WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.700 Please do take a seat. If I could just echo Neil's welcome. It is so lovely to have you here with us this morning. 00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:13.480 I'm going to finish our studies in Ephesians this morning. 00:00:14.080 --> 00:00:17.580 We've been going through Ephesians. We've had 13 sessions on Ephesians. 00:00:18.039 --> 00:00:21.820 And what we've seen is that Paul has held up the church. 00:00:22.400 --> 00:00:25.760 He's tried to show us the significance of church. 00:00:25.760 --> 00:00:27.359 Why church is important. 00:00:27.359 --> 00:00:30.000 Well it can't just be me and God. 00:00:30.379 --> 00:00:35.039 But it has to be me and God and God's people. 00:00:36.019 --> 00:00:39.079 We saw that the first half is predominantly doctrine. 00:00:39.480 --> 00:00:42.259 What God has done for us in the Lord Jesus. 00:00:43.140 --> 00:00:49.679 And then chapters 4, 5 and 6 are what we must do now in response to that good news. 00:00:50.340 --> 00:00:54.000 Of Jesus who gave himself up for all of us. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:57.280 It's been pretty stretching at times. 00:00:58.640 --> 00:01:00.579 But I wonder if you could all stand up. 00:01:01.799 --> 00:01:04.680 And we'll see how we got on with listening to Ephesians. 00:01:04.859 --> 00:01:05.640 Stay standing. 00:01:05.640 --> 00:01:14.299 If this week you've made every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. 00:01:14.840 --> 00:01:21.659 If this week you can say I have made every effort to maintain the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. 00:01:21.719 --> 00:01:23.359 If there's nothing you could have done better. 00:01:24.359 --> 00:01:25.680 Then stay standing. 00:01:28.500 --> 00:01:29.680 One model people. 00:01:29.680 --> 00:01:34.720 Stay standing if you've been completely humble. 00:01:36.100 --> 00:01:43.700 Stay standing if you've fully invested in using your gifts to do your part in making the body grow. 00:01:44.700 --> 00:01:49.980 Stay standing if you have put off falsehood and spoken nothing but the truth to your neighbor. 00:01:49.980 --> 00:01:52.980 Stay standing if you've gotten ridden. 00:01:53.219 --> 00:01:57.040 If you've gotten rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. 00:01:57.780 --> 00:01:58.880 Stay standing. 00:02:01.659 --> 00:02:06.080 If you haven't exasperated your children this week. 00:02:08.300 --> 00:02:10.960 Let's just say it's very difficult isn't it? 00:02:11.259 --> 00:02:15.159 It's one thing turning up on a Sunday and listening to Ephesians. 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:21.599 It's another thing putting Ephesians into practice during the week in our lives. 00:02:21.639 --> 00:02:25.139 Which leads to the question why is church so hard? 00:02:26.300 --> 00:02:30.460 There was very little ambiguity in what Paul was telling us to do. 00:02:31.319 --> 00:02:33.340 It wasn't an understanding problem. 00:02:33.539 --> 00:02:35.579 It was a doing problem. 00:02:36.919 --> 00:02:42.620 So last week we listened to Paul and he exhorted particularly the husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. 00:02:42.620 --> 00:02:45.860 And I went out of here and thought this week Aileen. 00:02:46.980 --> 00:02:49.319 You're going to get what you deserve. 00:02:49.480 --> 00:02:50.200 In a good way. 00:02:52.120 --> 00:02:54.620 So I'm going to love you as Christ loved the church. 00:02:55.520 --> 00:02:58.039 By Sunday lunchtime I hadn't done the washing up. 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:02.960 And I just failed miserably and retreated back into being quite a mediocre husband. 00:03:03.640 --> 00:03:05.700 For a wonderful woman. 00:03:05.699 --> 00:03:12.919 There were some okay bits but substandard would be the report card standing here on Sunday. 00:03:13.759 --> 00:03:16.319 Why is church so hard? 00:03:17.459 --> 00:03:18.679 We hear it. 00:03:18.979 --> 00:03:20.699 We go out with zeal to do it. 00:03:21.079 --> 00:03:27.339 And yet so often we fail to be the church that God has bought with the blood of his own son. 00:03:28.639 --> 00:03:29.899 Well there's two things isn't there? 00:03:29.939 --> 00:03:31.199 That we have a sinful nature. 00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:34.060 We're not perfect as we should be. 00:03:34.179 --> 00:03:36.819 The old self still rears its ugly head. 00:03:36.899 --> 00:03:38.799 We haven't totally put off what we once were. 00:03:39.519 --> 00:03:44.619 And we haven't yet put on what one day we will be. 00:03:46.019 --> 00:03:53.239 But chapter 6 says there's an enemy who is all about trying to spoil our walk with the Lord Jesus. 00:03:54.280 --> 00:03:56.959 Both individually and corporately. 00:03:56.960 --> 00:04:03.120 There is an enemy who hates you as a Christian and hates church as a group of Christians. 00:04:04.980 --> 00:04:07.040 There is a real enemy. 00:04:08.460 --> 00:04:10.000 Yes we have a sinful nature. 00:04:10.460 --> 00:04:18.259 But the devil stands and strums the strings of our sinful nature to make us into a discordant dirge. 00:04:19.939 --> 00:04:21.040 Why is that? 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:28.360 Well because God has a plan and his plan is that all things in the end will be brought to unity under the Lord Jesus. 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:30.000 In the end. 00:04:30.760 --> 00:04:34.260 But in the present there's a working model of that called the church. 00:04:34.580 --> 00:04:39.320 Where groups of people saved by the Lord Jesus gather together where Jesus reigns. 00:04:40.640 --> 00:04:43.820 And as the devil looks at that model he hates it. 00:04:43.819 --> 00:04:48.480 He hates it and will do anything possible to destroy it. 00:04:49.879 --> 00:04:51.819 Will leave no stone unturned. 00:04:53.139 --> 00:04:56.819 Every time he sees the church working he's reminded of his ultimate end. 00:04:57.819 --> 00:05:00.639 Which is a lake of fire and ultimate destruction. 00:05:02.039 --> 00:05:05.620 Do anything to sabotage God's perfect plan. 00:05:07.199 --> 00:05:09.680 See now in the local church. 00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:14.340 The devil's made a few shadowy appearances already in the letter. 00:05:15.120 --> 00:05:16.600 Chapter 2 verse 2. 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:22.840 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live. 00:05:23.240 --> 00:05:28.040 When you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air. 00:05:28.720 --> 00:05:32.759 The spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 00:05:37.460 --> 00:05:38.680 There's a real enemy. 00:05:39.680 --> 00:05:42.180 He's trying to get everyone to rebel. 00:05:43.100 --> 00:05:48.459 And those that aren't in the Lord Jesus are under his power and being led astray. 00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:50.300 From the things of God. 00:05:51.019 --> 00:05:52.800 Chapter 4 verse 27. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:56.740 In your anger do not sin. 00:05:57.620 --> 00:06:00.759 And do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. 00:06:01.800 --> 00:06:05.220 And do not give the devil a foothold. 00:06:05.939 --> 00:06:09.439 Don't give the devil a way in to destroy the church. 00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:12.319 We have one who wants to lead us astray individually. 00:06:12.319 --> 00:06:16.680 And one who wants to divide the church corporately. 00:06:18.180 --> 00:06:21.579 Church is hard because there's a real enemy who hates you. 00:06:21.960 --> 00:06:23.460 If you know the Lord Jesus. 00:06:24.460 --> 00:06:28.319 And church is hard because there's a real enemy who hates us. 00:06:28.319 --> 00:06:33.040 Who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus for his glory. 