INTRODUCTION:

During the month of July, Lord willing, we're going to notice some truths from the book of Ephesians.

But first a vital fact must be established. And that's the fact of Pauline authorship of the little epistle.

Many doubt Paul's hand on the epistle, and increasingly more so as the years pass.

But the Bible is clear on the subject. "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:1

The first verse has Paul holding the pen!

Modern scholarship will no longer believe such a thing. To it, academia today, the style and syntax and content of Ephesians is so different from anything else we call "Pauline" ... that the man just could not be the writer.

But we will here follow Romans 3:4. "Let God be true, but every man a liar." The Bible has spoken!

Join us for this excursion through Ephesians.

It's more pertinent portions, anyway.

We should all be edified.

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 1:

"By the Will of God," these were Paul's words as he began one of the greatest letters, epistles, ever written.

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:1

The noun used there for "will" is spelled "thelema" in Greek. It is derived from a verb, "thelo," which at its heart means "to desire." Also, "to intend, to have in mind," but in the sense of "loving and delighting" in a thing.

God's "will" for Paul involved the things Paul could do which would bring the greatest "delight" to Almighty God!

Wow!

Moreover, God has a will for our lives too.

Let's hear Paul again, from another of his tremendous writings. "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Christian friend, find God's Will for your life ... and do it!

Bring delight to the One Who made you and redeemed you!

And this guarantee will prove true as well. The more you do the things that "delight" God ... the more He will "delight" you in obeying Him!

What Bible proof of this?

"Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, Them that honour Me I will honour." First Samuel 2:30

In other words, always ... God knows best.

                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 2:

The Apostle Paul wrote many Churches, giving divinely inspired advice to each, as he traveled from place to place preaching the Word of God.

Here's an example: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus ...." Ephesians 1:1

One of the major cities of the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of commerce, religion, education and culture.

But note this, especially true of the Epistle to the Colossians. Demonstrably true of Colossians! Those initial "Pauline" Churches apparently "swapped" letters, at times anyway!

Here's my proof: "And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." Colossians 4:16, Epistles shared by Churches in different locations!

Here's my point today. The Epistle to the Ephesians was probably enjoyed and obeyed in many of the nearby places Paul had visited or preached. Places like Smyrna, Sardis, Miletus, Philadelphia, and so forth.

As I've just said, we know Colossians was a great help to many Churches.

So those who say we cannot apply a Text from say, Corinthians, because it was written only to them ... those folks are wrong!

We Christians even yet today, two thousand years after Paul wrote, can still apply the truths of the Epistles to our hearts and minds and lives.

The Word of God is that broad and vast and inerrant! The most applicable Book in all history!

What a Book!

The Bible!

This week we are in a beautiful little North Carolina City named Andrews. At a little Church named Mountain View Baptist. And as I preach from Ephesians, if I do, I can easily say, "This Book is not only for the ancient Ephesians. It is also for modern-day North Carolinians as well!" And I would be telling the truth!

Paul was right again: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable ...." Second Timothy 3:16

Amen!

We're studying the Epistle to the Ephesians ... and to every other Christian Assembly of Believers in the world too!

                       --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 3:

The Apostle Paul wrote the great Book of Ephesians to a group of Christians whom he characterized as "the faithful in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:1

In other words, if a man is saved by the Grace of God ... he is also "faithful." Or more fully as here, "faithful in Christ."

The word "faithful" as used here is a substantive, a noun. It's in the Dative case, a masculine singular word. It is spelled "posto" in Greek, a variant of the root term "pistos."

Two thoughts are in view here. Each is possible and appropriate. But I am wondering if they are not also sequential.

"Pistos" when a verb means "believing." It's "peitho" then, "being persuaded" that something is true!

The basis of our salvation in Jesus Christ, the Power of His Shed Blood on Calvary, is "faith." We are saved, Paul says, by Grace through faith! See Ephesians 2:8-9.

So, first of all the born-again man or woman is a "believing, trusting, relying" person, anchoring everything in Jesus and His Word and finished Work!

But next, secondly, "pistos" can also mean "faithful" in this sense, "trustworthy, dependable, reliable!"

That's what is commonly called today "faithfulness" in Christian service, consistent living for Jesus.

 "The faithful in Christ Jesus."

It takes both to be a victorious Christian.

Initially ... Believing!

That's objective, believing in Jesus.

Next ... Serving diligently!

That's subjective, because I believe in Jesus I must be regular and consistent and persistent in my duties for my Lord!

Both!

Yes!

Oh, what a testimony for any Christian, "faithful in Christ Jesus."

Amen.

                                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 4, JULY 4, 2012:

The Book of Ephesians may be the most "spiritual" Document we have in the entire Bible! It often soars to heights previously unknown, surpassing I think even the Gospels in milk and meat and healthy nourishment for one's soul!

