Ephesians 6:10
Verse
Context
The Full Armor of God
9And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Sermons
Keith Daniel
Corrie Ten Boom
Leonard RavenhillKeith Daniel
Chuck SmithLeonard RavenhillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Finally - Having laid before you, your great and high calling, and all the doctrines and precepts of the Gospel, it is necessary that I should show you the enemies that will oppose you, and the strength which is requisite to enable you to repel them. Be strong in the Lord - You must have strength, and strength of a spiritual kind, and such strength too as the Lord himself can furnish; and you must have this strength through an indwelling God, the power of his might working in you.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
my brethren--Some of the oldest manuscripts omit these words. Some with Vulgate retain them. The phrase occurs nowhere else in the Epistle (see, however, Eph 6:23); if genuine, it is appropriate here in the close of the Epistle, where he is urging his fellow soldiers to the good fight in the Christian armor. Most of the oldest manuscripts for "finally," read, "henceforward," or "from henceforth" (Gal 6:17). be strong--Greek, "be strengthened." in the power of his might--Christ's might: as in Eph 1:19, it is the Father's might.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Finally, my brethren,.... This is the conclusion of the apostle's exhortations, in which he addresses the saints as his brethren; which appellation he uses, not merely as a familiar way of speaking among the Jews, but in regard to them as regenerate persons, and of the same family and household of God with himself; and he calls them so, to show his humility, and as a proof of his affection to them, and with a design to encourage them to their duty, as follows: be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might; which is directed to, partly on account of the things before exhorted to, which could not be performed in their own strength; and partly with respect to their many and potent enemies hereafter mentioned, against whom they had no might nor power of their own; and therefore the apostle points out the Lord Jesus Christ unto them, in whom are strength, power, and might, even everlasting strength, to enable them to perform their duty, and to fight against every enemy, sin, Satan, and the world; for though they are weak, and strength in themselves, and can do nothing of themselves, and without Christ; yet since there is strength in him, which is communicable to them, they may expect it from him, and depend upon it; and they may come at, or strengthen themselves in it, and by it, by meditation on it, by prayer for it, by waiting on Christ in his own ways, by exercising faith upon him, and through the Spirit, who strengthens them from him with might in the inward man.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is a general exhortation to constancy in our Christian course, and to encourage in our Christian warfare. Is not our life a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the common calamities of human life. Is not our religion much more a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the opposition of the powers of darkness, and with many enemies who would keep us from God and heaven. We have enemies to fight against, a captain to fight for, a banner to fight under, and certain rules of war by which we are to govern ourselves. "Finally, my brethren (Eph 6:10), it yet remains that you apply yourselves to your work and duty as Christian soldiers." Now it is requisite that a soldier be both stout-hearted and well armed. If Christians be soldiers of Jesus Christ, I. They must see that they be stout-hearted. This is prescribed here: Be strong in the Lord, etc. Those who have so many battles to fight, and who, in their way to heaven, must dispute every pass, with dint of sword, have need of a great deal of courage. Be strong therefore, strong for service, strong for suffering, strong for fighting. Let a soldier be ever so well armed without, if he have not within a good heart, his armour will stand him in little stead. Note, spiritual strength and courage are very necessary for our spiritual warfare. Be strong in the Lord, either in his cause and for his sake or rather in his strength. We have no sufficient strength of our own. Our natural courage is as perfect cowardice, and our natural strength as perfect weakness; but all our sufficiency is of God. In his strength we must go forth and go on. By the actings of faith, we must fetch in grace and help from heaven to enable us to do that which of ourselves we cannot do, in our Christian work and warfare. We should stir up ourselves to resist temptations in a reliance upon God's all-sufficiency and the omnipotence of his might. II. They must be well armed: "Put on the whole armour of God (Eph 6:11), make use of all the proper defensitives and weapons for repelling the temptations and stratagems of Satan - get and exercise all the Christian graces, the whole armour, that no part be naked and exposed to the enemy." Observe, Those who would approve themselves to have true grace must aim at all grace, the whole armour. It is called the armour of God, because he both prepares and bestows it. We have no armour of our own that will be armour of proof in a trying time. Nothing will stand us in stead but the armour of God. This armour is prepared for us, but we must put it on; that is, we must pray for grace, we must use the grace given us, and draw it out into act and exercise as there is occasion. The reason assigned why the Christian should be completely armed is that he may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil - that he may be able to hold out, and to overcome, notwithstanding all the devil's assaults, both of force and fraud, all the deceits he puts upon us, all the snares he lays for us, and all his machinations against us. This the apostle enlarges upon here, and shows, 1. What our danger is, and what need we have to put on this whole armour, considering what sort of enemies we have to deal with - the devil and all the powers of darkness: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, etc., Eph 6:12. The combat for which we are to be prepared is not against ordinary human enemies, not barely against men compounded of flesh and blood, nor against our own corrupt natures singly considered, but against the several