September 26, 2024 • 25 mins
What if you could arm yourself against life's greatest challenges with a divine toolkit? Unravel the profound teachings of Ephesians 6:10-24 in our latest episode, where we unpack the concept of "Putting on the Whole Armor of God." We journey through Paul's powerful guidance on the transformation from sin's enslavement to becoming true embodiments of Christ's body. Discover how we can actively represent Jesus to the world and prepare for spiritual warfare against the devil's schemes. As we reflect on this epistle, we emphasize the importance of standing firm in faith, equipped with spiritual armor to withstand battles driven by unseen forces.
Explore the essential components of this spiritual armor with us: from the belt of truth to the sword of the Spirit. We'll delve into scriptures that highlight the power of truth, righteousness, and faith in shielding us from the enemy's attacks. Understand how faith, a precious gift from God, is pivotal in our protection and trust in His promises. As we conclude, join us in a heartfelt prayer for spiritual growth, express gratitude for your support, and invite your feedback to shape future episodes. Let this episode equip and encourage you in your faith journey, as we strive to honor God and reach out to the lost.
Please visit www.chosenbydesign.net for more information on Pastor Harry’s new book, "Chosen By Design - God’s Purpose for Your Life."
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway.
I'm your host, pastor HarryBehrens, and in today's episode
we're going to be finishing ourstudy through Ephesians in
chapter 6, looking at verses 10to 24, titled Putting on the
Whole Armor of God.
Now, before we begin, I want toinvite you to share any
questions or feedback you mayhave by using the Text Us link
in the description of thisepisode, as your input is
(00:21):
invaluable in shaping futureepisodes.
Here at the Takeaway, we arecommitted to creating content
that supports your spiritualgrowth, and we can only do that
with your feedback, so pleaselet us know your thoughts, as we
would love to hear from you Now.
Looking back over this series,we see that everything in Paul's
letter has led us right up tothis point.
He has prepared us for thisvery moment by explaining to us
(00:43):
who God is and that he haseverything in his sovereign
control, right down to thebreath in our lungs.
He showed us that we were deadand enslaved to sin, unable to
save ourselves from seeking thepassions of our flesh.
He chose us to be holy andblameless before him by giving
us church leaders to equip andprepare us to walk in faith in a
(01:04):
lost world manipulated by Satanand that we are to imitate
Christ to glorify God.
The final step is for us to puton the whole armor of God and
fight the good fight.
We are no longer hiding in acorner or living to serve
ourselves.
God has called us to serve andfaithfully be used by him in
(01:24):
this lost world.
We are now the manifestation ofthe body of Christ.
Until he comes again, thechurch is his bride and we are
to represent the one we belongto.
When the world sees andinteracts with us, it should see
Jesus.
They should think of him and beconfronted by him, because we
(01:44):
are his.
When they receive us, theyreceive him, and when they
reject us, they reject him.
Could you imagine walking intoanother man's house and
rejecting his wife?
What would that man do?
I know I would be asking you toleave at the very least, and
you'd be lucky if that's all Idid.
When you go into a man's house,you are to respect his wife as
you would him.
In fact, you would most likelyrespect her more than him, as
(02:08):
you would realize that his wifeis his treasure, the one whom
that man chose to marry.
In doing so, he is bound toprotect, cherish and suffer for
her unto death.
Knowing this, you would becrazy to disrespect even your
best friend's wife, as thismight be the one thing that
costs you yours.
(02:29):
So it is with Jesus and thechurch.
He will judge the world, andthe wrath of God will come upon
an unbelieving people becausethey rejected Jesus and his
bride.
You cannot accept one aspect ofGod and reject another.
You must accept all of God orreject him entirely, because he
won't have it any other way.
(02:49):
1 John 4, 20-21.
If anyone says I love God andhates his brother, he is a liar,
for he who does not love hisbrother, whom he has seen,
cannot love God whom he has notseen.
And this commandment we havefrom him whoever loves God must
(03:12):
also love his brother.
So how do we prepare ourselvesto live the Christian life?
As we will see now, we have totake action and apply what we
learned.
There is no excuse for nottaking action.
If you are not living a lifethat pleases Christ, you are
wasting your time attendingBible studies or church.
The point is to become equippedfor Christian living and not
(03:35):
just a fellowship, as many doJames 1, 22-25.
But be doers of the word and nothearers only deceiving
yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer ofthe word and not a doer, he is
like a man who looks intently athis natural face in a mirror,
for he looks at himself and goesaway and at once he forgets
(03:55):
what he was like.
But the one who looks into theperfect law, the law of liberty,
and perseveres being no hearerwho forgets, but a doer who acts
, he will be blessed in hisdoing.
We are to be more than hearersof the word only.
We are to be doers.
What other reason is there forlearning besides applying it,
(04:17):
unless you're entertained by it?
2 Timothy 4, verses 3-5.
For the time is coming whenpeople will not endure sound
teaching but having itching ears.
They will accumulate forthemselves teachers to suit
their own passions and will turnaway from listening to the
truth and wander off into myths.
(04:38):
As for you, always besober-minded, endure suffering,
do the work of an evangelist andfulfill your ministry.
There is a great danger inthinking that all we need is
head knowledge to be able tospout off something to prove we
are Christians.