Let me give you one reason why many believe this. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

The Old Testament most often concentrates on material, physical blessings for God's obedient people. Things like land and health and sons and daughters and good crops with suitable weather, benefits like these.

But the New Testament was written to a suffering people, a Church under persecution. Yet in the midst of their losing their homes and jobs and incomes ... they still are "blessed" in Christ!

Yes the New Testament concentrates on spiritual things! Hence our Text for today: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

Blessings like:

Being saved by God's Grace, washed in the Blood of Jesus!

Being filled with the Holy Spirit of God, His Spirit Who plans to reproduce in me the very Character of Christ!

Being in such fellowship with God that it's as if I'm already "seated" with Him in Heavenly Places!

Being promised answers to prayer!

Being assured of victory in my Christian Life via the perpetual Presence of an Overcoming Saviour. One Who has provided me with the whole armour of God, weapons to use in defeating the Enemy, the Devil!

Things like these, and a thousand more, just may be much more pertinent than a thousand dollar bonus on the job next Friday!

Oh yes! Paul is right. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

Amen!

Look too at this. If God has so blessed us spiritually ... the least we can do is return to Him "blessings" verbally and sincerely and worshipfully.

"Blessed be this great God!"

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 5:

There is a phrase in Ephesians 1:6 that is extremely meaningful to any conscientious Christian. It is one of those dozen or so places in the New Testament where our position in Christ is described graphically.

It speaks of something God the Father has done to us, for us, because of the Life and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." Again, Ephesians 1:6. The "He" in our snippet is God the Father. And the "Beloved" is God the Son, Jesus.

And, praise the Lord, the "us" is every born-again child of God!

"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved."

Oh, glorious thought!

The verb "hath made acceptable" is spelled "charitoo" in Greek, just this one word. It is only used twice in the New Testament, in the whole Book!

It means "to made something" all right, but "to make it graceful, charming, lovely." Or as one text has it, "to compass with favor, to honor with blessings!"

We are what we are in God's Eyes ... lovely and delightful and pleasing ... because of God's Beloved Son, Jesus!

We are "in" Jesus!

The participle "beloved" translates a verb, "agapao," which means "deeply loved!" Indescribably loved! Uniquely loved!

Sort of sounds like God loves us with the same love with which He loves His Only Begotten Son!

Since the day we were saved!

Since that hour when we were placed "in" Jesus Christ our Lord!

Folks, let's rejoice in this great Fact today!

"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved."

Amen.

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 6:

The Apostle Paul uses the clause only twice in all his writings, his whole corpus of literature. We notice it today because of its position in Ephesians, chapter one.

Talking about Jesus the Holy Spirit reminds us: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." Ephesians 1:7

These words that have overcome me this morning: "the riches of His Grace." What a thought!

The gods of the ancient world were "mean, selfish, lustful, full of revenge." with "murderous" hearts. Merciless!

But the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Who is also our great God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ... He is not like that at all!

He is kind.

He is generous.

He is loving.

Here's how that awesome Old Testament God, New Testament too, described himself to Moses thirty-five hundred years ago: "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Exodus 34:6

Wow!

No wonder Paul loved to talk about the "riches" of God's Grace!

Because God's Goodness, "charis" in Greek, mostly translated "grace" in the New Testament, is so "rich" ... we can now as Believers enjoy "redemption" and "forgiveness" of sins!

Again: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."

The noun used here for "riches" is spelled "ploutos" in Greek. It means "abundance." It is their word for "fullness." It's their word for anything that is poured to the brim!

So we could say the "riches" of God's Grace means that there exists in the Heart of God an "unending" supply of Grace!

An "unwavering" distribution of it too!

Never a lack!

That's the only kind of Grace that could guarantee this statement: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Amen!

What a wealthy God we serve!

"Rich" in Grace!

Love Him today.

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 7:

The words appear in Ephesians 1:8. There Paul tells us that Almighty God has "abounded toward us" in all wisdom and prudence.

Here's the whole Verse: "Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all Wisdom and Prudence, having made know unto us the mystery of His Will."

Think of that!

God the Father has "abounded" toward us!

The verb used here is "perisseuo." It means "over and above" in John 6:13, used of the surplus food, twelve baskets full, the excess from Jesus' feeding of the multitudes.

"Perisseuo" literally means "to exceed anything expected!"

Or "to exist in abundance."

God, in His Goodness and Grace and Mercy, has "oversupplied, flooded, filled us full ... with plenty of leftovers on hand." These are good pictures of what "hath abounded" means!

God has so given us Wisdom.

And Prudence.

And Salvation.

And Love.

And Security.

All in immeasurable quantities!

... Because of Jesus!

... Because of our Saviour's Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascension, Intercession, and Coming Again!

Hallelujah.

