Key Truth: We are called to be strong and stand firm in the strength provided by the Lord through His means of grace against the devil and the spiritual powers of darkness for the advance of the Gospel for the life of the world.  

What most helps you to be strong and stand firm in the face of adversity?

The Call to Be Strong and Stand Firm Through the Means of Grace:

Ephesians 6:10-17

“Paul casts the church as the presence of God on earth and as the chief character in God’s ongoing cosmic conflict with the suprahuman powers that rule the present evil age. God has delivered the death blow to them in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but there is an ongoing battle. Jesus Christ continues to wage this warfare, and he does so through the church. Paul’s rhetorical close to Ephesians calls the people of God to put on God’s own virtues because the church now plays the role of divine warrior on earth.”

Timothy G. Gombis, The Drama of Ephesians: Participating in the Triumph of God

Who’s your real enemy?
How does (or should) this help you navigate issues that you have with other image bearers?
How do the means of grace help you face the real enemy and navigate the issues that you have with other image bearers?

The Call to Pray at All Times in the Spirit for the Advance of the Gospel:

Ephesians 6:18-20

“Paul wants his readers to understand that prayer is ‘foundational for the deployment of all the other weapons’, and is therefore crucial if they are to stand firm in their spiritual struggle. He has already shown his concern for them by praying that they might know the greatness of God’s power (1:15-23), and be strengthened by it so as to grasp the dimensions of Christ’s love for them and be filled with all the fullness of God (3:14-2). The apostle wants them to realize that a life of dependence on God in prayer is essential if they are to engage successfully in their warfare with powers of darkness.”
Peter T. O’Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians

What should be the ultimate goal of all of our prayers?

Application: 

Ephesians 6:10-20 teaches us that we are called to be strong and stand firm in the strength provided by the Lord through:
-the means of grace against the devil and the spiritual powers of darkness
-prayer at all times in the Spirit for the advance of the Gospel for the life of the world

Communion



Benediction:

Ephesians 6:23-24