The Christian Soldier – Prepared For Battle

Ephesians 6:10-20  –

I.  THE FINAL EVIDENCE OF THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT IN THE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE (vv. 5:18, 6:10).

* We live in a desperately wicked world, and as Christians if we are not diligent and  vigilant we can find ourselves living a life of defeat.
* No disobedient Christian can faithfully follow the will of God, nor can the disobedient Christian be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might.
* The only answer for that is seeking God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9), receiving that forgiveness; then, living faithfully to God, His Word and the direction of His Spirit.

II.  THE COMMAND, THE EQUIPMENT AND THE BATTLE; STAND AND FIGHT (vv. 11-13).

* In these verses Paul gives us the command to put on the whole armor of God.
* We are told that the battle is not against flesh and blood, but against forces which we cannot see.
* Psalm 2:1-3
*  When the attacks seem unbearable, even in this can the Christian – Spirit filled – and fully armored, stand.  Praise God!

III.  STANDING, FIGHTING WITH THE ARMOR IN THE STRENGTH AND MIGHT OF OUR LORD (vv. 14-17).

* This is not the time for Christians to be laying our armor, nor our weapons down at the feet of the enemy.
* The belt of truth is used as the means to hold other pieces of equipment in place.
* Notice, by the text that this Sword is the “Word of God”.

IV. STANDING WITH GOD IN PRAYER (vv. 18-20).

* Not too many see it, but it seems to me that prayer must be the second offensive weapon that we have in Christ.
* We ought always pray for our pastors, teachers, and all who have spiritual authority in the church.  Paul’s request was threefold:
1. That he might experience freedom in his preaching;
2. That he might speak boldly;
3. That he might clearly present the “mystery of the gospel”.

You may view my study notes this outline is taken from at  this study site

-Tim A. Blankenship
The Christian Soldier – Prepared For Battle