                         --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

We can rejoice in this truth all day. All week, all month, all year! Really for a lifetime! "God hath abounded toward us in all Wisdom and Prudence, having made know unto us the mystery of His Will."

LESSON 8:

The clause I've found today is exciting. It's really a statement of purpose. "Why" we as Christians live!

Ephesians 1:12 explains this issue to us, quite clearly. "That we should be to the praise of His Glory."

Yes!

We exist, since being born-again anyway, "That we should be to the praise of His Glory."

That's good.

Paul had the Spirit endowed ability to put a lot of meaning into just a few words, didn't he?

The verb "should be" translates "eimi" in Greek. It's an infinitive here stating purpose. In the present tense "eimi" says "I am."

Therefore I am, as a Believer in Jesus, in existence, alive, here on earth ... to bring praise to the Glory of God!

And note this. The noun "praise" is "epainos." It means "commendation, approbation," thus "praise" in that sense.

It's related to the root noun that means "a laudatory discourse." In another word, a "story!"

My life is to be a "story" praising Jesus!

And "Glory" in our Text is "doxa," meaning the sum total of God's attributes. All of His Greatness and Sublimity and Beauty in totality!

Today let's live this way. "That we should be to the praise of His Glory."

Then every day hereafter!

Amen.

                           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 9:

Paul mentions today in our study of Ephesians a ministry of the Holy Spirit that is often neglected.

The great Apostle is praying for the Believers in the Church he has written, asking God to "Give unto them the spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Him." The "Him" here in Ephesians 1:17 is Jesus, of course.

We already knew the Holy Spirit was the divinely appointed Teacher. Jesus taught us this in John 16:13. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth."

What a prayer for a group of eager Christians! "Lord, give them the Spirit of revelation concerning Jesus. That they may know Him better and better."

Wow!

"Give unto them the spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Him." The verb "give" is "didomi," meaning "to bestow, grant, deliver." It's in the subjunctive mood here, expressing a strong desire or wish on Paul's part.

The pronoun "them" is a plural form of "su." Actually it says "give unto you." Paul is writing to a group, a crowd, the whole Church! Each saint of God, each Believer, is eligible to receive this request into his or her life.

And the noun "spirit" is "pneuma," literally the very "Breath" of God! In other words, His Holy Spirit! The Third Person of the Godhead Who has many ministries in our lives.

Now to perhaps the main word in our clause, "revelation." It's "apocalypse," nearly letter for letter. And it means "an unveiling!" That is, "to uncover, reveal, manifest, enlighten!"

Wonderful, learning more about Jesus!

Then comes "knowledge," in Greek "epignosis," meaning a "full, intensive, personal awareness and experience and cognizance" of Christ!

This is amazing.

Paul here prays that the Ephesian followers of Jesus will be given a Blessing by means of the Holy Spirit. And be taught fully an ever growing knowledge of the Saviour!

He's so great, Jesus.

So vast, our Lord ... that we need for the rest of our lives the Presence of the Holy Spirit as Revelator, as Teacher, of the Glories of God the Son.

And in Ephesians, its six chapters, God begins to answer that prayer for us all. Jesus is there revealed as perhaps, to that point anyway, nowhere else in Scripture.

Let's pray this prayer for those we love too.

And for ourselves.

That God would "Give unto us the spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Him."

Amen!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 10:

I've referred to this Verse many times through the years, preaching the Bible. What it expresses is powerful, one of the most practical truths in the whole universe.

Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they might know the power of God. The power of God in their individual lives.

And oh, what power is available!

"The exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places." Ephesians 1:19-20

The noun "power" here is "dunamis," our word "dynamite." The qualifiers "exceeding" and "greatness" add volume and intensity to this great power.

The preposition "to" is spelled "eis" in Greek, meaning it is down "inside" us. It is within us!

The second noun for "power" is different however. It's "kratos," indicating "force, sheer brute strength."

Furthermore, the verb  "wrought" is "energeo," God literally "working within" us as Believers!

But by now Paul needs an illustration, a way to show us how effective this resident "power" to us might be. It's the very same energy God used when He raised Jesus from the dead!

The same power that was mighty enough to cause Jesus to ascend to Heaven, and sit at the Father's Right hand.

"The exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places."

This is overwhelming!

As followers of Jesus we should never be discouraged or weak or defeated!

No.

But why?

Because in us, through the Will of God and by means of the Holy Spirit, the same POWER that raised Jesus from an empty tomb and swept Him to Heaven ... that same energy is ours!

Talk about victory!

Rejoice in this great fact today.

                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 11:

Paul wrote to us Christians these words in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are His workmanship." The pronoun "we" means every born-again child of God. The possessive pronoun "His" is the Lord God Himself.

Out Text is another way of saying that God is our Creator!

He made humankind physically as recorded in Genesis chapters 1-3. We all believe that literally.

