Bible Study - Dark SIde (5) - Battle Armor - Ephesians 6:10-20 - October 1, 2017

Bible Study – Dark Side (5) – Battle Armor – October 1, 2017

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “The Dark Side.”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 6:10-20.

GOD equips us for the spiritual battles we face.

So far in our series entitled “The Dark Side,” we have studied about Satan/the Devil, Demons, the paranormal and how to test the spirits. Now, it is time for all Christians to suit up. It is time for battle. In essence, all Christians are already in spiritual battles.

The Apostle Paul knew what soldiers needed to put on to be properly prepared for battle. Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Christians in Ephesus. Some Bible scholars believe the soldiers guarding Paul helped him describe what Christians should put on to face the battles with the spirit forces each day. Others think that since Paul was an Old Testament scholar that he was inspired by descriptions found in the book of Isaiah.

In the fall 2017, “Advanced Bible Study,” published by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175, pages 59-71, Dr. Heath Thomas, Dean of Hobbs College for Theology and Ministry, wrote the six lessons entitled “The Dark Side.” In this lesson, Dr. Thomas wrote about references in Isaiah to the items Paul referred to in Ephesians Chapter Six. As you read this, you will see that I have inserted these Old Testament scriptures in brackets [].  

In, Ephesians Chapter 6, verses 1-9, Paul addressed children, fathers, servants (bond or free) and those who have authority over others. In verse 10, Paul addressed how Christians are to accomplish what GOD expects of them because Christians live in a world where all the things we have studied during the last four weeks are present. They are our enemy and threaten us every day.

Let’s read Ephesians 6:10-13: Christian Warfare

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.

Paul challenged Christians to be Spiritually strong and how to do it. We know that we can physically work out and build our physical strength. But where does our Spiritual strength come from? Simply, our Spiritual strength comes from our LORD as we obediently serve HIM. When we build our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS, GOD’S strength, power and wisdom is manifested through us. This builds our confidence and trust in GOD as we serve HIM.  

 In Second Timothy 1:7, we read - 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

This is what GOD has given to all Christians – power, love and a sound mind. HE equips them to obediently serve HIM in this evil world under HIS protective canopy. Christians are HIS ambassadors in this world.

So as GOD’S representatives, who are filled with the Holy Spirit, what are we to do? Christians are to trust GOD and suit up for battle. HE will reveal the battle plan in next week’s study.

The Apostle Paul tells Christians what they need and how to prepare each day for battle in a world ruled by ---

11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.

Christians are to put on “the full armor of GOD,” because they are fighting “the tactics of the Devil.”

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

We must keep in mind that the Devil/Satan is not omnipresent. He has to have a workforce doing his bidding. Thus, Paul enlightens us to his workforce:

Rulers: Are earthly rulers/world powers. Paul referred to this term in Ephesians 1:21 and 3:10. It is a term referred to in 1 Corinthians 2:8 - 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Authorities: A term which also relates to world powers, principalities, powers in heavenly places and was referenced in Ephesians 1:21 and 3:10.

World powers of this darkness: Some believe this refers to black magic, demons, pagan worship, occult, witchcraft and the list goes on.

Spiritual forces of evil in the heavens:  JESUS gave us a clue about Satan being located in the heavens as recorded in Luke 10:17-18:

17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

And the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1-2:

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--

There is a spirit world that we cannot see but one where much activity is happening constantly. The Book of Daniel gives us some insight into this world as recorded in Daniel 10:12-14:

12 Then he said to me, "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.

13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia,

The “me” is thought to be an angel because “Michael” had to help him.

14 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come."

As soon as Daniel uttered his request, GOD sent the response but it was delayed by the “prince of the kingdom of Persia” for 21 days.

This knowledge expands the prayer life of Christians from earth to include the universe. Let us pray boldly according to GOD’S will.

Conventional weapons do not work against these rulers, authorities, principalities, powers of darkness, spiritual forces located in the heavens.

JESUS has won the war. Victory belongs to JESUS and as Christians we are victorious in HIM. Victory is a done deal. So what do these evil forces attempt to do? They want us to be ignorant of the victory we already have. Christians live upon earth under the canopy of GOD’S blessings and protection. Unbelief, doubt and other actions showing lack of faith woos us out from GOD’S protective canopy.

Satan and his forces attempt to fill our minds with false notions that we are to depend upon our strength and abilities instead of resting to the power and strength our LORD. When Christians do not see that Spiritual victory, they fear and fear does not honor GOD. That is why Christians must build the right relationship with GOD and that is a relationship of complete trust in HIM. 

When we trust GOD, we remain under HIS canopy of blessings and protection.

These spirit forces get into the hearts and lives of non-Christian and Christian earthly leaders. They are ignorant that they are being used to carry out the deeds of the evil world forces. What did we address in previous lessons? Christians need “discernment!”

The people without CHRIST are oblivious to what is happening.

GOD has a plan and HE keeps some things secret from those who can attempt to thwart HIS plans as we read in 1 Corinthians 2:8. GOD rules!

13 This is why you must 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.

Christians, who know the truth, are to suit up each and every day for battle. Why? First, because we know who we are up against and JESUS is our victor. We represent that truth because we are the light and the salt for those who need salvation from eternal death through faith in JESUS.

