Permalink--Verse by verse through Ephesians

The Series

Ephesians 1:1-1:6
Ephesians 1:7-1:14
Ephesians 1:15-1:23
Ephesians 2:1-2:7
Ephesians 2:8-2:10
Ephesians 2:11-2:22
Ephesians 3:1-3:7
Ephesians 3:7-3:13
Ephesians 3:14-3:21
Ephesians 4:1-4:6
Ephesians 4:7-4:13
Ephesians 4:11-4:16
Ephesians 4:17-4:27
Ephesians 4:28-5:2
Ephesians 5:3-5:8
Ephesians 5:8-5:14
Ephesians 5:13-5:21
Ephesians 5:22-5:33
Ephesians 6:1-6:9
Ephesians 6:10-6:13
Ephesians 6:14-6:15
Ephesians 6:16-6:17
Ephesians 6:18-6:24

Verse by verse through Ephesians (6:18-6:24)

Ephesians 6:18-24

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.

23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

The last installment of this series. We have seen so far that Paul wrote this letter to a congregation of Christians who were living in the middles of a city that was filled with the worship of pagan idols. The worship of Artemis—or as the Romans called her, Diana—was the main focus of all religious activity in the city. He spent two years there, reasoning and persuading in the synagogue. It got to the point that so many people were fleeing from the worship of Artemis and were following the group of people who were called “The Way.” In Antioch they were called “Christians” but in every other city they were called “The Way.” And Luke tells us in Acts 19:23-27—23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”

If we are preaching the gospel properly, we will be hated by many. This nonsense about having to look like the world and be partakers with the world of the things of the world—is abomination. It is abomination. Yet what do we find in Laodicea these days? Um, I mean, America? We have all these huge gatherings of people inside of buildings where they talk about something that kinds sounds like they might be talking about Jesus. But they are so busy trying to please God by making friends with the world that their speech is closer to that of the world than that of God. Yet what happened to Paul when he preached the true gospel? He was beaten up, thrown in jail, whipped with rods, scourged, left for dead. If only he had a copy of The Purpose Driven Life to show him how to be more of an influence on people. If only Robert Schuller had been around to teach him a better way—one where he could have avoided all that pain and agony he went through. If only Kenneth Copeland could have shown him how to speak to his situation. If only Paul could have sown a $58 seed to Mike Murdock. After all, Jesus just wanted us to feed the poor, He didn’t want us going around telling people what to believe. (Of course I’m being sarcastic, why do you ask?) This is why we read the words from Paul in today’s passage. After exhorting these Ephesian believers to take up the whole armor of God, he encourages them to be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…

…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… The English in most translations is not constructed on a literal rendering of the Greek. If it were, they would say, through all prayer and supplication be praying in the Spirit… The words prayer and supplication (προσευχης [proseuches] and δεησεως [dehseos]) mean “a prayer of worship” and “a prayer from a position of extreme poverty.”

The prayer we are to offer is up one that tells God that He is in control of everything, that He is the object of our devotion, that He alone is above all things. It is the prayer that says, “Lord, you are my King, you are my Master, you are the Most High. I come humbly before you, acknowledging you as my King and my God.” Because He deserves it. He is God. He alone is worthy of worship. William Cowper wrote in his hymn Exhortation To Prayer,

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian armor bright,
And Satan trembles when he sees.
The meanest saint upon his knees.

And what is prayer but acknowledging that God is God! If we could go through this life on our own, we wouldn’t need to pray. But here, after exhorting us to put on the armor, what is the first thing Paul tells us to do? Pray. We can know the truth. We can know what it means to be righteous. We can have knowledge and willpower. We can have all these weapons. But without prayer, we will utterly fail. Because the power of this armor is not in the one wearing it—it’s in the one the armor comes from. Paul did not tell us to put on OUR armor—he told us to put on the armor OF GOD. And it is only by admitting to God that He is our strength, He is our shield and our buckler (2nd Samuel 22), our strong tower (Psalm 61:3; Proverbs 18:10), our very present help in time of need (Psalm 46:1) that the armor has any power at all.

Then we offer our supplication. Our petition from poverty. We have nothing to offer to God. Anything we could give Him—He could create it. “Here Lord, I offer you all of planet earth, and all its riches!” How would He reply? “It is written, ‘The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof’” (Psalm 24:1). The gods made with hands that the people were worshipping in Ephesus constantly needed to have things given to them to appease their anger and their ego. What could we ever give to God? This is the prayer of supplication. God is sovereign, He does as He pleases, and there is nothing we could do to alter His plan. We extend our pleas to Him, asking Him for mercy, for His will to be done, and for Him to hear our plea.

…in the Spirit… This is not some mystical, mysterious form of prayer that is only available to the super-duper-spiritual. This is not some esoteric type of prayer that some make it out to be. It simply means that your spirit is seeking the same things as the Holy Spirit. And how is one “in the Spirit?” Paul told us in Romans 8:9, But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed …the Spirit of God dwells in you. So we have two possibilities here. You are either in the flesh, or you are in the Spirit. And if the Spirit is not in you, then you are not in the Spirit—but in the flesh. This is not where you want to be. Because if you are in the flesh, God will not hear your prayer. Many people who do not know the Lord think that if they pray about something God will answer it. They are wrong. God does not hear the prayer of a sinner. Proverbs 15:29—The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. His ears are open to the prayer of the righteous (1st Peter 3:12), but His ears are closed to the prayer of the wicked.

And His ears are closed to the prayers that are offered up simply for our own comfort. James 4:2-3—2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Jesus was very explicit in teaching us what to pray for. Did He ever teach us to pray for comfort? NO. Did He ever teach us to pray that God would help us avoid trouble? NO. You see, the concept of prayer in this country has been so screwed up that most people think it’s like rubbing a magic lamp and calling for a genie to come out. That we are entitled to something just because we pray for it. Is any of us better than the apostle Paul? 2nd Corinthians 12:7-9—7 a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Why does God allow us to go through trials? To grow us into the full measure of Christ, to conform us to His image, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:3-4).

…being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints… Watchful. αγρυπνουντες (agrupnountes). Being without sleep. Don’t let your eyes slumber, but always be on the lookout for the enemy. Or do you think your enemy will wait until you are ready for him to attack before he comes against you? If you do, then you really need to examine yourself, if you really understand who your enemy really is. This one who walks about like a roaring lion, seeking out the slow, the weak, the ones who aren't paying attention so he can devour them (1st Peter 5:8). And be watchful with all perseverance. Because it will not be easy. After all, are we called to endure, or are we called to coast?

Matthew 24:12-13—“12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
2nd Timothy 2:3—You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:1—let us run with endurance the race that is set before us
James 1:12—Blessed is the man that endures temptation; for…he shall receive the crown of life.

I would challenge anyone who thinks the Christian life is supposed to be easy to find a passage that says anything to that effect. They may find something they can take out of context and twist to fit their warped theology. But in the end they will be no more than liars and thieves.

…and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. What is this! Even the apostle Paul, the one who wrote half of the New Testament, the man who spoke the gospel all through Greece and Asia—needs the saints to pray for him? Shouldn’t he be praying for the saints? You see, even the chief of all the apostles needed the prayers of the saints. Even he knew that he could do nothing without God working through him. And he knew it was only by the Holy Spirit speaking through him that he could preach the fullness of the gospel boldly. Or, as he says, with παρρησια (parrhsia), “openly, without reservation, without ambiguity, with free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, assurance.” Oh, that this would be the prayer of every man who claims to be a preacher of the word of God. That they would do so without being the mealy-mouthed peddlers of half-truths that they are. That they would seek to be bold in proclaiming Jesus Christ as the only means of reconciling fallen, sinful man to the One and Only God who alone is holy, righteous, and just!

…for which I am an ambassador in chains… Are we not all bound to the gospel? Are we not all slaves to Christ? For if you are not a slave to Christ, then there is only one other option. The man who is free from Christ is a slave to sin. Romans 6:16-22—16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?...18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness…just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness…so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness…22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. There is no escape from slavery. As long as we walk in these bodies of flesh, we present our bodies, every day, to our master. We can either present ourselves to Christ, that we may be slaves to righteousness and holiness. Or, if we do not present ourselves to Him, then we, buy default, present ourselves to uncleanness and iniquity and lawlessness. As Robertson wrote 250 years ago this year:

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

If we are Christ’s we are sealed to God by the Holy Spirit. And do the Scriptures not tells us to not grieve that Holy Spirit, by which we are sealed until the last day (Ephesians 4:30). See, this is where so many people get messed up when it comes to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. He does not protect us from all evils. He does not exist to make us speak a bunch of gibberish in the middle of a worship service. He does not work by making people flop around on the floor like a fish. The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth, and will give us the words to speak—but we need to submit to Him, so that He can work through us.