But now He has created a new kind of humanity! A spiritual family, we who have been saved by His marvelous Grace!

God made us a physical race.

Now he has made us who are Blood- washed a spiritual race!

"For we are His workmanship."

Then the noun "workmanship," a beautiful word in all aspects. It's "poiema" in Greek, pronounced poy'-ay-mah. It means "that which has been made." It's from a root verb meaning "to make, cause, do, perform."

But even more so, "poieo" gives us our English word "poem." The work of a skilled, artful "poet!"

Look at this!

God the Father is a Poet!

And through Jesus' Death ... we are His Poems!

"For we are His workmanship."

Wow!

Think about that glorious truth, all you little "poems" who read this today!

And live beautifully to the Glory of God!

God, your Author!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 12:

I love today's snippet of Scripture from Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians Believers. Talking about Jesus, the Apostle tells us: "He is our peace."

That's right! "Jesus is our Peace!" The exact Text? Ephesians 2:14 in the King James Bible.

The noun "peace" translates the Greek word "eirene." It means "a state of tranquility."

But more so, it is derived from a root very spelled "eiro." This means "to join two things together as one!"

Think of this.

God and I were separated by sin!

He in Heaven. I on my way to Hell.

Then Jesus came. And the Darling Son of God, by His Blood, removed the distance between me and God! As Paul says elsewhere in Ephesians 2:13, "In Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."

That "union" with Almighty God, that "friendship I now enjoy with Him, is a reality because of Jesus!

In that clear and real sense, "He is our Peace!"

Enjoy Him today.

                            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 13:

Earlier this morning, reading Ephesians, I saw a verse in a totally new way. Here's what I mean.

Ephesians 2:17 says of Jesus, "And He came and preached peace to you." Just that.

I began to think of Jesus as a Preacher!

The Greatest One Who ever lived!

Mark 1:14 adds fuel to my interest. There ... "Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom."

Wow!

Two different Greek verbs are used for Jesus' preaching Ministry in these two brief texts.

The first, the Ephesians location, the one about preaching peace ... employs the verb "euaggelizo." It means "to bring good news!" It especially centers on God's saving plan for mankind!

The other, the Mark context, the one about the kingdom ... utilizes the verb "kerusso." It's usually associated with declaring the whole counsel of God. Not just the fact that salvation is available. But that God's Will and Ways for every area of life should be learned and followed as well.

Preach the Gospel!

Preach the whole Word!

Jesus did both.

We should too, those of us who are called to do so.

I'm so glad today Jesus has come. And has preached peace to us. And has become the Saviour of the world.

Amen.

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 14:

Our thought for today from the Book of Ephesians is nestled in chapter two of that great Epistle. "Through him we have access by one Spirit unto the Father." Ephesians 2:18

The pronoun "Him" has reference to Jesus, the Subject of the Biblical paragraph. Jesus gives us "access" to God the Father!

The verb here is critical. "Have access" translates "prosagoge" in Greek. It means "to get someone and bring them in" to a certain place. The word is a blend of a preposition, "pros," and a verb root, "ago."

"Ago" by itself means "to lead" a person somewhere. "Pros" means "to, near," or even "face to face" with that individual!

When we were sinners, Jesus came to us. And by means of His Powerful Blood He brought us to the Father!

He did not force us to come.

He did not simply give us the directions on how to come.

He "led" us!

He went with us!

He is the Way!

He is the Means of salvation!

He is the very Door to the Father's Home, Heaven.

"Through Whom we have access to the Father."

Think of it!

Today each of us who is saved can commune, fellowship, delight in the Presence of God our Father in Heaven ... because Jesus has made the way open!

Jesus pioneered the Way ... through His Death on the Cross.

Without our Lord Jesus, no redemption.

No forgiveness.

No relationship with the Father!

Thank God today for the "access" He has provided every Believer.

"Prosagoge!"

Hallelujah!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 15:

We've all heard these words for years, "Grow up!" Our parents no doubt have expressed this sentiment to us a time or two!

Yet in Ephesians 4:15 the Apostle Paul, the spiritual growth specialist of the New Testament, writes to the saints of God: "Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

The verb "grow up" here, spelled "auxano" in Greek, is the key to our thought for today. The word means "to increase, to augment, to become larger."

This is growth at nearly any level.

But specifically in this Verse Jesus is the Goal, the Criteria, the Standard, toward which all godly growth aspires!

Again: "That we may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ."

What a precious, perfect Focus we Believers have ... growing up to be more like Jesus!

Today is Sunday. Let's go to Church, feed on the Word, and grown more into the likeness of Christ!

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 16:

There's an interesting clause in Ephesians 4:21 that I would like us to notice today. Paul writes to us Christians, "If so be ye have been taught by Him."

Who would have ever thought such?

We often refer to being taught by the Holy Spirit.

Or taught by the Word of God.

But here the "Him" is None Other than Jesus.