00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:36.960 Paul is therefore going to finish his letter very appropriately. 00:06:37.760 --> 00:06:39.760 By talking about spiritual warfare. 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:40.740 It's not that he thought. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:41.400 Do you know what? 00:06:41.420 --> 00:06:43.819 I haven't really written about spiritual warfare to anyone yet. 00:06:43.860 --> 00:06:45.060 I should probably say something. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:49.140 Or I've got a little bit of paper left on the end of this papyrus. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:51.060 And it would be a shame to leave it blank. 00:06:51.120 --> 00:06:52.100 And I'm no good at drawing. 00:06:52.100 --> 00:06:56.420 He puts it in because it is the perfect end. 00:06:56.960 --> 00:06:58.800 To make his readers aware. 00:07:00.600 --> 00:07:05.160 That it is the devil who will ultimately destroy the model of the future. 00:07:05.700 --> 00:07:07.379 Seen presently in the local church. 00:07:07.460 --> 00:07:08.240 So if you've got a Bible. 00:07:09.060 --> 00:07:12.600 Please turn with me to Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 10. 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:42.580 Paul writes this. 00:07:42.600 --> 00:08:02.820 In addition to all this. 00:08:02.820 --> 00:08:04.180 Take up the shield of faith. 00:08:04.600 --> 00:08:08.200 With which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:10.439 Take the helmet of salvation. 00:08:11.200 --> 00:08:12.379 And the sword of the spirit. 00:08:12.600 --> 00:08:14.620 Which is the word of God. 00:08:15.700 --> 00:08:18.540 And pray in the spirit on all occasions. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:20.920 With all kinds of prayers and requests. 00:08:21.040 --> 00:08:21.980 With this in mind. 00:08:22.379 --> 00:08:22.600 Be alert. 00:08:23.300 --> 00:08:25.820 And always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:28.160 Pray also for me. 00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:29.280 That whenever I speak. 00:08:29.400 --> 00:08:30.740 Words may be given me. 00:08:31.040 --> 00:08:32.580 So that I will fearlessly. 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:34.680 Make known the mystery of the gospel. 00:08:35.680 --> 00:08:37.940 For which I am an ambassador in chains. 00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:40.660 Pray that I might declare it fearlessly. 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:41.620 As I should. 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:41.899 Take a curse. 00:08:41.899 --> 00:08:43.019 Take a curse. 00:08:43.600 --> 00:08:46.259 The dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord. 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:47.439 Will tell you everything. 00:08:47.439 --> 00:08:50.620 So that you may also know how I am. 00:08:51.039 --> 00:08:52.199 And what I am doing. 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:55.059 I am sending him to you for this very purpose. 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:57.399 That you may know how we are. 00:08:57.819 --> 00:08:59.439 And that he may encourage you. 00:09:00.039 --> 00:09:01.799 Peace to the brothers and sisters. 00:09:01.799 --> 00:09:02.799 In love with faith. 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:03.919 From God the Father. 00:09:04.339 --> 00:09:05.759 And the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:07.419 Grace to all who. 00:09:07.799 --> 00:09:10.099 Who love our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:10.559 --> 00:09:12.579 With an undying love. 00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:13.899 Let's pray. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:15.059 And then we'll dig into this. 00:09:15.459 --> 00:09:15.779 Together. 00:09:17.120 --> 00:09:17.740 Father God. 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:18.740 Thank you that you're good. 00:09:18.859 --> 00:09:19.859 Thank you that you're strong. 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:21.000 Thank you that you're mighty. 00:09:22.219 --> 00:09:22.859 But Lord. 00:09:22.939 --> 00:09:24.039 Thank you that you're gracious. 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:26.259 And you've condescended. 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:28.339 To write your word down for us. 00:09:28.340 --> 00:09:32.040 So Lord we're here asking that that same spirit. 00:09:32.340 --> 00:09:33.980 Who inspired it to be written. 00:09:34.180 --> 00:09:34.860 Would come now. 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:37.080 And illuminate it for us. 00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:39.200 Give us soft hearts. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:41.000 Diligent minds. 00:09:41.920 --> 00:09:43.899 Give us wills ready to be bent. 00:09:43.980 --> 00:09:45.220 In accordance with yours. 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:48.320 Father may we leave here strengthened. 00:09:49.519 --> 00:09:50.200 Trusting. 00:09:51.540 --> 00:09:53.480 And fully ready to stand. 00:09:53.600 --> 00:09:54.519 On the Lord Jesus. 00:09:54.700 --> 00:09:55.600 For the Lord Jesus. 00:09:56.379 --> 00:09:57.340 For his glory. 00:09:57.340 --> 00:09:58.379 Amen. 00:09:59.420 --> 00:10:00.580 Three things. 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:02.420 I want us to see from this passage. 00:10:03.480 --> 00:10:05.060 First one is this. 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:08.340 Switch on. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:10.480 Switch on. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:12.399 Switch on. 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:14.200 You're in a battle. 00:10:15.399 --> 00:10:16.940 What Paul says here. 00:10:17.100 --> 00:10:17.840 Is that you. 00:10:18.160 --> 00:10:19.139 Are in a battle. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:21.139 And it's important. 00:10:21.720 --> 00:10:23.000 That you know that. 00:10:23.860 --> 00:10:25.400 Ephesus knew the reality. 00:10:25.400 --> 00:10:26.519 Of a spiritual battle. 00:10:26.519 --> 00:10:28.519 If you read Paul's journey. 00:10:28.759 --> 00:10:29.199 In Acts. 00:10:29.279 --> 00:10:30.059 To Ephesus. 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:32.039 You'll see that the powers. 00:10:32.039 --> 00:10:32.860 Of the gospel. 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:33.799 And the powers. 00:10:34.319 --> 00:10:35.460 Of darkness. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:37.039 Collinds. 00:10:37.559 --> 00:10:39.220 And we get this amazing account. 00:10:39.340 --> 00:10:40.960 Of the seven sons of Sceva. 00:10:41.439 --> 00:10:43.860 Who tried to jump on the Jesus bandwagon. 00:10:44.079 --> 00:10:45.439 By casting out demons. 00:10:45.600 --> 00:10:46.460 In Jesus name. 00:10:47.340 --> 00:10:49.259 But because the seven sons of Sceva. 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:50.019 Didn't know. 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:51.139 The Lord Jesus. 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:53.460 As the man who they try to exercise. 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:54.980 Stands up. 00:10:55.059 --> 00:10:56.179 And beats them senseless. 00:10:56.360 --> 00:10:57.799 And they go running from the house. 00:10:58.439 --> 00:10:59.860 Fear grips the place. 00:11:00.299 --> 00:11:01.879 And there's an enormous bonfire. 00:11:02.019 --> 00:11:03.899 Of all the dark scrolls. 00:11:04.100 --> 00:11:04.819 In the city. 00:11:05.819 --> 00:11:07.039 That are literally worth. 