Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6

Advice to Children

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 6:2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—6:3 “so that [things] it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” NIV

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 6:2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 6:3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” NKJV

Obey Your Parents in the Lord

  This is the same request given to the “wife” in submitting to her “husband” as “to the Lord” (Eph 5:22), as the Lord would direct her. That is always giving the Lord her priority. The same goes for children, who wish to obey their parents as their Lord and Savior has asked them.  They are to avoid stubborn disobedience that makes family life difficult. Children are to foster compliance, in areas where the Lord, they love, would allow them. Children in the Lord, will avoid “bitterness and anger” (Eph 4:31), even if the children suffer due to their parent’s faults.

  Sometimes it is the case where overbearing parents will try to prevent a child from religious worship. The child will do their best to comply, “with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ” (Eph 6:5), while they worship God in prayer quietly and privately.

Obey Your Parents, This is Right

       Paul is addressing believing parents who follow the Lord and “walk in the way of love, just as Christ has loved” them (Eph 5:1). They will walk in the way of wisdom from the Lord, within their family.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,

then peace-loving, gentle,

accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit,

impartial, and sincere.

James 3:17 Berean Study Bible

  Their love of God joined with love for each other and their children is the foundation of family order. Proven in history a million times repeatedly. The rebellion of children, to go their own way in opposition to worthy parents leads to a life of trouble and many sad mistakes.

       When Paul says this is right, he means that children are to regard the directions of worthy parents as the right thing for them to do. The wrong thing to do is to disobey, in secret or openly. “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked” the rebellious “leads to destruction” (Ps 1:6).

  Children should guard their hearts in the face of cruel parents. They can’t afford to allow any form of hatred to exist in their hearts. John says, “Anyone who hates a brother of sister,” their family and friends, “is in darkness and walks around in darkness” (1 John 2:11). Hatred is so dangerous that it will create a picture in the mind that justifies hatred, which is another form of murder. The darkness that hatred creates in the heart is cruel, oppressive to the Spirit and kills joy in the Lord.

Honor Father and Mother, First Commandment With a Promise

  This is in reference to both parents and children. They are promised to be blessed with a better life, a longer life when they wish to obey their parents in the Lord.

  God gives a special blessing to children who care for aged parents, they are more likely to outlive their parents.

That it May Go Well with You

       God has given a promise to children. If they are compliant, in the Lord, to the best wishes of their parents, when they are young. Later in life they will be blessed by God, and they may not even know the reason why they are so blessed.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalms 1:6

  This phrase was added by Moses when he repeated the 10 Commandments 40 years later in Deuteronomy 5. Showing that further refinement and understanding are part of knowing the will of God. This is true for all believers, what they understood a one point, was good. Later in life, with wisdom of experience, they have a sharper-clearer understanding, knowing the will of God.

The Mount Sinai Commandments

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Ex 20:12 NKJV).

40 Years Later Moses Repeats the Commandments

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Deut 5:16 NKJV, the bold words were added by Moses).

  This is the only time Paul references by name, the Ten Commandments, in Ephesians. In the fifth chapter Paul says, “there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality” (Eph 5:3), which is a broad reference to the seventh Commandment, “You shall not commit adultery” (Ex 20:14). However the single word “adultery” does not stand for the scope of Paul’s words.

       Paul nor the Apostle John build their letters around the Ten Commandments, instead it was around the story of redemption of Jesus Christ and the call to love. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:7).

Advice to Fathers 

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. NIV

6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath [anger], but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. NKJV

Exasperate Your Children

  The Greek word is parorgizó, meaning: To provoke and exasperate with anger. Instead fathers are to “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (Titus 3:8), in their speech and conduct.

  In discipline fathers were not to cause their children to become angry and upset to the point of tears. Because their fathers are arbitrary, demanding strict obedience, without good reasons and without kindness, misrepresenting “the goodness of the Lord” (Ps 27:1). 

  They are not to be severe in punishment of their children, over slight mistakes. They are not to order them around to perform tasks that the father would not do himself. He is to encourage them to help each other, love each other, love their mother and “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2).

  Fathers do not lie to their families. If a father lies, he assumes the identity of being a son of the Devil, whom Jesus said, “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Instead, in his conversation he is to set a higher standard for himself. To aim to keep his “conversation always full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Col 4:6). Salt brings out of food a good flavor. “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps 100:5).

  Instead in their discipline they are not to break “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3), between fathers, wives and their children. Fathers are to have “holy hands” that do not lift their “hands” to strike another in “anger or disputing” (1 Tim 2:8). They are not to assert their authority in an unreasonable manner, with angry threats. Fathers are to have patience with their children and let them learn from their mistakes, when it is in their best interest.

  Many youths have turned to rebellious ways, solely due to their father’s unreasonableness and the use of severe punishment. The damage done can be generational

  The overly severe punishments of the Father will draw his wife’s sympathies toward the child. Creating friction in the home, with no room for tender love. Worst of all if the husband is a religious man or clergy, this ministry will be severely crippled. We pity his congregation, for he will preach without the Spirit of God and His blessings.

Instead Teach Children Instruction from the Lord Jesus

       First and most important, Paul sees that the father of the family is to be active in teaching his children. He is not to be an absent parent, leaving spiritual responsibility all on his wife, or on the church.

       Some men have misread this instruction. They have used harsher language from selected Old Testament sources. Thinking they were teaching their children. Some fathers have used modern prophets and popular teachers to pattern their instructions.

       The expression instruction of the Lord is used seven times in Ephesians, represents the “Lord Jesus Christ”. Paul is pointing to the instructions and teaching of Jesus to be the prime source of his training of his children.

       The expression bring them up, means that his teaching should be appropriate for their age. Consistent with much grace and love and with much prayer.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, 

who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 

encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” 

(2 Thess 2:16,17)

Instructions to Slaves

(Col 3:22-25; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Cor 7:21-23)

Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6:6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you [people pleasers], but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people [master], 6:8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. NIV

6:5 Bondservants [slaves], be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling [respect & fear], in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6:6 not with eyeservice [win their favor], as men-pleasers, but as bondservants [slaves] of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 6:7 with goodwill [wholeheartedly] doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 6:8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. NKJV

First of All

       How do we obey Christ? With much sincerity of heart. Meaning free from pretense and lies instead with sincerity and single-minded devotion.

Slavery in Rome

  Slavery in Rome was universally honored. Rome was built on slaves; it was a slave empire. Laws did not allow slaves to make demands or refuse an order from their master’s. Doing so could bring severe punishment or being sold again at the slave market to further abuse

Paul’s Basic Premise

  Christian slaves are to be set apart in their attitudes, from all other slaves. Which in turn will gain favor from their master’s and introduce their master’s to their faith.