"If so be ye have been taught by Him."

The Lord Jesus as teacher!

Not just as Teacher while He was still on earth. But also as Teacher now that He has gone back to Heaven!

Paul wrote these words to the Ephesians Christians after Jesus had ascended. Years after that Event!

"If so be ye have been taught by Him." 

The verb "taught" is "didasko," just in the passive voice. It appears here in its aorist form in the Greek Text, the Textus Receptus.

Things Jesus did two thousand years ago, words He spoke, attitudes He communicated ... all still "teach" us today! But because He is still alive!

"Didasko" comes from a root verb, "dao," meaning "to learn."

Here's my question.

Are we as growing Christians "learning" from Jesus as we should?

As we listening to Him, reading of Him ... better yet ... fellowshipping with Him day by day?

That must be answered personally, individually of course.

Hopefully in the positive sense! "If so be ye have been taught by Him." 

What a privilege is ours!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 17:

This month we have been noticing captivating clauses and phrases scattered throughout the great Book of Ephesians. Today we notice a word, just one, that teaches a lot about our walk with God.

Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:1, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." I want us to focus on that little noun "followers."

Yes, we are to follow our Lord!

The little family of words, Greek words, used here includes a verb as well as our noun. Less than a dozen times do we find this group of words in the whole New Testament.

What does it mean, what does Paul and the Holy Spirit mean when they encourage us to "follow" our Saviour?

"Followers" translates the word "mimetes." The Greek lexicons say it means "one who imitates" another!

We are to, by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, "imitate" our Heavenly Father.

But look at the word again, "mimetes." In it see an English word, one we have directly borrowed from Greek. The word "mimic" I mean.

Literally here we are being commanded, for the construction is  in the imperative mood, to "mimic" our great God!

Be kind like Him.

Be loving like Him.

Be righteous like Him.

Best we can anyway.

Again, with that new nature God implanted within us when we were born-again.

"Mimics," that's what we Christian are!

But imitators and followers of the Most Holy God!

Jesus was like His Father.

Children today are like their parents.

No wonder then Believers are supposed to behave like their God, their Saviour. In fact, it's pretty obvious we are even named after Him ... "Christians!"

Let's live like this today.

Amen.

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 18:

In Ephesians 5:9 the Apostle Paul writes: "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth." That's his description of the Holy Spirit's working in our lives. At least to this one congregation of Believers.

But when Paul writes to the Galatians about this Same Holy Spirit, His "fruit" in our lives, the following words flow from his pen: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Galatians 5:22-23

Now this morning I have a question.

Why is this Fruit only three-fold in the Ephesian Letter ... yet nine-fold in the Galatian Correspondence?

No one of course knows for sure. Paul is certainly not adding to or taking away from the Word of God. We Christians believe God Himself is the Author of the Bible. Not Paul or any other human.

Part of the answer surely is found in the fact that the Ephesian Church was one of Paul's most stable Fellowships. They could handle deep spiritual truth. They had grown a lot already in their faith. So they only needed a brief reminder about the Holy Spirit's work in individual lives: "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth."

But the Galatian Churches, on the other hand, were torn with strife. In fact they were actually tottering on the verge of yielding to false doctrine. They indeed needed a stronger relationship with the Spirit of God! So they will be told of a fuller ministry of the Holy Spirit: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."

The idea is this. In the Bible the Lord gives us what we need precisely ... when we need it ... often depending on where we are in our Christian walk at any given time.

God's Word can be milk to us, nourishingly so.

Or it can be bread.

But at times, when we are ready, it can also be meat!

And surely it can be desert too, sweet as honey to the tongue.

God gives us the Truth we need!

When we need it!

That's why sometimes God might have you reading and studying in the Psalms. At another point in your life, maybe in Proverbs. Or the Gospels. Or the Old Testament Prophets. Or the New Testament Epistles!

Ephesians or Galatians, the Truth is the same.

But the amount we can eat varies.

The Holy Spirit, the greatest Teacher of the Word, knows all these things. He knows what God's little sheep need in the pasture. And He always feeds us accordingly!

Praise His Name.

                        --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 19:

Ephesians 5:10 records for our edification and spiritual growth these words: "Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." Looks like this is a way of life to the Apostle Paul. Each day he sought to genuinely "prove" whatever is "acceptable" to the Lord Jesus!

Living life to bring joy to the Saviour!

What an admirable goal for every Christian. What a philosophy to ponder each day one lives!

The opening word of our Text is a present participle in Greek, from a root verb spelled "dokimazo." It means "to test, examine, discern, discover." It was used historically of the goldsmith or silversmith as he "tested" various metals to see if they were real, genuine!

"Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord."

Paul is thus saying, "Test your manner of life constantly ... being sure whatever you do is acceptable unto the Lord Who saved you!"

