More on Ephesians 6

Like some of you, I suppose, I do a bit of blog-browsing. One site I enjoy is that of Emmanuel Covenant Church in Phoenix, where former Tucsonan and Cornerstone assistant headmaster Brian McKinley is now worshipping. It just so happens one of their teaching elders, Richard Klaus, recently spoke on the same passage Pastor Allen used last Sunday. I asked him for permission to reproduce his notes on this blog, and he graciously consented. Here they are, for our further enrichment on this great passage of Scripture:

Ephesians 6.10-17: Some Sermon Notes

This past Sunday (9-6-09) I was able to preach on Ephesians 6.10-17. I went over a number of scripture texts and someone asked if I would post these on the website. So here are a few of my notes from the sermon (with a few additions as well!):

Three main points: 1) The Reality of the conflict, 2) Our Responsibility in the conflict, and 3) The Resources for the conflict.

1. The Reality of the Conflict (6. 11, 12, 16). Other references to the devil or the demonic in Ephesians: 1.21; 2.2; 3.10; 4.27.

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them." C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

*The Reformed community’s tendency is toward disbelief; not unhealthy interest.

"I am certain that one of the main causes of the ill state of the church today is the fact that the devil is being forgotten. All is attributed to us; we have all become so psychological in our attitude and thinking. We are ignorant of this great objective fact, the being, the existence of the devil, the adversary, the accuser, and his ‘fiery darts.’" Martyn Lloyd-Jones

The Ephesian church had no such problem. They lived in a magic, spirit-infested culture. See Acts 19. 11-20 for biblical background. See Ephesians, Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians in Light of Its Historical Setting by Clinton E. Arnold for the historical background. Ephesians 6.12 would make perfect sense to the Ephesian church. It also makes perfect sense to vast stretches of the church in the non-Western world (i.e., “the global South”). Phillip Jenkins’ work The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South is crucial reading in this regard.

Ephesians 6.10 and its call to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might must be read in light of the rest of the letter to the Ephesians. Two contextual points to consider: 1) The power of God revealed in Christ in the salvation of his people (1.3-14) and 2) The power of Christ ruling and reigning over the powers (1.19-22).

Already/Not Yet Tension must be kept in mind and maintained. Already the powers are subject to Christ (1.19-22) and still there is the Not Yet of the struggle we face we the powers (6.12).

"Already" texts: John 12.31-32; Colossians 2.13-15; Hebrews 2.14-15; 1 John 3.8; 4.4; 5.8; Matthew 12.28-29; Luke 10.17-19. Notice especially the cross-focused theme of many of these passages.

"Not Yet" texts: 1 Thessalonians 2.18; 2 Corinthians 12.7; 1 Corinthians 7.5; 1 Thessalonians 3.5; 2 Timothy 2.26; 2 Corinthians 4.4; 11.13-15; 1 Timothy 4.1; 1 Timothy 3.6-7; 5.14-15; 2 Corinthians 2.5-11.

Christ is the victor and yet the battle is real.

2. Our Responsibility in the Conflict. Verses 11, 13, and 14a all bring out this need to engage ourselves in the battle. The language of “stand firm” is used three times as well as the language of “struggle” and “resist.” The exhortation to stand firm is given in the face of the enemies who are 1. Powerful, 2. Wicked, and 3. Cunning (vv. 11-12).

3. The Resources for the Conflict. It is the Lord’s strength but we must put it on. Two times the exhortation comes: “Put on/take up the full armor of God” (vv. 11, 13).

Armor of God: Old Testament roots–Isaiah 11.4-5; 59.17.

Truth: See Ephesians 1.13; 4.21, 24-25; 5.9.

Righteousness: Ephesians 4.24; 5.9. We are taking up the virtues that flow from the gospel of grace and applying them to the warfare we are involved in with the powers.
Readiness for the gospel: This is readiness to share the gospel. Context: Isaiah 52.7 and Ephesians 6.19. Gospel of peace: Peace with God (Eph 2.16) and peace with men (2.14-15; 4.3). Unity in the body is essential for the successful proclamation of the gospel and the defeat of the devil.

Shield of Faith: Ephesians 1.13, 15, 19; 2.8; 3.12, 17. Faith in Christ: what he has done and who we are in him. This faith protects against: temptation, heresy, and despair in persecution (cf. 1 Peter 5.8-9).

Helmet of Salvation: Ephesians 2 states we are “saved by grace” (vv. 5,8). Salvation in Ephesians 2 consists in 1) Being made alive with Christ, 2) Being raised up with Christ, and 3) Being seated in the heavenly places in Christ. How do we take up the helmet of salvation? Rehearse the reality of God’s grace and its effects in our lives. Pray for sustained faith.

Sword of the Spirit: This the word of God, the gospel (cf. Romans 10.8). We go on the offense with the gospel!

The armor of God is gospel-centered. In the beginning of Ephesians the gospel moves Paul to blessing and praise (1.3-14). At the end of the letter it is still gospel centered but now it is set in the context of battle.

For Christ and His Kingdom,

Richard Klaus