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Begining Sunday, September 13 we'll begin a new series in Ephesians 6. Here's why we're doing that. 

1. Finally (Ephesians 6:10) - Paul’s finally is more than a signal he’s done writing.

This is a summary of everything Paul has taught in Ephesians. Ephesians gives us three chapters on what God has done and then three more on the life that proceeds from it. And at the very end, Paul makes sure we understand where all of this takes place. There is no neutral territory (6:11–12). Glorious truth and transformed lives run straight into opposition: from outside, from inside, from weariness, from distraction, from the steady accusations of the enemy. And then what? Stand. This is a passage about how God equips his people to hold their ground. You may already know what comes next from Sunday school, and you may have filed the armor of God away as a children’s illustration. We invite you to join us as we go deeper into this wonderful gift! 3

2. The armor is not Paul’s idea. It is God’s and he gives it to you.

Centuries before Ephesians, Isaiah saw the Lord himself dressed for battle: “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head” (Isaiah 59:17). This is God’s own armor. In Ephesians it is worn by his people. That changes what we are looking at, it is not gear we assemble for ourselves! It is a gift received!

3. Where Paul was sitting when he wrote it. Rome.

Under guard in his first imprisonment, “with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16). Paul had the most formidable armor in the world a few feet away: belt, breastplate, boots, shield, helmet, sword. He looks at it, then looks at what God has given his church, and says: this is better.

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