Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Standing Firm in the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Bryan Schneider · November 22, 2020

Ephesians 6:10-20

sharonrpc.org/sermons/standing-firm-in-the-armor

Summary

Christians stand against spiritual evil in the Lord's strength and in armor that belongs to God, not through personal resolve or self-confidence.
The belt of truth prepares believers for action by grounding them in God's Word and the certainty of the gospel.
The breastplate is Christ's imputed righteousness, not fragile confidence in one's own moral performance.
The gospel of peace gives stable footing and readiness to carry good news of reconciliation with God.
The shield of faith and helmet of salvation protect believers from accusation, doubt, temptation, and despair, especially as the church stands together.
The Word of God is the Spirit's living sword and must be studied, practiced, and used faithfully rather than left unfamiliar.
Every part of the armor is taken up and sustained in persevering prayer for fellow believers and bold gospel witness.

Am I trying to stand through inner strength, or consciously relying on the Lord and his provision?
When accused, do I hide behind my own record or Christ's righteousness?
How familiar am I with the gospel I am called to carry to others?
Where have isolation and division left me exposed to temptation or despair?
Am I training with Scripture through regular reading, meditation, memorization, and use?
For whom am I actively praying as we stand together against spiritual evil?

Armor of God: God's own provision of truth, righteousness, gospel peace, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer for believers in spiritual conflict.
Imputed righteousness: Christ's perfect righteousness counted to believers and received by faith rather than produced by their works.
Shield of faith: Active trust in Christ and his promises that receives and extinguishes the enemy's accusing and tempting attacks.
Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God as the Spirit's living instrument for exposing lies, resisting temptation, and proclaiming truth.
Corporate resistance: The church standing together through gathering, encouragement, and prayer rather than fighting spiritual battles in isolation.