Obey with Respect and Fear

  Slaves were to show respect for their master’s rank and authority, with humility and submission. They were not to make expressions, under their breath, of disgust or hatred. Such may be exactly what their slave owner deserves. Roman slaves were known for their, under the surface, defiance and rebellion. It could be seen in their eyes and their demeanor. To stir up trouble for their master was very common.

  However, for a Christian slave, to do so would be to act contrary to the mercy and grace that God had shown to them. They were to “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved” them (Eph 5:2). If a slave had a good mistress she served, she would be known for her honesty and kindness of her heart, due to her faith in God. If a slave served his master and was given harsh treatment, unjustly, he was not to plot rebellion or create disorder and discontent. For Jesus has given us instruction to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:44).

Sincerity of Heart

  Paul’s advice was given so that there would be no place in the believer’s heart for bitterness and anger, although it may be very justified.  The slave cannot let any hate or malice toward their master spring up due to abuse, neglect or false accusations. Because “bitterness” and “malice” will “grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (4:30,31). This is the behavior of those who don’t know of God’s love whose “mouths are full of cursing and bitterness…and the way of peace they do not know. (Rom 3:14,17).

  We must remember Paul is speaking to slaves that have tasted and experience the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor 13:14), in their lives. When they have been “born of the Spirit” (John 3:6) they will have sustaining, uplifting inner strength unavailable to any other slave. Their prayers will be heard by God. For “the Spirit” will help their “weakness,” and “the Spirit himself intercedes for” them “through wordless groans” (Rom 8:26).

  A slave that “loves our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (6:24) has advantages, of better mental health with unusual answers to prayer. Such was the experience of Daniel the slave in Babylon, “God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel” (Dan 1:9).

  God can give to slaves the favor of their masters, granting them some privileges and trusted positions. We will never know how many slaves have seen changes in their masters’ hearts. That have received favor and good reports from the family they serve cheerfully —all due to God’s blessing in answer to their prayers.

Obey their Master’s as Doing the Will of God From Their Hearts—

  Slaves were to obey their masters as if it were the will of God, as if God had instructed them. Why would obeying a pagan Master be accounted as the will of God, when it may be given in harshness from an arrogant master?  They know that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col 3:17).

  Because God is so good, that He counts the assigned task of the slave from a pagan master, to be the same as Paul, Peter and John are following the will of God in their ministries. They both are sons and daughters of God, both hearing the wonderful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! [enter into the joy of your Lord]” (Matt 25:21).

  God will abundantly bless the slave because God’s will was followed despite the difficulty of the assigned task. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Col 3:23). Because of the faithfulness of the slave, they will be blessed in ways that will be noticeable by their masters. In some ways even their masters will share through the slave, God’s blessings. How can the blessings of God’s favor be given to the slave that is filled with hate and bitterness?

  Such behavior is at the heart of the Gospel that comes from the cross of Christ which gives us blessings we did not earn or deserve. This will cause “the word of God” to “spread” (Acts 6:7) to the surrounding influences of the slave owner, to the praise and glory of God.

Slaves are to Work Wholeheartedly as If They Were Serving the Lord

  The slave does their work knowing that God loves them and honors their efforts to please Him in all things, even while working long hours to please their masters.

  The slave knows, all that they do, laundry, cleaning, harvesting or caring for children, what they do in their household labor, “pleases the Lord” (Eph 5:10). This wholesome attitude will “keep” them “from setting” their “hearts on evil things” (1 Cor 10:6), such as resentment and loathing for their slave owners.

  Paul’s instructions reveal a picture of God that does not like to see any believing slave mistreated or whipped on account of their faith. Thus God give permission for “slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything” (Col 3:22). In doing so the slave leaves the master in the hands of God. It the whole record were told, we would learn that many slave owners came to respect their Christian slaves, granting them permission attend their worship services and given to them trusted positions.

The Lord Will Reward the Slave as If Serving the Lord

  This will give the slave emotional and spiritual stability, after hours and days of hard work, with little time off for sleeping or eating, while their master’s lived in luxury.  To prevent anger and revenge at injustice and for lack of any personal rights honored. They know that all their hard work is noted by their Lord who will personally reward them with eternal life in heaven, after they have finished a long day of laundry, because the Lord counts their slave labor, as if you are serving the Lord.

So What If the Master Should Abuse their Slave, Emotionally, Physically or Sexually?

What Should be the Slave’s Response?

       Will this be easy? No. Only by God’s grace could the abused slave practice—No “hate” (1 John 2:9,11), no retaliation, no “bitterness” and no “anger” (Eph 4:31). The slave’s eyes are not on the master as if their approval is all that matters—But on God’s approval, is all that matters. Even after long hours on hands and knees scrubbing the floor, followed by abusive slaps from the grumpy master. God stands beside the slave with divine approval that enlightens their souls with peace.

  If we could meet a Roman slave today, we would see their spiritual strength in love for God, matured under hardship. Their faith would far exceed today, almost all Western Christians.

  The value of prayer and faith must not be underestimated, as Jesus promises to those who have the Spirit abiding in them, “ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24). Meaning that their prayers answered will bring them joy in the Lord. As the Psalms has expressed answered prayer: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (Ps 28:7).

Jesus told a young lady “Your faith has healed you. Go in peace…” (Mk 5:34). If the servant is abused, physically, sexually and does not respond with righteous anger. They can call on God who creates justice for the oppressed.  For “the Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Ps 103:6).

  We have no idea how many praying slaves have been delivered from dread and fear of their masters. When they “cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress” (Ps 107:6). “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies” (Ps 18:3). In answer to the slaves’ distressing prayers, we don’t know how many times the master of slaves was called away on a long journey, leaving the slave in peace. We don’t know how often the slave master’s wife, protected a Christian slave, because God put it in her heart to do so.

  Just imagine for a moment. In the resurrection the redeemed, the slave is honored by God the Father in ways unimaginable to us. All on account of their underappreciated, under nourished hard labor for a Roman Master of slaves. God is good, very good all the time.

   Their reward in heaven is very great, having only worked as a slave, with their eyes on God in whom they trusted. Yet God accepted their domestic labor as if “you did for me” (Matt 25:40).

  The praying slave trusting in their Lord places their masters in the hands of God Himself. God will hold the master accountable in answer to the slaves’ prayers for help. The slave owner can come under the judgment of God, on behalf of the slave’s trust. We pity the master of the slave when God takes charge, “it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31). We can never know all the many times; things have happened to the master for the good of the slave. Neither can we ever know how many times God changed the master’s heart toward the slave, in answer to their prayers.

  In Paul’s counsel to slaves, the survival of the church was at stake. Rome was an enslaving empire that ruled the world. If Paul had taught slaves the ideals of modern Western Societies of individual liberty, it would be seen in Rome as a religion that encourage slave uprising. There was in Rome many slave rebellions, which Rome put down with total violence, once nailing so many crosses that they covered great distances.