You see, the Holy Spirit does not work by causing all these weird “manifestations” like we see today. That may be a spirit, but it ain't the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells within each and every believer the moment they repent of their sins and call upon the name of Jesus to save them and be their Lord. And every day we are to give our minds and our hearts over to that Spirit that He may lead us in paths of righteousness. This is not a passive thing. Many times people pray for the Spirit to stop them from doing something that is sinful. Well, He’s not always going to do that. In fact, about the only time He will is if we are about to do something that will end our life before the time that God has appointed us to die. And we also pray for the Spirit to give us boldness. But if we are given that boldness, it is then up to us to exercise that boldness, and make known the mystery of the gospel as [we] ought to speak.

But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. We know a little about Tychicus. His name means “fortuitous” or “fortunate.” We know that one of the last things Paul did was to send Tychicus to Ephesus with his second letter to Timothy (2nd Timothy 4:12). Some subscriptions to the letters to the Colossians and to the Ephesians say that they were written by the Tychicus, most probably dictated to him by Paul. Unlike Demas who, as Paul wrote, had forsaken Paul, having loved this present world (2nd Timothy 4:10), Tychicus was a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord (Colossians 4:7).

We can learn quite a bit from these two. While on the one hand Tychicus was with Paul until the very end, sticking as close as a brother and remaining faithful even in the face of much adversity and opposition, Demas followed Paul for a while. But he looked at the Cross that was set before him, and considered the cost of carrying it. And rather than take it up and follow our Lord, he instead turned his back on the Lord and embraced this fallen and corrupt world, and loved it more than he loved Christ. He loved the world. What did the apostle whom Jesus loved have to say about this? 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1st John 2:15-17).

Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Who does peace come from? Can we make our own peace? No. Not as God gives peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, do I give to you” (John 14:27). This peace that Jesus gives us He gives us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. For the fruit of the Spirit is…peace (Galatians 5:22). And God gives peace to all who belong to Him. Because if we belong to Him, if He is our Shepherd, if He is the one watching over us, then what can the world do to us? Romans 8:31-35—31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? If we belong to the Good Shepherd, we shall never follow the voice of another. If Christ has saved us, then our life is hid in God with Him (Colossians 3:3). And as goes the old song which speaks of us standing Before the Throne of God Above,

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Verse by verse through Ephesians (6:16-6:17)

Ephesians 6:16-17

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

What is armor used for? Protection, yes. But protection from what? Why, from something—or someone—that can potentially cause us harm or death. Knowing this, if you were aware that someone was going to come against you to harm or kill you, and you had armor at your disposal, would you refuse it? I think not. I believe that if you were in armed conflict as part of a military operation, you would not be so bold as to shun the armor at your disposal, that your life may be preserved. Yet how many of us go into the world—a battlefield more vast and more cunning than Gettysburg, Shiloh, Ardennes, or Suribachi. You see, on those fields, we knew who the enemy was. We had a pretty good idea of where the enemy was, how they were going to attack, the types of weapons they were using, etc.

But the battlefield we go out into everyday is more like the ones we faced in the Far East, with its thick jungles and underbrush. There, we did not know where the enemy would be hiding, where they had rigged booby-traps, or even if there would be enemy soldiers hiding in civilian villages and huts. We could also compare the battlefield of the world to what our soldiers are facing in Iraq. When they see an innocent child standing in the middle of the road, they have to make a decision. Does that child need help? Or has someone packed explosives under their clothing, waiting to detonate it, killing the child and anyone around him/her. Perhaps that child is simply sent to halt the convoy long enough for those who lie in ambush to have a clear shot.

You see, this world is Satan's battleground. And he uses things and methods and people we would never imagine him using. He sends his troops against us every day, and we do not always know where they are, who they are, or how Satan will use them. We cannot know, in our limited wisdom, what kind of battle plan Satan is devising to bring about our downfall. And make no mistake—Satan does indeed make plans for us. We saw in verse 11, that the reason we put on the armor—the WHOLE armor—of God is so that we may stand against the μεθοδεια (methodeia), or “plans, schemes, cunnings” of the evil one. And since Satan makes plans for us, should we not also make plans for ourselves? Or, rather, should we not plan ahead for any possible military operation in this spiritual war we call the Christian Walk? How do we do that?

Can we see the future before it happens? No. But we do know someone who does. We know Someone who can see things that lay farther ahead than any kind of radar man has been able to invent. We know Someone who can see the battle before it ever begins. And He is the one we should get our armor from. And when He offers us His armor, we should take every single piece of it. Because if we leave off even one piece, our enemy will exploit that deficiency, and he will land a blow that could have the capability of rendering us severely wounded. A wound that has the capability of taking us out of the battle for quite a while. A wound that may take a long time to recover from. So after we surround ourselves with the truth, after we put on Christ’s righteousness as a breastplate, after we strap the gospel to our feet that its preparation may lead us in walking where the Spirit leads us, what do we grab next?

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. What good would it do a Roman soldier to go into battle without his shield? After he has covered his chest—his heart, his lungs, his vital organs—and has girt himself with that belt that holds everything else together, and has put upon his feet those shoes that will protect his feet and ankles from the blows of clubs and swords, is he going to go out with the one thing that can protect him from the arrows that the enemy will launch at him from afar? Of course not. Because, you see, his shield was not for his own protection only.

Roman shields were usually rectangular, and what they would do is, as they got ready to approach their opponents, they would lock their shields together to form sort of a wall. They were also covered with leather, and they would take and soak their shields in water—often overnight—because what would happen a lot of times was, their opponents would take arrows, and wrap cloth around the shaft near the tip. Now this cloth would be covered with pitch, or tar. And when the fight began, they would light their arrows on fire. So not only did the arrow pierce the oncoming soldiers, but even if they pulled the arrow out of their skin, they would still have that hot tar stuck to them.

That’s what sin is like. Sin is like an arrow that Satan stands and fires at us from a long distance, hoping to end the fight quickly. Psalm 11:2—For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. Proverbs 25:18—A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a mallet, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. And once Satan has done his damage, he just goes on his merry way. His work is done. You're hit, you're damaged, you're wounded, he has succeeded in his mission.

When we are pierced through by temptation, and we give in and become as the walking wounded, we may pull that arrow out, we may stop the bleeding—but we still feel it. It’s hot, it burns, and it leaves a nasty scar. This is why Paul says above all take the shield of faith. After you have taken up the pieces of armor listed thus far, take the shield of your faith to cover all those pieces. As John Wesley said, “As a sort of universal covering to every other part of the armour itself, continually exercise a strong and lively faith. This you may use as a shield, which will quench all the fiery darts, the furious temptations, violent and sudden injections of the devil.” Genesis 15:1—After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward. Psalm 28:7—The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him.

When we lift up our faith as a shield—that is, when the enemy comes against us with some kind of temptation that he wants us to take part in—it is by lifting up our faith that resist the arrows and darts of wickedness. In Psalm 101:3, King David says, I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. When we lift up our faith, and put it in front of us, we are showing Satan who we belong to. When he bends his bow and fires temptations at us, trying to lure us into sin, we have to choices. We can stand there and let those arrows rain down on us, pierce us, cling to us. Or we can remember the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 91:5—You shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day.

And take the helmet of salvation… This is really pretty simple. What does the helmet cover? What’s inside our head? What do we use our brain for? Sins don’t just happen. Our bodies don’t do anything unless our brain tells it to. Our fingers do not type in a pornographic website unless our brain tells them to. Our eyes do not continue looking at the woman on the cover of the magazine at the checkout if our brain does not tell them to. Our feet do not walk us into the liquor store if our brain does not tell them to. Do you sense a pattern here? Now, consider this: When Paul talks about the helmet of salvation—he is talking about our brain. In a way. But more to the point, he is talking about our mind. And yes, there is a difference between our brain and our mind.

The brain and the mind are two separate things, yet they are interconnected. Your brain produces thoughts, but your thoughts influence the way your brain works. Let me give you an example. When we read something, there is a part of our brain that takes that information, processes it, and develops a new way of thinking about things. Read the warnings on your prescription. You see something on there that you aren’t supposed to take. “I should not take this without talking to my doctor because this might kill me.” So your brain prevents your hands from picking up something that you should not take, and prevents your mouth from opening to take it in. Your brain produces thoughts, your thoughts influence your brain.