Now let's look at the adjective involved, "acceptable." It is spelled euarestos." And it means "good," the Greek prefix "eu," and "pleasing," the noun "arestos." In a compound word, "well-pleasing" to our great God!

Examine every facet of life. Test them. And make sure you are being the kind of Christian who is extremely well-pleasing to the Lord. Putting a smile on God's Face!

"Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." This is surely mature Christianity at its best.

On the level of an Apostle Paul!

                            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 20:

Let me share a thought today from Ephesians 5:15. Really it's more of a word, an adverb, than a complete thought.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Fools do not do this, "walk circumspectly."

Wise men and women do.

This "circumspect" way of life will help me invest every minute, each hour, to the Glory of God.

Especially in these evil days of modernity.

The verb "walk" just means "to behave" in a certain way. It describes one's conduct, here spiritually so. "Peripateo" literally means "to step all around" a place. The way we come and go in our individual lives.

But the word "circumspectly" is the heart of today's lesson. And really its English definition, derived from Latin, fits best. "Circum," the prefix, means "around." And "specto," a verb, means "to look." Just that!

Live our lives for Jesus, all the time, carefully "looking around" us, behind and ahead and to the right or left ... watching for anything that might hinder our spiritual progress!

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Wow!

And the Greek word for "circumspectly" is "akribos." It means "diligently, carefully, perfectly." More so, "to the highest point."

What a way to live!

                       --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 21:

Words!

The Bible is full of them, each divinely inspired of God.

And in Ephesians 5:18 Paul wrote to a group of young and growing Christians, young in their faith, these things: "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." This is the Holy Spirit, of course. He is God, the Third Person of the Trinity.

The first clause concerns drinking. Presumable the wine here is intoxicating. Christian are not to be drunk, inebriated.

But we Believers are to be "filled" with something!

With the Spirit of God, with his Presence and Power and Personality.

With His Fruit.

We are to be impacted by Him. Controlled by him. Overwhelmed by Him. Yielded to Him!

The verb we must study today is "be filled."

It describes our action regarding the Spirit of God. How we are to respond to Him, cooperate with Him.

"Be filled" with Him.

And "filled" is a translation of the Greek verb "pleroo." It means "to be totally furnished." Or "to be brought to complete measure."

If you picture a glass of water, "be filled" suggests being so inundated by that water that it is all the way to the top of the container. Maybe even overflowing a bit!

All the way, no empty room left!

Absolutely filled!

Furthermore, the verb is in the passive voice. God The Holy Spirit does the filling. We are merely cooperating subjects!

Also "pleroo" here is a command, unlike the earlier "be not drunk" clause! God not only expects us to be filled with his Spirit, but also requires it of us!

"Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."

Then last of all, the verb "be filled" is expressed in the present tense. On-going action, habitual in nature.

Every day we Christians are to constantly be in the state of receiving unending supplies of the Holy Spirit of God!

Always being flooded by Him!

And the result of such?

A healthy, godly way of life.

To the Glory of our dear Saviour and the Father above.

                            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 22:

In Paul's great Ephesian Passage about being filled with the Holy Spirit, he immediately adds a few words about "singing," of all things!

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5:19

The Spirit-filled Believer is also, apparently, a joyful one!

"Psalms" are generally thought to be portions of Scripture, those lovely little snippets of God's Word that we sing. "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is an example. "Hymns" are songs we sing to the Lord Himself, magnifying and glorifying His Essence, His Person. And "spiritual songs" are probably musical pieces we sing to each other, our very testimonies set to music! Lyrics designed to uplift and encourage our fellow Christians.

But the heart of what I want to say today is this. Look at the "direction" this music takes! "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

I have underlined the phrases that apply. You will immediately see their significance.

We can sing to each other! Paul is writing the whole Church, of course. So if a man or woman is alone, he or she can thus sing to himself or herself as well! Humming or quietly singing to oneself ... while driving or cooking or whatever.

Then we also sing to the dear Lord! In so doing we can thank Him for saving us! Here's a classic example of singing to him; "How Great thou Art." Or why not just make up your own words? Tell Him, in song, how you feel about Him and His Grace!

Singing to myself.

Singing to my Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Singing to the Lord Who saved me.

This is being written Sunday Morning. We're all, most all anyway, going to Church. Let's follow Paul's "singing" instructions as we go. As we worship today.

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

We are joyful people ... because of Jesus!

Amen!

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 23:

It's one of the great paragraphs of Scripture, on victory in the Christian life. Ephesians 6:10-20. Let's read it in advance.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

Today I'd like to mention a truth embedded in that first verse of the paragraph, Ephesians 6:10. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."

This lovely inspired sentence is power-packed! The opening adverb, "finally," is the Greek adjective "loipos," meaning what is "remaining." Paul is bringing Ephesians to a conclusion and here says "for the rest" of the message, let's fight the Devil diligently! It also can be rendered "beyond that," or simply "in addition to."

