In “Ephesians 6” Lesson 5 from November 28, 2023, conducted by Joy Welsh in a women’s Bible study, the focus is on the importance of putting on the whole armor of God. The video, produced by Refuge Calvary Chapel, emphasizes the significance of truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God in our lives. The lesson encourages prayer and perseverance in spiritual warfare, and concludes with a prayer for the women and a reminder to stay grounded in God’s Word.
During the lesson, Joy Welsh opens by repeating Ephesians 6 verse 13 multiple times, emphasizing the need to take up the whole armor of God to stand strong in the face of evil. She prays for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit before proceeding to teach the word of God in a simple manner, as advised by Chuck Smith. Joy speaks about the peace she finds in enjoying simple things like listening to the birds and watching squirrels, highlighting the value of a simplified and peaceful life. The lesson then delves into the topic of wives submitting to their husbands, emphasizing that it is not about being a doormat but about submitting to one’s husband with love and respect, just as one would submit to the Lord. In a successful family, there needs to be someone in charge, and when parents submit to one another in love, there is peace and harmony.
Lesson 5: Ephesians 6
Welcome to Lesson 5 of our Women’s Bible Study at Refuge Calvary Chapel! In today’s lesson, we will be diving into Ephesians 6 and exploring the importance of putting on the whole armor of God. Our teacher for today is Joy Welsh, and she will be guiding us through the key themes and messages found in this chapter.
Overview of Ephesians 6
Before we delve into the specifics of Ephesians 6, let’s first have a brief summary of the Book of Ephesians as a whole. Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul, addressed to the believers in Ephesus. This letter emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ and provides practical instructions on how to live out their faith in various aspects of life. It covers topics ranging from the grace of God to the importance of unity within the body of Christ.
Key Themes in Ephesians
Throughout the Book of Ephesians, we encounter several key themes that are relevant to our lives as Christians. These include the concept of salvation by grace through faith, the unity of believers in Christ, living a life worthy of our calling, and the spiritual battle we face as followers of Christ. These themes serve as a foundation for our understanding of Ephesians 6 and the importance of putting on the whole armor of God.
Focus on Ephesians 6
Now let’s shift our focus specifically to Ephesians 6. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a soldier putting on armor to illustrate the spiritual battle that believers face. He emphasizes the need for Christians to be equipped with the armor of God so that they can withstand the attacks of the enemy. This chapter highlights various elements of the armor, including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
Putting on the Whole Armor of God
In order to understand the significance of putting on the whole armor of God, we must first grasp the nature of this spiritual armor. The armor of God is not physical, but rather symbolic of the spiritual protection and strength that we need in our daily lives. It is a metaphorical representation of the attributes and qualities that enable us to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
The need for spiritual armor arises from the fact that we are engaged in a spiritual battle. As followers of Christ, we are not exempt from facing trials, temptations, and attacks from the enemy. Therefore, it is crucial for us to be equipped with the armor of God in order to effectively combat the spiritual forces of darkness.
Each piece of the armor of God represents a different aspect of our Christian walk and faith. The belt of truth reminds us of the importance of living with integrity and seeking after the truth of God’s Word. The breastplate of righteousness highlights the need for us to live in right-standing with God and pursue righteousness in our everyday lives. Taking up the gospel of peace encourages us to actively share the good news of Jesus Christ and walk in peace with others. The shield of faith serves as a protection against doubt and fear, enabling us to trust in God’s promises. The helmet of salvation reminds us of our identity in Christ and the hope we have in Him. Lastly, taking up the sword of the Spirit represents the power of God’s Word in our lives and its role in spiritual warfare.
The Importance of Truth
One key aspect of the armor of God is the belt of truth. Truth plays a vital role in our lives as believers and is essential for our spiritual well-being. It is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a firm belief in God’s truth as revealed in His Word.
Living a life of honesty and integrity is a reflection of our commitment to truth. It involves being truthful in our words, actions, and attitudes, both towards God and others. Honesty and integrity build trust and credibility in our relationships, ultimately reflecting the character of Christ within us.
Identifying and rejecting deception is also crucial in our walk of faith. The enemy often uses lies and deception to lead us astray from the truth of God’s Word. By staying grounded in the truth of God’s Word, we can discern falsehood and stand firm against the enemy’s tactics.