ranks of devils, who have a government which they exercise in this world. (1.) We have to do with a subtle enemy, an enemy who uses wiles and stratagems, as Eph 6:11. He has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls: hence he is called a serpent for subtlety, an old serpent, experienced in the art and trade of tempting. (2.) He is a powerful enemy: Principalities, and powers, and rulers. They are numerous, they are vigorous; and rule in those heathen nations which are yet in darkness. The dark parts of the world are the seat of Satan's empire. Yea, they are usurping princes over all men who are yet in a state of sin and ignorance. Satan's is a kingdom of darkness; whereas Christ's is a kingdom of light. (3.) They are spiritual enemies: Spiritual wickedness in high places, or wicked spirits, as some translate it. The devil is a spirit, a wicked spirit; and our danger is the greater from our enemies because they are unseen, and assault us ere we are aware of them. The devils are wicked spirits, and they chiefly annoy the saints with, and provoke them to, spiritual wickednesses, pride, envy, malice, etc. These enemies are said to be in high places, or in heavenly places, so the word is, taking heaven (as one says) for the whole expansum, or spreading out of the air between the earth and the stars, the air being the place from which the devils assault us. Or the meaning may be, "We wrestle about heavenly places or heavenly things;" so some of the ancients interpret it. Our enemies strive to prevent our ascent to heaven, to deprive us of heavenly blessings and to obstruct our communion with heaven. They assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts; and therefore we have need to be upon our guard against them. We have need of faith in our Christian warfare, because we have spiritual enemies to grapple with, as well as of faith in our Christian work, because we have spiritual strength to fetch in. Thus you see your danger. 2. What our duty is: to take and put on the whole armour of God, and then to stand our ground, and withstand our enemies. (1.) We must withstand, Eph 6:13. We must not yield to the devil's allurements and assaults, but oppose them. Satan is said to stand up against us, Ch1 21:1. If he stand up against us, we must stand against him; set up, and keep up, an interest in opposition to the devil. Satan is the wicked one, and his kingdom is the kingdom of sin: to stand against Satan is to strive against sin. That you may be able to withstand in the evil day, in the day of temptation, or of any sore affliction. (2.) We must stand our ground: And, having done all, to stand. We must resolve, by God's grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we distrust our cause, or our leader, or our armour, we give him advantage. Our present business is to withstand the assaults of the devil, and to stand it out; and then, having done all that is incumbent on the good soldiers of Jesus Christ, our warfare will be accomplished, and we shall be finally victorious. (3.) We must stand armed; and this is here most enlarged upon. Here is a Christian in complete armour: and the armour is divine: Armour of God, armour of light, Rom 13:12. Armour of righteousness, Co2 6:7. The apostle specifies the particulars of this armour, both offensive and defensive. The military girdle or belt, the breast-plate, the greaves (or soldier's shoes), the shield, the helmet, and the sword. It is observable that, among them all, there is none for the back; if we turn our back upon the enemy, we lie exposed. [1.] Truth or sincerity is our girdle, Eph 6:14. It was prophesied of Christ (Isa 11:5) that righteousness should be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. That which Christ was girded with all Christians must be girded with. God desires truth, that is, sincerity, in the inward parts. This is the strength of our loins; and it girds on all other pieces of our armour, and therefore is first mentioned. I know no religion without sincerity. Some understand it of the doctrine of the truths of the gospel: they should cleave to us as the girdle does to the loins, Jer 13:11. This will restrain from libertinism and licentiousness, as a girdle restrains and keeps in the body. This is the Christian soldier's belt: ungirded with this, he is unblessed. [2.] Righteousness must be our breast-plate. The breast-plate secures the vitals, shelters the heart. The righteousness of Christ imputed to us is our breast-plate against the arrows of divine wrath. The righteousness of Christ implanted in us is our breast-plate to fortify the heart against the attacks which Satan makes against us. The apostle explains this in Th1 5:8, Putting on the breast-plate of faith and love. Faith and love include all Christian graces; for by faith we are united to Christ and by love to our brethren. These will infer a diligent observance of our duty to God, and a righteous deportment towards men, in all the offices of justice, truth, and charity. [3.] Resolution must be as the greaves to our legs: And their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Eph 6:15. Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (Sa1 17:6): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby thinks this may be the sense of the words: "That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps," etc. [4.] Faith must be our shield: Above all, or chiefly, taking the shield of faith, Eph 6:16. This is more necessary than any of them. Faith is all in all to us in an hour of temptation. The breast-plate secures the vitals; but with the shield we turn every way. This is the victory over the world, even our faith. We are to be fully persuaded of the truth of all God's promises and threatenings, such a faith being of great use against temptations. Consider faith as it is the evidence of things not seen and the substance of things hoped for, and it will appear to be of admirable use for this purpose. Faith, as receiving Christ and the benefits of redemption, so deriving grace from him, is like a shield, a sort of universal defence. Our enemy the devil is here called the wicked one. He is wicked himself, and he endeavours to make us wicked. His temptations are called darts, because of their swift and undiscerned flight, and the deep wounds that they give to the soul; fiery darts, by way of allusion to the poisonous darts which were wont to inflame the parts which were wounded with them, and therefore were so called, as the serpents with poisonous stings are called fiery serpents. Violent temptations, by which the soul is set on fire of hell, are the darts which Satan shoots at us. Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts, wherein we should receive them, and so render them ineffectual, that they may not hit us, or at least that they may not hurt us. Observe, Faith, acted upon the word of God and applying that, acted upon the grace of Christ and improving that, quenches the darts of temptation. [5.] Salvation must be our helmet (Eph 6:17); that is, hope, which has salvation for its object; so Th1 5:8. The helmet secures the head. A good hope of salvation, well founded and well built, will both purify the soul and keep it from being defiled by Satan, and it will comfort the soul and keep it from being troubled and tormented by Satan. He would tempt us to despair; but good hope keeps us trusting in God, and rejoicing in him. [6.] The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. The sword is a very necessary and useful part of a soldier's furniture. The word of God is very necessary, and of great use to the Christian, in order to his maintaining the spiritual warfare and succeeding in it. It is called the sword of the Spirit, because it is of the Spirit's inditing and he renders it efficacious and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword. Like Goliath's sword, none like that; with this we assault the assailants. Scripture-arguments are the most powerful arguments to repel temptation with. Christ himself resisted Satan's temptations with, It is written, Mat 4:4, Mat 4:6, Mat 4:7, Mat 4:10. This, being hid in the heart, will preserve from sin (Psa 119:11), and will mortify and kill those lusts and corruptions that are latent there. [7.] Prayer must buckle on all the other parts of our Christian armour, Eph 6:18. We must join prayer with all these graces, for our defence against these spiritual enemies, imploring help and assistance of God, as the case requires: and we must pray always. Not as though we were to do nothing else but pray, for there are other duties of religion and of our respective stations in the world that are to be done in their place and season; but we should keep up constant times of prayer, and be constant to them. We must pray upon all occasions, and as often as our own and others' necessities call us to it. We must always keep up a disposition to prayer, and should intermix ejaculatory prayers with other duties, and with common business. Though set and solemn prayer may sometimes be unseasonable (as when other duties are to be done), yet pious ejaculations can never be so. We must pray with all prayer and supplication, with all kinds of prayer: public, private, and secret, social and solitary, solemn and sudden; with all the parts of prayer: confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgivings for favours received. We must pray in the Spirit; our spirits must be employed in the duty and we must do it by the grace of God's good Spirit. We must watch thereunto, endeavouring to keep our hearts in a praying frame, and taking all occasions, and improving all opportunities, for the duty: we must watch to all the motions of our own hearts towards the duty. When God says, Seek my face, our hearts must comply, Psa 27:8. This we must do with all perseverance. We must abide by the duty of prayer, whatever change there may be in our outward circumstances; and we must continue in it as long as we live in the world. We must persevere in a particular prayer; not cutting it short, when our hearts are disposed to enlarge, and there is time for it, and our occasions call for it. We must likewise persevere in particular requests, notwithstanding some present discouragements and repulses. And we must pray with supplication, not for ourselves only, but for all saints; for we are members one of another. Observe, None are so much saints, and in so good a condition in this world, but they need our prayers, and they ought to have them. The apostle passes hence to the conclusion of the epistle.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:10-20 Paul’s final word is to remind the believers of the devil’s opposition and urge them to protect themselves with all of God’s armor.
Ephesians 6:10
The Full Armor of God
9And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Warning to American Christianity
By Keith Daniel12K1:15:45WarningPSA 119:105MAT 7:21MAT 24:35JHN 3:3ROM 6:23EPH 6:101PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and judgment, stating that they will be held accountable for leading people astray. The preacher also criticizes the use of worldly music in churches, arguing that it does not align with the purpose of worship and can lead to a compromised faith. He calls for a return to the heritage of beautiful hymns and a rejection of entertainment-focused language and practices in the church.
Power Over Demons
By Corrie Ten Boom11K1:02:06Spiritual WarfareEPH 6:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses their experience of watching a movie about the United Nations and reflecting on the horrors of the world. They then share a childhood dream they had in a church where they witnessed an agnostic man seeing an angel. The speaker expresses their frustration with their Christian church and their encounter with demons. They ultimately realize that they need to change their attitude and not give the devil a foothold. The sermon concludes with a reference to the Bible and the importance of staying close to God.
The Whole Armour of God - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill4.4K1:21:50The Armor of GodSpiritual WarfareArmour Of GodEPH 6:10Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of putting on the whole armor of God to withstand the spiritual battles we face against unseen forces. He reflects on the current state of the church, urging believers to awaken from spiritual lethargy and recognize the reality of the spiritual warfare that surrounds them. Ravenhill calls for a deeper commitment to prayer and reliance on God's power, reminding the congregation that they are not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. He encourages believers to be vigilant and equipped, as the enemy is cunning and relentless in his attacks. Ultimately, he reassures that through Christ, who has already triumphed over these forces, believers can find strength and victory.