       Within a group of believers, in their worship fellowship, there was no slave or free, all were one in Christ Jesus. The slave attending a group worship was equal to a rich Roman, who also may be present. The ideals of personal liberty and freedom were something unheard of in any ancient empire or society. Yet Christianity flourished and grew into a strong movement that conquered Roman paganism, that for centuries ruled the world and abolished slavery.

Observations For Us Today

       For believing mothers of young children, her daily household and family tasks should be thought of as doing the will of God. As much as a missionary in a foreign field.

       For her Lord will reward each one, mothers whatever good they do for their families, the Lord will reward them with “the riches of his glorious inheritance” (Eph 1:18).

       The same can be said for the Father while pursuing their honest career that God has gifted them to perform. The work assigned them, when “done in the sight of God” (John 3:21), will receive an equal inheritance in the “kingdom of light” (Col 1:12), as the most famous evangelist. Reward in heaven is not given on scale of importance of accomplishment on earth.  

Some women are treated very abusively by their husbands, making them much like a slave. They have no right to their own opinion. They are married to hard hearted men who love total control. Although their situation may be of their own poor choice in marriage. But through faith they must not permit bitterness or hatred. All that they do may be unappreciated by their husband. Yet if done as to the Lord, committing themselves to the care of the Lord. The Lord will reward them for their sincerity of heart, as if they were missionaries in a foreign field.

To Slave Owners

Ephesians 6:9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him [God]. NIV

6:9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. NKJV

Masters

The word master means one in authority; the Greek word is often translated as just “Lord” (Matt 4:7). Paul is speaking to Christian slave owners. Although we don’t know for sure, it is possible that some slave master became believers in Christ, due to the influence and prayers of a Christian slave.

Masters Treat Slaves in The Same Way

With “sincerity of heart” (6:5) regarding his slaves as property of the Lord. He realizes that if he mistreats them, it is done as if to the Lord Himself, who identifies with believing slaves. He is to treat his slaves in view of all the values of his Christian faith. If a slave is rebellious, he is to not treat them with severity, as Roman law permitted. He is to remember that the slave was “bought at a price” (1 Cor 6:20), by the blood of the Lamb. His Master Jesus became a slave, to save them from their sins.

“Though he [Christ] was in the form of God,

he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.

But he emptied himself

by taking the form of a slave…”

Phil 2:6,7 (CEB)

Not to Threaten Them—

With abusive words, the slave owner is not to force his slaves to work, by threatening to whip or physically punish them. Instead he is to remember that God will give justice to the slave, because God considers it done to Himself. Thus a rebellious slave would become a matter of prayer for the master.

No favoritism with God

  Slave owners were never ever to think they are superior. That they are of a higher class than their slaves. Masters are themselves slaves to a higher master, the Lord God of heaven and earth.

       It is widely known that the Early Christian churches, slaves and slave owners worshiped together. The Christian community was the only place in the Roman world where “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). These early Christian groups had no status among worshipers.

       This principle should guide Christian leaders, to show no favoritism or offer sweet heart deals to their friends.

Spiritual Warfare 6:10-18

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. NIV

6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. NKJV

Finally

  Paul is drawing his letter to the close, and lastly, he wants to warn the Ephesians about the devil’s schemes. Which has made up many tricks intended to deceive or ensnare. Also they are to watch out for “false prophets” which will appear to be genuine but “deceive many people” (Matt 24:11). These false prophets could be dynamic church leaders that become rich off the gospel. We read that most if not all the mega pastors are millionaires. This is absolutely the opposite of what Jesus taught and how he lived his life.

  Paul first taught about the Devil’s global activism, affecting all of society (Eph 6:12).

  Second Paul explains how to wear the full armor of God (Eph 6:13-18),

Devil’s Wiles, Tricks, Charms and Deceptions

  In that Jesus has said that there will be many false prophets we should be very careful in becoming a follower of a group that adds requirements that Jesus and the Apostles never proclaimed. These groups rob the Gospel of Christ “of its power” (1 Cor 1:17). They claim to be highly honored teachers of Christ, but they add rules, doctrines, for believers to accept. Rules that “based on merely human commands and teachings” (Col 2:22). These are the most successful disguises of the Devil.

  John has given us a similar warning: “We know that we have come to know him [Jesus] if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person…Whoever claims to life in him, must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:3,4). False teachers talk the talk but ignore large sections of the Gospels of Jesus and his Apostles. They often spend more time talking about themselves, while they amass a small wealth.

We are only able to escape the Devil’s wiles by being strong in the Lord. Which is having settled convictions that God is trustworthy, that he loves us, and we have been “justified freely by his grace” (Rom 3:24). In turn they make it their “goal to please him” (2 Cor 5:9) and “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (4:1).

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience”(Col 1:9-11)

  Just before the cross Jesus requested of His Father special protection for his children saying, my prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). The same day Jesus was arrested he told his disciples the “prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me…the prince of this world now stands condemned” (John 14:30; 16:11). During the life of Jesus every demon ran from the command and presence of Jesus. Now all this power to defeat evil from the Devil, is available in the prayer of faith of the believers. It should be settled in our minds; the Devil is a defeated foe. Satan has no controversy with God, it has been settled he is defeated, doomed he waits, we hope in fear, for the time when he will be cast “into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt 25:41).

       Among those “born of the Spirit,” Satan is defeated. He cannot possess them so as to take them over by force into the dark side. He can present temptations through the media and those in society that are under his influence. But this limited by God who is protecting his children. He can influence others around us to being us trouble, but even this is limited as he is subject to the will of God that believers are committed to follow.

       Believers will find the greatest foe that assails them often is their own inherited fallen nature, which comes from within ourselves. From this internal source will come evil thoughts, such as bitterness, resentment and lust in all its forms.  Ideas will spring up from this source that suggest ways that lead to forbidden pleasures. This internal source of conflict is only conquered on the bases of the power, for the “Spirit” wants “what is contrary to the flesh” (Gal 5:17). The Spirit is more than able to subdue all our human sources of evil, day by day. Yet we never will possess, her on earth, holy flesh until the resurrection.

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the (1#) rulers, against the (2#) authorities, against the (3#) powers of this (4#) dark world [darkness] and against the (5#) spiritual forces of evil in [from] the heavenly realms

 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against (2#) principalities, against  (3rd) powers, against the (1st) rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. NET

The Evil One Uses the World’s Authorities Against Believers

(1st) Rulers—In the Greek this refers to secular rulers, authorities and magistrates, of this sinful world. Because “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:18) and “The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning” (1 John 3:8 NET). When rulers promote injustice and do not restrain evil. Their minds and thoughts are directed by the evil one they involuntarily listen to and obey.

       The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is an example of secular rulers that are influenced by spiritual forces of evil. They forbid, holding, reading, or distributing the Bible, which can lead to severe punishment, including imprisonment in a prison camp.

