Ephesians 6

Thursday, 17 November 2016

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Ephesians 6:14

Paul now begins his analogies between the physical implements of armor and those of a spiritual nature. These are certainly general descriptions which are intended to make spiritual points rather than being firm and fixed descriptions which are to be taken to unintended extremes. This is noted because it is exactly what happens when people write flowery books about the analogies being made here. One example of the non-rigid nature of the implements of armor is for that of “salvation.”

In verse 17, it is called “the helmet of salvation.” However, in Psalm 18:35, David says that the Lord gave him “the shield of Your salvation.” The helmet and the shield are both pointing to the same spiritual truth, salvation, but they are being used in different contexts to make different points about the matter of salvation. And so these are descriptions which Paul is giving in order to make specific spiritual analogies. And of course, they are very good analogies because they point to real truths in simple and yet profound ways.

He begins with the words “Stand therefore…” This is in support of the word “stand” used in the previous verse. There, it denoted the end of all of the efforts which a Christian will face in the spiritual conflicts he encounters. Here, it is a note for the beginning and duration of them. We are to stand now (active) in order to be found still standing at the end.

He then notes, “having girded your waist with truth.” To gird oneself is to use a belt in order to draw in a garment close to the body. Ancient dress was loose and flowing, like robes – either short or long. If one was to run, they would need to have these flowing garments drawn in tightly, or they would trip over them if they were long, or – even if short – they could get them caught in something like a branch. By girding the waist, it would draw the garment in so that this wouldn’t happen.

The analogy is obvious. When one lies, it will eventually trip them up. Just think of Richard Nixon or the Clintons. But by girding oneself and drawing in the truth, there will be no room for lies. Instead, there will be freedom of movement in one’s spiritual life.

Next he notes, “having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” The “breastplate” or “thorax” was a coat of mail extending from the neck down to the thighs. Under it is found all the vital organs which needed to be kept safe and secure from incoming jabs and blows by the enemy. In the Bible, the place of emotions, wisdom, and knowledge are said to be found in these organs. If one is unprotected against attacks on these things, they will suffer harm.

If a person is attacked emotionally, they are bound to falter in their theology by caving in to unsound moral precepts. If one is attacked through their limited knowledge of Scripture, they will not be able to withstand the onslaught. This is a warning, for example, against aberrant doctrines taught by crazy cults or heretical teachers. People need to be grounded in the Bible, and in a sound interpretation of it. Likewise, a person’s wisdom may be found wanting if they have not been trained in how to apply it to the knowledge they possess.

The “righteousness” described by Paul goes deeper than a personal righteousness. Rather, it is speaking of the imputed righteousness of Christ. All who call on Him are granted this. From the time we are saved, we are deemed righteous. But will we apply that properly? That is the question which needs to be answered. We are told in Philippians about this sacred trust we have been granted –

“…and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;” Philippians 3:9

As can be seen, Paul’s use of these analogies is given to get us think through underlying truths which have already been revealed in Scripture. Two passages from Isaiah were certainly on his mind as he contemplated and wrote –

“Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins,
And faithfulness the belt of His waist.” Isaiah 11:5

&

“For He put on righteousness as a breastplate,
And a helmet of salvation on His head;
He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing,
And was clad with zeal as a cloak.” Isaiah 59:17

Life application: Understanding metaphors in the Bible is an immensely important point of knowing what is on God’s mind. God is the Creator, and so He knows what is best in order to make sound spiritual analogies. When He uses water as a comparison to something, it is because the properties of water, and the benefits to be derived from water, are sound analogies to what He is describing in spiritual matters. Pay heed to these things. In doing so, you will find a treasure trove of wisdom to apply to your theology.

Lord God, Your word asks us to gird ourselves around our waists with truth, and to put on the breastplate of righteousness. If we do not speak the truth, we will be caught up in our own lies. We will be unable to properly and effectively act as Christians who represent You. And if we are not prepared emotionally, intellectually, and practically in our theology, we will get caught up in every changing wind of doctrine which comes about. We will be weak and ineffective soldiers in this spiritual battle we are facing. Help us to be sound in our walk and faithful in our speech so that we will bring You the glory and honor You are due. Amen.

Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Paul now uses war terminology to explain the wrestling he mentioned in verse 12. Though a wrestler will drop everything that hinders in order to have his hands free as he enters into a match, this is not the type of wrestling that Paul was speaking of. Instead, he is speaking of a warrior going into battle. In such a conflict, he will be fully adorned with both offensive and defensive gear. This is “the whole armor” that he needs to effectively fight with, and also to protect himself.

