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Sermon Notes of Rev.Dr.I.J.W.Oakley (10-11-1996
Guisborough Evangelical Church)
In this closing section of Ephesians, Paul describes the
superhuman demonic opposition to God, His people and His plans that abounds in
the world. The Christian’s response is to be strong in the Lord and in his
mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Realize our position in Christ – our source
of spiritual power. If we are in Him, He is in us. Then we have to Put on the
full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13). Prepare to wrestle and fight and
struggle.
No doubt the fact of armour, and
use of it to portray equipment provided by God, is suggested by the Roman
soldier to whom Paul would have been chained day and night in his prison in
Rome.
We need the whole armour, not
one piece we can say is unnecessary. God who knows us and knows our enemy has
prescribed full set and He says we need it all. Not for us to pick and choose.
We not only need strength, but also need protection to every part of the body.
Constantly in danger, not least after a great spiritual experience.
The world tackles problems by
using its own reasoning, common sense, proverbs, advice, will power and
psychology. This is alright up to a point, and makes society possible. But the
Christian moves in wider dimensions, he has a spiritual enemy, so he needs
spiritual equipment to tackle it. The Christian’s enemy will never admit
defeat, and could launch a surprise attack at any moment. God has provided all
the Christian needs. His divine power has given us everything we need for
life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Six pieces of armour, each of
which is needed. Five are mainly for defence, and the other is for offence and
attack. God has provided it, and you are responsible to put it on – every bit
if it. The Devil is always looking for one unguarded area to gain beachhead into
the life and character. Put it on, and do so every day.
In 1655 a Puritan minister
William Gurnall, Pastor of the Church of Christ in Lavenham, Suffolk, published
a work called “The Christian in Complete Armour”, subtitled “The saint’s
war against the devil wherein a discovery is made of that grand enemy of
God….” (the full title contains 73 words!). He dedicated this work to church
members and he described it all a “mite” or a “little present” to them
– in some editions it runs to 3 volumes, 261 chapters and 1472 pages in
expounding only 11 verses! He writes, “In heaven we shall appear not in armour
but in robes of glory…. Pieces of armour to be worn night and day.. we must
walk, work and sleep in them or else we are not true soldiers of Christ”. We
must never relax in our vigilance “because the saint’s sleeping time is
Satan’s tempting time”. When Samson, Saul, Noah and Eutychus slept, the
result was disaster.
Then being equipped, you may
be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesians
6:13). The word “stand” occurs 4 times in 3 verses in this passage.
Underlines its importance by warning of supernatural enemies and also the coming
evil day – severe trials and critical moments in the life.
So being a Christian is not a sloppy, sentimental, effeminate thing. We are facing an enemy, need to be equipped by God, get into the frontline, brace ourselves for the shock of the clash of arms in the battle. Wobbly Christians are easy prey for the Devil. Stability in character is essential, especially in a crisis. At the same time, doing so with confidence, not discouraged or terrified. We are in God’s cause, in God’s power, and in God’s armour. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). He is a happy man who is able to say with Paul, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
With the belt of truth
buckled round your waist (Ephesians 6:14). The soldier’s belt was made of
leather, and his garments were tucked into it to give him freedom of movement so
that the flowing clothes did not get in the way. The sword hung down from the
belt. “Girding up your loins” is an expression meaning get ready for action.
This truth can be taken in two
ways, and there is no need to decide. Both are correct, great and vital truths
about God and the Gospel. One way of looking at it, is that Paul is referring to
the truths that can be known – we can know what we believe, and why – we can
hold firm convictions, hold them fast, stand firmly on them. Else we will
collapse in battle. Especially important at present because of confusion and
uncertainty abounding. Our convictions need to be built on “the impregnable
rock of Holy Scripture” (Gladstone), and not on the vagaries of human reason
or shifting sands of feelings. Contend for the faith that was once for all
entrusted to the saints (Jude v.3).
But more likely “truth” here is emphasising the need for the Christian to be a man of integrity and clear conscience, so that he can face the enemy without fear. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts (Psalm 51:6). There must be honesty, truthfulness, transparency and genuineness. No deceit, falseness, pretence or empty words, which are the mark of the man of the world. I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man (Acts 23:16). When a man has a conscience without offence, he can look people in the eye knowing he has nothing to hide, what is on his lips is the same as is in his heart, no compromise with known sin, no skeletons in the cupboard. So he has freedom to speak, he is at ease with himself, and a clear conscience before God. Vital in fighting the Devil, that nothing is holding him back.
With the breastplate of
righteousness in place (Ephesians 6:14). Made or metal plates or chains.
Covered body from neck to waist or thighs, front and back. Provides major
protection to vital organs – heart, stomach and lungs.
Again two possible meanings, both right, but preference for the second. One way of interpreting this “righteousness” is that it refers to Christ’s perfect righteousness, put to our account. We are not only forgiven, but Christ’s perfect righteousness is ours. God treats us as righteous, and gives us all the blessings of righteous men. So when the Devil reminds us of our failings, and tempts us to doubt our salvation, we have this assurance that we are saved, because Christ’s righteousness and cleansing answers to the accusation. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
“No
condemnation now I dread.
Jesus
and all in him are mine.
Alive
in him, my living head,
And
clothed in righteousness divine.”
