EPHESIANS CHAPTER SIX
INTRODUCTION TO THIS STUDY
The purpose of this study work is to give you the original Greek language words and definitions for all the key words in this selected Bible text. This work does not make any effort to interpret the text in question, though some interpretation may occur naturally as a result of the study. The English translation used is the King James (Authorized) Version, not because it is the best translation available, but because I just plain prefer it for study!
All Scripture text will be presented in normal cased lettering, and all notes within the text will be in TRUE TYPE FONT, as shown. This (I hope) will allow you to avoid confusion between God's Word and my notes. As I update this website, I will continue to embellish the text so that anyone using NETSCAPE or MSIE 3.0 or higher will be able to read the document easier. Greek tenses are abbreviated as follows:
* Note: Verses
with no additional notes are shown in diminished text. Those who are interested
in helping in the Greek exegesis of this text, please contact me at bibleteacher.org.
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Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey (hupakouo [hoop-ak-oo'-o],
listen, hearken to, submit to the authority of) your parents
in the Lord: for this is right.
| Children are given great importance in the Word of God, contrary
to the social conventions prevalent in the Judao-Roman societies of that
day. Social distinctions, so prevalent in societies, are erased by the
Gospel - though DESIGN or ERGONOMICS of the family is not.
1. Though children are regarded with worth, within the design of the family unit they are still required to _______ their parents. (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20) Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 2. Again, "in the Lord" is added to the admonition of obedience. Why? |
Ephesians 6:2
Honor (timao [tim-ah'-o],
Lenski = "it is the form that love assumes towards those who are placed
above us by God", Thayer = "to honor, to have in honor, to revere, venerate")
thy father and mother; (which is the first (protos
[pro'-tos], first {in importance}, in blessing; Hendriksen, pg 260 = a
primary commandment, i.e., one of foremost significance) commandment
with promise;)
| 3. Why is the fifth commandment, "the first commandment with promise"?
(Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16)
Exodus 20:12 Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Deuteronomy 5:16 Honor thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. a. How will "your days be long" if you honor your parents? |
Ephesians 6:3
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:
(parorgizo
[par-org-id'-zo], to rouse to wrath or exasperation) but bring
them up (ektrepho [ek-tref'-o], to nourish to maturity)
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
| 4. The Gospel introduced a fresh element into society, in that the
children's feelings are to be taken into consideration - that the stronger
also have an obligation unto the weaker. Why? (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Ephesians 4:26-27 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil. 5. How do we, as parents, "nourish" our children "to maturity"? a. Nurture: paideia [pahee-di'-ah], training, instruction, chastening, physical correction b. Admonition: nouthesia [noo-thes-ee'-ah], correction by word of mouth |
Ephesians 6:5
Servants, (doulos [doo'-los],
slave, a bondservant, Thayer = " one who gives himself up to another's
will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his
cause among men ") be obedient to them that are [your] masters
according to the flesh, with fear (phobos [fob'-os],
fear, reverential awe) and trembling, (tromos
[trom'-os], Thayer = "with fear and trembling, used to describe the anxiety
of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but
religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty ") in singleness
(
haplotes [hap-lot'-ace], sincerity - with one goal in mind)
of your heart, as unto Christ;
| In the culture of this time, there were a number of slaves - some
sixty million - in the Roman empire - about one third of the total population.
However, slaves were regarded by the Judao-Roman culture as no more than
living tools - even by such enlightened philosophers like Aristotle. The
letter of Philemon was written to a slave holder concerning the slave Onesimus.
The Word of God, though it did not overtly condemn slavery, paved the way for social change by ADDRESSING SLAVES as equals in the Kingdom of Heaven. 6. In the Kingdom of Christ, how are we all supposed to be slaves or bond-servants? (Titus 1:1; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1:1) Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ: Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 7. When I am obedient to my employer, what is my goal? Why does this verse stress obedience to the employer, as unto Christ our Lord? (Matthew 5:16; Titus 2:6-11) Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Titus 2:6-11 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. [7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, [8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. [9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; [10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. [11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" |
Ephesians 6:6
Not with eyeservice, (ophthalmodouleia
[of-thal-mod-oo-li'-ah], unusual compound, found only here and in Colossians
3:22) as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the
will of God from the heart;
| Colossians 3:22-25 "Servants, obey in all
things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice,(ophthalmodouleia
[of-thal-mod-oo-li'-ah])as menpleasers;
but in singleness of heart, fearing God: [23] And whatsoever ye do,
do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that
of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve
the Lord Christ. [25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the
wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
8. What does it mean "not with eyeservice"? Who would be tempted to do this? Why would I be tempted to do this? (Colossians 3:22-25) 9. How did our Lord Jesus become a slave? (Philippians 2:4-7) Philippians 2:4-11 "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. [5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, (doulos [doo'-los], slave, bond servant) and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. [9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. |
Ephesians 6:7
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Ephesians 6:8
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the
same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.