Above all, the truth of God’s Word serves as a solid foundation for our beliefs and actions. It guides us in making wise decisions, understanding God’s will, and living a life that honors Him. The Bible is our source of truth, and as we study and apply its teachings to our lives, we will grow in our understanding of God and His ways.
Living in Righteousness
Another essential component of the armor of God is the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness refers to living in right-standing with God and aligning our lives with His standards.
In ourselves, we are incapable of attaining righteousness. However, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are made righteous and are able to live in righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, being sinless and perfect, became our righteousness through His sacrifice on the cross.
In our daily lives, pursuing righteousness involves living obediently to God’s commands and seeking His will in all that we do. It means seeking justice and acting with integrity in our dealings with others. Righteousness has a transformative impact, not only on our relationship with God but also on our relationships with others. It allows us to extend grace, love, and forgiveness to those around us, mirroring the character of Christ.
The Power of the Gospel
Taking up the gospel of peace is another important element of the armor of God. The gospel, which means “good news,” is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The gospel has the power to transform lives and bring hope to the broken and lost. It is a message that proclaims God’s love, forgiveness, and redemption. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors of this good news, sharing it boldly with others.
By living in light of the gospel, we embody the peace that comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus. This peace surpasses understanding and enables us to navigate through the challenges and trials of life. It allows us to approach others with love and compassion, seeking reconciliation and unity.
Faith as a Shield
Faith plays a crucial role in our spiritual warfare. It serves as a shield that protects us from the attacks and lies of the enemy. The shield of faith allows us to trust in God’s promises and rely on His faithfulness.
Having faith means placing our confident trust in God, even when circumstances may seem uncertain or overwhelming. It enables us to overcome doubt, fear, and discouragement, knowing that God is with us and will never forsake us.
Strengthening our faith is a lifelong journey that involves cultivating a deep relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and fellowship with other believers. Our faith grows as we encounter God’s faithfulness in our lives and witness His hand at work.
Salvation and Our Identity
Understanding the concept of salvation is essential in the spiritual battles we face. Salvation is the result of God’s grace and love for us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is through faith in Jesus that we are saved and receive eternal life.
Assurance of our salvation is crucial in spiritual warfare. By knowing and holding onto the truth that we are saved and redeemed by the blood of Jesus, we can stand firm against the enemy’s lies and accusations. Our identity is no longer defined by our past mistakes or shortcomings but by our position as children of God.
Living as saved and redeemed women involves embracing our identity in Christ and living in the freedom and victory that He has won for us. It means walking in obedience to His commands and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.
The hope of salvation provides us with a steadfast anchor in the midst of spiritual battles. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we may face, we have the assurance of eternal life and victory through Christ.
The Word of God
The importance of God’s Word cannot be overstated in our spiritual lives. The Bible serves as our guide, source of wisdom, and encouragement in the midst of spiritual warfare.
Studying and applying God’s Word equips us with the truth and knowledge we need to stand firm against the enemy’s attacks. It helps us to discern right from wrong and make godly choices. As we meditate on God’s Word, it becomes a source of strength and encouragement in times of difficulty.
Engaging with Scripture involves not only reading it but also studying and memorizing key verses. By hiding God’s Word in our hearts, we are better prepared to combat the lies and deception of the enemy. God’s Word also provides us with the words to speak and pray in spiritual warfare, enabling us to declare truth and claim victory in Jesus’ name.
Conclusion
As we conclude this lesson, let us take a moment to pray for all the women attending this Bible study. Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus, asking for your guidance and strength. We pray that you would equip each woman with the whole armor of God and empower her to stand firm in the face of spiritual battles. Fill her with your Holy Spirit, that she may walk in truth, righteousness, and the power of the gospel. Help her to deepen her faith and understanding of salvation, and to find strength and encouragement in your Word. May she continually rely on your presence and abide in you. We thank you for this time together and commit ourselves to staying grounded in your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, dear sisters, to stay grounded in God’s Word and to persevere in prayer as you navigate through the battles of life. God promises to be with you, and He will strengthen and guide you every step of the way. Keep putting on the whole armor of God and trust in His unfailing love.