By the same token, in our natural mind, we cannot know what God desires from us. Not only that, we cannot do the things that God wants us to do. Because the only thing the natural mind cares about it fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. The flesh tells the mind what to do, the mind sends the signal to the necessary parts of the body, and the sin is committed. OK, fine. You don’t believe me.
1st Corinthians 2:14—But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Romans 8:7 (NASB)—the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so...
Colossians 1:21—you who were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works…

We cannot, with the simple organ that sits in our head and generates all kinds of wicked thoughts, serve the law of God. We can't. It’s impossible. We are by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). That’s why we are to wear our salvation as a helmet. So that even before those thoughts come into our head—when the enemy fires those fiery darts from afar—we will always have on our minds the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ has saved us from those dead works (Hebrews 6:1, Romans 13:12), that He has brought us out of the darkness (2nd Corinthians 4:6), that the Father has transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear and precious Son (Colossians 1:13). We are to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). In fact, Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians 2:16, For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. We HAVE the mind of Christ.

What kind of mind is this?
1st Peter 1:13—Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:22-24—put off…the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and…put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Philippians 2:3—Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
2nd Timothy 1:7—For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God… Have you noticed something about these pieces of armor? What kinds of verbs does Paul NOT use in this passage? None of these things are to be done to us, passively. These are things we are to do, to stand and to take. This is an active thing. We are not to be passive spectators. We are not to sit there and say, “OK, God. Give me what I need so nothing bad happens.” We are to be actively engaged in this conflict. And it is not a conflict we are to enter into lightly. Before we go out the door—in fact, even before our feet hit the floor in the morning—we are to prepare ourselves for the war we are walking into. Verse 13—“take up.” Verse 14—“gird your waist…put on the breastplate.” Verse 15—“shod your feet.” Verse 16—“taking the shield.” Verse 17—“take the helmet.” Prepare yourself like the soldier you are. Prepare yourself for war—because that is what you are walking into. You are going out into a battlefield that Satan has prepared to his liking, to make it easier to take you out of the battle. And if you do not prepare yourself, your battle is over before it has even begun.

Now, what soldier would be ready for battle without his sword? You could stand in the battle, let your opponent clobber you upside the head with his club or his sword, and you may stand for a little while. But if you don’t start swinging back with some kind of weapon, you will get ground into dust. The sword of the Spirit. There’s a very good reason that God told Paul to list this part last. All the other parts have been for defense. But now we get to the one part of the armor that can also be used to go on the offensive. You see, we have to learn how to defend our position before we can go and attack an enemy. The sword a Roman soldier would use probably about 20-24 inches long. They would be used for quick, swift movements, in close quarters. There are going to be times when Satan isn’t going to stand a mile away and fire arrows at you. If we withstand his attacks long enough, he’s going to get right up in our face. That’s when we need a word from God.

Now when it says that the sword of the Spirit is “the word of God”, it isn’t talking about the Bible in a general sense. Paul would have used the word λογος (logos). Instead he uses the word ρημα (rhema). This refers to a specific message. One dictionary defines it as “a declaration of one’s mind made in words…a message.” What Paul is saying here is, “When Satan attacks, and he has exhausted all his other options, he will come against you trying to kill you. And he will try and twist the word of God to do it. But when he does, But, be ready to listen for the message GOD will give to you, so that you can fight back.” Because you see, we aren’t commanded to just stand there and let Satan take all the shots at us. Sooner or later, we are going to need to fight back. And if we aren’t listening for that word from GOD, and if we aren’t able to fight back using that word from GOD, eventually Satan is going to wear us down and he’ll win.

When Satan tempted our Lord, how did He respond? With Scripture. “It is written…” When Satan attacks us, how should we respond? With Scripture. “It is written…” Because, you see, Satan—he knows the Scriptures. His theology is better than that of the most learned man. He has seen more of the Bible written, lived out, fulfilled, proclaimed than any man ever has. In fact, you might say that Satan has an almost perfect theology. Almost, that is. He has seen God! He was in Heaven for a while! He was there when they crucified our Lord. He saw Him rise from the grave. He saw Him ascend on the clouds with the angels of God. He knows our Lord is coming back. He doesn’t know when, but he knows it’s going to happen. He is such an intelligent and influential creature that he led one-third of the angels to revolt against the very God who created them! If he can lead angels astray, who were in the very presence of God, do you think you are strong enough, wise enough, smart enough to stand up to him? Can you outwit this creature whose knowledge is so vast?

Don’t think that for a second. You are a human—a vastly limited human. Your knowledge, your wisdom, your anything is limited to the tiny little physical world you inhabit. You have never seen the realms of the spiritual. Satan has. He lives in them. And you can't see Satan. But even if you could see Satan, you wouldn’t even know it was him. Because he can make it seem like he’s your best friend. He can make it sound like he has your best interests at heart. He can make it seem as if following him was the best thing you could ever do with your life. And he can take that Bible you read, turn it upside down and inside out, and make it sound like he’s speaking the truth. Don’t believe me? Ask Eve. Does the phrase “Thou shalt not surely die!” ring any bells? She tried to reason with him. How did that whole encounter work out? Not too well, if I’m not mistaken.

Now do you see why it is so important to begin the day with the word of God? To have that word in your heart? So that when the enemy comes against you, firing his arrows, charging at you with a sword, you can defend yourself against him? You can be ready to receive the word God will give you to answer this great and awful creature, and send him fleeing? James 4:7—resist the devil and he shall flee. How are you going to resist him? By trying to outwit him and outsmart him? Yeah, try it. Or would you rather trust in God, that He will provide the word in due time? That He will show you that His word is truth. That the best defense against Satan is to attack him with the very word he will try and use against you, reminding him of what it really means—that the very word he uses to make you fall is the one that tells of his coming demise, and his eternal fate.

Verse by verse through Ephesians (6:14-6:15)

And post Number 1000! Yaaay!!!!

Ephesians 6:14-15

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace

Last time we looked at standing against the devil. That Pilgrim, in Bunyan’s classic The Pilgrim’s Progress, was not given any armor for his back—it was assumed that when Apollyon opposed him that he would not fear, but rather stand and fight. This is the same sentiment Paul encourages us with. Why should we be afraid of Satan? Of course we should always be mindful of him, and be vigilant against him. But fear him? For what reason? What can Satan do to us? What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us…Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:31, 33-34). Satan can huff and puff and beat his chest all he likes. He can come against us with manifold temptations. He can play upon our fears and doubts. But he cannot make us do anything. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1st Corinthians 10:13).

We also saw that the armor we are to take, we are to take all of it. Not just a couple pieces. We are not to walk out the door unprepared for battle. For Satan never does. When he attacks, he has a specific plan. In verse 11, Paul calls these plans μεθοδεια (methodeia). Methods, precise schedules, battle plans. He knows how he is going to attack you. You don’t. Now, do you still think you can face him? Or will you flee when you see him?

In these verses we will be looking at today, we will see what the pieces of armor protect us from. That each one of them is specific against specific attacks. Keeping in mind that these words did not just spring up from Paul’s imagination, but were given to him by the Holy Spirit, we can know that there is a purpose for each piece listed, and a reason they are ordered as they are. God does not do anything or say anything the way He does without having a reason. Consider how He lists the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). First, love. Then upon love is built joy. Then upon love and joy is built peace. Then on love, joy and peace is built patience. Love, joy, peace and patience are the foundation for gentleness. And so on. Each attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is based on those qualities that came before. and in much the same way, each piece of armor listed here is given in a certain order, based on the first things building up the later things.

We’re not going to feel like we have won every battle. But if we remember that we are not the ones who do the fighting—it is God who fights for us—if we remember this, we will indeed overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). After all, look back at verse 10. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Nowhere in Scripture are we ever taught to go it alone. Never are we encouraged to go into battle against Satan using our own skills and weapons. Rather, the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God… (2nd Corinthians 10:4). And the armor we are to wear is God’s—this is why we are commanded to put on Christ (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27).

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth… Uh-oh. We’re in trouble before we even start. According to some, we can't know the truth. We cannot be sure of anything—except our doubts. Their idea of faith is to question everything. They are puffed up in themselves with this grandiose idea that they are so much smarter than we are because they have figured out that no one can know the truth. So, they have lost the battle before it has even begun. Because they are calling Jesus a liar. These people who claim to love Him so much that they would never dare to say they can know the truth—are indeed blaspheming Him by saying He lied to us. Yes, you read that correctly. They are blaspheming our Lord every time they say we cannot know the truth.

John 8:31-31—31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 14:6—“I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 17:17—“Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth.”