The reality is that the Word ofGod is preparing us for war and
(04:58):
even going to death, if need be, for the sake of the gospel.
That is what we are preparingfor.
The question is, are you readyfor that?
So look at Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 10 to 12.
Finally, be strong in the Lordand the strength of his might
Put on the whole armor of Godthat you may be able to stand
(05:20):
against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle againstflesh and blood, but against the
rulers and drives the materialright.
All our battles, all of ourfrustrations and trials come
(05:43):
from spiritual battles, notfleshly ones.
As we see in the book ofRevelation, through God's
judgments, the spiritual realmdrives the material one.
Everything we see is a resultof something we don't see.
For instance, the devil seeksto destroy us, right?
The devil is not out in theworld looking to fight those
(06:04):
whom he already has.
He is out to fight us, thechildren of God.
We are the ones he hates, thechurch that stands and lives in
and for the word of God.
He is out there, doingeverything he can to trip us up
and make us doubt our positionand the power we have in God, to
make us think we are powerless.
(06:24):
2 Corinthians 11, verses 13 to15,.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen disguising
themselves as apostles of Christ.
And no wonder, for even Satandisguises himself as an angel of
light.
So it is no surprise if hisservants also disguise
themselves as servants ofrighteousness.
If his servants also disguisethemselves as servants of
righteousness, their end willcorrespond to their deeds.
(06:47):
So we cannot overcome the worldby fighting the world.
So how do we overcome it then?
Well, 1 John 5, verses 3 to 5.
For this is the love of Godthat we keep his commandments,
and his commandments are notburdensome, for everyone who has
been born of God overcomes theworld, and this is the victory
(07:07):
that has overcome the world.
You see, here we are to bestrong in the Lord, as we saw in
verse 10.
That gives us the context ofwhat it means to put on the
(07:27):
whole armor of God.
It's his armor and his strength.
You are hidden in him as abeliever, and in him you will
defeat the spiritual realm, notbecause you fight, but because
he does.
That requires you to live infaith, and a faith that pleases
him.
Colossians 3, verses 1 to 4.
(07:48):
It says we are hidden in him,right?
If, then, you have been raisedwith Christ, seek the things
that are above, where Christ isseated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on the thingsthat are above, not on the
things that are on the earth,for you have died and your life
is hidden within Christ, in God.
When Christ, who is your life,appears, then also will appear.
(08:12):
You also will appear with himin glory.
So Ephesians 6, verse 13.
Therefore, take up the wholearmor of God that you may be
able to withstand in the evilday and having done all to stand
firm.
So we are to be mature and thisrequires a mature Christian
life to be able to withstand.
(08:32):
We must grow in maturity andunderstand what it means to live
in God.
We find ourselves in his armorand protection when we live in
him.
When we live in him, we willshare his attributes and be
protected by the armor that hewears.
Who can wear a king's armor butthe king himself?
You are in his armor when yourlife is in the king.
(08:55):
So many believers have thepicture of us putting on his
armor and that we do the work orwe fight the fight.
That picture contradictsscripture and yet many believe
it to be true.
Knowing the context and flow ofscripture, in which our lives
are found and sustained by himand his spirit in us paints a
much more precise, realisticpicture.
(09:17):
Colossians 3, verses 12 to 17.
Here's the characteristics of abeliever.
Put on, then, as God's chosenones, holy and beloved,
(09:38):
compassionate hearts.
Here's the characteristics of abeliever.
And above all these, put onlove, which binds everything
together in perfect harmony, andlet the peace of Christ rule in
your hearts, to which, indeed,you are called in one body, and
be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell inyou, richly teaching and
admonishing one another in allwisdom, singing psalms and hymns
(09:58):
and spiritual songs, withthankfulness in your hearts to
God.
And whatever you do in word ordeed, do everything in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanksto God, the Father, through him
.
Ephesians, chapter 6, 14 to 15.
Stand, therefore, havingfastened on the belt of truth,
having put on the breastplate ofrighteousness and, as shoes for
(10:20):
your feet, having put on thereadiness given by the gospel of
peace.
So let's look at this.
Stand, therefore.
This is speaking of ourfoundation.
The foundation is built ontruth, which produces
righteousness and causes us tobe ready at all times, the belt
of truth.
Let's look at John 8, verses 31to 32.
(10:42):
So Jesus said to the Jews whohad believed in him if you abide
in my word, you are truly mydisciples and you will know the
truth, and the truth will setyou free.
It all starts with truth.
It holds the armor togetherlike a belt holding your pants
up.
We must be grounded in thetruth Now.
The breastplate ofrighteousness covers the vital
(11:05):
organs.
So this is Isaiah 59, verse 17.
He put on righteousness as abreastplate and a helmet of
salvation on his head.
2 Corinthians 7.1.
Since we have these promisesbeloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from every defilementof body and spirit, bringing
holiness to completion in thefear of God.
(11:26):
1 Thessalonians 5.8.
But since we belong to the day,let us be sober, having put on
the breastplate of faith andlove and, for a helmet, the hope
of salvation.
The truth leads to righteousliving.
Now, the shoes of readiness areour firm foundation.
Look at 1 Corinthians 3, verse11.
(11:48):
For no one can lay a foundationother than that which is laid,
which is Jesus Christ, andRomans 8, 37-39.