America's Only Hope
By Keith Daniel4.2K1:19:592CH 7:14EPH 6:10
This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the need for God's people to humble themselves, pray, confess sins, and turn from wicked ways to bring about revival. It shares powerful stories of prayer leading to tangible results, highlighting the importance of seeking God's intervention in the face of moral decay and societal challenges.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 18:1 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith4.0K25:59ExpositionalISA 18:1MAT 16:24ROM 12:2EPH 6:10In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He encourages young adults to abstain from the immorality of the culture and to boldly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Chuck draws inspiration from the biblical story of Daniel, who took a stand for righteousness even in the face of potential death. He urges listeners to listen to God's call, deny themselves, and follow Jesus, resisting the corrupting forces of the world. The sermon concludes with a prayer for strength to stand against the darkness in the world.
What Is Your Life
By Leonard Ravenhill3.9K1:36:541SA 17:37PSA 71:202CO 4:182CO 10:4EPH 6:10
This sermon reflects on the hymn sung, acknowledging the millions still without God and the hope of a future gathering in heaven. It emphasizes enduring trials with God's guidance, seeking spiritual transformation, and the need to prioritize eternal matters over earthly concerns. The message draws parallels to the story of David facing Goliath, highlighting the importance of relying on God's strength in impossible situations.
The Conflict of Two Wisdoms - Part 1
By Art Katz3.8K53:29Wisdom Of GodEZK 20:35MAT 6:33ACT 13:2EPH 6:10EPH 6:12HEB 4:121PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of being stripped and exposed to the nations by the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of being broken and losing our humanistic perspectives in order to meet with broken and dejected people who have lost their orientation. The speaker highlights the danger of valuing temporal and transient things over eternal truths and the ultimate purpose of existence. He calls for a shift in focus towards the church being a demonstration of God's defeat of the powers of darkness, free from the influence of worldly culture. The sermon also raises the question of who will resist the forces of fear and intimidation, even in the face of suffering and death.
Are You Qualified? (Part 11)
By Jim Cymbala3.1K29:40SubmissionMAT 9:37JHN 3:16ACT 6:4EPH 6:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Acts and the importance of the Holy Spirit descending upon the church in Acts chapter 2. Despite facing persecution, the church remains strong and continues to spread the good news of the gospel. The preacher emphasizes the need for more pastors, deacons, and prayer warriors to care for the growing number of people coming into the church. He encourages the congregation to be actively engaged and to seek the Holy Spirit's control in their lives for wisdom and guidance.
(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Imagination
By Willie Mullan2.7K1:00:00Bible Analysis Of ManMAT 6:33MAT 24:371CO 16:2EPH 6:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering all thoughts, memories, conscience, and imagination to the Lord. The sermon focuses on the book of Genesis, specifically chapter six, which covers a period of 1,600 years after the fall of man. During this time, the imagination of humanity worsened, leading to the deception of the devil and the worship of idols. The sermon also references the book of Psalms, highlighting the foolishness of the heathen who imagine vain things. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the power and wisdom of God, as seen in the creation of the universe and the placement of the stars in space.
(Demonology) Principalities
By Willie Mullan2.4K1:10:54DemonologyJHN 14:29EPH 6:10EPH 6:12HEB 2:10REV 1:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the various ways that the devil can come against the body. Although he doesn't have time to cover all the ways, he provides enough information to make his point. The sermon begins with a call to sing a couple of verses, followed by a prayer for God's blessing and protection. The preacher then talks about the importance of prayer and shares the story of Daniel, an old man who prayed for 21 days to understand a vision. The sermon concludes with the preacher encouraging the congregation, especially the older ladies, to pray and emphasizing the power of prayer in overcoming challenges.
Spiritual Warfare
By Bob Utley2.2K35:25EPH 6:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for Christians to be equipped with the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. It challenges believers to engage in prayer, study the Bible, and live out the gospel boldly in a self-centered world, highlighting the significance of maintaining a biblical worldview and actively participating in the spiritual battle around us.
The Riches of Christ in Relation to Warfare
By T. Austin-Sparks2.2K20:50WarfareEPH 6:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of "for the rest, finally" and its meaning. He explains that it does not imply that everything has been said, but rather that it is a continuation of the message. The preacher highlights the challenges and obstacles that Jesus faced throughout his life, from his birth to his death, as forces tried to divert him from fulfilling God's purpose. However, Jesus emerged triumphant, defeating the principalities and authorities. The sermon concludes with a call to believers to appropriate the unsearchable riches of Christ and to persevere in faith, just as Paul did, in order to receive the crown of righteousness.
Battle Against Sex
By Zac Poonen2.2K09:291CO 10:13EPH 6:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of fighting against sexual temptations from a young age, using the analogy of wrestling to illustrate the strength gained through perseverance. It encourages individuals to keep fighting, not giving in to the lies of the devil, and to seek Jesus as the ultimate example of overcoming temptations. The speaker highlights the significance of purity and the long-term benefits of standing firm against worldly influences.
