Tag: Bible Study Series 2015

Ephesians 6:20

Paul considered himself and ambassador (representative) of the mystery of the Gospel (considering Ephesians 3, particularly the mystery of the Gospel to the Gentiles). This is the second time Paul mentions boldness.

Examples of boldness:

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:8-13)

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30)

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”(Acts 4:31)

“According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” (Ephesians 3:11-12)

Boldness comes by the filling of the Holy Ghost. Boldness is granted by prayer. One cannot decide, “I’m going to be bold for Christ.” Rather, it comes by following as Christ leads, granted as an answer to prayer for boldness. Do I pray for boldness? (for myself and others) Do I pray that God would help me (and others) to speak as He would have us to speak?

Ephesians 6:18-19

Not only does Paul exhort the believers to pray for the saints, but he also requests prayers for himself.

Utterance – NT:3056 logos (log’-os); from NT:3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):

Boldly – NT:1722 en (en); a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between NT:1519 and NT:1537); “in,” at, (up-) on, by, etc.:

NT:3954 parrhesia (par-rhay-see’-ah); from NT:3956 and a derivative of NT:4483; all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance:

Though Paul was known for his boldness, he still requested prayer. Taking his example, we should pray for the preachers and pastors we know: that God would give them utterance and boldness to declare the Gospel. We cannot pray too much for the men of God that we know.

Ephesians 6:18

Lastly is mentioned prayer and supplication.

Prayer – NT:4335 proseuche (pros-yoo-khay’); from NT:4336; prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel):

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)

“And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28-29)

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” (Romans 12:12)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” (Colossians 4:2)

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” (1 Timothy 2:1)

“But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.” (Philemon 1:22)

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayedearnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” (James 5:17)

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7)

“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (Revelations 5:8)

These verses reveal to us the power of prayer. We must pray believing. And when we pray believing, God works: devils are cast out, men are delivered from the enemy, rain is held. God answers the prayers of His saints – they are before Him.

Supplication – NT:1162 deesis (deh’-ay-sis); from NT:1189; a petition:

“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”(Luke 2:37)

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” (Romans 10:1)

“Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.” (2 Corinthians 1:11)

“And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.” (2 Corinthians 9:14)

“Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,” (Philippians 1:4)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplicationwith thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” (1 Timothy 2:1)

“Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.” (1 Timothy 5:5)

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)

Supplication is prayer especially for someone else. Supplication, also, is heard by God and answered. Supplication is powerful: delivering others from the hand of the enemy, enabling others in God’s ministry, and availing much. I personally believe that this is the type of prayer we could use the most but neglect the most. Not only are we commanded to make prayers and supplications, but Ephesians goes on to say, “and watching thereunto with all perseverance (persistency) and supplication (petition) for all saints;” In case we didn’t quite understand what mere “supplication” meant, we are assured that it is to be done faithfully for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Does my prayer life reflect my love for the brethren? Am I faithfully praying for others and their work in the Lord?

Ephesians 6:17

Several preachers have mentioned that the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in this armor. This implies that we can use God’s Word to ward off the attacks of the devil. We can use it to defeat the enemy.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:10)

So far, no effort of man or his logic is even mentioned in the armor of the Spirit. It is all spiritual armor – that takes man’s choice to put on and keep on. We know that God’s Word is our Sword, but do we sharpen it in our lives? Do we read it, study it, and apply it? The Sword does not offer much protection if it is rusted in its sheath. It has to be brought out and practiced with for us to know how to use it. If we do not use God’s Word in the small areas of our life, how will we be able to use it when it comes to the darkness of spiritual warfare?

For a further study of the power, might, majesty, and ability of God’s Word, Psalm 119 has the most to say about God’s Word. If one doubts its ability to guide, direct, fight, keep, and help, they should read Psalm 119.

