Stand Firm in God’s Strength (Ephesians 6)

Ephesians 6:10-13 The Whole Armor of God

John Boyd’s OODA Loop (for fighter pilots): Observe - Orient - Decide - Act

Battles are won when you correctly interpret reality under pressure.

Though the enemy seeks to knock us off our feet, God has given us what we need to stand firm.

What do we need to stand firm?

1) An honest assessment of our current reality. (v. 12)

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Colossians 2:8-13 “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,”

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

The Thief:

Steals truth, joy, peace, attention

Kills marriages families faith

Destroys hope, identity, communities, witness (private sin causes public damage)

Question How do my prayers and priorities need to change?

2) God’s strength to resource our strength.

Isaiah 40:29 “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”

The battle is bigger than us.

God’s strength is expressed most profoundly in my weakness.

Communion with God is the doorway to God’s strength.

Question Where do I run to for strength?

3) The armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. (v. 11,13)

It is God’s battle.

Armor is strategic against the devil’s schemes.

It must be put on intentionally.

Question Where do I need to stand on God’s truth, promises, and victory?