Ephesians 6:10-20, Don't Forget the Radio

Introduction

The Right Equipment

• What does a pilot need in order to do their job?
  • Radio
  • Charts
  • Aircraft operating handbook
• What does an ear doctor need to do their job?
  • Otoscope
  • Audiometer
• What does a mechanic need to do their job?
  • Wrenches
  • Tools
  • Manuels

If you have ever watched a professional work at their job something may stand out, they are really good at their job. Yes, they have had a lot of training and developed significant skills, but they also have the right tools. Having the right tools is critical for doing a job.

In Ephesians 5 Paul provides a description of the Spirit-filled life, Ephesians 6 begins by describing relationships in the Spirit filled life, children are to obey parents, parents are to raise their children in nurture and admonition of the Lord. Paul describes a life lived in obedience, ultimately, obedience to God. God is working to consummate all thinks in Christ and complete his perfect plan for brining people to himself but in the meantime, the Christian faces supernatural forces that aim to thwart God's purpose. Up to this point Ephesians has been about walking, now Paul moves to the job of standing firm.

The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians as a prisoner and likely had a Roman Soldier standing with him at all times. Paul draws on this image of a soldier to describe what is looks like to stand firm.

Main Body

God’s model of Spirit-filled living involves individual fallen humans boldly standing for Christ empowered by God himself through prayer. Christians need to pray that they, and others, will boldly stand for Christ.

Christians must be Divinely Empowered (v. 10-12)

Know the Enemy (v.12)

As Christian's we must recognize that God is the one who empowers us to stand firm.

Christians must Put On the Armor of God (v. 13-17)

The Sword of the spirit (v. 17)

As Christian's we must put on the armor of God as his means of empowering us to stand firm.

Christians must not Forget the Radio (v. 18-20)

Pray! That the Gospel will be Boldly Preached (v. 20)

As Christians we must not forget the radio!

Conclusion

The Application

Pray for our Pastors

Pray for the leaders that you know to have boldness.

Pray for Boldness

Pray for your own boldness in standing for Christ.

Commit to Prayer

Commit to praying, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, more.

Summary: Christians need to pray!

Pray for the leaders that you know to have boldness. Pray for your own boldness in standing for Christ. Commit to praying, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, more. Image: A soldier stuck behind enemy lines. The soldier knows that his side has superior fire power and resources but to access these resources he needs to radio in and call in the fleet. The soldier's very survival depends on one key, don't forget the radio.