The Shield of Faith - Nathan Rages

Eph 6:16 "in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." 

1. The Devil’s method of attack: “flaming arrows”.

2. The saints’ means of defense: “shield of faith”.

     Universal effectiveness: “all”

     Personal responsibility: “taking up”

3. Examples of common arrows and faith’s response (from various Scriptures).

Gospel Shoes - Nathan Rages

Eph. 6:15 "and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." 

1. Why are a soldier’s shoes important?

2. What is the Gospel?

3. Where does the Gospel produce peace?

   With God.

   Within yourself.

   With others.

4. How does the Gospel prepare us for action?

   Stability.

   Flexibility.

   Mobility.

The Breastplate of Righteousness - Nathan Rages

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, ... having put on the breastplate of righteousness," 

All believers have two kinds of righteousness that must be understood distinctly and kept in proper balance:

1. Imputed righteousness: Legal, performed by Jesus, received entirely as a gift at conversion, perfect, results in justification.

2. Imparted righteousness: Practical, performed by believers through the Spirit, grows as we become more like Christ, imperfect until heaven, results in sanctification. 

Examples of times when we must apply the "breastplate of righteousness" to ourselves:

1. Times of spiritual dryness / coldness / depression.

2. Enduring painful trials and disappointments.

3. Difficulties in your prayer life.

4. Dealing with your own sins.

5. Doubts about your assurance.

6. Self-righteousness.

7. Tolerating a pattern of known sin.

The Belt of Truth - Nathan Rages

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth..."

What’s the belt’s function?

What kind of “truth” does this mean?

 Objective side:  God’s whole authoritative revelation in Scripture.

 Subjective side:  Honesty and sincerity within the believer.

Diligently Preserving the Unity of the Spirit - Jon Beary

Eph. 4:1-6 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.