Jesus tells us that we shall know the truth. And what is the truth? Or, rather, who is the truth? He is the truth. Now, when Jesus said, “You shall know the truth,” do you really think that He was just kinda giving us a pep talk, that He didn’t really mean that we would know the truth? Or do you think He was being honest, and that if we truly believe, that yes, we will know the truth? Or are you smarter than Jesus? Do you know what He meant better than He did?

So, what does he mean by gird your waist with truth? The phrase is in the middle voice, meaning it is something we do to ourselves. This requires action on our part. It is something that someone else cannot do for us. We must be the one who girds our own waist with the truth. How do we wear that “belt of truth?” For one thing, it goes all around you, and is fitted tightly to you. So for starters, we are to surround ourselves with truth. I’m sure you’ve heard the illustration about Treasury agents, and how they are trained to spot counterfeit bills. They do not spend their time studying what fake money looks like. Rather, they study real bills. And if they are intensely familiar with what a real bill looks like, it makes it that much easier to spot a fake. That is an illustration of our own need to be intensely familiar with the truth of Scripture so that when we see some phony baloney on TV preaching a bunch of mushed-up gobbledy-gook, it will be readily apparent to us. Someone once asked me “What’s the best way to spot a false teacher.” The answer: surround yourself with the truth. Then the lies will be obvious.

That is not to say we shouldn’t be aware of the enemy’s tactics and lies. Of course we should make ourselves as ready as possible for the time when the enemy will come against us, twisting the Scriptures and making them say something they're really not saying. This is why I am so determined to show the truth about the LDS church, and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and the Roman Catholic Church. So that when you hear their lies, you will know the truth, and you can run from the lies.

Another thing about a belt is you wear it tightly to your body. The belt of a Roman soldier was designed to fit tightly around his waist in order to hold the other parts together. Without it, everything else would be useless. Much like our own lives. Without the truth—if we are not walking in truth—we are useless. So what does the enemy like to do? The first and clearest distinction of a false religion is to cast doubt on the word of God. To say that it is not reliable. That it has been corrupted, or that you need some guy in a funny collar to tell you what it means. Why do we have the Qur'an? Because “an angel told Mohammed” that the Bible had been corrupted. Why did we get the Book of Mormon? Because “an angel told Joseph Smith” that the Bible had been corrupted. Why do we have the New World Translation? Because the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society declared that the Bible had been corrupted and mistranslated. Why has the Roman Catholic Church steered so far away from the truth of God’s word? Because you can't know the truth unless Il Popa tells you what it means—and if you don’t believe him, then you are anathema.

What do all these groups have in common? They all tell us that we cannot know the truth unless we hear it from them. That we cannot believe Jesus when He said that we shall know the truth. That Jesus didn’t really mean what He said. Hmmm. That sounds familiar. Who was it that once asked the question, “Hath God indeed said?” (Genesis 3:1). Find the truth in God’s word. Hold fast to it. Bind it close to you that you may be fitted snugly with it, and you may spot the lies when they come along.

…having put on the breastplate of righteousness… Again, put on Christ. Christ is our righteousness. Our own righteousnesses, what do they count for? Filthy rags. If you are familiar with that quote from Isaiah 64:6, you know what the prophet meant. But if you are new to that passage, let me shed light on it. When Isaiah calls our righteousnesses “filthy rags,” he isn't comparing them to those old, tattered t-shirts you use to dust your coffee table. He’s talking about the cloths women would use during their “period of uncleanness.” Today, he would have called them “tampons.” Yes, in God’s eyes, all the things we do to make ourselves righteous are nothing but used tampons. Now just how good are you? All the good deeds you have done, trying to get brownie points, trying to balance out the scales so you have more “good deeds” than “bad deeds” and all you have been doing is soiling a bunch of tampons. Sorry if that makes you sick or disgusted—but God is sick and disgusted by all of our efforts at making ourselves clean by our own works.

So, what is the righteousness we are to “put on” as a breastplate? The righteousness of Christ, of course. After all, have we not become the righteousness of God in Him? That’s what Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 5:21—For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We are here exhorted to put on the righteousness of Christ to cover our hearts. After all, that is where our words come from . For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is (Proverbs 23:7). Therefore, whatever we allow to enter into our hearts comes out through our words, and we are defiled (Matthew 15:18-19), and we curse man who is made in the similitude of God (James 3:9). So, what does putting on the breastplate of righteousness protect? What does the Bible mean when it talks about a man’s heart? Mostly, our emotions, motives, and desires.

When we allow our emotions to dictate our actions, we are goners. Because our emotions are based in our feelings. And when it comes to discerning truth, and the proper way to act, feelings are not the proper barometer to use.
Jeremiah 17:9—The heart is desperately wicked, and deceitful above all things. Who can know it?
Ecclesiastes 9:3—the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live…
Genesis 8:21—the intentions of a man’s heart is evil from his youth.

So, still relying on your heart to lead your mind? Beware. Because your flesh will go where your heart wants it to go. But if you are following Christ, and allowing your emotions to come under His control, then He will do the leading, rather than your emotions.

What about our motives? Are they pure? Are we doing things in order to be seen by men and get their approval, and their praise? Or are we doing our alms in secret, so our Father in Heaven can reward us openly? If we give a bunch of money to a hospital to build a new cancer wing, do we demand that they put our name on the outside? Consider these words of our Lord in Matthew 6:1-5—“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full…When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full…Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”

Notice a pattern there? Doing the right thing with the wrong motive. Because their hearts were far from God.

Then there’s the matter of our desires. Do we desire the things of earth, or the things of God? If our heart is set on things of the earth, then we will store up things on earth. And if our hearts are set on riches, will we ever be satisfied? No. Because once we obtain those riches, we will only want more riches. Ecclesiastes 5:11—He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.

Then the day will come when our souls are required of us, and we will stand naked before our Judge, and be told to “Depart!” Instead, may our hearts be set on things above (Colossians 3:2). Let us store up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20). Let our hearts not be filled with covetousness, for covetousness will exclude us from the kingdom of God (Luke 12:15).

Finally, let’s look at having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Would a soldier go into battle wearing sneakers? No. He would have his best boots on, so that he could stand firm and march as long as he was required. One thing to note about the shoes of a Roman soldier: They had thick layers of leather on the bottom, with cleats coming out of them. Why the thick layers of leather? The reason for that was, a lot of times, the country being invaded would take all kinds of sharp objects like pieces of metal, or bones, or broken pottery. And they would lay them out on the ground and cover them with soft dirt. So when the enemy came marching along, if they didn’t have good footwear, those pieces of steel, or glass, would go right up into their feet, and they would be crippled.

Kinda like the way Satan operates. He’ll try to lay a trap out there for you. He’s getting the battlefield ready the way HE wants it. Oh, I’m sorry. Were you under the impression that Satan fights fair? That he has some kind of code of honor he is duty-bound to follow? No, friend. Satan does not play fair. He will tempt you and lie to you and try to make you think that he is your friend. Don’t believe me? Ask Eve. What was his answer when she told them that they would die if they ate of the tree of knowledge? “Thou shalt not surely die!” (Genesis 3:4). Or perhaps you have forgotten what Jesus had to say about our accuser: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (Matthew 8:44).

So we shod our feet properly. But what is this preparation of the gospel of peace? It is quite a cumbersome statement. The word “preparation” is translated from έτοιμασια (hetoimasia). It comes from the word έτοιμαζω (hetoimazo). This word literally means “to make the necessary preparations, get everything ready.” Of course we know that the gospel of peace is the good news that God came to us, wrapped Himself in flesh (John 1:14), gave His life as a ransom for our sins (Matthew 20:28), thus reconciling us to God (Colossians 1:20) while we were far off (Ephesians 2:12-14) and enemies of God (Colossians 1:21; Romans 5:10). So, what Paul is telling us here is this: We are to bind the gospel of peace to our feet, so that no matter where we go, no matter what snares and traps Satan has laid out for us, we will be prepared to walk through that minefield, confident that no matter what weapons Satan throws at us, no matter what kind of booby traps he readies, we will walk through that valley of the shadow of death and come out on the other side a stronger soldier of Christ than when we first entered.

Secure everything with the truth. Let the truth be the one thing that binds everything else together. Let the righteousness of Christ, and the will of God, be that breastplate that defends your emotions, motives, and desires from being influenced by that evil one. And let your walk be shielded from the snares of the enemy by walking confidently upon the fact that you are prepared for any opposition from Apollyon because you know and believe the gospel, thus putting you at peace with God.

