Stand Firm (Ephesians Pt. 25) | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that we are not just fighting against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We must be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might to withstand the schemes of the devil. This is not a passive thing; it requires putting on the full armor of God, including the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes for our feet (the Readiness given by the gospel of peace), the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 6:10 - "Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." This verse sets the tone for our understanding that we are to be empowered by God's strength, not our own.
• Ephesians 6:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." This verse reminds us that our battle is not with people, but with spiritual forces.
• Ephesians 6:13 - "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 firm." This verse emphasizes the importance of putting on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil.
• Ephesians 6:14 - "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of Truth..." The belt of truth is the first piece of armor mentioned in this passage. It represents our commitment to standing firm on God's Word.
• Ephesians 6:17 - "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The helmet of salvation represents our protection from spiritual attack, while the sword of the Spirit is the powerful tool we use to combat the enemy's schemes.
• Ephesians 6:18 - "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." This verse reminds us that we are to be praying at all times, using the armor of God to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.

Key Points

• We must be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might to withstand the schemes of the devil.
• The battle is not with people, but with spiritual forces of evil.
• We must put on the full armor of God, including the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes for our feet (the Readiness given by the gospel of peace), the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation.
• The enemy will attack our understanding of truth and our purity. We must stand firm on God's Word and remain committed to living a holy life.

Implications for Daily Life

This message has significant implications for daily life. As we face the challenges of this world, we must remember that our battle is not with people, but with spiritual forces of evil. We must put on the full armor of God to withstand the enemy's schemes and stand firm in our commitment to living a holy life.

Call to Action

We are called to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. We must commit to putting on the full armor of God, including the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes for our feet (the Readiness given by the gospel of peace), the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. Let us stand firm against the enemy's attacks and remain committed to living a life that honors God.