Or secondly “righteousness” here may refer to the changed life in which we live righteous lives like Christ, the new life the Lord works in us. Conduct and character is changed and upright because we have been remade. Righteousness is the proof of God’s work in us, the hand of God on our lives. This is the answer to the Devil’s temptations. When we are accused by the world, our lives can answer without even saying a word. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (1 Peter 2:12). Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander (1 Peter 3:16). Daniel’s enemies could find no charge or fault with him because he was faithful. They could only accuse him of being obedient to God (Daniel 6:5).
Your feet fitted with the
readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). The Roman
soldier’s shoes were made of leather, and had very heavy studs in the soles.
Tied to the ankles and shins with ornamental straps. Equipped them for long
marches, and gave them sure grip and kept them from sliding when fighting the
enemy. Could say that this teaches us we should be prepared to share the Good
News, that the witnessing Christian will be the victorious Christian. But in the
light of the context of fighting the enemy, better to say that the Gospel of
peace makes us stable and firm, resolute and sure-footed, not slithering and
sliding about. N.E.B translates this “Let the shoes on your feet be the Gospel
of peace to give you firm footing.”
Peace with God – all being
well with the soul – because we have accepted the message of the Gospel. We
know this peace even when we face life’s tragedies and losses and
difficulties, when the whole world seems to be giving way. Then we have courage
and sticking power. Able to hold ground.
H.G.Spafford, New York lawyer, lost his property in the great fire, and his four children drowned in an accident at sea, was able to write this hymn:
“When
peace like a river attendeth my way,
When
sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever
my lot, thou hast taught me to say
‘It
is well, it is well with my soul’”
This security, which only comes from a relationship with God, relieves the burdened heart, lifts us up, and holds us when all around is collapsing.
Take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians
6:16). Not a small round shield, but a great oblong shield measuring four feet
by two feet. Pieces of wood covered by leather and held together by iron.
Protected the whole body. These shields were designed to put out the flame of
the enemies darts, which were dipped in pitched and set alight, with the
potential to cause major casualties and stir up great confusion. The advancing
soldiers were protected by a solid wall of shields all linked together.
Fiery darts are one of the
Devil’s favourite means of attack. He insinuates accusations, doubts, malice,
fear, lust, doubts about God and His will and His word, blasphemy and oaths.
These darts come unexpectedly and suddenly and powerfully. He brings quite
irrational fears into the minds of normal people. Plunges them into a time of
great darkness, and makes them worry that they cannot be a Christian. These
attacks often come when the Christian is at the holiest exercises, e.g. trying
to pray, or trying to read the Bible. Martin Luther spoke of throwing his inkpot
at the Devil, he was so conscious of his presence in the room. James Fraser,
greatly used of God in Revival, spoke of thoughts that came into his head when
he was trying to lead public worship, such thoughts the like of which he never
even had before he was converted. If we can truly say that we long to be free of
these doubts and wrong thoughts, we can be sure that they are of the Devil, we
are not responsible.
The answer is to turn to the Lord, lay hold of His promises, remember we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:15,16). Look upward, outward and God-ward. Look to the Lord for time, death and eternity. Don’t be afraid, just believe (Mark 5:36). This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).
Take the helmet of salvation
(Ephesians 6:17). Roman soldier’s helmet was usually made of tough metal like
bronze or iron, with inside lining of felt to make weight bearable. Nothing
short of an axe or hammer could pierce such a helmet. Often had magnificent
plumes or crests on top.
The Christian’s mind needs to be protected. Needs to use mind for growth, effective service, and victory over evil. Needs especially to be taught and clear about great truths of salvation. Answer to uncertainty and false teaching. Grow… in the knowledge of our Lord (2 Peter 3:18). Need to teach the Word. The truth needs to be handed on. Entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). True growth in a church comes where the confidence of the preacher and the people rests on the Word of God, faithfully preached, and where God is allowed to do His own work through His Word. Make sure you go to a church that fits you with a helmet of Salvation.
And the sword of the Spirit
which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). This is the one main offensive
weapon. The Roman soldier used his small round sword for close fighting. The
Word of God, the revelation of God’s truth which we find in the Bible, and the
Spirit which inspired it and applies it to our hearts, will affect deeply those
who hear it. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit (Hebrews
4:12). It discerns our thoughts and the intents of our hearts. It cuts to the
heart (Acts 2:37), convicts, makes people furious (Acts 5:33). Weapon upon
assault of temptation – Jesus used it three times in the Wilderness. Three
times Jesus replied “It is written”, and quoted Deuteronomy. As someone put
it, “He hurled three rocks at the Devil”.
The more we know the Word and have it at our fingertips, the stronger we become, and more skilful in dealing with the Devil’s attacks. We have to submit ourselves to it – each time we hear it, we must deny our own wisdom and yield ourselves in faith to the Divine teacher.
Six parts to this armour, need to put altogether for total picture. Need all the armour which God supplies, not one part can be safely omitted. We are facing an enemy who never sleeps and never admits defeat. We need truth in the inward parts – we need to be people of honesty, integrity, genuineness, clear conscience, at ease with self, with nothing to hide, and making no compromise, else our defence is weakened. We need a conduct and character which is changed and proof of God’s work of grace in us. Good testimony and consistent character. The Gospel must make us stable and firm, so that we have courage and sticking power. We need faith in the living God and help from the throne of grace to deal with doubts, irrational fears, and darkness in the mind. Our minds must be clear about great truths of Salvation. We need a good grasp of the Word of God to deal with temptation and use it to point others to Christ. Then we can not only wage war, but do it triumphantly.
