Ephesians 6:10-11: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
Introduction
Improper to begin a message in the middle; requires context.
The Bible is both deep and understandable.
Use of "finally" in Greek context (word 'loon') implies saving the best for last.
Themes from Ephesians
Election and Choice
Described in Ephesians Chapter 1.
Election Process: Appears as our choice but reveals God's predestination (Ephesians 1:4).
Chosen by God, for God.
Adoption and Regeneration
Adoption gives us God's name; regeneration gives us His nature.
Once adopted, we share in God's inheritance.
Ephesians 1:13: Sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Security in Salvation
Once in Christ, always in Christ.
Faith that fizzles before the finish had flaws from the first.
Ephesians Chapter Overviews
Chapter 1: Privilege of the believer.
Chapter 2: Pardon of the believer.
Chapter 3: Power of the believer.
Chapter 4: Practice of the believer.
Chapter 5: Purity of the believer.
Chapter 6: Persistence of the believer.
Spiritual Strength
Be Strong (Greek: Indo): Implies God living within us.
Plural and Imperative: Command for all believers to be strong consistently.
Passive Voice: Indicates God empowers us to do what we cannot on our own.
Armor of God
Put on: Cover yourself completely with spiritual protection.
Stand (Greek: Histemi): Stand firm in faith.
Spiritual Warfare
Against Wiles of the Devil: Devil attacks with organized methods (Greek: Methodia).
Context of Ephesians 4: Challenges like lying, anger, giving place to the devil, stealing, cursing, grieving the spirit, and bitterness.
Prayer and Preparation
Prayer (Greek: Proseuche): Face to face with God, presenting desires and wishes.
Be prepared spiritually to face the enemy after having confronted God.
Mind and Mental Battles
Mind Games by the Devil: Targeting the mind to induce stress and worry.
Stress impacts physical health significantly.
Conclusion
Ultimate Message: It's all about Him (Christ).
Encouragement to rely on God's strength and recognize His sovereignty and presence.
Closing Thoughts
Worship, giving, and prayer should focus on Jesus and His deeds for us.
Personal stories and anecdotes were shared to illustrate the sermon themes.
Emphasis on God's timely intervention and salvation.
Reflection Points
How does understanding our spiritual adoption change our view of inheritance in Christ?
What practical steps can we take daily to "put on" the armor of God?