| Teacher: Rusty Kennedy Series: Ephesians |
Rusty's Notes | |
- 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]
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.
- 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)
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Paul had confidence in the church at Ephesus that they would pray for his boldness in sharing the Truth.
- "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.
- Paul always made it about the church rather than about himself.
- Peace, love and faith all come from God as gifts.
- Grace: 1) unmerited favor and 2) daily power to walk by the Spirit and accomplish God's will.
"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.
[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.
RSS Feed