Henceforth

September 15, 2024
Pastor Jack

A warrior standing firm in the Armor of God, inspired by Ephesians 6:10-24. The warrior wears a belt of truth, a shining breastplate of righteousness, sturdy shoes of the gospel of peace, holding a large shield of faith and a sword of the Spirit. The warrior has a helmet of salvation, and the scene is set against a radiant, heavenly backdrop. The light suggests spiritual strength and divine protection, with an ethereal glow surrounding the figure. The warrior looks ready for spiritual battle, exuding faith and courage.

Ephesians 6:10-24

Finally, become strong in the Lord and in the might of his strength. Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the stratagems of the devil, because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Because of this, take up the full armor of God, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand therefore, girding your waist with truth, and putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and binding shoes under your feet with the preparation of the good news of peace, in everything taking up the shield of faith, with which you are able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one, and receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, with all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and to this end being alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, and for me, that a word may be given to me at the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for the sake of which I am an ambassador in chains, that in them I may speak freely, as it is necessary for me to speak. Now, so that you also may know my circumstances, what I am doing, Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things, whom I have sent to you for this very reason, that you may know our circumstances, and he may encourage your hearts. Peace to the brothers and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruptibility.

What is holding us back?

Paul has been telling the belivers at Ephesus about ideas of their new faith. He has called them to unity and to love one another. He has described how they should act as new creatures.

He is now wrapping up his letter by telling them how they should and can behave differently.

Ephesians 6:10–20 (ESV):

The Whole Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • Talk about the “finally” here and what Jack shared related to the nuances of that translation. Can you see a challange issued by Paul here?
  • How can we be “strong in the Lord”?
  • Sometimes, rightfully so, we can get so enamored with the “Armor of God” in this passage, that we focus on that and miss the overarching message from Paul.
    • What is that message?
    • Why should we put on the armor?
  • Let’s talk about the idea that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers”. What does that mean to you?
  • In what ways or in what manner does the enemy attack?
  • Jack mentioned that God’s armor is not on-size-fits-all. What does that mean to you?
  • What are the components of the armor? Let’s talk about each one.
    • Belt of Truth
    • Breastplate of Righteousness
    • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
    • Shield of Faith
    • Helmet of Salvation
  • What is (how can we know) the truth?

Ephesians 6:21–24 (ESV):

Final Greetings

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

  • Is your love for Jesus incorruptible?
  • Note that love is mentioned several times in these few verses. How do you think that connects to the rest of this letter?

Thoughts for Reflection

  • Are we living like we love
    • Jesus?
    • Each other?
    • The lost?
  • Have you put on your armor?
  • Are you ready?
  • What is holding us back?
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