 10) The accusation of blasphemy was only valid if the name of God itself was pronounced: (Mishnah – p. 382, HE THAT HATH BROUGHT AN EVIL NAME (MUST BE JUDGED) BY THREE AND TWENTY, FOR THERE MAY ARISE THEREFROM A CAPITAL CASE. Mishna – p. 392, “THE BLASPHEMER” IS NOT CULPABLE UNLESS HE PRONOUNCES THE NAME ITSELF)
• 11)  A person condemned to death was not to be scourged or beaten beforehand: (Babylonian Talmud – FLOGGING IS CONSIDERED A SUBSTITUTE FOR DEATH, SO A PERSON WHO WAS TO DIE WAS NOT TO BE BEATEN OR SCOURGED BEFOREHAND.)
• 12) The verdict could not be announced at night, only in the daytime: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES… “THE VERDICT ALSO MUST BE REACHED DURING THE DAYTIME.)
• 13) The high priest was forbidden to tear his garments (Leviticus 21:10)
• 14) In cases of capital punishment, the trial and guilty verdict could not occur at the same time but had to be separated by at least 24 hours: (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES A VERDICT OF ACQUITTAL MAY BE REACHED ON THE SAME DAY, BUT A VERDICT OF CONVICTION NOT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY. Mishnah – P. 389, IF THEY FOUND HIM INNOCENT THEY SET HIM FREE; OTHERWISE THEY LEAVE HIS SENTENCE OVER UNTUL THE MORROW.
• 15) Charges could not originate with the judges; they could only investigate charges brought to them.
• 16) A unanimous decision for guilt shows innocence since it is impossible for 23-71 men to agree without plotting.
• 17) Judges were to be humane and kind.
• 18) A person could not be condemned on the basis of his own words alone.
• 19) Voting for the death penalty had to be done by individual count beginning with the youngest so the young would not be influenced by the elders. (Mishnah – p. 387, IN CAPITAL CASES THEY BEGIN FROM [THEM THAT SIT AT] THE SIDE.
• 20) The only place a Sanhedrin trial could take place was in the Hall of Judgment of the Temple Compound: (Babylonian Talmud – CAPITAL CASES WERE ONLY DEALT WITH BY ANY COURT OF 23 WHILE THE SANHEDRIN SAT IN THE HEWN-STONE CHAMBER OF THE TEMPLE.)
• 21) The sentence and the guilty verdict could not be announced on the same day, in fact, had to be separated by three days.
• 22) No trials were on the eve of the Sabbath or on the eve of a feast day: (Mishnah – p. 387, TRIALS ARE NOT TO BE HELD ON THE EVE OF A SABBATH OR ON THE EVE OF A FESTIVAL DAY.)

 
John 18:1-9
JESUS BETRAYED
1 After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2 Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas took a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

• Here is the issue – The unredeemed Jews are caught up in an identity crisis.
• They believe that everything they do and everything they have identifies them publicly.
• Therefore, they will do whatever it takes to keep their identity as to what they want to be associated with.
• If I wanted my identity to be attached to Leavener or as a teacher… I might compromise what I do or what I teach because I would need to be accepted and received for those things (Leavener & a teacher).
• I could easily let my position, status or title be dictated by how society expects me to behave or speak.
• If my identity was wrapped up in my teaching, I might alter what I believe to be accepted. I might change my own standards to accomplish what society is dictating.
• You either are holding on tightly to what you have and it will crush you when you lose it…
• Or you hold on loosely and trust what you have been given… even if it is just for a season.
• The unredeemed Jews needed things to happen accordingly:
• 1) They needed Judas because they needed Jesus arrested in a private setting. Otherwise they could have lost their position of authority that was given to them by the Romans.
• 2) They need someone to bring a civil charge to Pilate so a Roman Cohort (400 soldiers) could be used to arrest Jesus.
• 3) They need Judas to present himself as a witness before Pilate (But he was not there because he went and hung himself).

Judas, the unredeemed Jewish leaders and a Roman Cohort came to the Garden of Gethsemane with lanterns, torches and weapons. VIOLATION!!!