(2#) Authorities / principalities—In the Greek this refers to authority, power and jurisdiction with the right to exercise their power. It could be elected powers, governing authorities who give military orders. They are influenced by the darkness of evil forces.

(3#) Powers—In Greek is refers to world rulers. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of rulers and authorities was well understood, as the society was structured around various levels of governance and powers. It could be police or secular business owners with power and influence.

       It could be religious authorities as Jesus said about the temple leaders: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s [devil’s] desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Notice the characteristics of the dark forces that influence the world. They murder and they lie about everything, having no idea how to tell truth from a lie.

(4#) Dark world—In Greek it refers to darkness, the absence of light, the spiritual condition of those who live apart from God's truth and light. “If we hate others, we are in the darkness; we walk in it and do not know where we are going, because the darkness has made us blind” (1 John 2:11 Good News Translation]. The dark world does not value human life; it they get in the way of their agenda. John says, “Anyone that hates…is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing him” (1 John 3:15).

In contrast believers in Christ are “sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness” (1 Thess 5:5). Believers “know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other” (1 John 3:14). The dark world has twisted views of what love is, often arising from their prejudices and how it makes them visible to the public.

(5#) Spiritual Forces of Evil—Stands for the Devil and his Angels. The realm of the evil spirits, the invisible sphere not seen by human eye, evil spirits that come from the “Devil” (6:11). In Rev 16:14 they are called “spirits of demons.”  They are supernatural, above human ability to see, not dependent on food, light or air to exist—and they are dominating our world. Jesus had many encounters with “demons,” and “impure spirits” and everyone was defeated.

Jesus called Satan the hidden “Ruler of this world” (John 14:30) and Paul called him “Prince of the power of the air [invisible]” (Eph 2:2 NKJV). They are in a different dimension that can’t be seen with our human eyes.

  Where does the Evil One work most effectively? They work through world leaders, presidents of various countries. Those who hold influence and power in the world, Satan moves on them to do his evil work. They make the decision to go to war, to rob the people of any right, to enrich themselves at the expense of their country. Just look at WW I & II, not a just war of defense, but war of aggression, where over 50-84 million were killed, millions more lost family and fell into deep sorrow. This was the result of hate that was murderous. This is the chief weapon of the spiritual forces of evil in our world use against the truth. John the Apostle says, “The one [person] who does [practices] what is sinful is of the devil. Because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8).

       In the rulers, authorities and powers of society, Satan’s influence is felt, to make everyone’s life miserable. To the believer “in Christ” Satan is defeated. Thus Satan carries on his evil craft in minds, in hearts, of world leaders. For example, there are about 50 countries that illegally or severely restrict Christan faith and the Bible. In this Satan is delighted.

Satan is behind many acts of violence in society. He can influence many with dark depressive suicidal thoughts. He influences some to rob steal and murder, for reasons they can’t explain. We can see his evil powers at work in the daily news, rapes, murders, thefts, suicides, political lies, abuse of civil power, and stealing from others even if they have more than enough. They steal for reasons they don’t understand.

The only thing that can stop them, is being Born from Above where our “body is a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19). “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17). This limits Satan’s direct access.

  The Apostle John explains it this way: “This is how we know who the children of God and the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother of sister…Anyone who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:10,14)

       Paul calls sexual immorality and obscenity “fruitless deeds of darkness” (Eph 5:11) disqualifying us to have “any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Eph 5:5). Paul warns us “not to be even a hint of sexual immorality” (Eph 5:3). Thus we should “be very careful…How we live, not as unwise, but as wise” (Eph 5:13). Because once darkness gets a foothold in our lives over time, we will forget “all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col 1:9). Hate will start to replace love, for “anyone who hates a brother or sister is in darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them” (1 John 2:11).

       But those who have faith in the Son of God and confess their sins do not live in darkness. “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (1 Thess 5:5). Because we have been “rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col 1:13,14).

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

6:13 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.

When the Day of Evil Darkness Comes—From Evil Rulers and Authorities

       Persecution of Christians is found many countries of the world. Where being a believer in Jesus put you at risk of imprisonment or death.

       Hatred of Christians is found at times in workplace or among some family members. Thus Paul wants all believers to know how to survive evil’s onslaught of judgment and condemnation.

When the Day of Evil Darkness Comes—From Inside Us

  We should know what defenses we have against evil. When evil comes from inside our “earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed” (Col 3:5) or just with “evil suspicions” (1 Tim 6:4). These are often powerful internal sweeping and moving temptations. They are like steam, arising from within our feelings, emotions and desires when we want to strike back. When we are hurt, disappointed, shamed, falsely accused, abused, overworked, underappreciated, taken advantage of and not loved—we are tempted to respond to evil words and deeds.

  In the Psalms we are assured “Why should I fear when evil days come” (Ps 49:5). “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side?” (1 Chron 22:18). Believers in Christ have an overwhelming advantage of evil. They can stand their ground and not be defeated.

  In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to repeat his words as our prayer saying, "and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt 6:13). This phrase has two requests. The first is for God to protect, to keep us from falling into temptation, by foolish or blind mistakes. The second part of the prayer is for God Himself to deliver us when the day of evil, the offhanded moment when evil comes to us unprepared, to blindside us.

Stand Your Ground With the Full Spiritual Armor—Under Temptation

  There are times in our lives when evil makes suggestions, coming directly from our fallen nature. If we respond with the suggestion in pleasure or approval, we open the door for evil or Satan to gain a foothold in our lives. As Paul has already said in this letter, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph 4:26,27). We could also say, do not let the sun set while you are dwelling on imaginary suggestions that arouse dark pleasure. When we embrace evil in thought or planned actions, we open the door of opportunity to exchange Lord’s.

After You Have Done Everything, You Can

  Paul is recommending self-inventory. Have you been listening in public media “obscenity” or vulgarity or words that are impure, with little consideration as to it effects in damping your “love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Cor 4:21).

  Have you been neglecting gospel meditation for other pursuits? Ask God to lead the way in your life, that you will “understand what the Lord’s will is” and be “filled with the Spirit” (5:17,18). No one can prescribe this to you, understanding will come from God, and you will know of its source. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor 13:5).

Full armor of God

  To wear the armor of God, is to have learned the lessons taught in the preceding chapters of Ephesians. Pray over Scriptures. Ask God for more love. For “love comes from God, everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…and the One who was born of God [Jesus Christ] keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them” (1 John 4:7,8; 5:18).

What Does It Mean to Wear the Full Armor of God

       Make the prayer of Paul yours: “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9,10). Everything hinges on being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).

  This spiritual armor can be used to battle addictions, co-dependences with others that do not “live as children of light” (5:8). To stand your ground, in what you have learned from God and Scriptures as the truth and not yield to pressures to be like others who do not love God.

