CHRISTIAN WARFARE
EPHESIANS 6:10-20
The Christian life is a fight to the end. Paul assures us of this again and again. Writing to Timothy he says, “Fight the good fight of faith.” (! Tim. 6:12); and again, “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3). At the end of his own life, having battled his way through for God, he could say, “I have fought the good fight”…Finally, “there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Note three things in connection with this Christian warfare:
1. THE ENEMY OF THE CHRISTIAN (11-12)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (v.12)
a. His strategy
b. His strength
c. His subtlety
2. ARMOR OF THE CHRISTIAN (13-17)
a. The girdle – Christ our truth (v.14)
b. The shoes – Christ our peace (v.15)
c. The shield – Christ our faith (v.16)
d. The Helmet – Christ our hope (v.17)
3. THE VICTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN (10, 13)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. ... 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (vv.10,13)
The victory of the Christian will only be realized as we:
a. Face the enemy (v.13)
b. Fight the enemy (vv.17-18)
Notice that this is the first mention of offensive weapons in the armor. They are:
1) The sword of the Spirit
2) All prayer