God's Power Is at Work

Introduction

A. Paul’s desire in this letter has been to focus his readers on the importance of recognizing what God has done for them through Christ and to call them to a new way of thinking. The first three chapters are the theological foundation for the practical application in chapters 4–6. As Paul says in 4:1 we are to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. He has given specific instructions regarding how to live in the pagan world. Then beginning in 5:21 he addressed household issues. Husbands and wives are to demonstrate the relationship between Christ and the church. Children are to obey their parents so that Christ is honored. All of these relationships find their basis in the idea of submission. Voluntarily yielding our will to another for the sake of Christ.

B. In this final section, Paul is going to summarize the importance of trusting in God as this walk with him continues. The emphasis in this section is on God’s intervention and our responsibility to stay close to him. Paul places the emphasis in verse 10—it is God’s power which allows us to remain faithful and to stand for him. But we must be willing to listen to him. Most translations miss the connection between this section and what proceeds. The word “finally” is literally “for the rest.” Paul understands that not everyone is going to be married, have children, or be a slave or master. But Paul is not moving into a new section nor is this intended just for “the rest.” Rather, it is a final call for all to stand strong in the Lord. We will listen to the same call today and see how God wants us to live day by day.

Our Defenses

A. This section has been revered and appreciated for some time. John Bunyan used this section to describe the equipment which Christian received from the House Beautiful which was used against Apollyon in the classic book The Pilgrim’s Progress. Bunyan also used this text in his book The Holy War written in 1682. But perhaps the lengthiest writing comes from William Gurnall who wrote in 1655–1662 the book The Christian in Complete Armor which is 1200 double column pages. And I am supposed to preach for 15 minutes on this text.

B. From verse 10 we see that it is God’s power which will give us the strength we need. Paul discussed this same power in chapter 1 as he wrote about the resurrection power which is available for all who follow Jesus. While this power is available to us, we must use it. So Paul instructs that we are to put on the panoply or armor of God. It is only when we put on the armor of God that we are able to take our stand against the devil’s wiles. Our adversary Paul says is cunning and shrewd. He attacks us at areas of weakness, but the armor of God protects us. God’s power is available. God’s armor is available. But we must utilize them.

C. Notice verse 12. The word translated “struggle” in the NIV is the word “wrestle.” But not the stuff we see on television. This word captures the idea of one who is in hand to hand conflict with an opponent and the victor is the one who pins his opponent with the hands around the throat. The wrestling isn’t against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.

D. We cannot help but see the obvious. This is war language. We are in a battle. It is a spiritual battle with physical implications. The outward demonstration of sin is when we have forgotten to suit up. By putting on the full armor of God, we are able to make our stand against the one who would see us fail. Clearly, Paul uses a soldier’s armor as a pattern for what he is writing.

1.  Truth is our belt. This is what undergirds everything else. It is truth about ourselves and God that allows us to take our stand.

2.  Righteousness is our breastplate. What was the purpose of the breastplate? It was to protect the vital organs. Righteousness protects our spiritual vital organs. God's breastplate protects our heart. When we stand right with God then our heart belongs to him not to the one who would try to destroy us.

3.  Feet are ready. While we are defending ourselves against the devil's wiles, our feet are ready to spread the gospel of peace. We do not stand unprepared not only to defend but to share peace with others who are seeking refuge.

4.  Faith shield is held to protect against the flaming darts from the evil one. The Roman shield often protected against flaming arrows but would after time catch fire and have to be discarded. In this case, the shield extinguishes the flames. It is our faith which allows us to beat down Satan's arrows.

5.  Heads are covered with salvation. We know whose helmet we wear and that helmet allows us to go into battle knowing protection is ours.

6.  Sword is in our hands. It is the word of God. Notice it is the Spirit's sword. We did not fashion it. The Spirit gives us the sword so that we can fight. This is not to focus on the miraculous. We must immerse ourselves in God's word in order to have an answer to respond to Satan's trickery and craftiness just as Jesus did in the Wilderness.

E. But our defenses do not end with the armor of God. Prayer is included as part of our defense as well. We are to pray while remaining alert for the attacks.

Application

A. We are in a real war. The outcome is sure, but we each must deal with battles. Satan’s objective is to ruin your relationship with God. He will lie to get you to believe him. Our strength comes from God. It is his armor that we wear and it is to him that we pray. Our conflict is a defensive one. The word for sword is a word which is a small dagger which the Roman soldier used as a last line of defense. Why is our conflict defensive? Because we already occupy the high ground. We are already seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms (2:6). It is a defensive battle because we have received God’s grace and we are created by God for good works. It isn’t that we are having to slog it out in the mud and muck, but we already occupy the best. So we are to live lives that demonstrate the height of our status.

B. Look at verse 13. We stand up for Jesus. The armor and strength of God allow us to stand. When the evil one attacks, we do all we can and we still stand. It isn’t that we stand against something but that we stand for something. We stand for the cross of Christ. We stand for the grace of God. We stand for new beginnings and we stand for spiritual healing. We battle against Satan so that we can stand on the high ground. The battle truly belongs to the Lord and we are its defenders and its advocates. We are people of conviction. We are people who are committed to seeing God’s ways win not only in our own lives but in this world in which we live. Ill. Conviction: Chariots of Fire.

C. How are you doing in your battle? Are you winning for God? Don’t give up the high ground. The Christian fights from a position of strength, a position that was won for us on the Cross 2000 years ago, and which we are in no hurry to give up. We do not need to be afraid of the devil and all his minions of darkness. They have lost, and they know it. The spiritual forces of darkness—they are the ones who are afraid. The victory is ours, through our Lord Jesus Christ. All we must do is maintain our hold on what he has given us. Stand ready. Keep God’s armor on. Invitation.

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