Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Aim: To instruct the pupil regarding the armor God has provided for the believer to help live the Christian life.

Golden Text: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

When a sinner repents and receives Jesus Christ as personal Savior, he is moved upon by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit performs the new birth (John 3:5; Titus 3:5) by the workings of regeneration. The “saved” sinner is then placed into Christ by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:13) as the Holy Spirit comes to live within the believer. The sinner is made a child of God and given an Heavenly inheritance with an assurance of eternal life with God in Heaven (Romans 8:9-17).

Thus the sinner becomes a “saint” of God. He is set apart from the unsaved world of men to honor, glorify and serve Jesus Christ the rest of his life in this “now” world. In his own strength he is unable to live the life of holiness and dedication to God’s will. The Holy Spirit has been given to him that he may have the possibility of being all that God requires and desires of him. The saint is given a Revelation of God and His will (the Holy Bible) with instructions for the living of the Christian life.

I. The divine admonition to the believer (Ephesians 6:10-11). In Paul’s closing instructions to the Christians at Ephesus, he gives them the Lord’s admonition—God’s expectation of each believer. First, he is to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (vs. 10). This is acquired by close relationship and fellowship with the Lord. A strong active faith with the determination to be obedient and faithful to the Lord is a basic requirement. The element of “trust” is built into the Christian faith. The believer learns to “trust” Christ to exercise His power and strength in, through and for himself. Thus, he lives in the power of Christ and the “might” of the Lord is exercised for the believer.

Second, the Christian is given an armor with which to fight evil (vs. 11)

II. The wicked opposition to the believer (Ephesians 6: 11-11-13). Basically the opposition is a spiritual opposition. It is waged by Satan and the demons. It includes all the wicked men who are opposed to God, Christ and the Christian Church. Some of the opposition comes from people in high places of authority in government. Some comes from leaders of companies and business entities. Some comes from common people who want nothing to do with Bible Christianity. The world of wicked men are at enmity with God (James 4:4). The result is that men are opposed to the Christians who seek to instruct and win them to believe on Christ as their Savior.

The source of all wickedness and evil comes from the Devil and his confederates. That is the believer’s enemy because these are enemies of God.

III. The divide provision (Ephesians 6:13-18). First, put on all the pieces of the armor, which God provides (vs. 13).

Second, take a stand against evil and wickedness (vs. 13).

Third, put on the girdle of truth (know the Word of God, vs. 14).

Fourth, put on the breastplate of righteousness (be righteous in character, vs. 14).

Fifth, take the message of the Gospel of Christ, going about bringing men to peace with God (vs. 15).

Sixth, take the shield of faith (vs. 16). Faith is the victory in Christian living and in victory over the devil and evil.

Seventh, make sure you are wearing the “helmet of Salvation” (be sure your are saved (vs. 17).

Eighth, take the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (the Bible) and dispense it to men.

Finally, pray, pray, pray, believe, believe, believe, persevere, persevere, persevere and make supplication for the saints!