The Christian’s Armor: Sword of the Spirit
In the armor of God, the sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon — and it’s not steel, but Scripture. The Word of God, empowered by the Spirit, cuts through lies, pierces the heart, and brings truth to light. A soldier doesn’t just own a sword — he trains with it, sharpens it, and wields it with skill. So must we, if we want to stand firm and advance God’s Kingdom.
The Christian’s Armor: Shield of Faith
What does it mean to take up the shield of faith? In this message from Ephesians 6:16, we explore how faith protects us from the attacks of the enemy and gives us strength to stand firm in spiritual battle.
The Christian’s Armor: Gospel Shoes & Gospel Peace
In Ephesians 6:15 Paul continues to describe the Christian’s armor. We learn that the gospel produces in us a readiness for battle. Jesus Christ proclaimed in the gospel provides us peace with God. He has become our peace. As Christian’s we also experience peace from God. Both of these aspects of peace equip us for battle. The gospel also produces in us a readiness to preach peace to a world that desperately needs it.
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.