Ephesians                           by Dr. Ralph Wilson

Lesson 15 

Wrestling with the Enemy of Our Souls

(Ephesians 6:10-18)

Relying on God's Strength (Ephesians 6:10-11a)

The Diabolical Nature of the Struggle (Ephesians 6:11b-12)

Paul instructs us on the nature of our spiritual struggle in Ephesians 6:11b-13:

• The devil's schemes
• Not flesh and blood
• Rulers
• Authorities
• Powers of this dark world
• Spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms
• Day of evil

Q58. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day?

How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth?

With all their power, how do we stand a chance?

Did "the devil make me do it"?

What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic?

Stand Your Ground (Ephesians 6:13)

Q59. (Ephesians 6:13) What is difficult about standing our ground in today's world?

In what way can standing our ground be considered victory?

Why are the saints in Revelation 12:11 considered victorious over the devil?

How did they stand their ground?

The Nature of the Armament (Ephesians 6:14-17)

Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b)

Q60. (Ephesians 6:14) Why are such simple things as truth and personal holiness such powerful armament?

Are they defensive or offensive weapons?

Footgear for Battle (Ephesians 6:15)

Q61. (Ephesians 6:15) What would be the characteristic of a person who didn't have his feet ready to run with the Gospel?

How does heart preparation make you more ready to share the Good News with those around you?

How does this help defeat the dominion of darkness?

The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)

The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17a)

The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17b)

Q62. (Ephesians 6:15-17) Why is it important to have your "shield" up each day?

In what way does the "helmet of salvation" protect you?

Is the "sword of the Spirit" an offensive or defensive weapon?

How do you keep it sharp and ready for the battle?

Pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)

Offensive or Defensive Weapons?

Prayer

Father, the more we know about the spiritual enemies arrayed against us, the more we realize we need you. I pray for faithfulness for me and for my brothers and sisters to put on the weapons daily and stand ready to fight. Help us, O Lord, for we are weak without you. Supply us continually with the strength and protection of your Spirit -- and teach us to fight! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Key Verses

(Ephesians 6:12) "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

(Ephesians 6:13) "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."