Verse by verse through Ephesians (6:10-6:13)

Ephesians 6:10-13

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

How many sermons have been preached on the armor of God. How many men have gone through and explained and exhorted us to take up the armor every day. Why? Why refer to intangible concepts such as faith and truth and righteousness by means of physical weapons? Are we to take our Bibles and beat people over the head with them? Are we not supposed to love our neighbor? Why then make war with them? Ah, but this is where the world—and the young Christian as well—do not quite understand how the Christian is to walk in this world. We saw in the last chapter, in verse 15, that we are to walk circumspectly…for the days are evil. The days we live in—this age that our physical bodies have been born into—is an evil one. It is one filled with all kinds of snares and traps just waiting for the unsuspecting Christian to partake of and be ensnared therein. Still, why this allusion to items fitted for a soldier?

After all, didn’t Jesus warn Peter thus: “All who take the sword shall perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52)? So why does Paul now tell us to take up the “sword of the Spirit?” For this reason: Because, friend, you and I are soldiers—and soldiers indeed. We are not to simply go out and be mutely slaughtered. We are not to go trembling and fearful into this world. We have an enemy who commands many forces, and many strongholds in this world. And he would love nothing more than to crush you and me under his heel and destroy the church of the living God—the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. And we are bound by the covenant we have made with our Lord—the one He Himself ratified with His own blood—to uphold and defend His church from enemies without and enemies within.

For when does an enemy do the most damage? Standing outside the castle wall, hurling stones from a trebuchet? Or when he is inside, with sword in hand, decimating soldier, mother, and child? Therefore, we must always be on our guard, always ready to earnestly contend for the faith delivered once to all the saints (Jude 1:6). Richard Baxter, the great Puritan writer, warned the elders of the flock of such dangers in his classic, The Reformed Pastor. Consider this caveat to those who deigned to lead a flock, while only giving superficial heed to God’s written word:

Brethren, do you consider what you have taken upon you? Why, you have undertaken the conduct, under Christ, of a band of his soldiers ‘against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places.’ You must lead them on to the sharpest conflicts; you must acquaint them with the enemies’ stratagems and assaults; you must watch yourselves, and keep them watching.

If you miscarry, they and you may perish. You have a subtle enemy, and therefore you must be wise. You have a vigilant enemy, and therefore you must be vigilant. You have a malicious and violent and unwearied enemy, and therefore you must be resolute, courageous and indefatigable. You are in a crowd of enemies, encompassed by them on every side, and if you heed one and not all, you will quickly fall. And oh, what a world of work have you to do!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Be strong in the Lord. Nowhere are we ever commanded—or even encouraged—to take up our own armor. We are never told to stand on our own two feet and fight Satan with the weapons of knowledge and willpower. For those are not weapons against the might of Satan. Those are merely inconveniences he will eventually disarm, overpower, and bring to naught. But when we fight—when we are strong—in the Lord, Paul tells us, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled (2nd Corinthians 10:4-6). What is our willpower, or knowledge, or wisdom, compared to that of one of the mightiest of all the mightiest creatures ever created by God? What is our mind against the one who tried to tempt our Lord?

We are to be strong in the Lord. That word “strong” in the Greek is ενδυναμουσθε(endunamousthe). It is imperative mood—a command. “Be strong!” It is present tense—“BE being strong!” It is passive voice. "BE BEING MADE strong!" Know what that means? It’s not something you can do yourself. It has to be done to you. You must be made strong. How? By seeking His protection—not by charging into battle under your own command. In this battle, there’s no such thing as “An Army of One.”

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Another great Puritan writer, John Bunyan, wrote what can only be called the most accurate allegory of the Christian walk of any who have put paper to pen after the close of the First Century AD. He called it The Pilgrim’s Progress. During his trip, the main character, a man named Christian, came face-to-face with Apollyon.

In the Valley of Humiliation, poor Christian was hard put to it; for he had gone a little way before he espied a foul fiend coming over the field to meet him: his name is Apollyon. Then Christian began to be afraid, and to wonder whether to go back or to stand his ground. But he remembered that he had no armor for his back, and therefore thought that to turn around might give Apollyon greater ease to pierce him with darts; therefore he resolved to venture and stand his ground.

Did you catch that? There is no armor for the back. We are never told to run away from Satan. In fact, what are we exhorted to do by the words of James? Resist the devil. And if we resist the devil, what will happen? HE will flee. But how many times are we Christians tempted to turn and run from Apollyon. To expose ourselves to his darts. We are like those cowardly spies that Joshua and Caleb put to shame. We are not to flee from Satan! We are to stand our ground and fight him wherever he pitches the battle.

Put on the whole armor of God. How much of the armor? The WHOLE armor. All of it. every single piece. Would it be wise for a soldier to go into battle without his gun? Or his Kevlar vest? Would a soldier last very long in a battle if he just kinda threw some stuff together and went out to make war? When Paul wrote these words, he was chained to a Roman soldier. He considered how carefully the Romans prepared for battle. They were highly trained, they were a precision unit, they got their orders and they obeyed them. They made sure everything was ready before they engaged even the most untrained and barbarian group of hostiles. Why? Because they knew that if they let up even for a moment, and did not secure the most minute details, the battle could be lost. Does this sound familiar, friend?

Are we not susceptible to the weapons of our enemy—even those that seem the least threatening—if we let up, and do not take note of the enemy’s strategies? Remember Richard Baxter’s words—You have a subtle enemy, and therefore you must be wise. You have a vigilant enemy, and therefore you must be vigilant. You have a malicious and violent and unwearied enemy, and therefore you must be resolute, courageous and indefatigable. If we go out lacking in the things God has provided for us, the battle is lost before it is ever joined. If we leave our homes, ready to face the world using out own intuition, wisdom, and brain power—we might as well just pitch in with the enemy, because we have already lost. The word for “Put on” is in the middle voice—it something we do passively. Another way to say it is it is something we need to have someone do for us.

…that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The word translated “wiles” is the Greek μεθοδειας (methodeias). Guess what English word we get from that? Yes, methods. “Cunning arts, trickery, schemes.” Do you think Satan just throws temptations at you without thinking through what he’s doing? Now, do not be mistake. He has been doing this for a while, so he can change strategies rather quickly when he needs to. But do not be fooled. When he sets out to pull us down, he starts out with a game plan. Much like a football team does not wait until the last second to decide what play to run. They scout the other team, finding their strengths and weaknesses. For all the talent in the world does not always equate to victory. What does it profit a team if they have the fastest wide receiver—but he’s always running the wrong way? And why do you think teams practice so much? To develop a game plan.

This is why we should also be on our guard against those who bring in false religions. It is good, no doubt, to know the truth. But we also need to be ready for the arguments and heresies Satan will throw at us with a knock at the door. Because guess what? Those nice young men with their white shirts and dark ties will be using the same Bible you use—but not in the same way. And how will you answer them when they do what they have been trained to do—to twist the Scriptures to make it sound like they're telling you the truth? Or will you not be ready? Will your faith be shaken, because you think they may be right? Take up and put on every piece of the armor so that when Satan unleashes his battle plan against you, you may stand strong against it.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Want to know what that word “wrestle” means? The Greek is παλε (pale). It means, literally, “wrestling (a contest between two in which each endeavours to throw the other, and which is decided when the victor is able to hold his opponent down with his hand upon his neck).” Did you catch that last part? About the hand on the neck? That is what Satan wants to do to you. He will come against you, throw you around, use every trick at his disposal—all the while making up a few new ones—and wants nothing less than to put you flat on your back with his hands around your throat. Yes, it is that serious. He wants you to know that he is your boss, he is your master, and there is nothing you can do about it, so you might as well just stop fighting it, give in, and serve him.

But that’s not who we are. We are sons and daughters of God. We have a Father that we can call on, that we can plead to, who will fight for us—or at the very least, send His angels to fight—He has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). You know what one of those spiritual blessings is? The Holy Spirit. Oh, sorry, do we need more than that? You see, all of the weapons we will be looking at over the next few weeks are really those things we have in the Holy Spirit.

• Belt of Truth?
  John 16:13—“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth”


• Breastplate of Righteousness?
  Ephesians 5:9—(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)


• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace?
  Ephesians 1:13—In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise


• Shield of Faith?
  Galatians 3:2—This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?


• Helmet of Salvation?
  2nd Thessalonians 2:13—God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth


• Sword of the Spirit?
  2nd Peter 1:21—…prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

We are fighting against an enemy that is so powerful he will make the nations go to war against God Himself. In fact, did he not also lead one-third of the angels of God against their Maker? So what make you think, Christian, that you have anything in your own self that could stand up to such a foe? Let me answer that for you: you don’t!