| 10. We are to be obedient to our masters/ bosses .... why? (Colossians
3:24-25)
Colossians 3:24-25 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. The Pencil The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be. "#1 You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand. "#2 You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil. "#3 You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make. "#4 The most important part of you will always be what's inside. "#5 On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition you must continue to write." The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in his heart. But now the pencil lay on the dark wood table, feeling insignificant and rather sad. Beside him on the desk was a colorful tin can, filled with every kind of beautiful pen to be had. There were silver fountain pens and a neon felt tip marker. There was also a classy ball-point whom everyone called Parker. "What a loser," they said of the pencil, as they observed his wooden frame. "Don't bother with him, he's a nobody," said Parker, "He doesn't even have a name." Now the world was at war and their owner was a Soldier who was tasked to bring peace to the land. "What we need is a map," the Soldier had said, at the desk across from his Officer the other night. "If someone can fly me over the city unseen, I can draw a map from the sky. The map will tell you where to go and how to win, and soon we'll put an end to this fight." The Officer had agreed and now the Soldier would fly, but first he discussed with his wife. "I'll need something to draw with, something dependable . . . something that won't fail me mid-flight." The Soldier looked at his dark wood desk, and observed all the pens in the can. He studied each one, their bodies all shimmering, and he weighed them all in his hand. "This one won't work," he said of a pen, "the ink might blot on the map. This one needs to be refilled every few hours, and this one will dry out without a cap." He looked at each one and always found something wrong, or anticipated problems if he used it in the sky. "I need something that would work whatever the conditions, and I need it soon my dear wife." "Then take this pencil." his wife finally said, handing him the frail and battered yellow thing. "It will write no matter what, it will write on a plane -- it's the best writing tool you can bring." The Soldier smiled, kept the pencil in his pocket, and took it with him on the plane. He finished the map and the map helped bring them peace ... and the pencil has never been the same. The pencil was now nothing more than a stub; what was left of his lead was now broken. His eraser was gone, his wood frame had split, and some time ago his metal ring had been stolen. Now he stood before the Pencil Maker, and waited for him to say those five words. "Well done, my faithful pencil," the Pencil Maker said, "You have written what you were meant to write in the world." "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (James 1:12) |
Ephesians 6:9
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing
threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there
respect of persons with him.
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Ephesians 6:10
Finally, (tou loipou, "for
the rest" ... this is what remains to do) my brethren, be
strong (endynamousthe, "be strengthened")
in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (en
to kratei tes ischyos autou, "His mighty power")
| 1. The believer is encouraged by the Apostle to "be strong" (see
1 Corinthians 16:13). Let's explore this.
1 Corinthians 16:13 "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." a. The Body of Christ is never to be stagnant, but to constantly be united and in preparation for our battle with evil. Where does evil come from? b. What is the Source of our power? How can we know that this Power will be sufficient for the battle to come? (see Ephesians 1:18-23; 3:16-21) Ephesians 1:18-23 "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." Ephesians 3:16-21 "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; [19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. [20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, [21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." |
Ephesians 6:11
Put on (endysasthe, to be
clothed with the available resources) the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to stand (stete, "to hold
a position", a military term. Before an offensive can be mounted you must
first of all hold your ground) against the wiles of the devil.
| 2. The Christian is called to "put on" (endysasthe) the whole armor
of God.