In the case of our spiritual battle, we are to “take up the whole armor of God.” There are implements which Paul will next begin to describe which are both offensive and defensive in nature. If we fail to use all of them (meaning “the whole armor of God”) we will either leave ourselves open to attack, or we will be unable to go on the offensive. Either way, we will not be effective and well-trained soldiers who are properly prepared for the battle we are asked to engage in.

According to his words, the intent of this “whole armor of God” is “that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.” The Greek word for “withstand” is one which should be fully evaluated. HELPS Word Studies defines it as:

• To “take a complete stand against, i.e. a ‘180 degree, contrary position’; (figuratively) to establish one’s position publicly by conspicuously ‘holding one’s ground,’ i.e. refusing to be moved (‘pushed back’).”

• To… “forcefully declare one’s personal conviction (where they unswervingly stand); to keep one’s possession; ardently withstand, without giving up (letting go).”

• It “was a military term in classical Greek … meaning ‘to strongly resist an opponent’ (‘take a firm stand against’).”

As can be seen, to “withstand” carries the connotation of both standing firm in one’s position, and also actively declaring (as if on the offensive) one’s personal convictions. One can do neither of these unless they are properly trained in the word of God. But if that is the case, then that person will “withstand in the evil day.”

This is not speaking of any specific day (such as “the Day of the Lord”), but rather it is speaking of each and every day that one may face the evil onslaught of the devil and his forces. For the Christian, every day may be “the evil day,” or it may come only occasionally. However, if Paul is writing to all Christians, as he is, then all can expect the evil day to come. We must be prepared for it so that when it arrives, we will be able to handle it.

He finishes with, “and having done all, to stand.” In other words, we will have been able to stand because we engaged in the battle with all of the necessary implements we needed in order to be effective in our warfare. We employed our defensive implements as well as our offensive ones. We were able to stay off the incoming attacks, and we were able to go after the enemy and slay him.

In the coming verses, Paul will name five implements that we can use in order to be effective in this battle. They can be compared to the “five smooth stones” that David picked up in 1 Samuel 17:40 in order to slay the giant Goliath. David was prepared for the battle, and he prevailed. If we follow through with Paul’s advice, we too will prevail in the battle against the spiritual forces of wickedness which surround us and come against us. In the end, we will stand. Paul speaks in similar terms in 1 Corinthians 15:58 –

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Life application: We are to declare our personal convictions boldly, and we are not to cave on them. Oh! That Christians would be willing to solidify their personal convictions from a biblical standpoint, and then to actively proclaim them. We are admonished to do so, but in today’s world, we have become too peevish about “offending” others to do what we are instructed to do. Offense schmoffense! Who cares about offense when the sacred duty of upholding the word of God is ours to defend and proclaim. Christian! grow a spine and hold fast to this sacred treasure which has been placed in your care.

Lord God Almighty, Your word tells us that we are in a spiritual battle, but a real battle nonetheless. In this war, we are to take with us implements which are both offensive and defensive in nature, and we are to engage the enemy. It is a battle which specifically revolves around what is moral and just. But Your people today are worried about “offending” others. We have become peevish and unwilling to defend what Your word calls morally right and wrong. Offense schmoffense! If something is an abomination to You, then it is to be so to us as well. May we not be wimps in the face of moral perversion, but rather advocates of Your word – willing to put aside “tolerance” and offend a little if need be. Whose side are we on anyway! May Your people proclaim Your word unashamedly. Amen.

Tuesday, 15 November 2016

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

The Greek word for “wrestle” is found only here in the Bible. It indicates a fight, struggle, or conflict, but it is a noun, not a verb. Therefore, it more accurately reads “For our wrestling is not against…” It is a match which we are engaged in. It is active and on-going, but it is not against “flesh and blood.” Actually, in the Greek, the order is reversed. It says “blood and flesh.”

The life is in the blood, and thus without the blood, there would be no movement of the flesh. Regardless of this, we are in a wrestling match, but it is not one which is of the body against other physical bodies. In other words, even if the world is filled with people who stand against Christ and the gospel, this is not the source of the battle, and we are not actually in a war against them. Rather, the fight is against:

Principalities – The Greek is arché. It is a word which indicates rule, such as in a kingly or a magisterial sense. It is “properly, from the beginning (temporal sense), i.e. ‘the initial (starting) point’; (figuratively) what comes first and therefore is chief (foremost), i.e. has the priority because ahead of the rest… (HELPS WORD Studies). In other words, there is a hierarchy of wickedness, and these would be the first, or starting point of that system of wickedness.