The Full Armor Always Brings Satan’s Defeat

  When the seventy disciples returned from their mission trip, they “returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Jesus said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Lk 10:17-19).

  Carefully take note of the words Jesus used to describe demons. He called them “serpents” and “scorpions” which have painful or deadly bites. They fill people with their venom of darkness and unbelief in God.

Jesus saw the complete defeat of Satan, because of the authority of Christ he has been cast down from his former power position. Satan did not even put up a battle; he was defeated as fast as a lightning strike. All of Satan’s assumed strength and power were defeated without a word of protest.

  For “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam 17:47). “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chron 20:15).

Ephesians 6:14(1#) Stand firm then: with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, (2#) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Eph 6:15 (3#) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Eph 6:16 (4#) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Eph 6:17 (5#) Take the helmet of salvation and (6#) the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Eph 6:18 (7#) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests [supplication]. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. NIV

6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—NKJV

Stand your ground (6:13)…Stand firm (6:14)

  Stand in place, in faith, and do not run away in fear. To stand firm means to persist, to persevere and not hesitate, while holding on to your faith, dressed in the spiritual armor God has provided.  Because “with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb 10:22), know that you can withstand Satan’s temptations.

  Satan is already a defeated foe. He can irritate us, distract us, tempt us, try to draw us into his net of lies. However he is put on the run even by a young child using their faith. With your eye of faith, imagine him fearful, for “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [evil spirits], because the One who is in you [Christ Jesus] is greater [in power] than the one [evil one] who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

  With the full armor that God has provided for us, we will have a decided advantage over the Devil, even though he possesses a vastly superior strength over weak humanity, he can be defeated and better yet, made to run away, as the demons demonstrated when Jesus rebuked them and they moved into a “herd of pigs” (Matt 8:31).  

Six defensive armors: designed to protect the individuals

1.     “Stand firm” with Belt of Truth

2.     “Stand firm” with the Breastplate of righteousness

3.     “Stand firm” with your Feet fitted with the Gospel of peace

4.     “Stand firm” with the Shield of faith

5.     “Stand firm” with the Helmet of salvation

6.     “Stand firm” with the Sword of the Spirit

Two offensive armors found in teams of believers

1. Prayer in the Spirit: Teach the ministry of the Spirit.

2. All kinds of prayers and requests: Teach the ministry of prayer.

(1#) Stand…Belt of Truth

  Embrace God’s word, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Rap it around you to hold your clothes together, which makes us “wise unto salvation” (2 Tim 3:15).

  Thus, beware of sermons and classes that use very little Scriptures. It does not strengthen our belt of truth that holds us emotionally-spiritually together. There is little strength to be gained by sermons where the speakers talk mostly about themselves, without “sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness” (1 Tim 6:3 CSB, Christian Standard Bible).

  Beware of teachers and Bible classes that are mostly focused on prophecy or the law, not balanced with the whole of the Bible. Beware of teachers that make every effort to prove a set of doctrines of their church, anything contrary to their conclusions is not mentioned.

  Scriptures are the source of truth, they are the clothes we wear, buckled with the belt of truth.  Jesus counsels the seventh church of Revelation to buy “white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness” (Rev 3:18). The concept of nakedness means we are defenseless and easily led astray, we do not wear the “full armor of God.” We lack “spiritual understanding” (Col 1:9).

  n other words, the remedy for this last church is to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15 KJV).

       God wants, all believers, to be “fellow citizens” and “members of His household.” We are to be “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone” (Eph 2:20). Thus we will not be entrapped in “endless genealogies” of the OT and “controversial speculations” about end time events or other spiritual questions, “rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith” (1 Tim 1:4).

  “Simon Peter” said “Lord…You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68, 69). Alongside Peter, acknowledge that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. The power to impart an unending life in the Holy City of New Jerusalem and endless cosmos over endless time. Only by living forever is it possible to become aware, to visit, to study the parts of an endless universe. It is believed that the size of the entire cosmos is unknown. The total size of the universe is suggested by some authorities to be at least 250 times larger than the observable part. The reality is that it is many more than a million times larger than what we can see today. The size, the diversity, the vast distances of the cosmos—needs, yes requires an eternal life to even partially become aware of it countless parts.

  This kind of life is before your eyes, found in the life and teaching of Jesus and Apostles.

What is Truth

It is a seamless account from God the Father promising us an inheritance. All Aspects of the truth support each other. In the simplest expression it is the “message of truth, gospel of your salvation” (1:3). In Ephesians there is a good description of the chain of truth.

1. God gives us every spiritual blessing from heavenly places (1:3)

2. God has chosen us (1:4)

3. God has chosen us in love (1:4)

4. God has predestined us (1:5)

5. God has adopted us (1:5)

6. God has accepted us in the beloved (1:6),

7. God has given us redemption. (1:7)

8. God has given us forgiveness of sins because of the riches of God’s grace (1:7)

9. God has given us forgiveness of our sins (1:7)

10. God wants to give us the seal of the Holy Spirit (1:13).

11. God wants to give us the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing our eternal inheritance (1:14)

12. God wants to make us alive with Christ (2:5)

13. God wants to seat us with Him in heavenly places (2:6)

14. God want to bring us near to Him by the blood of Christ (2:13)

15. God want us to have foundation on the Apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (2:20)

16. God want to us to become a dwelling place where God lives by his Spirit (2:22)

17. God wants us to know that through faith in Christ we can have access to Him with freedom and confidence. (3:12)

18. God wants us to understand the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God Himself. (3:18)

19. God wants us to know personally what it means to put on the new self and thus be created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (4:24)

20. God does not want us to grieve the Holy Spirit that seals us for the day of our redemption at the second coming of Christ. (4:30)

(2#) Breastplate of Righteousness

What is this? It is “the gospel the righteousness of God” (Rom 1:17). The righteousness we need in order to stand before a holy God is not a righteousness we can acquire on our own. It is not human righteousness at all—It is divine righteousness. It becomes ours as the results of God’s free gift for “all are justified freely by his grace” (Rom 3:24).

1.     “This righteousness is given through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Rom 3:22).

2.     This righteousness is revealed in “the Gospel” (Rom 1:16).

3.     This righteousness comes from God and fully satisfies God’s commandments in which we have been found guilty. Now just imagine that the words “the Lord our righteousness” (Jer 23:6 NKJV), is embossed on your shield?

4.     There is only ONE righteousness, and it is not ours, it is “The righteousness of God” (Rom 1:17; 3:21 10:3; 2 Cor 5:21; Ps 7:17; Ps 31:1; 36:6; 98:2). Which is “credited” (Rom 4:3,4,5,9,10,11,22,23) or accounted onto your life record, enabling you to stand welcomed and embraced as children of God, having “access” (Rom 5:2) to the very presence of our Creator.

