On what two sources of strength are we to depend?
(Ephesians 6:10-13; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9) Blog Sep. 10-16, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus who have every spiritual blessing in Christ are also given power from God in the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit. With this power they build one another up and submit to one another bringing harmony and order to God’s church.
Preparation
1. When Paul uses the word “finally” in Ephesians 6:10, what is he implying? Not only is Paul coming to his last point in the letter but he is saying that what went before was in preparation for this point (Eph. 6:10).
2. Why does Paul say we should be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God? The reason we need to put on the armor & be strong is because we have a wily enemy who is trying to topple us (Eph. 6:10-13).
3. Who would be so daring as to oppose the almighty God of the universe? In Ephesians Paul has already mentioned “the prince of the power of the air” (2:2) & “the devil” (4:27) so we should understand that he is writing to believers who know that Lucifer rebelled against God in heaven & was cast out to this earth where he continues to oppose God & God’s people (Eph. 6:11; Isa. 14:12-14; Rev. 12:7-9).
4. On what two sources of strength does Paul tell believers to depend? Paul tells believers to find their strength in Christ, their righteousness in heaven & in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Eph. 6:10; 1:3; 3:16).
5. How does this counsel prepare the believer for battle? Like a commanding officer, Paul is encouraging the troops by reminding them that the government they serve has unlimited resources & that they have been trained & prepared by the best Instructor who will also accompany them to battle (Eph. 6:10; 1:3; 3:16).
6. What repeated phrase indicates that a major portion of the Christian battle is defensive? “That you may stand” indicates that the Christian is being attacked & must defend his position (Eph. 6:11, 13, 14).
The Enemy
7. What are some of the wiles of the devil? The devil tempts, deceives, seduces, accuses, & devours (Matt. 4:1; John 8:44; Num. 25:1; Zech. 3:1; 1 Pet. 5:8).
8. What should we learn from the phrase “we wrestle not against flesh and blood”? That phrase tells us that our enemy is supernatural (Eph. 6:12; Gal. 1:16).
9. What should we learn from the phrase “against principalities, against powers”? That phrase tells us Satan’s hosts are organized (seraphim, cherubim, etc.) & powerful (Eph. 6:12; 1:21).
10. What should we learn from the phrase “the rulers of the darkness of this world”? That phrase tells us that our enemy is hidden (invisible), sinister, & all around us in this world (Eph. 6:12; Luke 12:3; 1 Cor. 4:5).
11. What should we learn from the phrase “spiritual wickedness in high places”? That phrase tells us that our enemy uses spiritual & religious pulpits to proclaim his lies (Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 11:14-15).
Our Defense
12. When Satan attacks us what are we to do? Some might suggest that since the battle is the Lord’s we are to do nothing, but Scripture says otherwise. We are to resist the devil (Eph. 6:13; 1 Pet. 5:8-9).
13. If we properly resist the devil, what are we promised? We are promised that we will not fall, but rather, the devil will flee from us (Eph. 6:13; Jam. 4:7).
14. Is falling a possibility in the Christian warfare? Yes, Paul tells us so (Eph. 6:11; Col. 3:25; 1 Cor. 9:27; 10:12).