STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 CSB 3 “He is to say to them, ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. 4 “For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’
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PUT ON THE ARMOR
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.
1 Corinthians 10:13 CSB – 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.
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SPIRITUAL WARFARE
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Job 2:2 CSB – 2 The LORD asked Satan, “Where have you come from? ” “From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered him, “and walking around on it.”
1 Peter 5:8 CSB – 8 Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
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WHERE IS MY ARMOR?
14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest,
Isaiah 59:17 CSB – 17 He put on righteousness as body armor and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and he wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
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15, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.
Habakkuk 3:19 CSB – 19 The LORD my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights! For the choir director: on stringed instruments.
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16 In every situation, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
1 John 5:4-5 CSB – 4 because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. 5 Who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
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17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 CSB – 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation.
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THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 CSB – 12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
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18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Matthew 26:41 CSB – 41 “Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 14:38 CSB – 38 “Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Luke 22:46 CSB – 46 “Why are you sleeping? ” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you won’t fall into temptation.”
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PAULS CLOSING
19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should. 21 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. 22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts. 23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 reasons why Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesian church.
1. to let them know how he was doing.
2. To encourage their hearts in the face of adversity that they were going through.
Colossians 4:7-8 CSB – 7 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts.
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Community Life Group Questions
- (Ephesians 6:10) What does it mean to be “strengthened by the Lord” in your daily life? How do you draw on God’s “vast strength” when facing challenges?
- (Ephesians 6:11) Why is it necessary to “put on the full armor of God” to stand against the devil’s schemes? What specific “schemes” of the devil have you observed, and how can God’s armor protect you from them?
- (Ephesians 6:12-13) How does recognizing that our battle is “not against flesh and blood” change the way we approach conflict? What practical steps can we take to “resist in the evil day” and stand firm?
- (Ephesians 6:14-16) What does it mean to wear the “shield of faith,” and how does faith extinguish the “flaming arrows” of the evil one?
- (Ephesians 6:17) Why is the Word of God described as a “sword,” and how do you wield it effectively in spiritual battles?
- (Ephesians 6:18) How can you “pray at all times in the Spirit” without becoming weary or distracted?
- (Ephesians 6:19-24) How can you encourage others, as Paul did, in their faith and struggles?
How can we pray for you?