Masterpiece | Part 12

(Ephesians 6:10 – 24) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in

chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Fathers and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

Before Engaging in Battle We Need to . . .

1. Know that we ARE in a battle.

(Ephesians 6:12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

(2 Corinthians 10:3 CSB) For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh . . .

2. Know who our allies are.

(Ephesians 6:10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

3. Know who our enemy is and what their tactics are.

(Ephesians 6:11 – 12) Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

(1 Peter 5:8 CSB) Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling

around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

(2 Corinthians 2:11 CSB) so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.

4. Know what our equipment is.

(2 Corinthians 10:4 CSB) Since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds.

(Ephesians 6:14 – 18) Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And

take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit. . .

5. Know what our objectives are.

(Ephesians 6:18 – 20) With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an

ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.