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Then using the imperative mood, the verb "be strong" is employed. Again in Greek, this is "endunamoo." It means "to have strength placed within" a person! "Dunamis" is the major Greek noun for God's Power. "Dunamis" really can be viewed as "borrowed" Power! God's great Ability on loan to us His children!

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Then the command is amplified, explained further. Also available to us is the "power" of God's Might! Here now we have the word "kratos." It means "manifested power!" Power no longer just "borrowed" ... but now put into use and "seen" of men! Power in action ... to bring Glory to God!

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Lastly, God's "might" is also  ours to use! Here we have the third "power" word in our single verse! This one is "ischus," meaning most often "physical, brute strength!" Now God's "borrowed" power has not only been appropriated and "displayed" ... but also made as our very own! It has possessed me! This is likely God working through you and me ... to accomplish his goals in our lives and ministries!

Wow!

What a load of doctrine packed into one single verse, one simple sentence! "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Let's learn and then live these truths today!

Thank You, Lord!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 24:

Yes, we Christians are involved in spiritual warfare. There is an enemy, the Devil.

And the Apostle Paul teaches us how to fight. That's in Ephesians 6:11. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Seems like God has provided us with all the "armour" we need to overcome the evil one!

That expression, "the whole armour" of God ... translates one key Greek noun. It is spelled "panoplia." The prefix "pan" is the Greek adjective "pas," which simply means "all." Then the root of the term is "oplon" which means "tools, instruments," or at times "weapons."

God has given us "every tool" we need to fight wickedness!

In Isaiah 59:17 God Himself appeared one day dressed like this: "For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke."

The Lord wears His Own weaponry!

What we as Christian must do is this, dress like God does! Put on His armour! Depend on His Power!

And that's exactly what Paul is going to teach us in the next few verses of Ephesians chapter six.

Join us again tomorrow. For more information on how to overcome the Devil, God's Way!

He's given us all we need to do so.

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 25:

The "wiles" of the Devil!

Paul's word, as directed by the Holy Spirit. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

The noun "wiles" is certainly interesting. It translates "methodeia" in Greek. Obviously, our word "methods."

So the Devil has methods? Certain strategies he uses again those who love the Lord. Certain tools in his box of evil plans!

"Methodeia" is a blended Greek noun. It combines "meta" which means "across, behind, among" along with "hodos" which means "road, way, path, journey." Thus the grammatical meaning is simply: the different "ways" Satan uses to hinder God's children.

Again, his "methods."

I can only find the word once more in the Bible, Ephesians 4:14, where it's rendered as "lying in wait" to deceive a person. "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."

The "wiles" of the devil, that expression, suggests that the wicked one lurks on the highways of life we travel. Sneaking and hiding and setting ambush ... to attack us when we casually pass by, heading to some appointment.

Deceitful, Satan is!

Christians, be careful what road you take today.

Walk alertly, circumspectly, because sin may be covertly awaiting just around the next bend.

That's why we need to dress every morning in a coat of armour! The whole armour of God!

 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Then ... we will be ready for anything the enemy springs on us!

Thank You, Lord, for letting us wear your clothes.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 26:

Ephesians 6:12 is our Text today, at least we shall begin this great Verse. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

The word we must note this morning is that initial verb, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against" ... other spiritual enemies.

Yes, we Christians do wrestle!

The Greek verb for wrestling is "pallo," its noun cognate, "pale." The basic idea here is that of "vibration," more literally "to vibrate." This is describing a vigorous hand to hand athletic contest in which the combatants engage each other so forcefully that they shake and quiver, exerting all the strength they have available!

The root verb behind all this is thought to be "ballo," meaning "to throw." Probably in reference to hurling one's opponent out of the ring! All the way off the mat!

The spiritual idea of wrestling is so important in the Bible that one of the very sons of Jacob, hence one of the Tribes of Israel, is named "Naphtali," the Hebrew word for "wrestling!" Spelled "pathal" actually.

And twice in Genesis 32 we are told that God Himself is a pretty good Wrestler! Ask Jacob if you doubt it!

So ... Believers in Jesus have enemies, spiritual ones. The devil and his demons and a host of wicked entities.

And we must learn to fight them!

To overcome them.

To throw them out of our lives.

To pin them to the floor.

And these things can only be accomplished by the Power of God operating in our lives. And that's what the rest of Ephesians 6:12 does, further identify our adversaries.

More tomorrow, Lord willing.

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 27:

The Christian is in a wrestling match, spiritually. Ephesians 6:12 tells us: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against ... spiritual wickedness in high places."

We do not fight "flesh and blood" enemies, generally speaking. But spiritual entities, the devil and his demons.

In fact, it is likely that when the Apostle Paul named certain "enemies" who were hindering the work of God, he saw right through each of them ... seeing instead the devil or demons who stood behind those individuals.