No, in all these things we aremore than conquerors, through
him who loved us, for I am surethat neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor rulers, northings present, nor things to
come, nor powers, nor height,nor depth, nor anything else in
all creation will be able toseparate us from the love of God
(12:10):
in Christ Jesus.
Our Lord Paul had a confidentfoundation in Christ, and so
should we if we are to live alife glorifying him.
Do you believe the word istruth?
Do you live righteously in thetruth, showing that you believe
the truth?
That is your foundation, or itshould be, and without it you
can't hope, you can't even beginto hope to live in faith.
(12:34):
Ephesians 6, verse 16.
In all circumstances, take upthe shield of faith with which
you can extinguish all theflaming darts of the evil.
One.
Now, faith is unique in thearmor of God.
If anything is required of us,it's this that we have faith.
Faith is the thing that putsour beliefs into action.
(12:56):
It is our basic trust in Godand, like everything else, it is
given, not achieved.
As we will see, faith can bebroken down into three parts.
First, faith shields us againstthe attacks of the enemy.
It is a door-sized shield, likethat of a Roman soldier's, used
in battle to create a wall ofprotection for the whole body.
(13:17):
This is not something you holdto protect your face.
It protects the entire body,and Jesus is that door behind
which we find protection John 10, verse 9.
And Jesus is that door behindwhich we find protection.
John 10, verse 9.
I am the door.
If anyone enters by me, he willbe saved and will go in and out
and find pasture.
The second faith enables us toenter and stand behind the door
(13:39):
as he protects us.
John chapter 10, verses 27 to 30.
My sheep hear my voice and Iknow them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life andthey will never perish and no
one will snatch them out of myhand.
My father, who has given themto me, is greater than all.
No one is able to snatch themout of the father's hand.
I and the father are one.
(13:59):
Once again, we see that wearen't the ones fighting, he is.
When we put our faith in Jesus,we enter the door where he
shields us from outside attacks.
And now, third, faith is given,not achieved.
Let me say that one more timeFaith is given, not achieved.
(14:21):
Romans 12, verse three.
For by grace given to me, I sayto everyone among you not to
think of himself more highlythan he ought to think, but to
think with sober judgment, eachaccording to the measure of
faith that God has assigned.
God gave us faith when he savedus.
(14:42):
That faith made it possible totrust him and enter into his
protection.
So, even though we put ourfaith into action, god was the
giver of that faith in the firstplace.
We have nothing of ourselvesthat can boast about the work we
do or the faith we have.
It's all from him and it's allfor him.
(15:03):
All we do is submit in faithand he does the rest.
Ephesians, chapter 2, verses 8to 10.
For by grace, you have beensaved through faith, and this,
here it is, and this is not yourown doing.
It is the gift of God, not aresult of works, so that no one
may boast, for we are hisworkmanship, created in Christ
(15:26):
Jesus for good works which Godprepared beforehand that we
should walk in them.
Ephesians, chapter six, verses17 to 18,.
And take the helmet ofsalvation and the sword of the
spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the
spirit, with all prayer andsupplication.
Now, the helmet of salvation isfor believers.
This is about protecting ourassurance of salvation.
(15:50):
Ephesians 6, verse 11,.
Put on the whole armor of Godthat you may be able to stand
against the schemes of the devil.
Satan attacks by making us doubtour place with God, to make us
powerless.
The helmet of salvationprotects our thoughts and the
truth that assures us.
The enemy wants to hit you inthe head so you are unsure.
(16:13):
We have assurance of salvationand need to be grounded in that
truth.
Anything that comes againstthat truth is not of God.
Philippians 1, verse 6.
And I am sure of this, that hesee that the work he started in
you will indeed be completed.
He is not a God of partial orunfinished work.
(16:39):
If he saved you, you can besure he will sanctify you and
never let you go.
However, satan can make usdoubt this, causing us to
believe we are powerless if wedon't protect our thoughts.
The helmet protects againstthese blows, so we can wield the
sword against the enemy Now,the sword of the Spirit.
(16:59):
This is what the devil doesn'twant you to realize.
You have.
Our power lies here, and hewants us to doubt it.
He has no power against theSpirit of God and his only hope
is that we live a powerless lifein Christ.
Paul's letter has taught us theopposite, and God wants us to
live in his power and he wantsus to use it.
(17:20):
2 Corinthians 10, verses 3-6.
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war
according to the flesh, for theweapons of our warfare are not
of the flesh but have divinepower to destroy strongholds.
We destroy arguments and everylofty opinion raised against the
(17:45):
knowledge of God and take everythought captive to obey Christ,
being ready to punish everydisobedience when your obedience
is complete.
Hebrews 4, verse 12.
For the word of God is livingand active, sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing to thedivision of soul and of spirit,
of joints and of marrow, anddiscerning the thoughts and
(18:08):
intentions of the heart.
This is our greatest weapon andmany believers will never pick
it up and use it.
They think it's too heavy orsomething impossible for them to
swing.
Comments like I'm not gifted,like you, or I can't do that all
completely undermine God's wordand the power of the Spirit.
If you believe that, then youhave been deceived and you are
(18:30):
right.
Where Satan wants you powerless, he also doesn't want you
praying.
Praying is how we tap into thatpower of the Spirit.