00:11:07.500 --> 00:11:08.580 Millions of pounds. 00:11:09.460 --> 00:11:10.279 As people see. 00:11:10.379 --> 00:11:11.159 That the gospel. 00:11:11.159 --> 00:11:12.259 Is more powerful. 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:13.259 And conquers. 00:11:13.259 --> 00:11:14.819 The power of darkness. 00:11:14.820 --> 00:11:20.360 Paul says. 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:22.280 To the people in Ephesus. 00:11:22.540 --> 00:11:23.340 To us. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:24.440 In Brunsfield. 00:11:24.600 --> 00:11:25.720 You're in a battle. 00:11:26.920 --> 00:11:28.220 There is a war. 00:11:28.700 --> 00:11:30.379 Waging in and through. 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:31.879 Your lives. 00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:34.840 This battle is not a pitch battle. 00:11:34.840 --> 00:11:36.040 On the streets of Edinburgh. 00:11:37.300 --> 00:11:39.460 This battle is taking place. 00:11:39.840 --> 00:11:40.360 Behind. 00:11:41.140 --> 00:11:42.160 The earthly realm. 00:11:42.300 --> 00:11:43.900 In the spiritual realm. 00:11:44.020 --> 00:11:44.800 In the heavenly realm. 00:11:44.820 --> 00:11:45.320 In the heavenly places. 00:11:47.379 --> 00:11:48.460 And the good thing is. 00:11:48.480 --> 00:11:49.580 That's good news. 00:11:50.580 --> 00:11:52.300 Why is that good news? 00:11:53.580 --> 00:11:55.040 Because Jesus rules. 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:56.500 Over all the heavenly places. 00:11:57.740 --> 00:11:58.860 It's where he's seated. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:01.820 Chapter 1 verse 3. 00:12:01.900 --> 00:12:03.640 It's where he's blessed us. 00:12:03.640 --> 00:12:06.140 With every spiritual blessing. 00:12:06.280 --> 00:12:08.060 Chapter 1 verse 20. 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:09.420 It's where we're seated. 00:12:09.960 --> 00:12:10.760 In him. 00:12:11.760 --> 00:12:13.920 Chapter 2 verse 6. 00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:15.259 The heavenly realms. 00:12:15.259 --> 00:12:15.379 The heavenly realms. 00:12:15.379 --> 00:12:16.159 For the Christian. 00:12:16.159 --> 00:12:17.539 Are not a place of fear. 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:18.799 But a place of security. 00:12:20.179 --> 00:12:21.959 That though the battle wages. 00:12:21.959 --> 00:12:23.079 In the heavenly realms. 00:12:23.079 --> 00:12:24.539 There is one ruler. 00:12:24.539 --> 00:12:25.519 Of the heavenly realms. 00:12:25.519 --> 00:12:26.479 And his name is Jesus. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:29.299 And that's good news. 00:12:30.860 --> 00:12:32.639 That means that this isn't. 00:12:33.179 --> 00:12:34.439 Good versus evil. 00:12:34.679 --> 00:12:36.219 Playing out in a cosmic realm. 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:37.240 And it could go one way. 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:37.740 Or the other. 00:12:37.819 --> 00:12:38.919 And we'll turn on the news. 00:12:38.919 --> 00:12:39.539 Every day. 00:12:39.539 --> 00:12:41.360 To see who's winning today. 00:12:42.579 --> 00:12:44.039 This is a war. 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:45.500 That's already won. 00:12:47.639 --> 00:12:49.339 In the Lord Jesus. 00:12:49.339 --> 00:12:50.719 Through his incarnation. 00:12:51.459 --> 00:12:52.839 Through his crucifixion. 00:12:53.379 --> 00:12:55.379 Through his glorious resurrection. 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:56.639 And ultimate ascension. 00:12:56.639 --> 00:12:57.299 To rule. 00:12:57.839 --> 00:13:00.059 In those heavenly places. 00:13:01.199 --> 00:13:02.259 Paul's already prayed. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:03.559 In chapter 1 verse 18. 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:05.179 That the eyes of their heart. 00:13:05.339 --> 00:13:05.959 Would be open. 00:13:05.959 --> 00:13:07.719 To see the way things really are. 00:13:07.720 --> 00:13:09.100 And we need to have. 00:13:09.180 --> 00:13:10.500 Our same eyes opened. 00:13:11.019 --> 00:13:11.800 To see. 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:13.740 The way things really are. 00:13:14.220 --> 00:13:14.620 He says. 00:13:14.700 --> 00:13:16.379 Switch on your inner war. 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:18.879 Some of the more seasoned. 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:20.379 Members of our congregation. 00:13:21.440 --> 00:13:22.440 Will have lived. 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:24.000 Through a time of war. 00:13:25.180 --> 00:13:26.240 Will know what it's like. 00:13:26.320 --> 00:13:27.220 To wake up. 00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:28.399 With your country. 00:13:28.519 --> 00:13:29.960 Having to declared war. 00:13:30.660 --> 00:13:31.680 On another country. 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:33.779 Particularly thinking. 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:34.480 World War 2. 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:35.040 The overnight. 00:13:35.600 --> 00:13:36.879 Things changed. 00:13:37.720 --> 00:13:39.740 Everything changed. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:41.920 You had blackouts. 00:13:42.420 --> 00:13:43.139 Where if you failed. 00:13:43.220 --> 00:13:44.620 To cover your windows properly. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.600 The military police. 00:13:45.759 --> 00:13:46.560 Would come and knock. 00:13:47.680 --> 00:13:48.920 You had rations. 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:51.060 Where Asda. 00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:52.420 Wasn't a place of plenty. 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:54.500 It was a place. 00:13:54.600 --> 00:13:55.160 Where your book. 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:56.100 Determined exactly. 00:13:56.240 --> 00:13:57.440 How much you were allowed to take. 00:13:58.899 --> 00:14:00.379 Place of air raids. 00:14:01.460 --> 00:14:02.500 Where your sleep. 00:14:02.500 --> 00:14:03.420 Would be interrupted. 00:14:03.420 --> 00:14:04.940 By this whining noise. 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:06.000 Going up and down. 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:07.679 And it meant. 00:14:07.779 --> 00:14:08.740 Even in your pajamas. 00:14:08.919 --> 00:14:10.919 You had to go to the nearest air raid shelter. 00:14:11.059 --> 00:14:12.519 You had to carry your gas mask. 00:14:12.899 --> 00:14:13.419 With you. 00:14:13.539 --> 00:14:14.460 People in your village. 00:14:14.600 --> 00:14:15.379 Would go off to war. 00:14:16.179 --> 00:14:17.559 Some you wouldn't see again. 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:20.059 War affects everything. 00:14:20.059 --> 00:14:20.919 About our lives. 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:22.259 And that's the same thing. 00:14:22.299 --> 00:14:23.559 Paul is saying to us. 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:25.080 We're in a war. 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:25.940 And it needs to. 00:14:26.200 --> 00:14:27.179 Inform us. 00:14:27.960 --> 00:14:29.179 About how we live. 00:14:29.620 --> 00:14:30.559 In prayer time. 00:14:31.559 --> 00:14:32.419 In war time. 00:14:32.419 --> 00:14:34.399 Three things. 00:14:34.459 --> 00:14:35.099 I think we can see. 00:14:35.199 --> 00:14:36.519 That it's a defensive battle. 00:14:39.439 --> 00:14:40.719 This is more Zulu. 00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:42.919 Than it is charge of the light brigades. 00:14:43.719 --> 00:14:45.199 This is taking a stand. 00:14:45.279 --> 00:14:46.279 Look at verse 11. 00:14:47.639 --> 00:14:49.219 Put on the full armor of God. 