Stand Firm in the Fight

Ephesians: Stand Firm in the Fight

… be strong in the Lord (Eph 6:10) … take up the full armor of God (Eph 6:13)

1. Be _________________________ by the Lord.   

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty [κράτος (kra-tos)] power [ἰσχύς (is-choos)]. ^11a Put on the full armor of God, … (Eph 6:10–11a)

It is as great as the working of his mighty [κράτος (kra-tos)] strength [ἰσχύς (is-choos)], which God worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, (Eph 1:20)

“My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will be glad to boast all the more in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may shelter me. (2 Co 12:9)

2. ___________________ the real enemy.

^11b … so that you can stand against the schemes of the Devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:11b–12)

Have sound judgment. Be alert. Your adversary, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Pe 5:8)

“the spiritual forces of evil” believe your destruction somehow diminishes God’s glory.

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion,” because many demons had gone into him. (Lk 8:30)

3. Put on the _________ armor of God.

For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to take a stand on the evil day and, after you have done everything, to stand. (Eph 6:13)

Stand, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness fastened in place, (Eph 6:14)

We know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. (Ga 2:16a)

and with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace tied to your feet like sandals. (Eph 6:15)

Formerly, we all lived among them in the passions of our sinful flesh, as we carried out the desires of the sinful flesh and its thoughts. Like all the others, we were by nature objects of God’s wrath. (Eph 2:3)

For the mind-set of the sinful flesh is hostile to God, since it does not submit to God’s law, and in fact, it cannot. (Ro 8:7)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ro 5:1)

At all times hold up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. (Eph 6:16)

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ (Mt 25:34)

Also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 6:17)

Salvation is _____________ or ______________________; especially the rescue form sin, death, hell, and the Devil accomplished by ___________ our Savior.

When the Devil had finished every temptation, he left him until an opportune time. (Lk 4:13)

When the devil _______________ you, look to _________________ work as your defense.

4. _________ at all times.

At every opportunity, pray in the Spirit with every kind of prayer and petition. Stay alert for the same reason, always persevering in your intercession for all the saints. (Eph 6:18)

For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Eph 2:18)

In fact, it is God who is working in you, both to will and to work, for the sake of his good pleasure. (Php 2:13)

The prayer of a righteous person is able to do much because it is effective. (Jas 5:16b)

¹⁹ Pray for me also, that when I open my mouth a message will be given to me that boldly reveals the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may speak about it boldly, as it is necessary for me to speak. (Eph 6:19–20)

¹³ And so it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to all the rest, that I am in chains because of Christ. … ²² All the saints greet you, especially those who are from Caesar’s household. (Php 4:13, 22)

5. Stand firm in _____________________.

²¹ Tychicus, our dear brother and a faithful minister in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. ²² I am sending him to you for this very reason, that you may know how we are, and that he may comfort your hearts. ²³ Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (Eph 6:21–24)

Points to Ponder

1. What is one thing that stood out for you from this week’s message?
2. How does Paul describe the nature of the fight Christians are engaged in (v. 12)?
3. How do truth, righteousness, and faith help us stand firm in the face of temptation or hardship?
4. What spiritual battles are you currently facing where you need to “stand firm”?
5. How can you actively “put on” the armor of God this week in your thoughts, words, or actions?
6. How does Paul’s request for prayer (vv19–20) challenge or inspire your view of Christian boldness?
7. What role does prayer play in your personal battle against sin or discouragement?

Homework: Philippians 3