Jesus said that we could askfor anything in his name and
that he would do it.
The reason he will do it is sothat we bear much fruit and
glorify God, and a great way toglorify God is by defeating the
(18:51):
enemy of lies with the truth.
How will Jesus deny a requestto defeat Satan and his attacks
when that's precisely what hecommands us to do?
Now, unfortunately, most peopletry to do this in their own
strength and not his.
When we pray, he swings thesword.
(19:11):
That's how it works, and wehave to know the truth to enact
our faith, pray and swing thesword to defeat the enemy.
So the question is why don'tpeople pray like that?
I've heard it said that if Godwill do whatever, he will do
anyway.
Why do we need to pray?
How is what I ask for of anyvalue or importance?
(19:37):
Because prayer is to ask sothat we bear fruit and have
Christ's joy fulfilled in us toglorify God.
Let's look at John 15, 7-11.
If you abide in me and my wordsabide in you, ask whatever you
wish and it will be done for you.
By this my Father is glorified,that you bear much fruit and so
(20:01):
prove to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, sohave I loved you.
Abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments,you will abide in my love, just
as I have kept my Father'scommandments and abide in his
love.
These things I have spoken toyou, that my joy may be in you
and that your joy may be full.
Now we will see that, like anygood soldier who is fully
(20:25):
armored, we are to keep alertand always be ready.
Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 19to 20.
To that end, keep alert withall perseverance, making
supplication for all the saintsand also for me, that words may
be given to me in opening mymouth boldly to proclaim the
mystery of the gospel, for whichI am an ambassador in chains,
(20:48):
that I may declare boldly, as Iought to speak Now keeping alert
.
A soldier must be waiting andwatching for an attack or he
will be called off guard and allhe is watching over is
destroyed.
That's like a pastor watchingover Christ's flock.
If he lets his guard down, thesheep may start wandering into
enemy territory or, even worse,the enemy might find his way
(21:10):
into the flock.
There's nothing worse than awolf in sheep's clothing and we
need to be alert to theseindividuals.
We are to be makingsupplication.
Supplication means it's the actof supplicating, or humble and
earnest prayer, as in worship.
It is a humble petition and anearnest request.
It's a plea.
We are to lift those in prayerdoing the Lord's work to achieve
(21:34):
what they have been sent to do.
Romans 8, verses 26-27.
Likewise, the Spirit helps usin our weakness, for we do not
know what to pray for, as weought.
But the Spirit himselfintercedes for us with groanings
too deep for words, and he whosearches hearts knows what is
the mind of the Spirit, becausethe Spirit intercedes for the
(21:55):
saints according to the will ofGod.
So we are to pray for eachother and we should pray for
those who are trying to protectus.
The Lord desires that his sheepbe fed and loved so that we may
have the fullness of his joy.
The problem is we don't pray.
The enemy is getting in anddeceiving many and the church is
doing nothing about it.
(22:16):
Leaders aren't saying anythingand the church is doing nothing
about it.
Leaders aren't saying anythingand the flock is scattered.
If we don't put the faith givento us in motion, we will never
pray believing that Jesus willanswer.
We aren't to hope he willanswer, we are to know he will,
because he said so.
Then we are to live our livesas if it's been answered already
(22:37):
.
That's faith.
Do you have that level of faith, or are you still like a child
who runs or cries when thelights go out?
We are not to be scared ofdarkness.
As Christians, we are to walkboldly into it, knowing that his
light will shine.
Because we asked Now Paul'sfinal greetings.
(22:57):
We see this in Ephesians,chapter 6, verses 21 to 24.
To finish up, so that you alsomay know how I am and what I am
doing, tychicus, the belovedbrother and faithful minister in
the Lord, will tell youeverything.
I have sent him to you for thisvery purpose that you may know
how we are and that he mayencourage your hearts.
(23:18):
Peace be to the brothers andlove with faith from God, the
Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be with all of who loveour Lord Jesus Christ with love
incorruptible.
Now we are to be thankful, justlike Paul, and encourage one
another to keep the faith.
At the end of the day, we stilllive in decaying bodies and we
(23:40):
tend to fall.
It's our job to pick each otherup when we fall and remind each
other whom we serve and thepromise of finishing the race.
The Lord gave us eyes to seethat we were on the wrong side
of enemy lines and now we arefighting our way back to him
with the faith he gave us.
So get on your knees and praytoday that you don't fall prey
(24:01):
to the enemy's tactics and thatyou may bear much fruit as to
defeat him.
Let's pray, father.
God, thank you so much for yourword.
I thank you for this letterthat Paul wrote.
I thank you for how powerful itis, that it lays out a roadmap
for our spiritual lives.
That we may know what you'vedone.
(24:21):
That we know where we came from.
That we know the plan that youput into place.
That we know the process inwhich we are to be equipped.
That we can understand ourrelationship with you and how to
interact with you, where ourpower lies in you.
That we could put on the fullarmor of God and stand against
(24:41):
the enemy of this world.
That we can live a life that isglorifying unto you.
God, I pray that you will helpus to bear much fruit, that our
listeners will learn to ask, sothat you will be glorified, and
that together we can have thefullness of our Lord's joy.
Father, we love you and wethank you in Jesus name.
(25:05):
Amen.