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:52.159 So that you can take your stand. 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:54.759 Against the devil's schemes. 00:14:58.379 --> 00:14:59.379 Verse 13. 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:02.960 Therefore put on the full armor of God. 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:04.340 So that when the day of evil. 00:15:04.820 --> 00:15:05.139 Comes. 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:07.539 You may be able to stand your ground. 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:09.220 And after you have done everything. 00:15:09.419 --> 00:15:10.179 To stand. 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:11.980 Verse 14. 00:15:12.139 --> 00:15:12.919 Stand firm. 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:13.960 Then. 00:15:15.039 --> 00:15:15.899 This is not. 00:15:15.980 --> 00:15:17.179 Onward Christian soldiers. 00:15:17.299 --> 00:15:18.399 Onwards as to war. 00:15:18.659 --> 00:15:19.220 This is not. 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:20.419 In heavenly armor. 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:21.600 We'll conquer the land. 00:15:23.559 --> 00:15:24.340 This is. 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:25.960 A defensive battle. 00:15:26.059 --> 00:15:27.480 Because the war's already won. 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:30.539 This is taking our stand. 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:31.379 On the gospel. 00:15:31.580 --> 00:15:32.399 For the gospel. 00:15:33.519 --> 00:15:35.600 And repelling the attacks. 00:15:36.019 --> 00:15:37.500 Of the evil one. 00:15:38.580 --> 00:15:40.080 The victory is won. 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:41.279 Eternally. 00:15:41.420 --> 00:15:42.860 But the battle still rages. 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.139 In the present. 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:47.159 Put on the full armor of God. 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:47.940 So you can. 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:49.159 Stand. 00:15:50.440 --> 00:15:51.800 Stand firm. 00:15:52.580 --> 00:15:53.920 Stand tall. 00:15:54.080 --> 00:15:55.320 Stand true. 00:15:55.320 --> 00:15:57.420 Second thing we see. 00:15:57.580 --> 00:15:58.700 Is that we have no. 00:15:59.240 --> 00:16:01.220 Ability to fight this battle ourselves. 00:16:02.200 --> 00:16:03.220 We have no. 00:16:03.580 --> 00:16:03.980 Strength. 00:16:04.060 --> 00:16:04.780 No ability. 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:06.740 None of us went to spiritual. 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:07.940 Standhurst. 00:16:08.780 --> 00:16:10.560 This is not going to go well for us. 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:11.560 If we try and do it. 00:16:11.620 --> 00:16:12.180 In our own. 00:16:12.700 --> 00:16:12.940 Strength. 00:16:13.020 --> 00:16:14.080 That's why he says. 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:15.340 Verse 10. 00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:16.700 Be strong in the Lord. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:18.900 And in his mighty power. 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:20.200 It's a derived power. 00:16:21.080 --> 00:16:22.480 It's one we can't muster. 00:16:22.820 --> 00:16:24.340 It's not about going to boot camp. 00:16:24.340 --> 00:16:28.379 It's about standing with the Lord Jesus. 00:16:28.379 --> 00:16:29.820 For the Lord Jesus. 00:16:29.820 --> 00:16:31.759 In the power that the Lord Jesus. 00:16:32.440 --> 00:16:33.500 So readily. 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:34.860 Brings. 00:16:35.580 --> 00:16:38.320 It's not a call to search for the hero inside yourself. 00:16:39.280 --> 00:16:41.660 You're not trying to summon your inner Rambo. 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:45.639 This is power coming from God. 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:46.820 By his grace. 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:48.660 Through our faith. 00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:53.100 He's already said. 00:16:53.259 --> 00:16:53.639 Dwell. 00:16:54.199 --> 00:16:55.980 That the message of Christ dwell. 00:16:56.459 --> 00:16:56.919 In you. 00:16:56.959 --> 00:16:58.459 That you might be strengthened by. 00:16:59.059 --> 00:16:59.759 The gospel. 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:04.480 It's a defensive battle. 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:06.659 We need the Lord's strength. 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:08.119 And finally we have a cunning. 00:17:08.619 --> 00:17:09.339 And ruthless. 00:17:10.019 --> 00:17:10.379 Enemy. 00:17:10.380 --> 00:17:13.480 Verse 11. 00:17:13.780 --> 00:17:15.200 Put on the full armor of God. 00:17:15.280 --> 00:17:16.920 So that you can take your stand. 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:19.680 Against the devil's schemes. 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:23.020 The devil's schemes. 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:26.480 You don't just see him coming over the hill. 00:17:26.840 --> 00:17:27.160 Thinking. 00:17:27.340 --> 00:17:28.320 Oh there's our enemy. 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:31.100 He's crafty and cunning. 00:17:31.100 --> 00:17:34.820 We read that he masquerades as an angel of light. 00:17:35.560 --> 00:17:36.820 He's the tempter. 00:17:37.760 --> 00:17:39.100 He's the accuser. 00:17:39.879 --> 00:17:42.099 He's the one who's prowling around. 00:17:42.719 --> 00:17:44.179 Looking for someone to devour. 00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:45.659 I don't know if you saw the news this week. 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:46.399 In Georgia. 00:17:47.079 --> 00:17:48.000 With all the flooding. 00:17:48.099 --> 00:17:49.419 And all the animals escaped. 00:17:50.459 --> 00:17:51.859 And they thought they had them all. 00:17:51.919 --> 00:17:54.500 Until one guy went into the warehouse of his workshop. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:56.539 And there was a snow leopard. 00:17:58.159 --> 00:17:59.359 And it devoured him. 00:17:59.359 --> 00:18:00.399 Because he was alone. 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:03.139 Creeping around in the darkness. 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:04.259 Looking for a meal. 00:18:04.359 --> 00:18:06.399 That's the same idea. 00:18:06.400 --> 00:18:09.920 I think in the western world. 00:18:10.100 --> 00:18:11.620 The sneakiness is. 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:14.380 In the apparent ambivalence we have. 00:18:15.580 --> 00:18:16.200 And in a poll. 00:18:16.300 --> 00:18:18.160 Only 25% of people would say. 00:18:18.300 --> 00:18:19.620 There is a real personal devil. 00:18:19.620 --> 00:18:21.240 Who hates Christians. 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:23.519 That's even amongst the church. 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:26.400 That our enemy is so cunning. 00:18:26.560 --> 00:18:28.500 That he's managed to wear an invisibility cloak. 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:32.940 And is able to unhinderedly go about his business of stealing. 00:18:33.559 --> 00:18:33.920 Killing. 00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:36.240 And destroying God's flock. 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:41.200 Devil's purpose is to divide the church. 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:42.220 And wreck the model. 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:43.640 Lead people astray. 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:47.440 Reject the Lord Jesus. 