Ephesians 6
by Philip Layton
Paul describes the spiritual armour needed for spiritual warfare
Click here to read Ephesians 6
Discussion Questions
- Is there a devil (vv 10-18)? If there is, does he have power over us?
- Why are we given ‘armour’ to wear? When was the last time that you deliberately checked your spiritual armour?
- Who gives Paul the words to witness (v 19)?
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Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
Spiritual warfare is all around us. Numerous books have been written on this subject, and at various seminaries there are courses offered on spiritual warfare. But it’s nothing new. The spiritual forces of evil were first faced in the Garden of Eden when Eve was tempted to eat the fruit. From the beginning Satan, the perpetrator of evil, has done everything in his power to keep us from God. It’s his primary goal – through temptation and deception.
Paul says to us, as he said to the Ephesians, that in order to combat this evil we are to put on the armour of God to help us wage, and win, the spiritual war. Perhaps this reminds some of us of Sunday school days, but it’s no ‘childish’ subject. It’s to be taken very seriously and the ‘armour’ is to be put on permanently – if there’s to be victory.
Belt of truth. The belt gathered up loose material on a soldier’s tunic for safety. The belt pulls together all spiritual truths.
Breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate covered the soldier’s torso. Righteousness – holy living – is our protection against Satan and his tactics.
Boots of the gospel. Soldiers wore boots with nails to grip the ground. We are to be grounded in the good news, bringing peace.
Shield of faith. The shield protects the soldier’s body. The believer’s trust in God is necessary to combat the temptation to sin.
Helmet of salvation. Satan sows seeds of doubt, discouragement. We must protect our minds, our confident status in Christ.
Sword of the Spirit. God’s Word is the only weapon that a believer needs – for it’s infinitely more powerful than any of Satan’s devices.
Prayer
Lord, the war is raging all around me. I want to be equipped to resist temptation, through the power of your precious Holy Spirit.
Beverly Ivany
Tags: Ephesians