Now, as always, I want to thankyou for joining us today and I
hope this series throughEphesians has helped you take a
step closer in your relationshipwith Jesus and that you have a
better understanding of just howmuch God loves you and wants
you to know him.
Now, before we go, I want toask that you send us your
questions or comments that youmay have through the text us
(25:26):
link provided in the descriptionof this episode.
It is our desire to help yougrow in your faith, so we need
the questions you send us todevelop future episodes that are
beneficial for you.
Our hope is that our ministrycan be a tool to reach the lost
and equip the saints for a lifethat is glorifying to God.
God bless, and we'll see younext time on the Takeaway.
Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway.
I'm your host, pastor HarryBehrens, and in today's episode
we're going to be finishing ourstudy through Ephesians in
chapter 6, looking at verses 10to 24, titled Putting on the
Whole Armor of God.
Now, before we begin, I want toinvite you to share any
questions or feedback you mayhave by using the Text Us link
in the description of thisepisode, as your input is
(00:21):
invaluable in shaping futureepisodes.
Here at the Takeaway, we arecommitted to creating content
that supports your spiritualgrowth, and we can only do that
with your feedback, so pleaselet us know your thoughts, as we
would love to hear from you Now.
Looking back over this series,we see that everything in Paul's
letter has led us right up tothis point.
He has prepared us for thisvery moment by explaining to us
(00:43):
who God is and that he haseverything in his sovereign
control, right down to thebreath in our lungs.
He showed us that we were deadand enslaved to sin, unable to
save ourselves from seeking thepassions of our flesh.
He chose us to be holy andblameless before him by giving
us church leaders to equip andprepare us to walk in faith in a
(01:04):
lost world manipulated by Satanand that we are to imitate
Christ to glorify God.
The final step is for us to puton the whole armor of God and
fight the good fight.
We are no longer hiding in acorner or living to serve
ourselves.
God has called us to serve andfaithfully be used by him in
(01:24):
this lost world.
We are now the manifestation ofthe body of Christ.
Until he comes again, thechurch is his bride and we are
to represent the one we belongto.
When the world sees andinteracts with us, it should see
Jesus.
They should think of him and beconfronted by him, because we
(01:44):
are his.
When they receive us, theyreceive him, and when they
reject us, they reject him.
Could you imagine walking intoanother man's house and
rejecting his wife?
What would that man do?
I know I would be asking you toleave at the very least, and
you'd be lucky if that's all Idid.
When you go into a man's house,you are to respect his wife as
you would him.
In fact, you would most likelyrespect her more than him, as
(02:08):
you would realize that his wifeis his treasure, the one whom
that man chose to marry.
In doing so, he is bound toprotect, cherish and suffer for
her unto death.
Knowing this, you would becrazy to disrespect even your
best friend's wife, as thismight be the one thing that
costs you yours.
(02:29):
So it is with Jesus and thechurch.
He will judge the world, andthe wrath of God will come upon
an unbelieving people becausethey rejected Jesus and his
bride.
You cannot accept one aspect ofGod and reject another.
You must accept all of God orreject him entirely, because he
won't have it any other way.
(02:49):
1 John 4, 20-21.
If anyone says I love God andhates his brother, he is a liar,
for he who does not love hisbrother, whom he has seen,
cannot love God whom he has notseen.
And this commandment we havefrom him whoever loves God must
(03:12):
also love his brother.
So how do we prepare ourselvesto live the Christian life?
As we will see now, we have totake action and apply what we
learned.
There is no excuse for nottaking action.
If you are not living a lifethat pleases Christ, you are
wasting your time attendingBible studies or church.
The point is to become equippedfor Christian living and not
(03:35):
just a fellowship, as many doJames 1, 22-25.
But be doers of the word and nothearers only deceiving
yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer ofthe word and not a doer, he is
like a man who looks intently athis natural face in a mirror,
for he looks at himself and goesaway and at once he forgets
(03:55):
what he was like.
But the one who looks into theperfect law, the law of liberty,
and perseveres being no hearerwho forgets, but a doer who acts
, he will be blessed in hisdoing.
We are to be more than hearersof the word only.
We are to be doers.
What other reason is there forlearning besides applying it,
(04:17):
unless you're entertained by it?
2 Timothy 4, verses 3-5.
For the time is coming whenpeople will not endure sound
teaching but having itching ears.
They will accumulate forthemselves teachers to suit
their own passions and will turnaway from listening to the
truth and wander off into myths.
(04:38):
As for you, always besober-minded, endure suffering,
do the work of an evangelist andfulfill your ministry.
There is a great danger inthinking that all we need is
head knowledge to be able tospout off something to prove we
are Christians.
The reality is that the Word ofGod is preparing us for war and
(04:58):
even going to death, if need be, for the sake of the gospel.
That is what we are preparingfor.
The question is, are you readyfor that?
So look at Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 10 to 12.
Finally, be strong in the Lordand the strength of his might
Put on the whole armor of Godthat you may be able to stand
(05:20):
against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle againstflesh and blood, but against the
rulers and drives the materialright.
All our battles, all of ourfrustrations and trials come
(05:43):
from spiritual battles, notfleshly ones.
As we see in the book ofRevelation, through God's
judgments, the spiritual realmdrives the material one.
Everything we see is a resultof something we don't see.