Because while we may be able to fight against physical enemies all the live-long day, we have no idea how to fight against spiritual foes. 1st Corinthians 2:14 tells us that our natural minds cannot see spiritual things. We are fighting blind against Satan if we do not take God’s armor, stand strong in His might, and fight using His weapons.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Look at that little phrase. Having done all. Do you know what that means? It means that if you take up anything less than every single piece of armor God is able to give you; you have not done everything you could to stand against the enemy. You have left yourself open for Satan's attacks, you have left yourself vulnerable, and you have given the enemy an opportunity to blaspheme the name of the LORD our God. if we do not avail ourselves of every ability God gives us to resist the devil, we are doing nothing. Period. If we do not take up every piece of the armor—the word for “whole armor” is πανοπλια (panoplia)—if we do not take up the πανοπλια of God, we might as well not take any of the pieces. Because if we depend on ourselves in the smallest bit, we are not relying on the LORD our God totally, and we are doomed to failure.

Let me close with the dialog between Bunyan’s fictional Christian and the monster Apollyon. And consider that Christian did not turn his back and run, but responded with the promises of God, which are “Yes” and “Amen.”

CHRISTIAN. I was indeed born in your kingdom; but your service was hard, and your wages such as a man could not live on; for the wages of sin is death; therefore, when I was come to years, I did as other thoughtful persons do, looked out, if perhaps I might better myself.

APOLLYON. There is no prince that will thus lightly lose his subjects, neither will I as yet lose you; but since you complain of my wages, be content to go back, and what our country will afford I do here promise to give thee

CHRISTIAN. But I have let myself to another, even to the King of princes; and how can I with fairness go back with thee?

APOLLYON. You have in this “changed a bad for a worse,” but it is common for those that have called themselves His servants, after awhile to give Him the slip, and return again to me. Do so and all shall be well.

CHRISTIAN. I have given Him my faith, and sworn my service to Him; how, then, can I go back from this, and not be hanged as a traitor?

APOLLYON. You did the same to me, and yet I am willing to pass by all, if now you will turn again and go back.

CHRISTIAN. The Prince under whose banner I now stand is able to set me free, and to pardon also my service with thee. And besides, O thou destroying Apollyon, to speak the truth, I like His service, His wages, His servants, His government, His company, and country, better than yours; persuade me no further; I am His servant, and I will follow Him.

APOLLYON. You know that for the most part His servants come to a bad end, because they are disobedient against me and my ways. How many of them have been put to shameful deaths! He never came yet from the place where He is, to save any that served Him. But as for me, how many times, as all the world very well knows, have I delivered, either by power or fraud, those that have faithfully served me, from Him and His, though taken by them! And so I will deliver you.

Then Christian drew his sword, for he saw he must be quick to save himself; and Apollyon made at him, throwing darts as thick as hail, by which, notwithstanding all that Christian could do to avoid it, Apollyon wounded him in the head, his hand, and foot. This made Christian draw back a little; Apollyon, therefore, followed him up, but Christian again took courage, and resisted as manfully as he could. This sore combat lasted for above half a day, till Christian almost gave out. For you must know that Christian, by reason of his wounds, grew weaker and weaker.

Then Apollyon, seeing his opportunity, began to close in on Christian, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall; and, with that, Christian’s sword flew out of his hand.

Then said Apollyon, “I am sure of thee now.” And, with that, he almost crushed him to death, so that Christian began to despair of life. But, as God would have it, before Apollyon could give Christian the death blow, Christian nimbly reached out his hand for his sword, and caught it, saying, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall I shall arise”; and, with that, gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound. Christian, perceiving that, made at him again, saying, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us.” And, with that, Apollyon spread forth his dragon’s wings, and flew away and Christian for a season saw him no more.

What would Christian’s fate have been had he not taken every piece of armor, that he could withstand the blows of the enemy? What will our fate be if we do not take all of God's armor to stand against the deadly blows of the enemy?

Verse by verse through Ephesians (6:1-6:9)

Ephesians 6:1-9

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” 4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

The topic of submission is not one that the world is quick to accept these days. We are told that submitting to someone is a sign of weakness. That we are to be our own boss. And that old-fashioned notion of wives submitting to their husbands! Oh, how outdated and anachronistic! Why, if that’s what we want, why not just go back to caveman days and club a woman over the head and drag her back to the cave? Why not chain a woman to the stove and keep her pregnant?

But this is not Paul’s motive. He is not chauvinistic or misogynistic, as some people like to claim he was. This is simply the natural order of things. God made man first, then woman. In fact, He made woman from man, and He made woman for the man. And we saw last time how much damage this whole notion of turning the family unit upside-down and telling women that even though their husbands love them and provide for them and care for them—that if the woman doesn’t go out and work that she is nothing—how much damage this kind of screwed-up thinking has caused in this country. And we are exporting it to other countries as well.

Today, we’re going to look at some other types of submission. And these are two more areas where the world is saying submission is optional. We’re going to look at why children should submit to their parents, and workers to their bosses. These are two classes of people who should be the first to submit to those over them, as they depend on them for their sustenance. Children depend on their parents to provide food and shelter for them. Workers depend on their bosses for their paycheck.

Now, before we begin, let me just point one thing out. Paul uses the relationship between not just workers and bosses, but slaves and masters. This is one of those places where people really don’t like what the Bible says. They ask, “Why doesn’t the Bible condemn slavery.” This is a different type of slavery than we are familiar with. This is a voluntary type of slavery, and we’ll see more about that later. Also, the Bible does indeed condemn the type of slavery that was practiced in this country, and we’ll look at that also.

Children, obey your parents… What do we see when we turn on the television, or watch a movie? When we find a program that revolves around a family with teenage children, what is the norm? Nowadays, they focus on rich kids, who have basically no rules, and who are allowed to go out and party and drink with no repercussions. Or, we get the teen who is rebelling against his or her parents, and the child is always portrayed in the sensitive light, and the parents always come to the realization that they are in the wrong, and they should go ahead and let their 14-year-old daughter sleep with the college frat guy. And children are taught that that is the kind of life they should have, and parents are guilted into letting their children have that kind of life.

But, this is what Satan wants. What better way to bring chaos to the church than to convince children that they deserve to have everything handed to them, and to be able to do whatever they want? Now, don’t get me wrong. There are many parents who strive and work to develop godly children, and despite their best efforts, these children go astray. But this command isn't written to the parents. It is written to the children. And it is a command. If we look back throughout these last few chapters, we find that almost all of the verbs that dictate some kind of action on our part are in the imperative. And here we have a command to children that they are to obey their parents.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord… So what does that last little phrase mean? “In the Lord.” Does it mean that the child should obey their parents only if that parent knows the Lord? Or does it mean something more Catholic, that we are to obey the one they call “Holy Father?” Well, the answer is “neither.” The little Greek word εν (en) has a variety of meanings, such as “in, by, with” and many others. It always denotes a purpose, either referring to a purpose that causes the obedience, or a purpose that results from obedience. From Paul’s next words, we see that it means both. The command for children to obey their parents “in the Lord” means that this is something the Lord Himself has commanded. And the results of such obedience are far greater and more long-lasting than the fruits of disobedience. for this is right.

“Honor your father and mother,” This is more than just Paul suggesting that children toe their parents’ line. This is one of the Ten Commandments. In fact, a child that disobeyed and dishonored their parents in the Old Testament was subject to death. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Solomon, many times in Proverbs, warns about rebellious and foolish children. Now, does this mean that if our child throws a temper tantrum that we should take and stone him to death? OK, that’s not even a question. Of course not. But when Paul reintroduces this verse from Exodus, he does so, not merely as a warning against unruliness, but also to show the promise of God (which are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’).

…which is the first commandment with promise… why does God give us commandments? Is it so He can just rule over us with an iron fist? No (although He will rule one day with an iron rod). He gives us commandments so that we may know how to please Him, and how to live in peace with one another. When He tells us to not murder, isn't this a good indication that we should value another person’s life? That no matter how mad we may be at somebody, that we should not be so angry that we execute the judgment that belongs to God alone? When He commands us to not steal, is He not saying that He has given us enough, and we should not seek to take away from someone else that which God has given to them? Yet here, Paul reminds us that the command to obey our parents was given to us—not only so we could respect each other, and (above all else) to love YHVH our God with all of our heart soul and mind. But God also gave us this commandment with a promise.

“that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Now, this does not only refer to the fact that if you obeyed your parents you would not be stoned to death. Because, well, that doesn’t happen anymore. So what is it that disobedience to parents would cause to shorten our lives? Well, suppose I told my son that if I gave him the keys to the car, he wasn’t to drive over the speed limit. But, he decides to take a few of his buddies for a drive down a hilly, curvy back road at 80 MPH. How much of him—or the car—is going to be left? Or, even with younger children. If I tell my kids not to play in the road because they may get hit by a car, and they do it anyway, how long will it be before a car comes along? When children heed the words of parents that are seeking to prolong their children’s lives, they will live much longer.

