“No Ringside Seating”
Ephesians 6:10-20
Scripture Focus (Ephesians 6:10-20) – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
[16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
- Embracing Our Kingdom Authority (10)
- We are the sons of God – “Finally, be strong in the Lord…”
- We have the strength from God – “…and in the strength of His might.”
Your Authority in the Kingdom is sourced in your Identity in the Kingdom.
The degree to which you now who you are will become the degree to which will walk in His power.
- Recognizing Our Kingdom Adversary (11-12)
- Satan has declared war (11)
- We need protection – “Put on the whole armor of God…” This is your responsibility!
- We need perception – “…that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
- Satan has demonic warriors (12) – “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against…”
- “The rulers” – principalities; highest ranking demonic authorities; ruling over regions and nations
- “The authorities” – these are the enforcers of what the rulers decree; these demons work through human agencies and institutions to establish strongholds within covens, occult socieites, governments and religious systems and institutions
- “The cosmic powers over this present darkness” – describes the strategic and committed activity of deception and blindness used to imprison people; the spirit of this age would be included under this description; these demons proactively work through media, education, entertainment industries
- “The spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” – describes the organized activity of a mobilized Satanic army operating with strategic assignments over cities, territories, and nations. These are the low-level foot soldiers of hells army that are associated with direct demonization, torment, infirmity, lust, addiction and behavioral bondage.
- Suited Up In Our Kingdom Armor (13-17)
- The Responsibility (13) – “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
- The Requirement (14)- “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…”
A soldier’s belt would hold all the other armor in place, without it, he is defenseless.
Righteous living will protect your heart from being corrupted.
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- The Resistance (15-16)- “…as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Standing & shielding
- The Retaliation (17) – “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God…” ”
A mind renewed by God’s Word and a mouth speaking the truth of God’s Word is how we retaliate against the enemy.
- Exercising Our Kingdom Access (18-20)
- Spirit-owned prayer (18a) – “…praying at all times in the Spirit…”
- Sustained prayer (18b) – “…with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…”
- Strategic prayer (19-20) – “…and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”