Ephesians Part 11 - Put on the Whole Armour of God || Rachel Kemp

Vineyard Church Cardiff

Sunday 7th July, 2024 - West & North Sites Speaker - Rachel Kemp

Rachel concludes our series of studies in Paul's letter to the Christians at Ephesus with a close look at the Armour of God. She reminds us of the opening chapters of the letter, which describe the gospel: Who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and what our identity is in the light of that.

Rachel refers to Watchman Nee's summary of the book of Ephesians which Alice quoted in the previous message - the book can be summarised by three verbs: Sit, Walk, Stand. Rachel is looking at chapter 6, which is under the final heading - Stand.

She explains who our enemy is, and how we are equipped to deal with him, equipped with the very same armour as used by God Himself (Isaiah 59v17).

Rachel describes each of the various elements of the armour, with its specific area of effectiveness. By ensuring that we wear each item of this spiritual armour, and use the Sword of the Spirit, we can stand--and continue to remain standing--under any onslaught of the enemy.

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Ephesians 6v10-24

10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11) Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13) Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19) Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20) for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

21) Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22) I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

23) Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24) Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

------- Recorded at West Site - 07Jul2024