Our Adversary the Devil and His Angels
By Keith Daniel2.1K1:16:44DevilGEN 3:1ISA 53:7ROM 1:16ROM 3:132CO 5:19EPH 6:101TI 2:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the second coming of the Lord Jesus and the ultimate defeat of Satan. He quotes over 400 verses, discussing topics such as the revelation of Satan, Armageddon, the antichrist, and God's eventual triumph. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing Satan's hold on the world and the need to resist his temptations. He also highlights the power of the gospel to overcome the blindness caused by the God of this world. The sermon concludes with the mention of the judgment that awaits all men.
Revelation Tv Interview
By Joshua Daniel2.0K58:00MAT 19:61CO 1:271CO 6:92CO 10:4EPH 6:101TI 6:10HEB 13:5JAS 4:7JAS 4:101PE 5:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, holiness, and reliance on God's power in ministry. It addresses issues like materialism, covetousness, divorce, and the need for preachers to adhere to biblical principles. The speaker highlights the significance of prayer, faith, and obedience to God's Word in combating societal challenges and maintaining integrity in ministry.
(Ephesians) Ephesians 5:21-6:11
By Zac Poonen1.9K47:03EPH 1:3EPH 4:1EPH 5:22EPH 6:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in our personal walk with God. This foundation is built on God's perfect love for us and is the basis for our relationship with Him. The speaker then discusses the three stories or levels that we should build upon this foundation: our personal walk with God, our home life, and our ministry. The sermon also highlights the significance of living in purity, humility, and love, both in our homes and in our workplaces, as a reflection of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Nuts?! (A Call to Spiritual Warfare)
By Don Johnson1.9K1:03:14EPH 6:10
This sermon emphasizes the spiritual battle Christians face against the schemes of the devil, highlighting the need to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God to withstand evil. The message underscores the importance of understanding the spiritual nature of the enemy and the necessity of actively engaging in the fight with faith, prayer, and reliance on God's Word for victory over temptation and spiritual attacks.
(Ephesians) Ephesians 3:10-4:22
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:17EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 4:1EPH 4:31EPH 5:21EPH 6:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation in the first three chapters of the Bible before attempting to obey the exhortations in chapters four, five, and six. He explains that without understanding the love of Christ, it is impossible to truly obey the commandments to let go of anger and bitterness. The preacher highlights the four dimensions of the love of Christ - breadth, length, depth, and height - and emphasizes that this understanding comes through experiencing suffering and trials, not just studying scriptures. He concludes by encouraging believers to allow God to squeeze them in the grinder of life so that they can become better Christians and bless others.
The Need to Die - Part 3
By Carter Conlon1.6K04:27EXO 17:8EXO 17:111CO 2:52CO 12:9GAL 5:16EPH 6:10PHP 4:13
This sermon delves into the significance of the first battle faced by the Israelites in Exodus 17, highlighting the struggle against one's own nature, symbolized by Amalek, the grandson of Esau who represents the natural man. The ongoing battle with Amalek signifies the perpetual struggle between the flesh and the spirit. The victory over Amalek is achieved through dependence on God, symbolized by Moses raising his hands, with the support of Aaron and her representing the natural man becoming a servant to faith. The message emphasizes the importance of allowing natural talents and abilities to serve faith in God for victory in the Christian journey.
Gwh-Ladies Missionary Seminar-1985 Verses to Cope With Crises
By William MacDonald1.5K54:15CrisisPSA 126:5PSA 136:1MAT 28:6ROM 8:312CO 2:12EPH 6:10COL 3:24In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to 41. He emphasizes that it is common for believers to feel like their boat is sinking when faced with challenges and difficulties. The speaker shares his own experiences of feeling like nothing is being accomplished in his daily routine, but finding encouragement in Ecclesiastes 11:1, which encourages believers to cast their bread upon the waters and trust that it will be found after many days. He concludes by reminding the audience that in times of defeat and failure, they can find consolation in Christ and encourages them to thank the Lord for His love and faithfulness.
God Strengthens Us by the Gospel
By John Piper1.4K44:29PSA 46:1PRO 31:25ISA 40:29ROM 8:282CO 12:9EPH 6:10PHP 4:131TH 5:9HEB 4:161PE 3:6
This sermon emphasizes the need for true strength that comes from God, not from worldly sources like sexiness, assertiveness, or power. It highlights the power of the Gospel to strengthen individuals, focusing on faith, fearlessness, and endurance in the face of challenges. The speaker urges both men and women to seek strength through the Gospel, which provides unwavering support and sustenance in all circumstances.
Be Strong in the Lord
By Steve Mays1.4K48:25TrustingISA 40:28JER 12:5MAT 5:14MAT 6:33MAT 22:37EPH 6:10EPH 6:14In this sermon, Steve Mays emphasizes the importance of standing strong in the face of spiritual warfare. He highlights the fact that many believers are walking away from God in these challenging times and urges listeners to remain committed to their faith. Mays discusses the weapons of spiritual warfare mentioned in Ephesians 6, including the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and Sword of the Spirit. He emphasizes the need to be strong in the Lord and rely on His power. Mays also reflects on his own journey and expresses his desire to finish the course with joy and fulfill the ministry God has given him.