Now, not only does this honoring of father and mother have to do with obeying them. It also has to do with giving them their proper honor. And really, obedience can only come about when the child realizes that they are not at the top of the pecking order. Until a child realizes that their parents know a heck of a lot more than they do, they will not respect the parent enough to submit to their authority.

And is this not true of all people? We do not realize—nor do we want to see—that God is so much greater than us. We want to be God. We want the world to run on our schedule, we want the world to take care of our needs first, we want the world to cater to our every whim. We do not—in our natural, unregenerated condition—have any desire to put ourselves under the rule and authority of anybody—and especially not God. Because if we did we would have to deny ourselves of all those really neat things we like so much—sex, drinking, pornography. So what do we get? Heart disease, stroke, cancer, AIDS. But these really are not our fault. When things like these start to happen, it’s never our fault. It must be the government, or big business or the power lines or the nuclear plant. Or Ronald Reagan.

Time to grab my soapbox here. What was it we kept hearing over and over and over again when the AIDS epidemic began to mushroom? It was Ronald Reagan’s fault. Because, you see, Reagan was down in his super-duper-top-secret laboratory cranking out gallons of the AIDS virus to spread through the air ducts in gay bars and bathhouses. Or maybe it was Ronald Reagan who was going out and sleeping around with men he didn’t know. See, this is what happens when we don’t submit to our parents. We get everything we want. Then when something bad happens as a result of getting what we want, we blame somebody. But if children obey their parents, they will see that their mom and dad are really looking out for them, and they will have long years in this life.

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Just as Paul did not let husbands off the hook after commanding their wives to submit, he does not let parents off easy, either. Because he lays the burden of training their children upon their shoulders. How many parents these days are more than happy to let the church raise their kids. Now, I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing. But how many parents just don’t want to be bothered with training their kids to be godly adults. This does not mean that you break out the whoopin’ stick because your two-year-old spills his milk or talks back. Do not bring them up to hate you. If you were to ever read the story of Dave Pelzer, the man who wrote the book “The Child Called ‘It’” I believe you would have a better appreciation of how much of a role you play in your child’s adult years. Because if you just tell your children “Because I said so!” every time they ask why they have to do something, and beat them when they don’t, you will wind up with a child that will not respect any authority when they get older. In fact, they will hate everything to do with any kind of authority. Now, don’t get me wrong. There are parents who have done everything to teach their children properly, and they didn’t turn out the way they were raised. That should not be a hindrance to mothers and fathers doing their job. If they do their best to do as they are commanded by God, then God will honor them.

Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ… Now, this is the part where people get mixed up. This is one of those places where if we’re not careful, it can lead to some wrong ideas. Back when slavery was legal in this country, slave owners would use this verse to keep their slaves in line. Nowadays, those who cast a skeptical eye at the Bible use this verse to make it sound like the Bible condones slavery—1860’s American-type slavery, that is. But both of these groups miss the mark by an ocean.

The word “bondservant” is from the Greek word δουλος (doulos). And while “bondservant” isn't really the best translation of the word, it is much better than the KJV’s “servant.” The NASB, ESV, NLT (and even the NIV) actually get the word right. The word means “slave.” The word δουλος refers to one who is in the total service of another, many times voluntarily. Many times a person submitted to becoming a δουλος because they owed a debt they could not pay. And far from being thrown into a cramped shack with little or no food and driven by bullwhips, many times a δουλος was treated pretty well. It wasn’t the best life one could hope for, but it was certainly better than we envision it.

not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. How many times have you worked with someone who was never happy with what they were getting paid? Who worked a lot of hours, got paid nicely for it, but it still wasn’t enough? So they would filch a little bit here or there, because, they say, “I deserve it! I put in a lot of hours, I deserve more than just this paycheck!” There are many in the kingdom who are like that. But more about them later. When that person signed on at such and such a wage, it was good enough then. But now it’s not. so they slack through half the day, putting in as little as they can and still get by. When the boss is around, they are “Busy! Busy! Busy!” When the boss is gone, what do they do? Play solitaire on the computer, talk on the phone, hang out in the break room.

Paul is commanding servants to do the best job they can all the while they are working. Because when we belong to Christ, every part of us belongs to Him. Likewise when we have a boss above us. and if we are Christ’s, then shouldn’t we see ourselves as ambassadors for Christ, and be more honest and more joyful than the world who has no hope? The way we submit to our bosses is a direct reflection on how much we submit to God.

Like I said before, there are some in the kingdom who think they deserve a little bit more because they “did more for God.” They forget the parable of the workers in Matthew 20:1-16. The ones who were there all day wanted more than the ones hired last, even though they had agreed to work for a denarius (a day’s wage). When we set out to do work for the kingdom, we should always remember not to do it with the intent of getting more than someone else. We should just be thankful that we were privileged enough to be called to such work. Let God decides who gets how much. Else why do you do the work?

But he doesn’t let bosses off the hook either. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

As far as the Bible “condoning” slavery—again, many people are looking through the periscope of American history. You see, the Bible does indeed deal with those who take men by force to be slaves. In 1st Timothy 1:9-10 (KJV), Paul says that the law was not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient…murderers…profane…for menstealers. The Greek is ανδραποδιστες (andrapodistes). It means “a slave-dealer, kidnapper, man-stealer; of one who unjustly reduces free men to slavery; of one who steals the slaves of others and sells them.” Time does not permit me to go into all the protections that were afforded slaves in the Law of Moses. Does one think Jesus came to make men even more servile to other men in such a way? God forbid!

And right here, Paul tells masters to deal patiently with their slaves, to not beat them because God is watching. And I dare say, although Simon LaGree was not a real man—if he were, I would hate to be where he is now. When someone is under your control, it is really easy to strike them and kill them for messing up or for refusing to work. But Paul is telling them to be strong by not striking those blows. The people who say that the Bible did not condemn slavery really need to get their heads out of the sand, and into the Bible. It’s amazing how many people just absolutely know everything that is in here—although they will admit they have never read it.

Next week we begin a look at the armor of God. I have already gone through it once, but I was still early in my ministry, and I do not believe I gave it its proper diligence.

Verse by verse through Ephesians (5:22-5:33)

Ephesians 5:21-33

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

What was the first sin? Before you say, “When Adam ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil,” think again. The action of eating that fruit was only the result of Adam’s sin. The real sin Adam committed was in deciding who he was going to submit to. He had a choice: he could either heed the warning he had from God, or he could submit to his own fleshly desires. I think we all know which path he took.

One of the most glaring problems in the church today is the issue of submission. Not just our submission to God as God, and Jesus as Lord (although there are many cases of that), there are other areas of our lives where we need to understand that we need to submit to someone in a position of authority. In matters pertaining to the local body, teachers and elders are to submit to the pastor. We are all to submit to the word of God. At the end of the previous passage, we saw that we are to submit to one another in the fear of God. How far does this subject of submission reach into our lives? Some people will tell you that it’s not important to God how we act at work. They will say that when kids rebel against their parents we should just let them, because they’re just “kids being kids.” But this is the same lie that Satan first asked Eve so long ago: “Hath God surely said?”

So, what does God have to say about submission? Who are we to submit to? And why? Why did the Southern Baptist Convention get so vilified in the press a few years back when they stood on the word of God and announced that according to Scripture, a wife is to submit to her husband? I’m sure you remember this. There were all kinds of cartoons (caricatures, really) portraying Southern Baptists as backwards-thinking Neanderthals clubbing their women over the head and chaining them—pregnant—to the stove. This is why it is best if we do not look to the world to tell us how to interpret the Bible. Because fallen man does not know how to understand the things of God—nor do they want to—until they are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. How should a wife submit to her husband? As if she was submitting to the Lord Himself. Why? Because she is not to rule over a household. But why? Because that role was given to the man. Because this is the natural order of things. In 1st Corinthians 11:8-9, the apostle Paul tells us, 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. In the order of creation, man came first. You can find it in Genesis 1-2. I don’t think we need to necessarily go back and give a history of creation. We do, however, need to go back and revisit something God said to Eve at the Fall. Genesis 3:16—To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” See where God told her, “Your desire shall be for your husband.” He was not saying that she would desire her husband. He was warning her that her desire would be her husband’s position as head of the family. John MacArthur, in the notes of his study Bible, points out that the Hebrew in this verse is constructed identically in Genesis 4:7 when God tells Cain that sin’s desire should be for him, but he should rule over it.

