Spiritual Warfare
Scripture Texts: Ephesians 6:10-12
Ephesians can be broken into two main sections. What God did for us, and how we should respond. Paul tells the gospel story of how God chose us before the foundation of the world, sent Jesus to conquer sin, save us, and bring us into his covenant, into his family. Listen to the pinnacle of the first section, reminding the Ephesians of God’s grace to gentiles, bringing them into the Abrahamic covenant through Jesus’ death.
- “For you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God”. Ch 2:19
he second half of the book is a long “Therefore”. Since Christ saved us, and brought us into his family, how should we respond? And the beginning of Chapter 4 tells us:
- “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, and patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.” (Ch 4:1-2)
Because of what Christ has already done, we should live in holiness, and purity. Loving those around us, maturing in faith, knowing Christ’s love. And being spiritually strong!
And this brings us to our passage today. The last bit of the “THEREFORE”. Where Paul exhorts the Ephesians to be on guard against the devil, turning to God for strength.