5.     This gift of God’s righteousness is credited on your account, as if it were your own. Whose perfect obedience is this? It is Christ Himself. Thus, demons cannot gain access to your heart because the Lord our righteousness is our shield.

(3#) Feet fitted “gospel of peace”

  Peace with God, peace with others, peace of mind, called the gospel of peace. Peace is the rest area of our souls when the gospel is understood. It is a refreshing place, because it is where the “peace of Christ” rules our “hearts” (Col 3:15). It is born of confession of sins and realization that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Peace is sourced by being right with God, being humble for “the Lord sustains the humble” (Ps 147:6). For “the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Ps 37:11).

  We cannot overstress the foundation of lasting peace with God—must stand on the ground of humility. Paul has already told us that we are “to live” our lives “worthy of the calling” we have received. How do we do this? By being “completely humble.” And making “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (4:1,2). What does this mean? It means the Spirit in us is to seek unity with the Spirit that is in another. If we are not humble, we will feel superior to others by what we know, our higher education, our higher position, our greater wealth or our desire to be seen as special and talented.

  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor [spiritually]” (Matt 4:18). Only those who see themselves very spiritually bankrupt, weak and helpless is the kingdom of God given. If you don’t see yourself that way, pray God will give you that understanding.

“For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also [I live] with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit [poor in spirit], to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isa 57:15).

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6)

  Those who are humble are “revived”, by receiving more of the Spirit in their lives. The gospel of peace must always be taught with deep and lasting humility, the only successful way to teach the gospel of peace. Every gospel teacher must have on their feet, they must “be completely humble and gentle” (4:2). “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matt 23:12).

  Peace is forgiveness centered because we know God has forgiven us and loves us. It can’t be explained on paper or in words. because it is a Divine influence. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thess 3:16).

  Peace is the third fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), behind love and joy. It is evidence of the Spirit’s presence, “The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom 8:6). “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may [will] overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).

“Like cattle that go down to the plain,

They were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord.

This is how you guided your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.”

(Isa 63:14)

The readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace

  You are grounded in the gospel, making you firm-footed and stable, swift in movement. You are always ready to share the gospel of the love of God and the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” which “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7 NKJV).

(4#) Shield of faith [in God]

   Faith is born out of God’s word and Faith is sustained by God’s word. We can only have true faith by the Word of God. Take away the Word and no faith will remain. Faith is born, awakened in us by hearing and reading the Word. We are like Lazareth in the tomb, “dead in our transgression and sin” (Eph 2:1). What can awaken us? Nothing but the call of God can produce faith that gives us new life.  “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). If you are right now being drawn to God, He is calling you. Acknowledge it, respond to it, for it will feel very natural to put faith, springing out of love, to God.

       It is through the Bible that faith is strengthen and continued. Because the Bible directs us to God and His promises, where only God is strong enough to support us in this matter of salvation. If we want to be strong in faith, we must spend time in studying the Bible and claiming the promises that are found there. "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Rom 10:17).

       “Because it is by faith you stand firm” (2 Cor 1:24). Faith is effective in reaching out to find help in God. Peter repeats the same truth saying, “Resist him [the devil], standing firm in the faith” (1 Pet 5:9). The Shield of faith is the very first defense that we bring to bear, when evil catches us by surprise, when evil attacks us from within or without. This shield is deployed instantaneously because we know how to be “instant in prayer” (Rom 12:12 KJV).

       Faith starts “like a mustard seed…when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree” (Matt 13:31,32). Faith will move into the heart personally and emotionally with love to God that is real and true.

  An example of moving the heart is the conversion account of John Wesley. In May 1738, Wesley had been actively teaching, preaching and was evangelist for years. He knew Christian doctrine, but it had not affected Wesley at a personal level. He believed, but there was not much love of Christ personally. Wesley lived by doing good works, but not by faith.

  “In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt that I did trust in Christ alone for my salvation and assurance was given me and that He had taken away, MY sins, even mine and save ME from the Law of sin and death.”

       What we learn from Scriptures is that faith must be poured into the heart, beyond knowledge. In the sense that you may not be able to discern how you came to believe. It just happened one day. Maybe, one day you come to recognize that you are a believer in God. You were not convinced by arguments in favor of faith. Yet you believed because God put it in your heart to believe.   

  Real faith will move into our emotions and feelings when we know, we just know it, that God is with me. You know this personally. You love God, as faith blossoms and blooms. “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame’” (Rom 10:10-11).

1.     Faith is a gift, not from within us, it does not come from us in any way whatsoever.

2.     Faith is embedded into Scriptures, centered in Christ. Many have no idea how they came to believe. One day it all started, and they are drawn to God. Many can look back and see the moment faith in God just happened.  

3.     Jesus said, “I have come as a light into the world, whoever believes in Me [faith] should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). It is the light of the world that moves on us so that we are able to see the darkness of our sins, the selfish pleasures in our lives, as we reach the arm of faith up to God.

4.     Faith is always available—day or night, globally, male or female, child or youth. Anytime, anyplace, almost any age. Faith leaps out of the Word of God, not as a theory, not routine, not as a doctrine. “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim” (Rom 10:8).

5.     "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15:57). The victories we experience over bad habits and temptations come from God, as much as faith is a gift of God. It is the Word of God that creates faith in our hearts.

With the Shield of Faith We can Extinguish the Flaming Arrows of the Evil One—

  In the Greek this means a dart, a javelin or an arrow that is sent to set an object on fire. These arrows from evil sources are often very personal and urgent. Tailored just for you, at this moment.  They can be like barbed arrows, when driven deep into flesh are very hard to remove. Once a Satanic arrow strikes us, our thoughts, eyes and attention are given to the appealing temptation. It was intended to cause us to stumble and fall into the arms of demons.

       These arrows can appeal for sexual pleasures, to pride in our position, our talent or education. They can be like cupid’s arrow that instill love at first sight with a forbidden pleasure or revenge or lust. A man will love is wife and family, but when he sees this other woman, he can’t of his own strength stop the cascade of feelings and pleasant imagination, even at a serious cost. His only defense at this moment is the prayer of faith to God that He will deliver you right now when you need it!

  Thank God, the Lord Jesus Christ. These tailor-made arrows can be always extinguished!! We can deploy the shield of faith as soon as the temptation occurs. It is deployed by prayer to God, in faith, for His deliverance. In Psalm 69 David expresses prayers we can make to God with the shield of faith pointed upward to heaven.

“Save me, O God,

for the waters have come up to my neck.

I sink in the miry depths,

where there is no foothold.

I have come into the deep waters;

the floods engulf me…

Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;

in your great mercy turn to me.

Do not hide your face from your servant;

answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

Come near and rescue me;

deliver me because of my foes.” (Ps 69)

       The Apostle John gives assurance of victory over the enemy: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in [the Spirit] you is greater than the one who is in the world [Devil]… This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 4:4; 5:4). John tells the young men in his care saying “I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one…I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” (1 John 2:13,14).

