Good Morning!
The Fall Bible study on Ephesians: The Church Rooted in Love, Walking in Power by Precept Ministries comes to a close today. My hope is that you have been enriched in faith by this in-depth study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. If you would like to begin this study from the beginning, all of the lesson recaps can be found under the Bible Studies Archive tab under the header. The next Bible study will begin in January.
In chapter one, we read of Paul’s encouragement and prayer for the saints at Ephesus and his reminder that blessings and riches are found in God. Paul’s instruction about Gentile believers being saved by grace and being joined with Jews to form one body in the church is found in chapter two. In chapter three, Paul explains and reveals the mystery given to him about the Gentiles and he offers a second prayer on their behalf. Chapter four reminds believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling and no longer as Gentiles but as those who bear the name of Christ. In chapter five, Paul instructs the believers to walk in love, in light, and in wisdom. He continues by highlighting very specific relationships where a Christian’s walk should be seen. The first is husbands and wives which shows the mystery of Christ and the church. Paul continues with the relationships between children, fathers, slaves, and masters. The continuation of chapter six which I will cover today encourages believers to stand firm, to put on God’s armor, to pray, and concludes with Paul’s request for prayer, his circumstances, and his closing remarks.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10
The scripture passage for Lesson 10 was Ephesians 6:10-24. We were instructed to mark the words; stand, devil, strong, and strength in addition to the marking of Lord, God, and Holy Spirit. We answered questions about standing firm and the armor of God from the text. According to Spiros Zodhiates’ The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, “stand firm is histemi which can mean to literally stand on physical feet or, as in this case, to figuratively stand fast on God’s Word against the enemy.” These fourteen verses give believers a guide on being steadfast. Another truth we learned and should remember is found in this portion of Ephesians 6 which is that our struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces in the heavenly places. (6:12)
“Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth…” Ephesians 6:14
In studying about the pieces of the armor of God, Paul instructs believers to gird their loins with truth. Truth was one of the key words in Ephesians that we have marked over the last ten weeks. We were to review and record all of the verses regarding truth found in this letter. Studying the Bible is how we can gird ourselves with truth.
“… put on the breastplate of righteousness,” Ephesians 6:14
The second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness that believers are to put on. Righteousness should be a believer’s daily practice. We should consider how righteousness is connected to the protection of our heart.
“shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” Ephesians 6:15
The gospel of peace is the good news of peace. As believers, we should be at peace with God and with others. We studied about this peace found in Ephesians 2:13-18. Jesus broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile making them into one new body thus establishing peace between them. Jesus also brought about peace for all believers with God through His sacrifice on the cross.
“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.” Ephesians 6:16
Faith shields and protects believers from whatever the evil one throws their way. Believing God and what He says helps us as believers to extinguish the flaming arrows of the devil’s lies.
“take the helmet of salvation” Ephesians 6:17
A helmet protects the head and figuratively our thoughts. Paul addresses this subject in a couple of his other letters. He suggests that believers should renew their minds (Romans 12:2) and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
“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,” Ephesians 6:17,18
The last piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit: the word of God. Jesus, Himself, used the word of God to battle the evil one when He was tempted by him in the wilderness. (Matthew 4) Studying, knowing, praying, and living God’s word helps us be victorious when confronted by the devil’s schemes and assists us in standing firm. Consider these questions: Why would Paul suggest that believers put on these pieces? How does prayer relate to armor?
The letter of Ephesians concludes with brief information about Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord. We read that Paul would be sending him to them with news and comfort. Paul concludes with a fitting benediction that reflects his greeting.
“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.” Ephesians 6:23,24
The Lesson 10 video features Kay Arthur and Tom Hays. Kay Arthur spoke on spiritual warfare and the importance of standing firm. She led the listener through scripture of the second coming of Christ and the destruction of Satan. Mr. Hays is the Spanish Speaking Ministry Director for Precept Ministries and he shared testimony about spiritual conflict in other countries around the world.
Thank you for your participation in this study and may you be blessed by God for your diligence to persevere in faith.
Blessings,
Mimi