Ephesians 6:17

The next piece of armor is the helmet (4030 perikephalaia; encirclement of the head, i.e. a helmet:) of salvation (4992 soterion; defender or (by implication) defence:). Our head is not protected by ourselves. Instead, our head is encircled by salvation – which comes from Jesus Christ.

This concept reminds me of the references to Christ as the Head of the church.

“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” (Matthew 21:42)

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)

“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22-23)

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” (Ephesians 5:23)

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18)

“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2:10)

The verse that especially seems to connect this concept is Ephesians 5:23, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Christ is the head, the Savior. We are to take the helmet of Salvation.

Ephesians 6:16

Already, the armor has contained truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace. But above all, we are to have the shield of faith. It reminds me of some notes from my study of Ephesians 4:27 (“Neither give place to the devil.”):

Ephesians 6:16, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Faith quenches the devil’s darts. If we are bowing down under the weight of his attack, perhaps we should cry out to God to increase our faith.

1 Peter 5:8-9 is not the next passage in this context, but applies to Ephesians 6:16, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

Again, the attack of the devil is linked to our faith. We are to resist (oppose, stand against) while stedfast in the faith. If we are not steadfast in faith, we have no shield by which to resist.

Faith in God is a gradual process. We begin by faith for salvation:

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:28)

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” (Romans 5:1)

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16)

“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11)

“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”(James 2:24)

Then, we add to our faith for justification by living by faith:

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)

“(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38)

Do we have the shield of faith? Have we accepted Christ as our Savior?

And then, if we have that shield, is it still in front of us, protecting us fully? or have we let it slip down a little because we are now living as carnal believers?

Faith – NT:4102 pistis (pis’-tis); from NT:3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:

Ephesians 6:15

Shod – NT:5265  hupodeo (hoop-od-eh’-o); from NT:5259 and NT:1210; to bind under one’s feet, i.e. put on shoes or sandals:

Preparation – NT:2091  hetoimasia (het-oy-mas-ee’-ah); from NT:2090; preparation:

Gospel – NT:2098  euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel’-ee-on); from the same as NT:2097; a good message, i.e. the gospel:

Peace – NT:1515 eirene (i-ray’-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:

The preparation of the Gospel of peace is to be bound under our feet. It gives the image of directing our steps – going places where we can share this Gospel.

This peace is the same peace that Jesus uses in John 14:26, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” It is by this peace that Jesus sends us, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)

Other verses that came to mind are:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7)

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)

Taking these verses into consideration, as believers, we are responsible to prepare ourselves with the Gospel of peace. We are to have it on, like shoes, ready to go when God may send us.

Ephesians 6:11-14

The second piece of armor is the breastplate – that which covers the chest and protects it. This armor is righteousness (equity [of character or act]; specially [Christian] justification:). The simple definition and reference to armor implies that this righteousness is more than what comes from us. It is something we must put on, not draw from ourselves.

– We can receive all we need to know about righteousness from God’s Word

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16)

– Righteousness by faith in God

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”(Genesis 15:6)

“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” (Galatians 5:5)

– Righteousness by keeping the law

“And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.” (Deuteronomy 6:25)

– Clothing of righteousness

“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.” (Job 29:14)

“Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.” (Psalm 132:9)

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)

“By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,”(2 Corinthians 6:7)

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”(Revelations 19:7-8)

– God of our righteousness

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 4:1)

– God’s righteousness

“For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” (Psalm 11:7)

“Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.” (Psalm 85:12-13)

– Path of righteousness

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)

– Righteousness comes from God

“He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psalm 24:5)

“In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” (Psalm 89:16)

“In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE Lord OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”(Jeremiah 23:6)

“In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.” (Jeremiah 33:16)

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10:3-4)

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”(2 Corinthians 5:21)

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”(Galatians 2:21)

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)

“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”(Philippians 1:11)

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3:9)

– Sacrifices of righteousness

“Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.” (Psalm 51:19)

– Righteousness of God’s Word

“Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.” (Psalm 119:123)

“The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.” (Psalm 19:144)

“My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.” (Psalm 119:172)