This is also a disease that has found its way into pulpits. We have women today who are more than happy to disobey the clear commands of Scripture and take it upon themselves to usurp the authority that has been given to the man. This is sad enough. But what makes it even worse is there are many men who are all too happy to throw God’s word out the window and sit under the authority of a woman. Which is why what many people call the church is no longer the church. because when the church decides to compromise on one jot or tittle of God’s word, it is not long until the rest of the house comes crashing down. Which is why we have such absolute messes in the once-mighty Methodist Church. I dare say that if John and Charles and Francis were to come back today, they would weep over what was once a stronghold of truth and holiness. That even the lust-filled Henry VIII would be at least a little upset that the church he founded so he could get a divorce (The Church of England) has now fallen under the wheels of the homosexual agenda, and is being led by a man who knows not much more than Henry himself.

For the husband is head of the wife… What do we see today? What has happened to this country ever since the Gloria Steinem’s and Betty Freidan’s started telling women that what they had was not good enough, that they should be free and independent of what they consider to be the shackles of marriage. And this is by no means an exhaustive treatment of the issue, but it is easy to see that once the domino of wives submitting to their husbands falls, so many other disasters follow. For example, look at some of today’s ills. Divorce—through the roof. Teen pregnancy—through the roof. Teen drug use—through the roof. Abortion—through the roof. Adultery, mental health issues, childhood obesity—all through the roof. Why? Because women sought to be husbands. Because women were enticed by the fruit of the tree, and by the voice of Satan telling them, “Thou shalt not surely die!” And now, many families can't get by if the wife doesn’t work. So now mothers don’t have enough time for their children. Instead of the family sitting down to an evening meal, they grab something from McDonald’s. Husbands and wives don’t have time to spend with each other. The desire of the wife is for the husband. Wives have forgotten how to submit to their husbands.

…as also Christ is head of the church… It is amazing the difference one little word can make. What is the first word in this phrase? “As.” In the same way. Just like. And so also. “As”. Paul is not simply stating that Christ is the head of the church. although he is, of course, telling us this. And rightly so. For Christ is indeed the head of the church. He is the one to whom we are to submit ourselves. And if we are not rightly submitting to one another, then we are not fully submitting to Him. But let’s look at what else this verse is saying. It says that just like Christ is the head—the Master, the Lord—over the church, that the husband is head—master, lord—over the wife. Boy, that ain't a popular sentiment today, now, is it? A husband is lord over his wife? Yet this is the exact sentiment Peter expresses in 1st Peter 3. We could spend a couple weeks laying these passages (Ephesians 5, 1st Peter 3) side by side. But I think we will have enough here to teach us properly.

Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. In how many things? In every thing! So does that mean that a wife who knows the Lord should submit to even an unsaved husband? Yes. In his letter, Peter tells us that whether or not the husband has submitted to Christ, she is to submit to her husband. 1st Peter 3:1-4—1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. How does a Christian wife glorify God in her house? By berating and cajoling her unbelieving husband? Or by showing him kindness and love and respect? Ask Lee Strobel. One of the finest Christian apologists today. He and his wife were devout atheists when she got saved. After which she set out to be the wife Paul and Peter describe. When Lee set out to demolish her faith, what happened? He too found out that Christ is real, and began a brand new journey.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her… Husbands, don’t think you're off the hook. In fact, if anything, you have more responsibility on your shoulders than do the wives. For you are to love her as Christ loved His church! How much did He love His church? He gave His life for it. So, does this mean that if your wife’s life is in danger, that you are to sacrifice your own life in trying to save her? Hmmm. Now that I think about it that is a pretty dumb question. That is exactly what you are to do! Guys, cast your eyes back a couple verses. Just as Christ is head of the church. Was Christ willing to die for His bride? Was He willing to go to any lengths to save her? Was He willing to suffer pain, humiliation, rejection, and drinking in the cup of God’s wrath in order to save His bride from eternal destruction? To present her as a spotless bride before God? So what makes you think you're any different? God doesn’t care how much you and your wife argue. He doesn’t care if she burns your dinner. He really doesn’t give a rip if she cooks at all. Your duty is to protect her, to lead her, and—if necessary—to lay down your life in defense of her. You are to be the head of your house AS Christ is the Head of His church. And you are to be her savior AS Christ is the Savior of His bride. Period.

…that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word… The protection you are to offer her is not just physical. You are to lead her in paths of righteousness. You are to lead her in the teaching of God’s Word. You are to set her apart—not only to yourself, but to God Himself—by cleansing her. This is a command. In fact, this entire verse is a command. All the verses are in the imperative mood. You're probably sick of me saying this. But it’s important that we understand this. See, as husbands, it is our duty to show that we are more than just big, strong, tough guys. We are to understand that our wives are delicate, that they are easily moved by emotion (sorry ladies!). Again, a sentiment quite often frowned upon these days, but spoken of clearly by Peter. 1st Peter 3:7—Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Have you considered that? That your prayers may be hindered by how you treat your wife? Or have you forgotten that the two of you are one flesh?

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. Do you hate yourself? I didn’t think so. Then what is the second great commandment? “Love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). Is your wife not your neighbor? Should you not love her as you love yourself? Or do you love yourself more? No, you love yourself. You nourish it, you cherish it. You eat, you fill your stomach. You make sure you stay alive. And should you not treat your wife likewise? See, for all those people who thought the SBC was dragging humanity back to the Stone Age by declaring that wives should submit to their husbands—if they had only kept reading they would have found that husbands bear so much more responsibility in the marriage. They are to lay down their lives, they are to lead righteously, they are to sanctify and separate their wives from the world. they are to lead them in righteousness, and they are to love their wives as they love their own flesh whether they want to or not!

So the big games on this weekend? Big deal. You're gonna have to miss it. Get over it. So you wanted to go somewhere with your buddies, but your wife needs you to do something at the house instead. Stay home. Take care of your household. So you have to miss the big hunting or fishing trip. Get over it. If you love your wife, then you love yourself. If you don’t love your wife… Well, I think you get the picture.

For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. Do not miss this my friends! We are ONE with Christ. Are we part of His physical body? Are we sitting on the throne with Him? Well, let’s look at what it says. We are of His flesh and of His bones. And no, this does not give evidence of the heresy of transubstantiation. I’m sure there are some who have tried to make that leap. Who was created first, Adam, or Eve? Adam, of course. How was Eve created? From Adam. It was no accident that Adam declared “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). Keeping this in mind, who existed first? Christ, or His church? Paul does more than just lay these two truths side by side. He reveals to us that these truths are interwoven, inextricable one from the other. For if the woman was formed from the man, so also was the church formed from the Christ. We are from Him, and of Him. We are one with Him, inseparable from Him.

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Christ left His throne in glory, to come to earth, to give Himself for His church, to sanctify and wash her with His blood, to go and prepare a place for her. For He has made His bride one with Himself. And yet look at what we call the church. Many of her members are shameful. Many of her members are committing spiritual adultery. And yet Paul warns us in 1st Corinthians 6:15 (KJV)—ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. But walk into your local “Christian” book store. Look at all the books promoting heresies you find them selling. Oneness Pentecostalism, the Emergent Movement, the Prosperity “Gospel.” All of these damnable heresies are being sold to members of the body of Christ and are being drunk down with no discernment for the truth.

But it should not be so! We are one with our Master, our Lord—our Husband, the Bridegroom who is preparing a place for us so we can be with Him forever! In fact, He has given us the gift of knowing what is true and what is not! He left so the Father could send the Comforter, the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Besides, did Paul not also tell us to let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5)? And in another place, but we have the mind of Christ (1st Corinthians 2:15)? We are joined to Christ. We are of His flesh, of His bones, having one mind (Romans 12:16; 2nd Corinthians 13:11).

This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. This is a mystery, especially today. We’re all supposed to be consumed with climbing the ladder of success. Women are encouraged to kill their children in the name of success and ambition. Men are encouraged to have mistresses and expensive things in the name of personal enjoyment—and when their wives get too old, or they just aren't pretty enough, they need to get more than a mistress. They need to get a divorce so they can marry that mistress and be with her all the time. Women are told they are worthless after their looks start to decline, and are told they need to have dead poison injected into their skin. Just who are we married to? Who is our Bridegroom? Is He of this world? NO! So why do we act like He is?

If wives would start loving their husbands the way they should—submitting to them in the fear of the LORD—and if husbands would love their wives the way they're supposed to—loving them, giving up their lives for them—then the church would not be going through the hateful bickering and unbiblical arguing it is going through these days. Because—believe it or not—our happiness and personal fulfillment is not at the top of our Bridegrooms list of priorities. But He should be at the top of ours.