THE SPIRIT-FILLED SOLDIER

EPHESIANS 6:10-24

Pastor Rick Jackson

It is not by chance that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write about conflict after the command to be filled with the Spirit. No one can be what they ought to be in the warfare if they aren’t in a right relationship with God. By a right relationship with God I mean a person must be saved by the grace of God, surrendered to the will of God, and filled by the Spirit of God.

I. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SOLDIER’S COMMANDER [v. 10-11, 13]

1. He Strengthens Us [v. 10, Isaiah 40:31]

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

2. He is the Source of Power [v. 10b, 1:19]

3. He is the Supplier of our Armor [v. 11, 13]

II. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SOLDIER’S ENEMY [v. 11-12]

1. The Enemy is Tricky [v. 11, Genesis 3:1]

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2. The Enemy is an Accuser [v. 11, diabolos, --false accuser, devil, slanderer.]

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night

3. The Enemy is Organized [v. 12]

“Principalities,” “powers,” “rulers,“ and “spiritual wickedness” are terms used here of the hierarchy of invisible powers in rebellion against God. Paul is not to be understood as enumerating four different classes of demonic beings. Each term simply views the forces arrayed against God and His people in a different manner. “Principalities” refers to their rank and rule. “Powers” suggests their investment with authority. “World-rulers of this darkness” points up their control over a world in revolt against its Creator. “Spiritual wickedness in high places”… depicts them as an army of wicked spirits inhabiting, or at least bringing their combat to, the heavenly sphere. - Dr. W. Curtis Vaughan

III. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SOLDIER’S EQUIPMENT [v. 13-24, Is. 59:15-21]

1. The Two-fold Purpose [v. 13] to stand against, and to stand

2. The Truth [v. 14a] Christ the Truth, the Spirit of Truth, the Word of Truth, truth itself

3. The Breastplate of Righteousness [v. 14b] Imputed righteousness of Christ & personal righteousness

4. The Footwear [v. 15] - standing on the Gospel [Rm. 1:16, I Cor. 15]

5. The Shield of Faith [v. 16, Rm. 10:17, 1 John 5:4]

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

6. The Helmet of Salvation [v. 17a, 1 John 5:13]

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

7. The Sword of the Spirit [v. 17b, Hebrews 4:12]

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

8. The Power of Prayer [v. 18-20]

I am sure that at the judgment-seat of Christ, when our blessed Lord is giving a reward to the Apostle Paul, He will call up many of the saints of whom we have never heard and have them stand with Paul, for they were his fellow-helpers in his ministry, and He will say, "You held up his hands in prayer, and you must share in the reward." - H. A. Ironside

9. The Encouragement of Comrades [v. 21-23a]

10. The Supply of the Commander [v. 23-24]