Powers – The Greek is exousia. It indicates authority from conferred power, or that which is delegated. These would be under the “principalities” and would be granted power to carry out their designed schemes.

Both of the terms so far, meaning “principalities and powers,” have already been seen in Ephesians 1:21. They are being repeated here, but they are in subjection to Christ as was noted in that verse. Paul’s list continues next with:

The rulers of the darkness of this age – The Greek for “rulers” is found only here in the Bible. It is kosmokratór. It refers to Satan and demons who influence worldly people’s lives. The phrase is more correctly rendered, “the world-rulers of this darkness.” This word shows the limits of these beings. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Pantokrator, translated as “Almighty,” or “Ruler of all.” And so, kosmokrator, defines a limited being, and thus limited powers. However, it is a ruling ability which does span the entire world. There is no part of it which is not susceptible to their powers of darkness. And this darkness is set in contrast to Christ’s light.

Ephesians 2:2 shows that this power extended over the Ephesians (and thus anyone else before coming to Christ). But when the gospel was heard, they became obedient to it and moved from the darkness of the world to the light of Christ. As can be seen, this battle is spiritual in nature. This is confirmed in the next category…

Spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places – According to Vincent’s Word Studies, this “phrase is collective, of the evil powers viewed as a body. Wickedness is active evil, mischief.” The term “heavenly places,” or “heavenlies,” refers to the spiritual nature of the battle. Rather than be a fixed location, the battle is being waged as if in the air above, denoting all places and at any given time.

These forces have powers, but they are limited in nature. Further, they can be, and are being used, against Christians. In some cases, they are used to diminish their effectiveness. In others, their powers are used as a form of punishment for falling away. Two good examples of the latter are where Paul hands someone over to Satan for disobedience. These are found in 1 Corinthians 5:5 and 1 Timothy 1:20.

This is a real battle, and it has been going on since the very beginning of man’s time on earth. Only through Christ can these powers be defeated. Paul will explain what the implements of this battle for us to use are in the verses ahead. If we fail to pay heed to his words, we will find ourselves ineffective in the war which is being waged.

Life application: Anyone who doesn’t believe we are in a spiritual battle isn’t paying attention. If they are a believer in Christ, they are being duped by the very powers which Paul is describing. They may be saved, but they are doing more to help the enemy than to ensure that he is defeated. What a sad state for those who will someday stand before the Lord and have to face His judgment, having done nothing to further His kingdom.

Lord God, Your word tells us that we are in a real spiritual battle. It truly is good versus evil. The devil is real, and his forces of wickedness are real as well. Your word also tells us what implements we need in order to effectively wage war against them. And yet, way too many Christians don’t even realize they are helping the enemy through a lack of preparation. The details are found in Your word, and Your word sits idly by, gathering dust. What a sad moment when we stand before You for our judgment with empty hands, having lived ineffective lives because we didn’t prepare for, or participate in, the battle. Help us not to live this way, but to be on the offensive against the wickedness around us. Amen.

Monday, 14 November 2016

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

In order to explain the words of the previous verse, Paul now introduces the thought of protective armament, both for offensive and defensive uses. His words were that we are to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” In order to do that, we are told to now, “Put on the whole armor of God.”

The Greek word for “whole armor” is panoplia. It equates directly to our modern word panoply. It is only used twice in this chapter and once in Luke 11:22. It signifies “a complete set of defensive and offensive armor (weapons), i.e. everything needed to wage successful warfare; (figuratively) the full resources the Lord gives to the believer so they can successfully wage spiritual warfare. In this way they do not fight for victory – but from His victory!” (HELPS Word Studies).

We are to determine what the “armor of God” is, and then to adorn ourselves with it. Paul will detail and explain each implement which comprises this armor. From that, we are to pay heed to his words, applying these concepts to our spiritual lives. This “armor of God” corresponds to what he spoke of in Romans 13. First he said –

“Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12

The “armor of light” is the “armor of God.” It is contrasted then to that which belongs to the devil and which belongs to darkness. In explanation of “the armor of light,” Paul continued on in Romans 13 –

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:14

Everything which Christ embodies and displays is what we are to pursue. His humanity was sinless and perfect; we are to pursue this. His deity is absolute holiness; we are to strive to likewise be holy. We are told to pursue Christ by adorning ourselves in His light, and adorning ourselves in what His human/divine nature signify. Paul’s instructions in this are so “that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

The Greek word for “wiles” is methodeia. It is only found here and in Ephesians 4:14 which spoke of the “deceitful plotting” of those opposed to the truth of the gospel. It indicates “a predictable (pre-set) method used in organized evil-doing (well-crafted trickery)” (HELPS Word Studies).