For instance, the devil seeksto destroy us, right?
The devil is not out in theworld looking to fight those
(06:04):
whom he already has.
He is out to fight us, thechildren of God.
We are the ones he hates, thechurch that stands and lives in
and for the word of God.
He is out there, doingeverything he can to trip us up
and make us doubt our positionand the power we have in God, to
make us think we are powerless.
(06:24):
2 Corinthians 11, verses 13 to15,.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen disguising
themselves as apostles of Christ.
And no wonder, for even Satandisguises himself as an angel of
light.
So it is no surprise if hisservants also disguise
themselves as servants ofrighteousness.
If his servants also disguisethemselves as servants of
righteousness, their end willcorrespond to their deeds.
(06:47):
So we cannot overcome the worldby fighting the world.
So how do we overcome it then?
Well, 1 John 5, verses 3 to 5.
For this is the love of Godthat we keep his commandments,
and his commandments are notburdensome, for everyone who has
been born of God overcomes theworld, and this is the victory
(07:07):
that has overcome the world.
You see, here we are to bestrong in the Lord, as we saw in
verse 10.
That gives us the context ofwhat it means to put on the
(07:27):
whole armor of God.
It's his armor and his strength.
You are hidden in him as abeliever, and in him you will
defeat the spiritual realm, notbecause you fight, but because
he does.
That requires you to live infaith, and a faith that pleases
him.
Colossians 3, verses 1 to 4.
(07:48):
It says we are hidden in him,right?
If, then, you have been raisedwith Christ, seek the things
that are above, where Christ isseated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on the thingsthat are above, not on the
things that are on the earth,for you have died and your life
is hidden within Christ, in God.
When Christ, who is your life,appears, then also will appear.
(08:12):
You also will appear with himin glory.
So Ephesians 6, verse 13.
Therefore, take up the wholearmor of God that you may be
able to withstand in the evilday and having done all to stand
firm.
So we are to be mature and thisrequires a mature Christian
life to be able to withstand.
(08:32):
We must grow in maturity andunderstand what it means to live
in God.
We find ourselves in his armorand protection when we live in
him.
When we live in him, we willshare his attributes and be
protected by the armor that hewears.
Who can wear a king's armor butthe king himself?
You are in his armor when yourlife is in the king.
(08:55):
So many believers have thepicture of us putting on his
armor and that we do the work orwe fight the fight.
That picture contradictsscripture and yet many believe
it to be true.
Knowing the context and flow ofscripture, in which our lives
are found and sustained by himand his spirit in us paints a
much more precise, realisticpicture.
(09:17):
Colossians 3, verses 12 to 17.
Here's the characteristics of abeliever.
Put on, then, as God's chosenones, holy and beloved,
(09:38):
compassionate hearts.
Here's the characteristics of abeliever.
And above all these, put onlove, which binds everything
together in perfect harmony, andlet the peace of Christ rule in
your hearts, to which, indeed,you are called in one body, and
be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell inyou, richly teaching and
admonishing one another in allwisdom, singing psalms and hymns
(09:58):
and spiritual songs, withthankfulness in your hearts to
God.
And whatever you do in word ordeed, do everything in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanksto God, the Father, through him
.
Ephesians, chapter 6, 14 to 15.
Stand, therefore, havingfastened on the belt of truth,
having put on the breastplate ofrighteousness and, as shoes for
(10:20):
your feet, having put on thereadiness given by the gospel of
peace.
So let's look at this.
Stand, therefore.
This is speaking of ourfoundation.
The foundation is built ontruth, which produces
righteousness and causes us tobe ready at all times, the belt
of truth.
Let's look at John 8, verses 31to 32.
(10:42):
So Jesus said to the Jews whohad believed in him if you abide
in my word, you are truly mydisciples and you will know the
truth, and the truth will setyou free.
It all starts with truth.
It holds the armor togetherlike a belt holding your pants
up.
We must be grounded in thetruth Now.
The breastplate ofrighteousness covers the vital
(11:05):
organs.
So this is Isaiah 59, verse 17.
He put on righteousness as abreastplate and a helmet of
salvation on his head.
2 Corinthians 7.1.
Since we have these promisesbeloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from every defilementof body and spirit, bringing
holiness to completion in thefear of God.
(11:26):
1 Thessalonians 5.8.
But since we belong to the day,let us be sober, having put on
the breastplate of faith andlove and, for a helmet, the hope
of salvation.
The truth leads to righteousliving.
Now, the shoes of readiness areour firm foundation.
Look at 1 Corinthians 3, verse11.
(11:48):
For no one can lay a foundationother than that which is laid,
which is Jesus Christ, andRomans 8, 37-39.
No, in all these things we aremore than conquerors, through
him who loved us, for I am surethat neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor rulers, northings present, nor things to
come, nor powers, nor height,nor depth, nor anything else in
all creation will be able toseparate us from the love of God
(12:10):
in Christ Jesus.
Our Lord Paul had a confidentfoundation in Christ, and so
should we if we are to live alife glorifying him.
Do you believe the word istruth?
Do you live righteously in thetruth, showing that you believe
the truth?
That is your foundation, or itshould be, and without it you
can't hope, you can't even beginto hope to live in faith.
(12:34):
Ephesians 6, verse 16.