a. This armor is provided only to the children of light (see 1 Thessalonians 5:4-10) 1 Thessalonians 5:4-10 "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. [8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. [9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." b. The armor provided to us is modeled on the armor that Jehovah Jireh wears, our Lord God Almighty (see Isaiah 59:17) Isaiah 59:17 "For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak." 3. A retreating or uncertain army can NEVER mount an offensive against the enemy, but is a defeated army. How does the current condition of the Church of Christ reflect uncertainty, retreating, or defeatism? Does it? a. Though satan (sic) attacks the Church physically, more often he attacks it spiritually, offering certain ruses to destroy the work of God. How can he destroy our unity? (see Ephesians 4:2-3; 4:21-25; 4:31-32; 5:6-11) Ephesians 4:2-3 "With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; [3] Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:21-25 "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: [22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; [23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. [25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another." Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 5:6-11 "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. [7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them. [8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: [9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) [10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." |
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle (pale, "struggle")
not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, (archoi,
"cosmic powers", NEB) against powers, (kosmokrator,
"power, potentate", refers to those who aspire to world control. Identified
in ancient literature to savior gods in ethnic religions or to sun worship
gods) against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. (ta
pneumatika tes ponerias, "the spiritual forces of wickedness", [Beare,
pp 738-739, astrology, in ancient societies the stars and horoscope was
considered to be the abode of demons, who controlled your destiny - no
matter what])
| 3. Who is our enemy? This is the most important question that we,
as Christ's Church, can answer correctly - and a question which so few
have gotten right. (see Revelation 12.3-9)
Revelation 12:3-9 "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. [4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. [5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. [6] And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. [7] And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, [8] And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. [9] And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." 4. The Scripture teaches that a "third part" of the angels followed satan (sic) in revolt against Almighty God, our Lord and King. Where are these fallen angels? a. Free fallen angels can possess the unsaved: MK 5.1-9 Mark 5:1-9 "And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. [2] And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, [3] Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: [4] Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. [5] And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. [6] But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, [7] And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. [8] For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. [9] And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many." b. Idolatry is a form of demon worship: 1 CO 10.19-21 1 Corinthians 10:19-21 "What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? [20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. [21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." c. Some demons were trapped by the Archangel Michael and cast into ABYSS, whereas others are still roaming free at this time by the will of God: 2 PE 2.4; JUDE 6 2 Peter 2:4 "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" Jude 6 "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." d. Satan's fall from glory chronicled: Isaiah 14.3-20 e. Satan's tactic against the world is to blind them to the Gospel of Christ BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY: 2 CO 4.1-5 2 Corinthians 4:1-5 "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; [2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." f. Satan and Christ are mutually exclusive of one another: JO 14.30 John 14:30 "Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me." g. Satan's children are humans who, rejecting Christ, follow Satan: Ephesians 2.1-3 Ephesians 2:1-3 "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." h. Satan, we MUST remember, is a CREATED BEING - he can only go as far as the Creator allows him to go. i. Satan, the creator of spiritual death, can bring physical death - but only if God allows it: HE 2.14-15; JOB 1.12-19; 1 CO 5.1-5 Hebrews 2:14-15 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; [15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Job 1:12-19 "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. [13] And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: [14] And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: [15] And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [16] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [17] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [18] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: [19] And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee." 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. [2] And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. [3] For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, [4] In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, [5] To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." j. Though Some Diseases Are Self Inflicted (Venereal Disease), And Others Come From Natural Causes (Bacterial), There Is A Type Of Demon Induced Disease: aa. The Thorn In Paul's Flesh: 2 CO 12.7
k. Under God's levitical codes, anyone friendly with demons or Seances, Ouija, Spiritualism, Psychic projection, etc., were to be executed. What does this tell us God's attitude about treason to the enemy is?: Leviticus 20.27 |
Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you (elabete,
"to take up, assume") the whole armor of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
| 5. How can we stand against the forces arrayed against us? Do we have any hope? Yes, but ONLY through the provisions that God has given us in Jesus. |
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Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you (elabete,
"to take up, assume") the whole armor of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
| Very few Christians in this present evil age realize
the power of the Angelic Host, the power of the Fallen Host, and the powerful
ARMOR that God through Jesus Christ has provided for us.