A Man of God - Part 14
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K05:56JER 6:16MAT 6:6EPH 6:10JAS 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to the old paths of prayer, fasting, and personal devotion, as exemplified by the stories of William Booth and the Salvation Army. It encourages a focus on deepening one's relationship with God through prayer and seeking His presence, rather than seeking worldly success or recognition. The speaker shares personal experiences of the transformative power of prayer and devotion, highlighting the need to prioritize spiritual growth and intimacy with God above all else.
Idols of Tongues
By Milton Green1.3K01:52EPH 6:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being swayed by the crowd and instead focusing on God. He highlights the power of the weapons mentioned in Ephesians 6 to overcome strongholds and imaginations that go against the word of God. The preacher warns against allowing negative thoughts to take root in the heart, as they can lead to destructive words and actions. He also addresses the issue of idolizing spiritual gifts and the fear that can arise from witnessing their misuse. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to stay true to the word of God and remain holy, even in the midst of spiritual warfare.
Spiritual Warfare Series - Why Must We Fight?
By Jim Cymbala1.3K44:05Spiritual WarfareEPH 6:10In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about walking with his granddaughter when she was four or five years old. They encountered a group of tough-looking individuals, and the little girl became fearful. However, when she held the speaker's hand, she relaxed because she trusted him to protect her. The speaker uses this story to illustrate the concept of faith and how it can help us overcome fear and rely on God's protection. He also mentions the biblical example of Peter taking his eyes off Jesus when he was arrested, emphasizing the importance of keeping our focus on the Lord even in moments of elation or despair.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Finally - Having laid before you, your great and high calling, and all the doctrines and precepts of the Gospel, it is necessary that I should show you the enemies that will oppose you, and the strength which is requisite to enable you to repel them. Be strong in the Lord - You must have strength, and strength of a spiritual kind, and such strength too as the Lord himself can furnish; and you must have this strength through an indwelling God, the power of his might working in you.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
my brethren--Some of the oldest manuscripts omit these words. Some with Vulgate retain them. The phrase occurs nowhere else in the Epistle (see, however, Eph 6:23); if genuine, it is appropriate here in the close of the Epistle, where he is urging his fellow soldiers to the good fight in the Christian armor. Most of the oldest manuscripts for "finally," read, "henceforward," or "from henceforth" (Gal 6:17). be strong--Greek, "be strengthened." in the power of his might--Christ's might: as in Eph 1:19, it is the Father's might.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Finally, my brethren,.... This is the conclusion of the apostle's exhortations, in which he addresses the saints as his brethren; which appellation he uses, not merely as a familiar way of speaking among the Jews, but in regard to them as regenerate persons, and of the same family and household of God with himself; and he calls them so, to show his humility, and as a proof of his affection to them, and with a design to encourage them to their duty, as follows: be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might; which is directed to, partly on account of the things before exhorted to, which could not be performed in their own strength; and partly with respect to their many and potent enemies hereafter mentioned, against whom they had no might nor power of their own; and therefore the apostle points out the Lord Jesus Christ unto them, in whom are strength, power, and might, even everlasting strength, to enable them to perform their duty, and to fight against every enemy, sin, Satan, and the world; for though they are weak, and strength in themselves, and can do nothing of themselves, and without Christ; yet since there is strength in him, which is communicable to them, they may expect it from him, and depend upon it; and they may come at, or strengthen themselves in it, and by it, by meditation on it, by prayer for it, by waiting on Christ in his own ways, by exercising faith upon him, and through the Spirit, who strengthens them from him with might in the inward man.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is a general exhortation to constancy in our Christian course, and to encourage in our Christian warfare. Is not our life a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the common calamities of human life. Is not our religion much more a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the opposition of the powers of darkness, and with many enemies who would keep us from God and heaven. We have enemies to fight against, a captain to fight for, a banner to fight under, and certain rules of war by which we are to govern ourselves. "Finally, my brethren (Eph 6:10), it yet remains that you apply yourselves to your work and duty as Christian soldiers." Now it is requisite that a soldier be both stout-hearted and well armed. If Christians be soldiers of Jesus Christ, I. They must see that they be stout-hearted. This is prescribed here: Be strong in the Lord, etc. Those who have so many battles to fight, and who, in their way to heaven, must dispute every pass, with dint of sword, have need of a great deal of courage. Be strong therefore, strong for service, strong for suffering, strong for fighting. Let a soldier be ever so well armed without, if he have not within a good heart, his armour will stand him in little stead. Note, spiritual strength and courage are very necessary for our spiritual warfare. Be strong in the Lord, either in his cause and for his sake or rather in his strength. We have no sufficient strength of our own. Our natural courage is as perfect cowardice, and our natural strength as perfect weakness; but all our sufficiency is of God. In his strength