Sermons by Patrick Rossel
The Christian’s Armor: Truth and Righteousness
In Ephesians 6:14 Paul begins introducing pieces of the Christian’s Armor. Christians need to be grounded in Christ, who is the truth, and all of His Word. He is the source of all truth and Satan is constantly trying to deceive us. They also need the righteousness of Christ to protect them from Satan’s accusations. This righteousness also works itself out in a life of righteousness in the Christian.
Christ Our Hope in Battle
In Ephesians 6:10-13 Paul begins to bring the letter to a close with various exhortations. We first learn that we are weak. This is why we need to rely on the Lord’s strength. Then Paul shows us what Christians are up against – the forces of hell. No one stands a chance in the spiritual battle in their own strength. Thankfully, we can stand firm in Christ.
Who Do You Serve?
In Ephesians 6:5-9 Paul addresses masters and slaves. He shows that they both truly have one master, the Lord Jesus. Christians are to seek His approval, not man’s, in all areas of vocation and service. Those who are in Christ can expect an eternal reward for their vocation if done to God’s glory.
The Christian Household
In Ephesians 6:1-4 Paul gives two exhortations for children and two exhortations for parents. Children are called to obey and honor their parents. Parents, in particular fathers, are first called to not provoke their children to anger. Then, they are called to teach and train their children in the Lord. Parents have a high calling of making disciples of their children through the practicing and teaching of God’s Word.
The Beauty of Marriage: Husbands
In Ephesians 5:25-33, Paul describes three ways husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church. They are to love their wives sacrificially, dying to themselves. They are to love their wives with a sanctifying love. The Christian husband is to show concern for and help lead his wife in holiness. And they are to love their wives as themselves. The Christian husband nourishes and cherishes his wife, seeking to meet her needs and providing an atmosphere where she can flourish. The call upon Christian husbands is high, but the strength to live it out can be found in Christ.
The Beauty of Marriage: Wives
In Ephesians 5:22-33 Paul describes the ways in which marriage reflects the relationship between Christ and His Church. The creation of marriage pointed to this at its inception. It is a picture of the Church’s union with Christ. Today we will see how wives following their husbands points to the Church’s submission to her Lord.
Spirit-Filled Living
In Ephesians 5:18-21, Paul gives the Ephesians three ways they can live Spirit-filled lives. By God’s grace we are enabled to further submit to the Spirit’s sanctifying work through worship, thankfulness, and mutual submission. This is what it looks like to live a life yielded to the Holy Spirit. When we live submitted to the Spirit through these means, we can expect to progressively experience the fruit of the Spirit. We will truly be living as the temple of God.
Walking in Wisdom
In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul gives the Ephesians three ways they can ensure they are walking in wisdom. He calls them to be watchful, intentional with their time, and understand the will of the Lord. As Christians, we can ensure we are walking in wisdom by paying attention to our lives and hearts. Similarly to how Paul calls Timothy to watch his doctrine and life, he calls all Christians to keep a close watch on their life. The unexamined life will lead to immaturity and foolishness. However, the mature Christian examines himself regularly to ensure he is walking in accordance with his calling. Christians also must redeem the time, ensuring they use it for the glory of God. Lastly, Paul calls us to understand God’s revealed will contained in the Scriptures. If we are practicing these things as Christians, we are well on our way to walking in wisdom.
The New Man in Thought, Word, and Deed
Paul urges believers to put away falsehood, control anger, speak with grace, and forgive as God has forgiven us. These verses paint a picture of a transformed community shaped by truth, kindness, and love. When we walk in step with the Spirit, our lives become a reflection of God’s character to the world.
The New Man
The Apostle Paul calls believers to walk in holiness by shedding their former way of life and embracing the new identity found in Christ.