1. When Lucifer fell, how many of the Angelic Host followed him in disobedience to Jehovah-Jesus? (Revelation 12.4, 7-9) Revelation 12:4 "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." Revelation 12:7-9 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, [8] And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. [9] And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." 2. Lucifer (a.k.a. Satan) was an archangel until
his fall from Grace. What is an archangel {archaggelos, pronounced
ar-khang'-el-os}?
a. Michael (Meaning, "He Who Is Like God"), The Warrior Angel Who Will Overthrow Satan Just Before The Time Of The Tribulation: Dan 10.13,21; 12.1; Rev 12.7Daniel 12:1-2 "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (verse 2) And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Revelation 12:7-10 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (verse 8) And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (verse 9) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (verse 10) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." aa. This throwing down or exile of Satan has the effect of setting the Tribulation Period on earth in motion (7 year reign of Satan over the nations)Luke 1:19, 26-28 "And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. (verse 26) And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, (verse 27) To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. (verse 28) And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." Matthew 2:19-21 "But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, (verse 20) Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. (verse 21) And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel." Genesis 3:24 "So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Ezekiel 28:13-15 "Thou
hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering,
the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper,
the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship
of thy tablets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou
wast created. (verse 14) Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth;
and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast
walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (verse 15)
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till
iniquity was found in thee."
|
Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with
truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
| 4. The armor that the Christian wears must be an ABSOLUTE, must
be RELIABLE, must be TRUE. In the battle for truth, the spiritual conflict
that we are in, there can be no room for "pretend" armor, nor "suppose
to be" truth. Satan and his fallen ones attack, not uncertainly, but with
certainty that their cause will win.
a. Paul was FLEXIBLE when it came to dealing with people, yet preached only ONE truth. Like a prize fighter, he trained for a true and literal battle with a true and literal enemy - Satan. He carried the weapons that the Father issued to him in battle - the Word of God (both written and Living), the Spirit of God, and a faith in Jesus that could NOT be swayed. (1 Corinthians 9:18-27) 1 Corinthians 9:18-27 "What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. (verse 19) For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. (verse 20) And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (verse 21) To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (verse 22) To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (verse 23) And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (verse 24) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (verse 25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (verse 26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (verse 27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." |
Ephesians 6:15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Ephesians 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
| 5. Only the "shield of faith" can quench the attack of Satan and
his allies. That shield of faith MUST be an absolute, a certainty, not
a "suppose" or relational.
a. Our Father yet holds up Abel as a fit example of faith (Hebrews 11.4) : Hebrews 11:4 "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." and yet Cain's sacrifice is yet disregarded as UNFIT (Jude 10-11): Jude 1:10-11 "But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. [11] Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core." Though both offered sacrifice to God, only the sacrifice that God commanded was acceptable. This is NOT RELATIVE, but an ABSOLUTE. b. Nadab and Abihu were Aaron's sons, Moses nephews, and were levitical priests. Yet they offered STRANGE FIRE to God, the wrong type of sacrifice, and were destroyed because of it (Leviticus 10.2) Leviticus 10:1-2 "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. (verse 2) And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD." 6. The "shield of faith" that we as Christians have, we have because the One and ONLY True God gave us this shield. This should inspire awe - and CAREFULNESS! (Exodus 33.17-23) Exodus 33:17-23 "And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. (verse 18) And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. (verse 19)And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. (verse 20) And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. (verse 21) And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: (verse 22) And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: (verse 23) And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen." Erwin Lutzer wrote of the time he led a Church retreat in Washington, D.C., and one of those at the retreat was a highly placed Secret Service official. This official asked Lutzer if he and his family wanted to visit the Oval Office the next day, and he said "Yes". Lutzer recounts: "The next morning we met at one of the gates at the White House. When we stopped at the first guard station, one of my daughters offered her purse to the officer for inspection, but he waved her on. "You are with him", he said, nodding to the agent, "go on in". Then as we entered the White House, we met another assembly of guards. They looked at the agent, glanced at us, and said, "You are with him. Go on in". In the hallways we met more guards. Again they looked at the agent, glanced at us, and said, "You are with him ... go on in". By now we were nearing the Oval Office; I could already see the open door. One more guard stood at the entrance. Glancing at the agent he, too, waved us on toward the door with the understanding, you are with him ... go on in...." (Ten Lies About God, pg. 38) |
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God:
|
|
Ephesians 6:18
Praying (proseuchomai [pros-yoo'-khom-ahee],
to offer prayers) always with all prayer (proseuche
[pros-yoo-khay'], prayer) and supplication (deesis
[deh'-ay-sis], entreaty to God for others, intercessory prayer)
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication
(deesis
[deh'-ay-sis], entreaty to God for others, intercessory prayer)
for all saints;
| 1. The whole armor of God, that we believers
are to put on, consists of the girdle of truth, breastplate of righteousness,
shoes of the Gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and
the Sword of the Spirit (the Holy Scriptures). These are all SPIRITUAL
weapons and defenses, used to combat our SPIRITUAL enemy, the forces of
Satan.