we must go forth and go on. By the actings of faith, we must fetch in grace and help from heaven to enable us to do that which of ourselves we cannot do, in our Christian work and warfare. We should stir up ourselves to resist temptations in a reliance upon God's all-sufficiency and the omnipotence of his might. II. They must be well armed: "Put on the whole armour of God (Eph 6:11), make use of all the proper defensitives and weapons for repelling the temptations and stratagems of Satan - get and exercise all the Christian graces, the whole armour, that no part be naked and exposed to the enemy." Observe, Those who would approve themselves to have true grace must aim at all grace, the whole armour. It is called the armour of God, because he both prepares and bestows it. We have no armour of our own that will be armour of proof in a trying time. Nothing will stand us in stead but the armour of God. This armour is prepared for us, but we must put it on; that is, we must pray for grace, we must use the grace given us, and draw it out into act and exercise as there is occasion. The reason assigned why the Christian should be completely armed is that he may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil - that he may be able to hold out, and to overcome, notwithstanding all the devil's assaults, both of force and fraud, all the deceits he puts upon us, all the snares he lays for us, and all his machinations against us. This the apostle enlarges upon here, and shows, 1. What our danger is, and what need we have to put on this whole armour, considering what sort of enemies we have to deal with - the devil and all the powers of darkness: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, etc., Eph 6:12. The combat for which we are to be prepared is not against ordinary human enemies, not barely against men compounded of flesh and blood, nor against our own corrupt natures singly considered, but against the several ranks of devils, who have a government which they exercise in this world. (1.) We have to do with a subtle enemy, an enemy who uses wiles and stratagems, as Eph 6:11. He has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls: hence he is called a serpent for subtlety, an old serpent, experienced in the art and trade of tempting. (2.) He is a powerful enemy: Principalities, and powers, and rulers. They are numerous, they are vigorous; and rule in those heathen nations which are yet in darkness. The dark parts of the world are the seat of Satan's empire. Yea, they are usurping princes over all men who are yet in a state of sin and ignorance. Satan's is a kingdom of darkness; whereas Christ's is a kingdom of light. (3.) They are spiritual enemies: Spiritual wickedness in high places, or wicked spirits, as some translate it. The devil is a spirit, a wicked spirit; and our danger is the greater from our enemies because they are unseen, and assault us ere we are aware of them. The devils are wicked spirits, and they chiefly annoy the saints with, and provoke them to, spiritual wickednesses, pride, envy, malice, etc. These enemies are said to be in high places, or in heavenly places, so the word is, taking heaven (as one says) for the whole expansum, or spreading out of the air between the earth and the stars, the air being the place from which the devils assault us. Or the meaning may be, "We wrestle about heavenly places or heavenly things;" so some of the ancients interpret it. Our enemies strive to prevent our ascent to heaven, to deprive us of heavenly blessings and to obstruct our communion with heaven. They assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts; and therefore we have need to be upon our guard against them. We have need of faith in our Christian warfare, because we have spiritual enemies to grapple with, as well as of faith in our Christian work, because we have spiritual strength to fetch in. Thus you see your danger. 2. What our duty is: to take and put on the whole armour of God, and then to stand our ground, and withstand our enemies. (1.) We must withstand, Eph 6:13. We must not yield to the devil's allurements and assaults, but oppose them. Satan is said to stand up against us, Ch1 21:1. If he stand up against us, we must stand against him; set up, and keep up, an interest in opposition to the devil. Satan is the wicked one, and his kingdom is the kingdom of sin: to stand against Satan is to strive against sin. That you may be able to withstand in the evil day, in the day of temptation, or of any sore affliction. (2.) We must stand our ground: And, having done all, to stand. We must resolve, by God's grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we distrust our cause, or our leader, or our armour, we give him advantage. Our present business is to withstand the assaults of the devil, and to stand it out; and then, having done all that is incumbent on the good soldiers of Jesus Christ, our warfare will be accomplished, and we shall be finally victorious. (3.) We must stand armed; and this is here most enlarged upon. Here is a Christian in complete armour: and the armour is divine: Armour of God, armour of light, Rom 13:12. Armour of righteousness, Co2 6:7. The apostle specifies the particulars of this armour, both offensive and defensive. The military girdle or belt, the breast-plate, the greaves (or soldier's shoes), the shield, the helmet, and the sword. It is observable that, among them all, there is none for the back; if we turn our back upon the enemy, we lie exposed. [1.] Truth or sincerity is our girdle, Eph 6:14. It was prophesied of Christ (Isa 11:5) that righteousness should be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. That which Christ was girded with all Christians must be girded with. God desires truth, that is, sincerity, in the inward parts. This is the strength of our loins; and it girds on all other pieces of our armour, and therefore is first mentioned. I know no religion without sincerity. Some understand it of the doctrine of the truths of the gospel: they should cleave to us as the girdle does to the loins, Jer 13:11. This will restrain from libertinism and licentiousness, as a girdle restrains and keeps in the body. This is the Christian soldier's belt: ungirded with this, he is unblessed. [2.] Righteousness must be our breast-plate. The breast-plate secures the vitals, shelters the heart. The righteousness of Christ imputed to us is our breast-plate against the arrows of divine wrath. The righteousness of Christ implanted in us is our breast-plate to fortify the heart against the attacks which Satan makes against us. The apostle explains this in Th1 5:8, Putting on the breast-plate of faith and love. Faith and love include all Christian graces; for by faith we are united to Christ and by love to our brethren. These will infer a diligent observance of our duty to God, and a righteous deportment towards men, in all the offices of justice, truth, and charity. [3.] Resolution must be as the greaves to our legs: And their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Eph 6:15. Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (Sa1 17:6): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby thinks this may be the sense of the words: "That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps," etc. [4.] Faith must be our shield: Above all, or chiefly, taking the shield of faith, Eph 6:16. This is more necessary than any of them. Faith is all in all to us in an hour of temptation. The breast-plate secures the vitals; but with the shield we turn every way. This is the victory over the world, even our faith. We are to be fully persuaded of the truth of all God's promises and threatenings, such a faith being of great use against temptations. Consider faith as it is the evidence of things not seen and the substance of things hoped for, and it will appear to be of admirable use for this purpose. Faith, as receiving Christ and the benefits of redemption, so deriving grace from him, is like a shield, a sort of universal defence. Our enemy the devil is here called the wicked one. He is wicked himself, and he endeavours to make us wicked. His temptations are called darts, because of their swift and undiscerned flight, and the deep wounds that they give to the soul; fiery darts, by way of allusion to the poisonous darts which were wont to inflame the parts which were wounded with them, and therefore were so called, as the serpents with poisonous stings are called fiery serpents. Violent temptations, by which the soul is set on fire of hell, are the darts which Satan shoots at us. Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts, wherein we should receive them, and so render them ineffectual, that they may not hit us, or at least that they may not hurt us. Observe, Faith, acted upon the word of God and applying that, acted upon the grace of Christ and improving that, quenches the darts of temptation. [5.] Salvation must be our helmet (Eph 6:17); that is, hope, which has salvation for its object; so Th1 5:8. The helmet secures the head. A good hope of salvation, well founded and well built, will both purify the soul and keep it from being defiled by Satan, and it will comfort the soul and keep it from being troubled and tormented by Satan. He would tempt us to despair; but good hope keeps us trusting in God, and rejoicing in him. [6.] The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. The sword is a very necessary and useful part of a soldier's furniture. The word of God is very necessary, and of great use to the Christian, in order to his maintaining the spiritual warfare and succeeding in it. It is called the sword of the Spirit, because it is of the Spirit's inditing and he renders it efficacious and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword. Like Goliath's sword, none like that; with this we assault the assailants. Scripture-arguments are the most powerful arguments to repel temptation with. Christ himself resisted Satan's temptations with, It is written, Mat 4:4, Mat 4:6, Mat 4:7, Mat 4:10. This, being hid in the heart, will preserve from sin (Psa 119:11), and will mortify and kill those lusts and corruptions that are latent there. [7.] Prayer must buckle on all the other parts of our Christian armour, Eph 6:18. We must join prayer with all these graces, for our defence against these spiritual enemies, imploring help and assistance of God, as the case requires: and we must pray always. Not as though we were to do nothing else but pray, for there are other duties of religion and of our respective stations in the world that are to be done in their place and season; but we should keep up constant times of prayer, and be constant to them. We must pray upon all occasions, and as often as our own and others' necessities call us to it. We must always keep up a disposition to prayer, and should intermix ejaculatory prayers with other duties, and with common business. Though set and solemn prayer may sometimes be unseasonable (as when other duties are to be done), yet pious ejaculations can never be so. We must pray with all prayer and supplication, with all kinds of prayer: public, private, and secret, social and solitary, solemn and sudden; with all the parts of prayer: confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgivings for favours received. We must pray in the Spirit; our spirits must be employed in the duty and we must do it by the grace of God's good Spirit. We must watch thereunto, endeavouring to keep our hearts in a praying frame, and taking all occasions, and improving all opportunities, for the duty: we must watch to all the motions of our own hearts towards the duty. When God says, Seek my face, our hearts must comply, Psa 27:8. This we must do with all perseverance. We must abide by the duty of prayer, whatever change there may be in our outward circumstances; and we must continue in it as long as we live in the world. We must persevere in a particular prayer; not cutting it short, when our hearts are disposed to enlarge, and there is time for it, and our occasions call for it. We must likewise persevere in particular requests, notwithstanding some present discouragements and repulses. And we must pray with supplication, not for ourselves only, but for all saints; for we are members one of another. Observe, None are so much saints, and in so good a condition in this world, but they need our prayers, and they ought to have them. The apostle passes hence to the conclusion of the epistle.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:10-20 Paul’s final word is to remind the believers of the devil’s opposition and urge them to protect themselves with all of God’s armor.