In all circumstances, take upthe shield of faith with which
you can extinguish all theflaming darts of the evil.
One.
Now, faith is unique in thearmor of God.
If anything is required of us,it's this that we have faith.
Faith is the thing that putsour beliefs into action.
(12:56):
It is our basic trust in Godand, like everything else, it is
given, not achieved.
As we will see, faith can bebroken down into three parts.
First, faith shields us againstthe attacks of the enemy.
It is a door-sized shield, likethat of a Roman soldier's, used
in battle to create a wall ofprotection for the whole body.
(13:17):
This is not something you holdto protect your face.
It protects the entire body,and Jesus is that door behind
which we find protection John 10, verse 9.
And Jesus is that door behindwhich we find protection.
John 10, verse 9.
I am the door.
If anyone enters by me, he willbe saved and will go in and out
and find pasture.
The second faith enables us toenter and stand behind the door
(13:39):
as he protects us.
John chapter 10, verses 27 to 30.
My sheep hear my voice and Iknow them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life andthey will never perish and no
one will snatch them out of myhand.
My father, who has given themto me, is greater than all.
No one is able to snatch themout of the father's hand.
I and the father are one.
(13:59):
Once again, we see that wearen't the ones fighting, he is.
When we put our faith in Jesus,we enter the door where he
shields us from outside attacks.
And now, third, faith is given,not achieved.
Let me say that one more timeFaith is given, not achieved.
(14:21):
Romans 12, verse three.
For by grace given to me, I sayto everyone among you not to
think of himself more highlythan he ought to think, but to
think with sober judgment, eachaccording to the measure of
faith that God has assigned.
God gave us faith when he savedus.
(14:42):
That faith made it possible totrust him and enter into his
protection.
So, even though we put ourfaith into action, god was the
giver of that faith in the firstplace.
We have nothing of ourselvesthat can boast about the work we
do or the faith we have.
It's all from him and it's allfor him.
(15:03):
All we do is submit in faithand he does the rest.
Ephesians, chapter 2, verses 8to 10.
For by grace, you have beensaved through faith, and this,
here it is, and this is not yourown doing.
It is the gift of God, not aresult of works, so that no one
may boast, for we are hisworkmanship, created in Christ
(15:26):
Jesus for good works which Godprepared beforehand that we
should walk in them.
Ephesians, chapter six, verses17 to 18,.
And take the helmet ofsalvation and the sword of the
spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the
spirit, with all prayer andsupplication.
Now, the helmet of salvation isfor believers.
This is about protecting ourassurance of salvation.
(15:50):
Ephesians 6, verse 11,.
Put on the whole armor of Godthat you may be able to stand
against the schemes of the devil.
Satan attacks by making us doubtour place with God, to make us
powerless.
The helmet of salvationprotects our thoughts and the
truth that assures us.
The enemy wants to hit you inthe head so you are unsure.
(16:13):
We have assurance of salvationand need to be grounded in that
truth.
Anything that comes againstthat truth is not of God.
Philippians 1, verse 6.
And I am sure of this, that hesee that the work he started in
you will indeed be completed.
He is not a God of partial orunfinished work.
(16:39):
If he saved you, you can besure he will sanctify you and
never let you go.
However, satan can make usdoubt this, causing us to
believe we are powerless if wedon't protect our thoughts.
The helmet protects againstthese blows, so we can wield the
sword against the enemy Now,the sword of the Spirit.
(16:59):
This is what the devil doesn'twant you to realize.
You have.
Our power lies here, and hewants us to doubt it.
He has no power against theSpirit of God and his only hope
is that we live a powerless lifein Christ.
Paul's letter has taught us theopposite, and God wants us to
live in his power and he wantsus to use it.
(17:20):
2 Corinthians 10, verses 3-6.
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war
according to the flesh, for theweapons of our warfare are not
of the flesh but have divinepower to destroy strongholds.
We destroy arguments and everylofty opinion raised against the
(17:45):
knowledge of God and take everythought captive to obey Christ,
being ready to punish everydisobedience when your obedience
is complete.
Hebrews 4, verse 12.
For the word of God is livingand active, sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing to thedivision of soul and of spirit,
of joints and of marrow, anddiscerning the thoughts and
(18:08):
intentions of the heart.
This is our greatest weapon andmany believers will never pick
it up and use it.
They think it's too heavy orsomething impossible for them to
swing.
Comments like I'm not gifted,like you, or I can't do that all
completely undermine God's wordand the power of the Spirit.
If you believe that, then youhave been deceived and you are
(18:30):
right.
Where Satan wants you powerless, he also doesn't want you
praying.
Praying is how we tap into thatpower of the Spirit.
Jesus said that we could askfor anything in his name and
that he would do it.
The reason he will do it is sothat we bear much fruit and
glorify God, and a great way toglorify God is by defeating the
(18:51):
enemy of lies with the truth.
How will Jesus deny a requestto defeat Satan and his attacks
when that's precisely what hecommands us to do?
Now, unfortunately, most peopletry to do this in their own
strength and not his.
When we pray, he swings thesword.
(19:11):
That's how it works, and wehave to know the truth to enact
our faith, pray and swing thesword to defeat the enemy.
So the question is why don'tpeople pray like that?