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 26:39–46). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 10:18). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 19:10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 10:17). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 14:32–42). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 22:39–46). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
4 Freddrick Z., Dr Hematidrosis. Available from: http://enwikipediaorg/wiki/hematidrosis. [Ref list]

John 17:21
21 May they all be one (intimacy), as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.[1]

• The goal is not horizontal relationships with others.
• It is with Christ… and horizontal relationships are benefited from the vertical.

 
John 18:1
1 After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.[2]

• Picture of Google Map – Path to Garden of Gethsemane
• Picture of Kidron Valley from the south
• Picture of Olive Tree in Garden of Gethsemane

 
Matthew 26:36-46
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (Mark 14:33 – James & John),

• Matthew 17 – Transfiguration
• Matthew 16 – Peter given the keys to the Church
• Matthew 12 – Cast a dumb demon out of a man and was charged with doing this under the spirit of Beelzebub.

he began to be sorrowful (grieved) and troubled (distressed).

• He knows what is coming but he has never experienced what was coming.

38 He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.”

• Mark 14:33-34 - 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
• Never experienced this level of stress before.
• 34 He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.”
• Jesus came close to collapsing His physical frame.
• He asks His 3 super hero disciples to stay awake and pray for with Him
• Luke 22:44 - Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

 
39 Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping.

• The men Jesus was counting on to support Him were passed out cold.
• What was POS saying to Jesus?
• The unredeemed Jewish leaders turned their back on Jesus.
• Judas has turned his back on Jesus.
• His 11 are ALL asleep.
• Jesus even gets to a point of feeling distant from the Father. “Why have you forsaken Me?”
• Who understands your pain and suffering more than Jesus?
• Who did Jesus have left on his side?
• Angels
• Luke 22:43 - Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. (ministering to Jesus)
• We don’t become angels.
• Isaiah 49:1-13 –
• 1 Coasts and islands, listen to me; distant peoples, pay attention. The Lord called me (Jesus) before I was born. He named me while I was in my mother’s womb.

2 He made my words like a sharp sword; he hid me
in the shadow of his hand. He made me like a sharpened arrow; he hid me in his quiver.
3 He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in
whom I will be glorified.”
4 But I myself said: I have labored in vain, I have
spent my strength for nothing and futility; yet my vindication is with the Lord, and my reward is with my God.
5 And now, says the Lord, who formed me from the
womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him so that Israel might be gathered to him;
(Romans 11:11) - 11 I ask, then, have they stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous.[3]

• The relationship the Church has with Jesus will cause the Jews to be jealous enough to cause them to turn to Jesus as the Messiah.

 
for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my
God is my strength--
6 he says, “It is not enough for you to be my servant
raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

• This is what the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, says to one who is despised, to one abhorred by people, to a servant of rulers: “Kings will see, princes will stand up, and they will all bow down because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel—and he has chosen you.”
• This is what the Lord says: I will answer you in a time of favor, and I will help you in the day of salvation. I will keep you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to make them possess the desolate inheritances,
• saying to the prisoners: Come out, and to those who are in darkness: Show yourselves. They will feed along the pathways, and their pastures will be on all the barren heights.
• They will not hunger or thirst, the scorching heat or sun will not strike them; for their compassionate one will guide them, and lead them to springs.
• I will make all my mountains into a road, and my highways will be raised up.

12 See, these will come from far away, from the north and from the west, and from the land of Sinim.
13 Shout for joy, you heavens! Earth, rejoice! Mountains break into joyful shouts! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.[4]
 

• This angel was serving as encouragement to Jesus.
• See the bigger picture
• It is interesting that we started out this message the explaining of how to have friends.
• On a physical level, you can be surrounded by a lot of earthly friends… the odds are, they will fall asleep on you and fail you at your most critical hour.
• On a spiritual level, you need to zoom out and see that you are surrounded by a much greater source.
• There is a battle going on all around you today.
• There are angels that are fighting for you and wanting to minister to you today.
• They might even take on the form of a friend today.
• You are surrounded!
• Who is surrounding you today? Who do you see?

Zoom out… it is the only way to walk through the battle.

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 17:21). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 18:1). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ro 11:11). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Is 49:1–13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.