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:50.680 Doesn't that help explain. 00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:52.660 Why when church goes bad. 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:54.240 It goes so horribly bad. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:57.039 It almost seems to go nuclear. 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:58.700 When churches really go bad. 00:18:58.700 --> 00:19:01.000 And that's because it's not just people on people. 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:03.640 But there is an enemy who delights. 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:06.279 In the destruction of the church. 00:19:06.799 --> 00:19:08.200 First thing we need to know. 00:19:08.340 --> 00:19:09.299 From this passage. 00:19:09.460 --> 00:19:10.080 Switch on. 00:19:10.980 --> 00:19:13.519 There is a real battle really going on. 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:15.200 In your lives. 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:16.940 Number two. 00:19:18.380 --> 00:19:19.200 Suit up. 00:19:20.080 --> 00:19:21.299 Suit up. 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:22.660 You're in a battle. 00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:25.640 Says repeatedly. 00:19:25.819 --> 00:19:27.539 Put on the full armor of God. 00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.360 Verse 11. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.640 Verse 13. 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:33.019 Put on the full armor of God. 00:19:33.059 --> 00:19:34.740 When you get serious about something. 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:36.039 You buy the kit. 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:36.700 Don't you? 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:39.059 When you get serious about something. 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:39.980 You buy the kit. 00:19:40.580 --> 00:19:42.519 So I tried to take up running last year. 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:45.180 Sports Direct was the shop I visited regularly. 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:47.100 To try and improve my performance. 00:19:48.539 --> 00:19:50.880 My cricket bag is full of loads of stuff. 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:54.000 That I never am in long enough to use properly. 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:57.160 If you're a guitarist. 00:19:57.620 --> 00:19:58.600 Buy a guitar. 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.299 And a case. 00:19:59.400 --> 00:20:00.059 And a strap. 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:00.940 And a tuner. 00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:02.519 And then you buy a capo. 00:20:02.620 --> 00:20:03.940 And then you buy some music. 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.980 Because you're serious about it. 00:20:07.019 --> 00:20:08.380 Golfers are the worst aren't they? 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:10.040 If you're a golfer. 00:20:10.120 --> 00:20:11.760 You have all sorts of trinkets. 00:20:12.800 --> 00:20:14.240 You have loads of clubs. 00:20:15.060 --> 00:20:17.180 And the ball still bobbles along the floor. 00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:18.860 In my experience. 00:20:19.340 --> 00:20:20.360 You're going to war. 00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:22.500 You need to buy the kits. 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:24.300 If you don't have the kit. 00:20:24.360 --> 00:20:25.620 Particularly when it comes to war. 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:27.120 You're putting your life in danger. 00:20:27.720 --> 00:20:29.600 That's what we learnt in 2013. 00:20:29.600 --> 00:20:31.040 From the Chilcot Inquiry. 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:33.500 Where they were sending British troops. 00:20:33.639 --> 00:20:34.339 To the front line. 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:35.639 Without sufficient body. 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:36.700 Armour. 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:39.059 Get suited up. 00:20:39.139 --> 00:20:39.659 Get kitted. 00:20:40.220 --> 00:20:40.619 Out. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.899 And there's six items. 00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:44.059 In the armour of God. 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:46.039 Six items. 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:48.019 Which are all the gospel. 00:20:49.220 --> 00:20:50.839 Applied to different areas. 00:20:51.139 --> 00:20:51.980 Of the body. 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:53.240 Basically. 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:54.059 In short. 00:20:54.119 --> 00:20:54.599 What he's saying. 00:20:54.659 --> 00:20:55.859 Is you need to be dressed in. 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:57.139 From head to toe. 00:20:57.460 --> 00:20:58.180 In the gospel. 00:20:58.180 --> 00:20:59.059 That's what he's saying. 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:02.759 You need to get suited up. 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:03.480 For the war. 00:21:03.599 --> 00:21:03.960 That is. 00:21:04.639 --> 00:21:05.079 Waging. 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:07.460 Paul is writing this. 00:21:07.579 --> 00:21:08.500 In chains. 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.940 So he's probably. 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:11.559 Chained to a Roman soldier. 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.940 So he has a very visible. 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:14.220 Idea of what. 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:15.220 Armour. 00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:16.500 Looks like. 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:19.460 And notice. 00:21:19.599 --> 00:21:20.619 That when you wear armour. 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:22.259 Particularly as a Roman soldier. 00:21:23.619 --> 00:21:25.440 It's not purely for. 00:21:26.079 --> 00:21:26.639 Defence. 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:28.019 And protection. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.799 It's also for. 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:31.480 Identity. 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.139 And projection. 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:34.980 That it's not only. 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:35.940 To keep you safe. 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:37.139 But it's to show everyone. 00:21:37.139 --> 00:21:37.779 Who you are. 00:21:37.859 --> 00:21:38.940 You're a Roman soldier. 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.819 You're the real deal. 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.419 And I think we see that. 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.180 With the armour. 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:44.700 That the things that he's saying. 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.519 Are not just. 00:21:45.859 --> 00:21:47.279 Things that keep us safe. 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:48.399 But all things. 00:21:48.399 --> 00:21:49.579 That we should project. 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:51.099 To a dark world. 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:53.019 So he says. 00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:53.839 Put on the belt. 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:54.759 The undergarment. 