Introduction

In our journey through the book of Ephesians, we’ve explored three guiding themes: Sit, Walk, and Stand. These words summarize our spiritual progression:

1. Sit – This reflects our position in Christ. When we place our faith and trust in the gospel, we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). This position grants us significance, status, and stability.

2. Walk – Flowing from our seated position, we are called to walk in the way of Christ. This stands in contrast to the world, which often walks in ways contrary to Christ.

3. Stand – After learning to sit and walk, we are called to stand firm against the powers of darkness and evil at work in the world.

Last week, we emphasized the reality of spiritual warfare. Whether we acknowledge it or not, demonic activities aim to:

• Isolate us from Jesus and others.

• Incite violence among us.

Our role as Christians is to stand firm. We are not tasked with fighting the battle but with standing in our faith while allowing Jesus to fight for us. As Paul writes, we are to stand equipped with the Armor of God, starting with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation.

Introduction

The Apostle Paul reminds us to be aware of the schemes of the evil one. The devil has tactics designed to separate us from Jesus, create divisions among us, or incite us to harm each other. Paul explains that God has provided us with spiritual armor to help us stand firm against these evil plans. When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he was imprisoned in Rome. Surrounded by Roman guards, he likely used them as a metaphor for the spiritual armor needed in the battle against powers and principalities.

However, Paul wasn’t merely inspired by Roman soldiers. He also had in mind "God the Warrior" as depicted in Isaiah 59:17:
“He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.”

Paul wants us to understand that the armor we are called to wear is, in fact, God’s own armor. This is why it’s called the “Armor of God.” It isn’t a weapon of aggression; it’s meant to help us stand firm. This armor isn’t for offense or violence; it’s to help us maintain steadfastness in Jesus’s way of life and character against dark forces.

In our daily lives, we face more than we can handle on our own. God knows this, and so He gives us His armor so that we can stand firm amid chaos. Each piece of armor reflects a characteristic of Jesus, and today we will focus on three aspects of this armor: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and the Helmet of Salvation.

Introduction

In our journey of spiritual growth, it’s essential to cultivate a right and healthy understanding of our own value as it is revealed in the Word of God. Today’s reading from Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that by grace, through faith, we have been saved. This gift is not by our works but through God’s grace. Verse 10 calls us “His workmanship,” or as translated in some versions, “His masterpiece,” crafted by God Himself with excellence and purpose. We must remember and declare: “I am God’s masterpiece.”

Introduction: The Study of God’s Word as Spiritual Discipline

Before diving into today’s passage on the study of God’s Word as it relates to our spiritual discipline, let’s take a moment to clarify two fundamental terms: discipline and Christianity.

1. Discipline
   The word “discipline” finds its origin in the Latin term “discipulus,” from which we derive the word “disciple.” A disciple is “one who follows another for the purpose of learning.” The Latin word “disciplina” means “instruct, educate, and train.” This foundational concept reminds us that as Christians, we are all His disciples. We gather to worship Him as God, to read Scripture, and to grow in our understanding of who God and Jesus are so that we might reflect Him in our lives. This notion of discipline is deeply intertwined with becoming “Christ-like” in both attitude and action.

   When we speak of Christian Disciplines, we refer to the instructions and training that shape us as disciples of Christ. Christian discipline isn’t merely about personal improvement; it’s a pathway to becoming like Christ, embodying His teachings, and living a life that honors God’s principles and character.

2. Christianity
   Christianity is often categorized as one of the world’s religions, but it can also be understood as a worldview—a framework through which we interpret and respond to life. Charles Colson described it as the “lens” through which we see and evaluate events. This worldview is more than a philosophical stance; it’s a perspective shaped by Biblical values, allowing Christians to discern right from wrong, just from unjust, and moral from immoral based on Scripture.

   For example, early Christian values helped to fuel the abolition of slavery. Christians, not other religions or societal movements, were at the forefront of ending slavery, even when “cultural Christians” supported it. Our worldview, therefore, influences not only personal choices but also has the power to effect social change.

Introduction

I don’t know if any of you are familiar with this book by C.S. Lewis  - it’s a book called Screwtape Letters. It's about a senior devil instructing a junior devil in the art of temptation, and this senior devil named Screwtape writes letters to his nephew the junior devil, named Wormwood, talking about all the specifics schemes and tactics on how they can lead Christians into sin. Now, at the beginning of the book, Lewis gives a kind of an introduction and he explains two errors people have about demons, devils, and spiritual warfare. This is what he says:

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which humans can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They [the devils] themselves are equally pleased by both errors..."

- C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

When we look around in the world, and even within the church, people are all over the spectrum on the issue of demons and devils and spiritual warfare. Some people think demons and devils and spiritual warfare is non-existent and belief in these types of things are for people of an unenlightened mind. But then on other side of the spectrum, we have people with unhealthy interests in them. And we all know that there are people obsessed with demons and dark things… right? (show pic)

So from people who deny the existence of demons and evil spirits, to people who not only believe but are very much invested in them - there's a wide spectrum of people who believe different things about evil spirits and demonic powers.  But for us as followers of Jesus Christ, we must have a clear and solid understanding of the realities of the evil spirits and demonic powers.

Introduction:

As I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but wonder how many of us have felt like we were standing in the middle of a relentless storm, unsure if the rain would ever stop. Some of us may have felt like we’ve been carrying extra burdens, whether it be financial stress, family struggles, health concerns, or personal fears. We all go through tough seasons, and often, during those times, the last thing we feel like doing is giving thanks.

But as Paul reveals in Philippians 4:6-7, gratitude is not just for the good times—it is essential in every situation, and it becomes a vital way to overcome the difficulties we face. Today, I will explore how giving thanks to God, even in the midst of challenges, allows us to experience His peace, a peace that surpasses our circumstances. Gratitude anchors our hearts and minds to God and deepens our spiritual growth, strengthening our relationship with Him and others.

Introduction

Now, isn't it interesting how attached we are to things that don't fit us anymore? get attached to things of the past and we have a hard time letting go even though we know that it doesn’t suit us anymore.

Now when we pick in our text today, Paul is reminding the people of God that there is a new spiritual wardrobe that they are to be wearing. He wants to let us know that the old wardrobe needs to be taken off and something new needs to be put on. And that something new is the way of the resurrected Jesus and of his kingdom.

So in this section of Chapter Four, Paul's using new language new metaphors to talk about - what does it mean for us to walk in the way of the resurrected Jesus? 

Introduction

Ephesians can be divided into three sections: to sit with Christ, walk like Christ, and stand for Christ. This structure helps us understand spiritual growth, starting with our relationship with God and leading to serving others.

In my last sermon, I emphasized that a Christian must first be seated with Christ before they can walk or stand for Him. Being seated with Christ means, through His grace, we are given a position of honor and authority in heaven—not by our works, but by His. This gives us identity, stability, and confidence in God's Kingdom.

When seated with Christ, we stop striving for worldly acceptance and security. We rest in the assurance that we belong to Him, which becomes the foundation for walking like Christ in unity.