These evil forces will do all they can to prevent a person from becoming a Christian. However, these forces are not the final word because each person has the freedom to choose. Once a person chooses JESUS as his or her Savior, he or she becomes an enemy of Satan/The Devil and these evil forces. Keep in mind, as a Christian you are under the protective canopy of GOD! Never forget that! Christians must stand firm because they will be challenged by these evil forces but grow and mature Spiritually as they battle. Why? It is because; during these battles we learn that GOD is our defender and protector. That builds trust.

It is during these challenges that Christians get to really know JESUS, their Savior and their Father, GOD. They witness GOD’S power being manifested through them. The enemies weaponry may be popping all around them but “Greater is HE that is in every Christian, than these evil forces.”  

These forces want you to think they rule matters upon earth. GOD rules! This does not mean Christians will not be under attack. They will! But who will they look too for their power and strength? Christians still have the freedom of choice. Do not be deceived by these forces but be strong, resist Satan and remain under the canopy of GOD.

The Apostle Paul tells Christians to put on the “full armor” because each piece has a purpose and you will need each piece for your protection. Do not leave yourself vulnerable. When the battle rages, Christians are to “stand firm.” There may be chaos all around but they will be unscathed and unshaken. 

Because they are in the midst of the battle, they will be eyewitnesses to GOD’S activity. This witness makes them stronger as they press forward because they know without a doubt the protective canopy of GOD. Their relationship with GOD, through their faith in JESUS, is strengthened. These milestones build and strengthen our relationship.

This means getting to know and trust GOD, as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit, as Christians respond in obedience and “resist in the evil day.” We are living in the evil day because GOD rules but evil is still present. There will come a day when Satan and his minions will be cast into the lake of fire.

Let’s read Ephesians 6:14-17:

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

[Isaiah 11:5 - 5 Righteousness and faithfulness will be a belt around His waist. Isaiah 59:17 - 17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and He wrapped Himself in zeal as in a cloak.]

Do you recall 2 Corinthians 5:20-21:

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

21 For our sake he (GOD) made him (JESUS) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him (JESUS) we might become the righteousness of God.

Righteousness cannot be earned because it is a gift from GOD to all who place their faith in JESUS.

Back to our focus scripture - Ephesians 6:15-17:

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

[Isaiah 52:7 - 7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"]

Christians are righteous and ready to move forward. When Christians realize they are in warfare they need to stay ready and respond as the Holy Spirit gives opportunity or command. Christians must be sure footed. I understand that the sandals of the warrior had something like cleats on the bottoms to keep them from slipping. The warrior was to move forward or stand firm.

16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.

[Romans 1:16-17 - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.

17 For in it God's righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.]

The shield of faith protects Christians from the flaming arrows launched by the enemy. If the enemy can shake your faith then you are compromised. You have slipped back relying upon your own strength and abilities.

17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word.

[Hebrews 4:12 - 12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.]

The seat for discernment and decision making must be protected, which is the head. When Christians are firm in their faith Satan and his minions cannot influence you. The instant you doubt your salvation, JESUS or GOD, watch out because you will be in for a rough spiritual ride.

If this happens to you, immediately go back to that moment you asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart. If you are not sure of your salvation, then ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life. Make a physical note, so that you know when you made that commitment to JESUS. Satan does all he can to make you doubt your salvation, which, in turn, compromises your relationship to GOD through faith in JESUS.

The sword is both offensive and defensive. When warriors used their sword they practiced and knew how to use it. Their sword was their friend and companion. The same is true for Christians in spiritual battle. Read, study and memorize the Bible.

Do you recall how JESUS dealt with the Devil as recorded in Matthew 4? When the Devil tempted JESUS, JESUS responded with “It is written --.” JESUS used GOD’S Word, Christians must do likewise.

Friends who have had to cope with addictions carry index cards with scripture wherever they go and must read scripture to fight off cravings. Yes, GOD’S Word is powerful. It is a two-edged sword. Memorize GOD’S Word and hide it in your heart. Pull it out when attacked, you mighty warrior of JESUS!  

Let’s read Ephesians 6:18-20:

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

Prayer is vital when Christians are fighting battles in everyday life. Prayer keeps Christians focused on the source of their strength, power and wisdom. 

As Christians go through the day, we should be in constant prayer. If you hear a siren it means something has happened to someone – pray. Pray about the news as you listen to it. Pray for others who come to your mind during the day and the list goes on.

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.

Christians are to pray for each other. All Christians are in battle every day e.g. fellow Christians, pastors, missionaries, church staff, teachers of the Bible and teachers of children and adults, churches, church leaders, leaders of the world, workers, those who have authority over our lives and the list goes on. Pray especially for our Christian church congregations that all Christians in a church body will pray, seek and demand truth be proclaimed, lived and become a true Spiritual body.

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

The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. He knew that he was an ambassador for CHRIST in this evil world even though he was in prison. He knew that when you are in an intense battle you can become weary and lose focus. Paul wanted to remain strong and seize every opportunity to speak of JESUS and salvation through HIM to those with whom he came into contact.

As Christians, we must pray for each other. If we do not keep our focus upon CHRIST, we will be vulnerable and wounded in battle. Prayers for each other are vital. Prayers of fellow Christians are the Spiritual reinforcement needed to under-gird and care for those in battle.

As Christians, we are in a battle every day. GOD is our Commander-in-Chief.  

Do not take this lesson lightly. 

Satan would love for you to consider it foolish for this enlightened time we live in. May the Holy Spirit open all of our Spiritual eyes to truth! Pray without ceasing because the days are evil. Blessings!!!