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.440 Of truth. 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.279 That is both. 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:58.899 The doctrine. 00:21:58.899 --> 00:21:59.779 That we rely on. 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:00.279 The truth. 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.039 Of the gospel. 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:03.660 But if you look back. 00:22:03.660 --> 00:22:04.759 In chapter 5. 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:06.200 Verse 9. 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.639 For the fruit of light. 00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:08.799 Consists in all goodness. 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:09.519 Righteousness. 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:10.240 And truth. 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:11.660 It's not just. 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:12.740 Something we wear. 00:22:12.839 --> 00:22:14.019 But it's something we project. 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:15.899 We stand on the truth. 00:22:15.899 --> 00:22:16.539 Of the gospel. 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:18.160 And it transforms us. 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.700 To be truthful. 00:22:20.339 --> 00:22:20.779 People. 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:22.839 The breastplate. 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.539 Of righteousness. 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.480 Both the righteousness. 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:25.139 We get. 00:22:25.419 --> 00:22:26.699 From the Lord Jesus. 00:22:27.059 --> 00:22:28.339 An alien righteousness. 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:30.819 But back in chapter 5. 00:22:30.819 --> 00:22:31.279 Verse 9. 00:22:31.339 --> 00:22:32.319 The fruit of the light. 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:33.799 Consists of goodness. 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:34.579 And righteousness. 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:36.659 That the righteousness. 00:22:36.659 --> 00:22:37.559 We adopt. 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:39.039 Leads to right living. 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:40.599 In. 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.539 And through. 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.599 Our lives. 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:44.439 Same for all of these. 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:45.459 Gospel boots. 00:22:46.859 --> 00:22:47.939 If you're wearing boots. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:48.179 There. 00:22:48.459 --> 00:22:49.500 There are two things. 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.419 You need your boots to do. 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.679 They need to bring stability. 00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:52.640 And agility. 00:22:53.820 --> 00:22:55.580 You need to be able to stand firm. 00:22:56.060 --> 00:22:57.120 Anybody who plays rugby. 00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:57.920 Knows this. 00:22:58.960 --> 00:23:00.259 You need to be able to stand firm. 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:02.039 But you also need to be able to get around the field. 00:23:02.120 --> 00:23:03.299 There's no point having lead. 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:05.259 On the bottom of your feet. 00:23:06.660 --> 00:23:07.720 Both the stability. 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:08.960 To stand on the gospel. 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:09.860 But the agility. 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:11.500 To apply it. 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:13.320 Particularly when there's times of conflict. 00:23:14.060 --> 00:23:15.940 Because it is the gospel of peace. 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:17.860 Shield of faith. 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.860 This full length. 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.680 Shield. 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.660 That you can hide behind. 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:25.080 So that when the devil's arrows come and go. 00:23:25.140 --> 00:23:26.560 You can't really trust God for that. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:30.019 Oh it is God that's got you into this mess. 00:23:31.320 --> 00:23:31.799 Oh. 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:34.900 How could a good God let you lose your job this week? 00:23:36.140 --> 00:23:38.140 You hide behind that shield of faith. 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:40.100 You say God is good. 00:23:40.460 --> 00:23:41.240 All the time. 00:23:41.320 --> 00:23:43.600 And that faith extinguishes. 00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:45.580 The accusations. 00:23:45.579 --> 00:23:47.419 And the doubts thrown at us. 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.639 By the devil. 00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:50.059 Put on the helmet of salvation. 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:52.359 Your helmet's very vital. 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.500 We've all seen the war film. 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:53.960 Don't we? 00:23:54.699 --> 00:23:55.139 Haven't we? 00:23:55.179 --> 00:23:56.759 Where there's a time of peace. 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:58.399 And people get a bit complacent. 00:23:58.679 --> 00:24:02.799 And you see the guy whose head is above the line of sandbags. 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:03.899 He takes his helmet off. 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.679 And the next moment. 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:07.139 It's introduced quite forcibly to a bullet. 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:09.899 Helmet of salvation. 00:24:09.900 --> 00:24:12.900 And the sword of the spirit. 00:24:13.080 --> 00:24:14.259 Which is the word of God. 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:16.800 If we want to see how the sword of the spirit is wielded. 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:18.660 Then the Lord Jesus is a great example. 00:24:19.540 --> 00:24:20.480 He gets baptized. 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:22.019 He's led into the desert. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.320 By the spirit there. 00:24:23.380 --> 00:24:23.960 He's tempted. 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:28.500 Forty days without eating. 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:29.440 And the devil says. 00:24:29.540 --> 00:24:31.460 Why don't you turn these rocks into bread? 00:24:32.420 --> 00:24:34.600 And how does Jesus parry the attack? 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.900 By quoting Deuteronomy. 00:24:37.560 --> 00:24:39.400 Which most of us would struggle fully fed. 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:42.640 Let alone having not eaten for forty days. 00:24:43.380 --> 00:24:45.120 Man shall not live by bread alone. 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:47.500 But by every word and that from the mouth of God. 00:24:48.560 --> 00:24:49.080 Parry. 00:24:49.840 --> 00:24:50.400 Defend. 00:24:52.060 --> 00:24:52.660 Riposte. 