       Jesus has given us assurance that the “ruler of this world” has “no power over me” (John 14:30). “If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life [victory] because of righteousness [God’s]” (Rom 8:10).

(5#) The Helmet of Salvation

  In the most basic meaning it is related to our knowledge and understanding that you are a child of God. It is the assurance we possess of being “freely” (Rom 3:24) forgiven and “justified by faith” (Gal 2:16). As Paul has already said that we are to be “to the praise of the glory of His grace” that God has “made us accepted in the Beloved” (Eph 1:7 NKJV). It is “salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (2 Tim 2:10), which is “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet 1:5).

  Also translated “His dearly loved son” & “the One he loves.” God has placed us inside a very special position, next to His own Son whom God dearly loves, that is dear to the heart of God. This is what it means to be “in Christ.” This fact changes our mental outlook on life and in conflict with the Devil’s arrows of temptations, this is very defensive. It is hard for evil to penetrate faith’s positive assurances which is known because the Holy Spirit has set up God’s temple inside us. Paul tells the entire believers of Corinth that “you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Cor 3:16).

  If anyone wore a large Roman helmet made of iron and bronze alloys, they would know it was on their heads. So likewise when we are “in Christ” we can repeat Paul’s affirmation. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1). We know we are love, forgiven, accepted children of God. What a helmet God has given us! It is an assurance that we are loved by God. This alone will protect our minds from temptation to follow the ways of evil and darkness.

(6#) The Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God

  This means that the Spirit functions, within Scripture, never away from Scriptures, no matter how inspired the source.  The main function of the Spirit is to “testify” (Jn 15:26) to us about Jesus. To be in the channel of the Spirit’s influence, is to be Christ centered in our study and devotions. It means that the Spirit will testify to us about a deep hidden bitterness or the accumulation of wealth with our limited interest in helping the poor. You will know, when the Spirit has pointed our your need for deeper confession and repentance.

The Sword of the Spirit is effective with humility

  For the Spirit’s sword to be effective, we must be “poor in Spirit” (Matt 5:3) and take a “lowly position” as “this child,” a child on the lap of Jesus or we “will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:4,3). The Spirit’s powerful sword is never given so that we can exalt ourselves. So that we can author books all about ourselves for reputation, money and honor. So that we can talk about ourselves, our blessed life, the miracles of our life in sermons and books.

  Paul said, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (1 Cor 1:17 ESV). Paul’s expression of “eloquent wisdom” points to talents that bring attention to the speaker. “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Gal 6:14).

       The disciples were baptized with more of the Spirit than anyone, yet they did not dwell on themselves. Matthew did not even mention himself at all in the first person or even the third person in his gospel account. Neither did Luke talk about himself in Acts or the Gospel of Luke. Peter in his two letters did not talk about any miracle or remarkable abilities that the Spirit gave to him.  

The Sword of the Spirit is effective with love

  The Spirit’s sword is only as sharp as we love God and we love others, as God loves them. When “God lives [abides] in us,” by His Spirit, “his love is made complete in us. This is how we know [with certainty] that we live [abide] in him and he [God] in us: He has given us of his Spirit [as our assurance]” (1 John 4:12-13.

‘Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another,

God lives [abides] in us and his love is made complete in us.’

(1 John 4:11,12)

       Think about this for a moment. We will never know God, as it is our privilege, it is only made possible by “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). This special gift is a new law, a new power as Paul says:  “The law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Rom 8:1). If we “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:16).

       Only the Spirit can “break up your fallow ground” (Hosea 10:12), of our strong defenses of pride, attention seeking, competition with others, jealousy over the gifts or talents of others. Only the Spirit can create a “bond of peace” with all others that have also received the Spirit and put their faith in Christ.

The Spirit of truth “goes out from the Father” (John 15:26

The Spirit is sent to “live [abide] with you and will be in you” (John 14:17)

We are to be “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8)

We are to be “led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18)

God puts the His “seal of ownership on us” when He “put his Spirit in our hearts” (2 Cor 1:22).

God pours out his “love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” who he has “given to us” (Rom 5:5)

God’s “anointing” by the Spirit “teaches you about all things” and this “anointing is real” (1 John 2:27)

We are to be a “dwelling” place where the Spirit lives (Eph 2:22)

The Spirit gives us “life and peace” when the Spirit “governs” our minds (Rom 8:6)

“God sent the Spirit of His son into our hearts” so that we can call for HELP,

calling out directly to “Abba, Father.” (Gal 4:6).

Being Born of the Spirit

To silence the Old Nature that controls all who are not in Christ.

To tell the truth about ourselves, when we are selfish, critical, harsh, unkind and self-centered. To discipline us with “conviction… of sin” (John 16:8 NKJV).

To “save us through the washing of rebirth and renewal [regeneration] by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

  To be Born of the Spirit is like putting “on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Col 3:10). “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17).

It is like the creation of a new Adam and Eve on earth, those who are “transformed into his [God’s] image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18). Just like Adam was made into the “image of God” (Gen 1:27), we are “conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom 8:29). The opposite image is anyone who “worships the beast and its image” (Rev 14:9).

Born Again of the Spirit—A Gift From God

If in Christ a New Creation has come (2 Cor 5:17)

In Christ made alive (1 Cor 15:22)

Born of God (1 John

Raised with Christ (Col 2:12)

God made you alive with Christ. (Col 2:13)

Born of the Spirit (John 3:8)

Regenerated and renewal of the Spirit (Titus 3:5)

Anointing of the Spirit (1 John 2:20,27)

What counts is a New Creation (Gal 6:15)

Born Again of imperishable seed (1 Pet 1:23)

Raised…sit in heavenly places (Eph 6:4)

Made us alive with Christ (Eph 2:5)

No longer slaves to the body (Rom 6:6)

United in His resurrection (Rom 6:5)

New in mind attitude (Col 3:10)

New self in image of creator (Col 3:10)

New wine skins (Matt 9:17)

Raise with Christ—seated with God (Col 3:1)

Set your minds of things above (Col 3:1)

Now your life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3)

Born by the power of the Spirit (Gal 4:29)

God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him (Eph 2:6)

Christ so powerfully works in me (Col 1:29)

Christ took hold of me (Phil 3:12)

Spirit strengthens your inner being to love God (Eph 4:16)

The mystery: “Christ in you” (Col 1:27)

The brother of Jesus Jude wrote this: “Dear friends by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life [Advent]” (Jude 20,21)

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship [communion] of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor 13:14).

