16: The Armor of God (Eph 6:10-24)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

After his exhortations on daily conduct, Paul now speaks of Christians as soldiers of Christ. We are told that we are in a state of constant warfare (6:12; 2Cor 10:4; 1Pet 5:8). Coming at the end of the epistle, this passage provides an important epilogue for readers to study and to apply in their lives so that they will not be defeated and lose their blessings in the body of Christ.

B.     Key Verse

            “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (6:13)

C.     Did You Know…?

Whole armor (6:11): The Greek word panoplia, from which comes the English word “panoply,” refers to the complete outfit of a soldier.

Tychicus (6:21) was a representative of Paul and the bearer of this epistle.

Observation

D.     Outline

(6:10-20)

(6:21-24)

E.     Key Words/Phrases

II.    Segment Analysis

A.     6:10-20

1.      Were you ever bullied when you were in school? A child submits to a bully in school when he thinks that no one can help him, not his friends, his teachers nor his parents. Knowing this, can you appreciate why Paul seems to repeat himself in verse 10—“in the Lord and in the power of His might”?

2.      What are the commands of verses 10 and 11, respectively? How do they relate to each other?

3.      Why do we need to put on the whole armor of God?

4.      For each of the pieces of the armor, write down what it represents and explain the meaning of the representation in chart C. Spend time to think about and discuss the application of these teachings.

5.      What does the “whole” in “whole armor of God” suggest (11)?

6.      What can we learn from 18 and 19 about what to pray for and the attitude in prayer?

7.      Why is Paul an ‘ambassador in chains’?

B.     6:21-24

8.     Typical of Paul, he ends his epistle with words of concern and blessing for the brethren. The letter is personally delivered by Tychicus who was sent to encourage the hearts of the Ephesians. There are two phrases which are unique to and apt for this epistle—love with faith (23) and love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity (24). Discuss why these phrases apply so well to this letter. Also discuss how these values can be applied to our lives.