As a great parallel to what we are seeing in Ephesians 6, Ephesians 4 continues on with the words –

“…but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—“ Ephesians 4:15

We are to put on the whole armor of God so that  we “may grow up in all things into Him who is the head.” We cannot do this unless we are properly dressed in the armor of God in order to stand against the wiles of the devil.

What is implied in this verse is that those who do not put on the whole armor of God will not be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Instead, they will remain “children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Ephesians 4:14).

Life application: In order to mature in Christ, and in order to defend against the attacks of the devil, we need to properly prepare ourselves. Paul will explain what the “whole armor of God” is in the coming verses. Let us pay heed to these words and then apply them to our lives, soberly considering that the devil is there and ready to attack us at our weakest points, and in our weakest moments.

Lord God, Your word shows that the devil is real, and that he relishes in weak and untrained Christians. In our failure to learn Your word and apply it to our lives, we are like children who are easily tossed back and forth by every crazy wind of doctrine that comes about. We follow conspiracies, we get misdirected in our theology, and we take our eyes off of Jesus. What a shame that we are willing to spend countless hours searching out crazy websites full of nonsense, and yet are unwilling to immerse ourselves in Your word. What a shame. Help us to reprioritize and redirect ourselves to Your word. Amen.

Sunday, 13 November 2016

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10

Paul now comes to the closing thoughts of the epistle. This is evidenced by the word “Finally.” He has presented an amazing display of the wonder of the work of Christ and how it pertains to His redeemed, but he wants them to not forget that there is still an on-going battle which is being waged.

Though the victory is assured, and though the redeemed are already saved once and for all (Ephesians 1:13, 14), and though we are even now seated in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6), we still have this earthly life to get through. It is one which can wear down the hardy, and it is one which can cause us to take our eyes off of the Lord.

And so, Paul now takes the time to admonish the faithful to “be strong in the Lord.” The word in Greek is in the present imperative, and so it literally reads, “be strengthened in the Lord.” It is something that we are to actively do as we live out this life. The way that we are to do this has already been given –

“…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,” Ephesians 3:16

It is “through His Spirit” that we can do this. Paul will explain what that means in the verses ahead. However, before getting to those verses, it can be noted that thetr are things which we must actively do, using the tools which the Spirit has already granted to us. If we fail to act; we will not be strengthened. In turn, our walk will be filled with trials and woes, and yet it will be a bed of our own making. This was reflected in the words of Ephesians 4:30 –

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

In the coming words of Paul, he will use terminology that is reflected in the uniform and armament of a Roman soldier. It is probable that he was being guarded by a Roman soldier as he wrote, and he looked at him and contemplated a spiritual analogy to his earthy adornment. This is similar to what David and others had done in the Old Testament.

The guards, being Roman soldiers, would be well disciplined, meticulously careful with their attire and weapons, and encouraged in what those things stood for. These implements would be their protection in battle, and it is in battle that soldiers are the most dependent on one another, even as if they were brothers by blood. This is seen in the use of the term “my brethren” while finishing his thoughts to the Ephesians.

He has told them to be strong in the Lord, but they are also to be strong “in the power of His might.” Roman soldiers were individually strong in the empire, but they were also strong as a member of the empire. In other words, an individual soldier may be strong and great in battle, but he is not disconnected from the empire he served. Likewise, we may be strong in the knowledge of the word, a great orator, or an excellent missionary, but apart from the body of Christ as a whole, we are waging a losing battle.

We are to be strong in His great power as well as strong in our individual stations within His body. The two, combined together, are what make it possible for us to endure the trials which are sure to come in this life.

Life application: The Lord has given us His word by which we can be strong in the Lord. But we also must apply that word to our lives. Knowledge without application is wasted knowledge. Let us trust in the power of the Lord to direct us in all ways, but let us also not be deficient in growing in our knowledge of Him as well.

Lord God, for us to be strong and faithful as Your followers, we must be strong in You. We can’t do this unless we know what You expect. And that is detailed in Your word. We also cannot be strong in the power of Your might, unless we apply that word to our lives. Together, these two things bring about the ability for us to stand firm in this earthly life we live. Thank You for Your word. And now, give us wisdom to learn it and apply it to our daily walk. Amen.