 (7#) 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests [supplication]. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. NIV

6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—NKJV

6:18 By all prayer and supplication praying in all time in Spirit, and for this same watching vigilantly in all perseverance and supplication for the holy.  Literal Translation

A Group Armor

   Prayer is both offensive and defensive. It is best applied in a group committed to the Ministry of Prayer, to pray for one another and all others. Things will happen, that will never happen, were it not for persevering prayer from a prayer team. Listen to what Paul said about the prayers of many: “He [God] has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Cor 1:10-11).  This is the most powerful means to defeat the “forces of evil” (Eph 6:12).

  The Moravian Community of Herrnhut in Saxony, in 1727, commenced a round-the-clock “prayer watch” that continued nonstop for over a hundred years. By 1791, 65 years after commencement of that prayer vigil, the small Moravian community had sent 300 missionaries to the ends of the earth, at a time when no Christian community had sent out missionaries. Many went out for life and died in the process but more came in to take their places.

  We can pray in the Spirit, anytime we wish, day or night. We can pray about everything, even while we are doing other things we can send up silent prayers. We can pray as we begin our day, we pray as you walk through the day, pray as you conclude the day. When a group of believers are committed to pray weekly together, individual prayers are more active, and the Spirit moves in lives of others.

Praying In and With the Holy Spirit

  Why should we pray in the Spirit? This is the opposite of formal prayers that often take place in worship services, prayers at the dinner table or opening a church business meeting.

  When the Holy Spirit from inside us, it gives us a quiet urge to pray—to set aside time for prayer today or right now—this is praying in Spirit. As the Spirit moves. During this time the Spirit may bring to our attention individuals we should be praying for. Since the Spirit is Holy, the Spirit will bring directly to your attention sins that should be confessed. Habits that only divine power can change. The Spirit will move you to holiness, all along the Spirit gives you a joy that radiates from the inside of your own spirit. As a result, praise and thanksgiving flow from your heart with music and smiles reflecting inward peace.

  Praying in the Spirit, who is present in your lives, urging you to go to quiet place and spend time in prayer.  Jesus taught us saying, “when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father (Matt 6:6). This is time when prayers are most effective, under the guidance and direction of the Spirit. “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20). The “holy faith” Jude is talking about is being taught “self-controlled, and [to be] sound in faith, in love and in endurance” (Titus 2:2).

  Praying in the Spirit in a group setting of two or more, will move the group together. It will bring them into unity and love for each other, that did not exist before. Not only this, but we also have the unusual promise of Jesus, “I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matt 18:19).

A theme to pray about is to “ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col 1:9). To keep the fruits of the Spirit alive, with awareness of our need for more of these fruits in our lives. For the “Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim 1:7).

  Our prayers are to be heart-felt requests, arising out of deep personal and urgent need. To be more earnest in prayer, listen to quiet instrumental spiritual songs that will give you thought and words in your prayers. To bring more power into prayer, pray with your Bible open, reading the words as a prayer to God. For example, you could say, “Lord I, want to ‘walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us’ (5:2); Lord make this a pattern for my life. Call me to task when I fail. Implant inside me new motives “with power through his Spirit in your [my] inner being’” (3:16).

Praying In the Spirit

  Is when listening to the Spirit, when He calls us to pray, meditate on Scriptures, turn off the TV or Internet, fast and pray, when we respond, we are praying in the Spirit. Listen for the Spirit to impress you with personal sin and open you to confess to the Lord. Sometimes the Spirit will cut into our heart like a sword, revealing to you a cherished sin, pockets of pride that look down on others not as informed as you are. Listen to these. Listen and learn. If the Spirit must repeat its warnings, they will become more intense.

  None of the offensive or defensive weapons are effective without much and much more and more prayer. Only by prayer can we be alerted to coming dangers and be prepared. If not, evil will try to sneak around our defenses when we are spiritually sleeping, because our prayer life has been neglected.  

  Paul tells us how to pray saying, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col 3:13). The word “grievance” means to blame, lodge a complaint and find fault. Sure they may be very guilty, just as we were very guilty before God when we were “once far away.” But God “brought us near” to Him, “by the blood of Christ” (2:13). Although at one time “we were separated from Christ” but despite our sick condition, God “made us alive with Christ” because of “His great love with which he loved us” (Eph 2:12,5,4).

  This calls for much intercessory prayer, claiming the love God has for one worthy of blame, deserving condemnation; we are to hold up that one in prayer in their behalf. Just as Christ died in our behalf, we pray for them, in their behalf.

Be alert / Be Watchful

  Be watchful, by taking advantage of situations that God has brought you into. Be watchful for your known weakness, your trigger points that could cause you to overreact or be taken by surprise and fall in disgrace. Be alert to thoughts that come from our sinful nature’s that seek our attention and approval. Ask God to filter these thought messages that are so offensive and promote attention seeking and pride.

Always Keep on Praying / All Perseverance

  We cannot be “asleep” (1 Thess 5:5,6), to the evil around. Keep praying until God in prayer brings your assurance. Prayer is often the means that God uses to carry out His purposes on earth, in the lives of others and our lives. God has pre-ordained prayer to be a means for Him to change things, bring out good results, cause abundance and goodness to flow, in human lives. If Jesus felt the need to pray alone, how much more should we. Jesus taught us, “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Lk 18:1 NKJV).

Personal Request from Paul 6:19-20

Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. NIV

6:19 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, 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. NKJV

Words…Fearlessly—

  Under such hatred and organized efforts to disrupt and discredit his teachings, Paul would be tempted to be a little less fearless so the opposition would not be so overwhelming, but he did not.

The Mystery

  In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he uses the word mystery seven times and nine times in all his other letters. In general the mystery of the gospel, is not known, to anyone, unless it is explained, that is revealed to them.  The reason was that this mystery for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.” Now, through the lives of believers as a group, “through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 3:9,10).

  This mystery of how God is has made everyone see “the unsearchable riches of Christ.”  To know “what is the fellowship of the mystery…through Jesus Christ” (Eph 3:8,9). It is now seen in believers, worldwide, since Jesus lived on earth. As the results this mystery is made known to all the cosmos within limitless space, in ways we can’t see or understand.  

Final Greetings 6:21-24

Ephesians 6:21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 6:22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. 6:23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 6:24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

6:21 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; 6:22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. 6:23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. NKJV
  6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

           6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. NET
          6:24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. ESV

6:24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible love. AMP

Tychius Will Encourage You

       This is the purpose of ministry. A pastor is to encourage believers. They are to teach the congregation about love and faith which comes from God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The best themes in sermons is about love and faith.

Undying love

  “The term ‘love’ is not found at the end of the sentence but is supplied to clarify the sense in English. The term “undying” which modifies it captures the sense of the kind of love the author is referring to here. He is saying that God’s grace will be with those whose love for Jesus never ceases” (NET Bible footnote)

  A love that is in constant regeneration. Always being rekindled and made alive in our hearts. Always being refreshed, renewed and sought after in our daily lives.

End of Ephesians Chapter 6

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