a. TRUTH is from God (Psalms 31:5; 33:4): Psalms 31:5 "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth." Psalms 33:4 "For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth." b. RIGHTEOUSNESS is from God (Romans 10:2-11): Romans 10:2-11 "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [3] For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. [4] For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. [5] For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. [6] But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down [from above]:) [7] Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." c. The GOSPEL is from Christ our Savior (Romans 1:16-17): Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." d. FAITH, which leads to salvation, comes from God - it is not a WORK that makes us worthy for salvation (Galatians 5:4-7; Ephesians 2:8-10 [also Hebrews 12:2; 11:13]): Galatians 5:4-7 "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. [5] For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. [7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." e. SALVATION and the SWORD, the Scripture, are also purely from God (2 Timothy 3:14-17): 2 Timothy 3:14-17 "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; [15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2. Since our EQUIPMENT is spiritual, given by our Lord, and our ENEMY is spiritual, our ATTACK must be spiritual. As Christian warriors our method of attack must be through PRAYER (both conversational and intercessory) and keeping WATCH over one another. Ephesians 6:18 Praying (proseuchomai [pros-yoo'-khom-ahee], to offer prayers) always with all prayer (proseuche [pros-yoo-khay'], prayer) and supplication (deesis [deh'-ay-sis], entreaty to God for others, intercessory prayer) in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication (deesis [deh'-ay-sis], entreaty to God for others, intercessory prayer) for all saints; The Doctrine of Prayer a. God expects us to pray: (Matthew 9.38; 6:5-9) Matthew 9:38 "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." Matthew 6:5-9 "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. [6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. [7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. [8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. [9] After this manner therefore pray ye... " b. God listens to every prayer of the believer: (Proverbs 15.29) Proverbs 15:29 "The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous." c. God delights in hearing the prayers of His saints: (Proverbs 15.8) Proverbs 15:8 "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight." d. When we pray we release the power of God on earth: (James 5:16-18; Mark 9.25-29) James 5:16-18 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. [17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. [18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." Mark 9:25-29 "When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. [26] And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. [27] But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. [28] And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? [29] And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." e. With prayer we bless our food, God's gift to us: (1 Timothy 4.4-5) 1 Timothy 4:4-5 "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." f. There are two types of prayer: Supplicative and Intercessory Prayer: i. Scriptural evidence of supplicative prayer: (Psalms 28.2; 1 Timothy 2.1-4; Hebrews 5.5-7) Psalms 28:2 "Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle." 1 Timothy 2:1-4 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." Hebrews 5:5-7 "So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. [6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. [7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared" [NOTE] There are two types of supplicative prayer in the Bible. DEESIS is supplicative prayer that emphasizes adoration of God. It is prayer that seeks to worship, rather than to request. HIKETERIA is supplicative prayer that is emphasized by "approaching in order to gain favor". In this type of prayer we seek God to our own benefit. This type of prayer is very necessary, as we are finite creatures, and God enjoys filling up our needs. This should not be the only type of prayer we engage in, though. ii. Scriptural evidence of Intercessory Prayer: (1 Timothy 2.1-4; James 5:15-16) 1 Timothy 2:1-4 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." James 5:15-16 "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. [16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." [NOTE] The Hebrew word for intercession is PAGA, meaning "to come between, to entreat between in prayer". The Greek word for intercession is ENTEUXIS, which translated means "an interview". Intercessory prayer is therefore "An interview with God, conducted on behalf of someone else". iii. EFFECTIVE prayers are those which are offered for one another in the Power of the Spirit of God: (Romans 8:26-27) Romans 8:26-27 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." |
Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that
I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
| 3. Paul asks that the Ephesians pray for him. Why? How is this different from the way the Christian Church has treated pastors in our era? |
Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:21
But that ye also may know my affairs, [and] how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
Ephesians 6:22
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and [that] he might comfort your hearts.
Ephesians 6:23
Peace [be] to the brethren, and love with faith, from
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:24 Grace [be] with all them that love
our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. <<[To [the] Ephesians written
from Rome, by Tychicus.]>>
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