“All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.” (Proverbs 8:8)

– Promises for righteousness

“The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.” (Proverbs 11:5-6)

“Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.” (Proverbs 13:6)

“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” (Proverbs 21:21)

 “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”(Hosea 10:12)

– Righteousness by truth

” He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” (Proverbs 12:17)

– Righteousness: reflection of our love for God

“The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:9)

– Righteousness and peace

“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17)

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:18)

– Seeking righteousness

“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” (Zephaniah 2:3)

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”(Matthew 6:33)

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

– Our members as righteousness

“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:13)

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

– Righteousness and believers

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17)

“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”(1 Corinthians 15:34)

– Righteousness by chastening

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”(Hebrews 12:11)

– Wrath defeats righteousness

“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)

– Saved for righteousness

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

– Suffering because of righteousness

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” (1 Peter 3:14)

As believers, it is but our duty to be righteous in the Lord. We must seek righteousness – and seeing as God’s Word is profitable for instruction in righteousness and is righteousness Itself, we must again turn to the Bible to know how to live righteously. 

Ephesians 6:11-14

Put on the armor of God . . . take unto you the whole armor of God . . . now STAND.

The first part of armor to help us stand is truth; girding (gird all around, fasten one’s belt) ourselves with truth.

-All of God’s paths are in truth.

“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” (Psalm 25:10)

-All of God’s works are done in truth.

“For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.” (Psalm 33:4)

-God’s law, commandments, and words are truth

“Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.” (Psalm 119:142)

“Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.” (Psalm 119:151)

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

-God’s truth will preserve us.

“Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.” (Psalm 40:11)

-God’s truth is a shield and buckler to us.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4)

-God has given us His truth to lead and guide us.

“O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.” (Psalm 43:3)

-God desires truth in our inward parts.

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”(Psalm 51:6)

-We are to study and rightly divide God’s truth.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

-God wants us to speak the truth.

“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:” (Zechariah 8:16)

-We have the choice whether or not to walk in God’s truth.

“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” (Psalm 86:11)

“I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.” (Psalm 119:30)

“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”(3 John 1:3-4)

-Truth helps to purge iniquity.

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.”(Proverbs 16:6)

-God lives in truth.

“And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.” (Jeremiah 4:2)

-Jesus Christ is truth.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

-The Holy Spirit is truth.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13)

-Man can deceive himself to believe something that is not God’s truth – they can change God’s truth in their minds.

“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” (Romans 1:24-25)

-Man can disobey, reject, and resist the truth.

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” (Galatians 3:1)

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

“Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” (2 Timothy 3:8)

-The way of truth will be evil spoken of by evil men.

“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” (2 Peter 2:2)

Even believers can deny God’s truth and ignore it. To do so is only opening our lives to a direct attack of satan. It is so very vital for the believer to be rooted and grounded in the truth. How can we use the Sword of Truth if we do not even know the truth? I don’t believe there is any “coincidence” that truth is the very first weapon mentioned. The first step of the believer should be to read God’s truth, study God’s truth, seek God’s truth, and follow God’s truth. By doing so, they are putting on the first weapon in their armor.

Ephesians 6:12

Before giving us the armor, God continues to stress the importance of why we need this armor. Our battle is not physical – thus, we cannot rely on physical resources (example: Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”). To fight the spiritual battle warring, we must arm ourselves with spiritual resources.

We cannot be ignorant against whom we are fighting. The Bible helps us to understand the enemy: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

The devil is as a roaring lion.

He walks about.

He seeks to devour.

But, he can be resisted.

Ephesians 6:13

Just as we must “put on” the armor, we must also take the armor. These words give the implication that it is our choice whether or not we will receive the armor that God has provided. It is there. It is available. But do we take it?

After warning us about the devil, the challenge again to pick up the armor of God and use it is given – very similar to verse 11. We do not have to be defeated by the wiles of the devil. Instead, we can withstand (stand against, oppose) and stand (to stand).