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:55.440 But also it is the word. 00:24:55.720 --> 00:24:58.519 The sword of the spirit is the only attacking instrument. 00:25:00.300 --> 00:25:02.080 Because it is God's word. 00:25:02.080 --> 00:25:06.560 It is the gospel shared and responded to. 00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:08.660 Which breaks people out of darkness. 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:12.400 Which rescues people from their shackles. 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:15.960 To the prince of the power of the air that leads to disobedience. 00:25:16.140 --> 00:25:17.420 So we are standing. 00:25:17.560 --> 00:25:20.280 But we're taking every opportunity to share this word. 00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:22.660 In order that it might penetrate the darkness. 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:24.380 And rescue many. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.420 Suit up. 00:25:26.080 --> 00:25:27.759 Put on the full armor of God. 00:25:27.840 --> 00:25:28.220 But no. 00:25:28.280 --> 00:25:29.840 This isn't just an individual thing. 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:32.680 Because as we think about Roman soldiers. 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:36.960 Their favorite battle formation was called the testudo. 00:25:36.960 --> 00:25:39.600 Which is literally Latin for tortoise. 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:41.579 And they would line up like this. 00:25:43.100 --> 00:25:45.460 Where everybody had a part to play. 00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:47.140 Some people shields at the front. 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:48.140 Shields at the side. 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.140 Shields at the back. 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.720 Shields over the top. 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:55.620 And it's the reason they were managed to be so successful in military conquest. 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:58.519 Because they were all tightly packed together. 00:25:58.660 --> 00:26:00.660 Moving forward together. 00:26:00.660 --> 00:26:02.300 And were utterly impenetrable. 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:07.160 Kind of Wellington did it 200 years ago with his squares. 00:26:08.320 --> 00:26:09.779 That they were impenetrable. 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:11.759 Because they all had everyone else's backs. 00:26:12.160 --> 00:26:14.540 And therefore when we put on the full armor of God. 00:26:15.320 --> 00:26:18.279 It's not just you taking responsibility for yourself. 00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:22.840 But it's you seeking through your armor to protect everyone else. 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:24.639 To be a close knit unit. 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.799 Standing firm. 00:26:27.059 --> 00:26:28.939 Against the one who hates us. 00:26:29.559 --> 00:26:30.159 The devil. 00:26:32.359 --> 00:26:32.839 Lastly. 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:35.699 Verses 18 to 20. 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.579 Cry out. 00:26:37.679 --> 00:26:38.480 Cry out. 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:40.099 Verse 18. 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:42.679 And pray in the spirit on all occasions. 00:26:42.919 --> 00:26:44.619 With all kinds of prayers and requests. 00:26:45.379 --> 00:26:46.259 With this in mind. 00:26:46.359 --> 00:26:46.919 Be alert. 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:49.259 And always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. 00:26:49.819 --> 00:26:50.740 Pray also for me. 00:26:50.819 --> 00:26:51.819 That whenever I speak. 00:26:51.919 --> 00:26:52.819 Words may be given. 00:26:52.839 --> 00:26:55.980 So that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. 00:26:57.319 --> 00:27:00.859 For which I am an ambassador in chains. 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:03.559 Pray that I might declare it fearlessly. 00:27:04.139 --> 00:27:05.099 As I should. 00:27:05.359 --> 00:27:06.220 If you're in a battle. 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:07.519 Communication is key. 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:10.699 Staying together is key. 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:12.939 You have radio operators everywhere. 00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:15.039 Radioing back to high command. 00:27:15.159 --> 00:27:16.819 To know where they're supposed to be doing. 00:27:16.959 --> 00:27:19.019 What they're supposed to be doing. 00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:20.579 And Paul here is saying. 00:27:20.579 --> 00:27:21.980 In our spiritual battle. 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:24.740 Crying out is vital. 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:27.559 Crying out to God. 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:29.759 In whose power we're standing. 00:27:31.000 --> 00:27:33.200 Notice how comprehensive it is. 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:34.460 Verse 18. 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:35.460 On all occasions. 00:27:35.460 --> 00:27:36.460 On all occasions. 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:39.759 With all kinds of prayers and requests. 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:41.539 Always alert. 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:43.039 For all people. 00:27:44.299 --> 00:27:49.140 Closely knitted communication for absolutely everyone. 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:52.759 It doesn't matter if you're the best soldier in the world. 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:55.740 You still need to be part of an army. 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:59.160 Which means that you need to be communicating with everybody else. 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:02.580 Paul's so conscious of this. 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:04.200 That he's in prison. 00:28:04.340 --> 00:28:05.860 But he's still praying that they might. 00:28:06.220 --> 00:28:08.380 He's still asking that they would pray for him. 00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:12.220 So that every opportunity he might fearlessly proclaim the gospel. 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:16.759 Stand with me in prayer. 00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.360 He's saying. 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:20.960 Not just withstanding. 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:22.380 But winning people. 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:25.039 Through the proclamation of the gospel. 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:27.460 I was in Sky last week. 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.039 It was lovely. 00:28:28.100 --> 00:28:29.019 Except for one thing. 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:31.660 Sky sucks for mobile reception. 00:28:31.860 --> 00:28:32.339 It's awful. 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:36.099 But I thought I'd come back across the bridge. 00:28:36.519 --> 00:28:37.819 And I'd get loads of text messages. 00:28:38.459 --> 00:28:39.220 It didn't happen. 00:28:39.220 --> 00:28:41.199 I wasn't as popular as I dreamed. 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:44.519 Paul here is saying. 00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:47.199 Stay online with God all the time. 00:28:48.439 --> 00:28:51.240 Don't let your reception. 00:28:51.639 --> 00:28:54.279 Don't let your communication be hindered ever. 