I've heard it said that if Godwill do whatever, he will do
anyway.
Why do we need to pray?
How is what I ask for of anyvalue or importance?
(19:37):
Because prayer is to ask sothat we bear fruit and have
Christ's joy fulfilled in us toglorify God.
Let's look at John 15, 7-11.
If you abide in me and my wordsabide in you, ask whatever you
wish and it will be done for you.
By this my Father is glorified,that you bear much fruit and so
(20:01):
prove to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, sohave I loved you.
Abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments,you will abide in my love, just
as I have kept my Father'scommandments and abide in his
love.
These things I have spoken toyou, that my joy may be in you
and that your joy may be full.
Now we will see that, like anygood soldier who is fully
(20:25):
armored, we are to keep alertand always be ready.
Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 19to 20.
To that end, keep alert withall perseverance, making
supplication for all the saintsand also for me, that words may
be given to me in opening mymouth boldly to proclaim the
mystery of the gospel, for whichI am an ambassador in chains,
(20:48):
that I may declare boldly, as Iought to speak Now keeping alert
.
A soldier must be waiting andwatching for an attack or he
will be called off guard and allhe is watching over is
destroyed.
That's like a pastor watchingover Christ's flock.
If he lets his guard down, thesheep may start wandering into
enemy territory or, even worse,the enemy might find his way
(21:10):
into the flock.
There's nothing worse than awolf in sheep's clothing and we
need to be alert to theseindividuals.
We are to be makingsupplication.
Supplication means it's the actof supplicating, or humble and
earnest prayer, as in worship.
It is a humble petition and anearnest request.
It's a plea.
We are to lift those in prayerdoing the Lord's work to achieve
(21:34):
what they have been sent to do.
Romans 8, verses 26-27.
Likewise, the Spirit helps usin our weakness, for we do not
know what to pray for, as weought.
But the Spirit himselfintercedes for us with groanings
too deep for words, and he whosearches hearts knows what is
the mind of the Spirit, becausethe Spirit intercedes for the
(21:55):
saints according to the will ofGod.
So we are to pray for eachother and we should pray for
those who are trying to protectus.
The Lord desires that his sheepbe fed and loved so that we may
have the fullness of his joy.
The problem is we don't pray.
The enemy is getting in anddeceiving many and the church is
doing nothing about it.
(22:16):
Leaders aren't saying anythingand the church is doing nothing
about it.
Leaders aren't saying anythingand the flock is scattered.
If we don't put the faith givento us in motion, we will never
pray believing that Jesus willanswer.
We aren't to hope he willanswer, we are to know he will,
because he said so.
Then we are to live our livesas if it's been answered already
(22:37):
.
That's faith.
Do you have that level of faith, or are you still like a child
who runs or cries when thelights go out?
We are not to be scared ofdarkness.
As Christians, we are to walkboldly into it, knowing that his
light will shine.
Because we asked Now Paul'sfinal greetings.
(22:57):
We see this in Ephesians,chapter 6, verses 21 to 24.
To finish up, so that you alsomay know how I am and what I am
doing, tychicus, the belovedbrother and faithful minister in
the Lord, will tell youeverything.
I have sent him to you for thisvery purpose that you may know
how we are and that he mayencourage your hearts.
(23:18):
Peace be to the brothers andlove with faith from God, the
Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be with all of who loveour Lord Jesus Christ with love
incorruptible.
Now we are to be thankful, justlike Paul, and encourage one
another to keep the faith.
At the end of the day, we stilllive in decaying bodies and we
(23:40):
tend to fall.
It's our job to pick each otherup when we fall and remind each
other whom we serve and thepromise of finishing the race.
The Lord gave us eyes to seethat we were on the wrong side
of enemy lines and now we arefighting our way back to him
with the faith he gave us.
So get on your knees and praytoday that you don't fall prey
(24:01):
to the enemy's tactics and thatyou may bear much fruit as to
defeat him.
Let's pray, father.
God, thank you so much for yourword.
I thank you for this letterthat Paul wrote.
I thank you for how powerful itis, that it lays out a roadmap
for our spiritual lives.
That we may know what you'vedone.
(24:21):
That we know where we came from.
That we know the plan that youput into place.
That we know the process inwhich we are to be equipped.
That we can understand ourrelationship with you and how to
interact with you, where ourpower lies in you.
That we could put on the fullarmor of God and stand against
(24:41):
the enemy of this world.
That we can live a life that isglorifying unto you.
God, I pray that you will helpus to bear much fruit, that our
listeners will learn to ask, sothat you will be glorified, and
that together we can have thefullness of our Lord's joy.
Father, we love you and wethank you in Jesus name.
(25:05):
Amen.
Now, as always, I want to thankyou for joining us today and I
hope this series throughEphesians has helped you take a
step closer in your relationshipwith Jesus and that you have a
better understanding of just howmuch God loves you and wants
you to know him.
Now, before we go, I want toask that you send us your
questions or comments that youmay have through the text us
(25:26):
link provided in the descriptionof this episode.
It is our desire to help yougrow in your faith, so we need
the questions you send us todevelop future episodes that are
beneficial for you.
Our hope is that our ministrycan be a tool to reach the lost
and equip the saints for a lifethat is glorifying to God.
God bless, and we'll see younext time on the Takeaway.
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