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:56.919 That if you're going to stand firm. 00:28:57.199 --> 00:28:58.539 With the Lord Jesus. 00:28:58.819 --> 00:29:00.599 On the gospel of the Lord Jesus. 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:02.279 For the glory of the Lord Jesus. 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:03.859 You need to stay connected. 00:29:05.939 --> 00:29:07.259 You need to pray. 00:29:07.419 --> 00:29:08.500 All the time. 00:29:09.359 --> 00:29:10.439 For all the people. 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:11.720 In all kinds of ways. 00:29:11.819 --> 00:29:12.980 That they would stand to. 00:29:14.039 --> 00:29:15.319 And that as this tortoise. 00:29:15.399 --> 00:29:16.439 We might stand firm. 00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:18.319 And go forward. 00:29:18.679 --> 00:29:19.019 Together. 00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:21.720 Isn't it interesting. 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.859 That Paul says. 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.359 Verse 19. 00:29:24.459 --> 00:29:25.379 My natural tendency. 00:29:25.619 --> 00:29:27.279 Is to be afraid of evangelism. 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:30.199 That left to myself. 00:29:30.419 --> 00:29:31.259 I would be fearful. 00:29:31.379 --> 00:29:32.259 And would not make known. 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.359 In the mystery of the gospel. 00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:36.140 Well Paul saying that. 00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:37.079 And I dare say it's true. 00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:37.799 For all of us. 00:29:37.859 --> 00:29:38.420 That we're all. 00:29:38.920 --> 00:29:40.279 Actually scaredy cats. 00:29:41.640 --> 00:29:43.160 When opportunities come. 00:29:43.240 --> 00:29:43.960 It is the sweat. 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:45.140 Going down the back. 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:47.839 It is every. 00:29:47.839 --> 00:29:48.839 Inclination of ourselves. 00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:49.480 Inclination of ourselves. 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:50.659 To stay quiet. 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:53.039 And when fear comes. 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.619 Prayer must rise. 00:29:56.459 --> 00:29:58.199 Prayer must rise for ourselves. 00:29:58.639 --> 00:29:59.819 But if we can include others. 00:29:59.919 --> 00:30:01.679 And get them to be praying for us as well. 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:03.159 That we might have opportunity. 00:30:03.659 --> 00:30:05.740 And we might take opportunity. 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:08.419 What a glorious stand we can take. 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:11.980 It's a very dense chapter. 00:30:13.619 --> 00:30:15.379 It's one that says switch on. 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:16.840 You're in a war. 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:19.780 Against an enemy who hates you. 00:30:20.780 --> 00:30:21.620 And hates. 00:30:22.120 --> 00:30:23.600 The church of Jesus Christ. 00:30:24.100 --> 00:30:25.020 He says suit up. 00:30:25.560 --> 00:30:27.460 Apply the gospel from head to toe. 00:30:28.320 --> 00:30:31.020 Because it is that where your power will come from. 00:30:31.080 --> 00:30:32.080 And he says cry out. 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:34.500 That when you're a week. 00:30:35.080 --> 00:30:35.780 And afraid. 00:30:36.780 --> 00:30:38.380 When you're cowering in a trench. 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.600 The time is to pray. 00:30:40.600 --> 00:30:42.640 Pray continuously for yourself. 00:30:42.640 --> 00:30:45.580 And for everyone else. 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.180 Brunsfield. 00:30:46.300 --> 00:30:46.980 We're in a war. 00:30:47.900 --> 00:30:50.500 And I'm so thankful as I look out on the ranks. 00:30:50.820 --> 00:30:52.840 Of the people I get to fight here with. 00:30:53.360 --> 00:30:55.000 That you're included in this. 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:55.980 Battalion. 00:30:56.120 --> 00:30:56.700 Shall we pray. 00:31:00.180 --> 00:31:00.800 Father God. 00:31:00.860 --> 00:31:03.280 Thank you that Jesus is one forever. 00:31:04.560 --> 00:31:05.640 That through his death. 00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:06.160 Death. 00:31:07.300 --> 00:31:09.120 Through his perfect life. 00:31:10.180 --> 00:31:11.920 Through his unending grace. 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:14.380 We get to be on that winning team. 00:31:16.120 --> 00:31:16.540 But Lord. 00:31:16.620 --> 00:31:18.140 We're so conscious that in the present. 00:31:18.320 --> 00:31:19.360 This battle rages. 00:31:20.580 --> 00:31:22.220 That there's a ruthless enemy. 00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:24.000 Who knows his time is short. 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:26.080 Who would love to devour us. 00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:27.700 And destroy this church. 00:31:29.400 --> 00:31:30.120 So Lord. 00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:31.820 I pray we would be wise. 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.819 Father. 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:33.939 Father. 00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:35.279 That we would be strong. 00:31:36.399 --> 00:31:38.240 In your mighty power. 00:31:39.919 --> 00:31:40.419 Father. 00:31:40.500 --> 00:31:41.779 That we would be fully. 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:43.519 Kitted out with the gospel. 00:31:44.579 --> 00:31:46.359 That we would be continuously. 00:31:46.359 --> 00:31:47.399 Putting on. 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:49.439 The whole armor of God. 00:31:49.639 --> 00:31:51.200 So there wouldn't be a weakness. 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:52.480 There wouldn't be a chink. 00:31:52.599 --> 00:31:53.220 In the armor. 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:55.379 Where the devil can. 00:31:55.899 --> 00:31:56.679 Play a mark. 00:31:56.819 --> 00:31:58.159 And lead us astray. 00:31:58.160 --> 00:32:00.220 And Father. 00:32:00.300 --> 00:32:01.040 We want to declare. 00:32:01.259 --> 00:32:02.860 Our absolute dependence on you. 00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:03.480 So we pray. 00:32:03.560 --> 00:32:05.100 You would make us a prayerful people. 00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:07.500 That we would continuously. 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:08.420 Cry out to you. 00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:09.320 For strength. 00:32:10.380 --> 00:32:11.580 Continuously cry out to you. 00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:12.180 For wisdom. 00:32:12.540 --> 00:32:13.640 Continuously cry out to you. 00:32:13.700 --> 00:32:14.440 For opportunity. 00:32:15.580 --> 00:32:16.600 And continually. 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.000 Cry out to you. 00:32:18.120 --> 00:32:19.560 For courage. 00:32:20.180 --> 00:32:21.300 That we might. 00:32:21.420 --> 00:32:22.340 As Paul prayed. 00:32:23.620 --> 00:32:24.660 Fearlessly proclaim. 00:32:24.800 --> 00:32:26.100 The mystery of the gospel. 00:32:26.099 --> 00:32:28.079 That you might be pleased. 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:28.919 To save many. 00:32:29.799 --> 00:32:30.980 Through our witness. 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.000 Amen.