This thought alone might help us from being bitter at those we meet who seem to be "against" us. Many times those folks are merely pawns in the hands of the evil one.

For example, in Second Timothy 4:14 the Apostle warned a younger preacher: "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works." Yet Paul knew the problem went deeper than a simple metalworker!

The real one who hindered Paul was Satan himself! "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us." First Thessalonians 2:18

Job, that sterling Old Testament hero of the faith, was not merely confronted by three or four "friends" who accused him mercilessly. The real enemy during that whole saga was the devil, once again.

Our true enemy is "the adversary, who as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour." At least that's how Peter described him, the devil, in First Peter 5:8.

Let's remember this truth again and again.  "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against ... spiritual wickedness in high places." It could solve a lot of problems. Plus, Paul is about to give us the battle plan for overcoming Satan and all his cohorts!

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 28:

Our battle as Christians is "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." So said Paul in Ephesians 6:12.

Who are these people, or these things?

They are names for the world of evil, the spiritual world that opposes our great God and His Son Jesus.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Let's define some terms.

"Principalities" is the Greek noun "arche." It means the very "beginning" of something. It hints at the one who is the "first" at anything. I believe the Devil himself is the primary one in view. He and perhaps his chief helper, if he has one. We know he commands a host of demons to aid  in his wicked work.

"Powers" translates "exousia" and often suggests "authority." The Devil can do nothing without God Almighty at least allowing it. Satan is not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent.

"Rulers of this world," those who promote "darkness" or "sinfulness," are expressed in the plural form of "kosmokrator." They guide this world system in which we live. Their power is demonstrable too! It is often manifested. Mass murders! Genocide, and such.

Then "spiritual wickedness in high places" employs the noun for "wickedness" that is spelled "poneria." That's active, belligerent, aggressive evil, always spreading to infect others! And "high places" actually says "in heavenly places!" Wickedness in the air, in the stratosphere, in the heavens!

Wow!

What enemies!

How do we fight them?

Get ready for tomorrow's lesson. We must suit up in the armour God has provided us. And we shall study those pieces, one at a time. Lord willing!

Thank God for the victory that is our in Christ Jesus our glorified Lord.

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 29:

There is a recurring word in Ephesians 6:10-20, the New Testament's premier paragraph about fighting the Devil. And that word, a verb, is most often seen in Verse 13 of that great Text.

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Notice them, two occurrences just here!

Not counting Verse 11, "stand" against the wiles of the Devil!

Not counting Verse 14, "Stand therefore!"

Wow!

Put on God's "whole armour," God's "panoply," which in Greek thought suggests that the Lord has graciously provided us every single "tool" or "weapon" we need to combat evil!

"Take" unto you utilizes a verb that means "gladly, with all one's heart, eagerly" do this ... "to reach out and clasp something with your hand" each item God has given us to fight Satan!

"Withstand" actually translates "antistemi" in Greek, our very English word "antihistamine!" Just like your antihistamine spray for your nose fights the effects of allergies, hay fever, and the like ... so do these pieces of armour fight the enemy!

"Having done all" means "once you've exerted all your energy!"

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Then ... just keep on "standing!"

"Histemi" in Greek, unlike its two other synonyms, means "to abide, to be established, to set up and remain in place!" To stand in an upright position, actively engaged in the battle at hand!

What a Verse to encourage us to be faithful.

Just to "stand" for Jesus!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 30:

The pieces of armour God expects us to wear, given to us by God in fact, are listed in Ephesians chapter six.

Today we will notice the first of the series. Perhaps the basic one. Paul writes: "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth ...." Ephesians 6:14

The verb "gird about" is "perizonnumi" in Greek. It means "to encircle oneself with a garment." To wrap all the way around you a piece of clothing, or as here, an implement of armour.

Protected from every direction!

The noun "loins" is critical. "Osphus" means "the hip" area. In Bible typology the "loins" indicate the area of the human body where one's regenerative power resides. The pelvic area, in other words.

Now, if I am to have children, spiritual children, I must protect my loins! If our Faith is to have a future, the loins play a vital role in such a hope.

All of Christianity relies on the validity of Truth!

Is our set of beliefs right ... or wrong?

Is the Truth that made me a born-again (the loins) child of God fully protected?

Am I willing to defend what I read and hear in the Word of God?

Truth, God's Truth ... guarantees my future!

Therefore, "Have your loins gird about with truth!"

Every morning when we awake it might be a good idea to reflect on the Truth we hold so dear! The very fundamentals of our Faith!

Drape them around your mid-section, spiritually speaking of course. Wear the Truth all day long.

They devil is aiming at the Truth of Scripture and the Truth of the Godhead every hour, every minute, every second.

Put on that girdle, an ancient eastern wide and heavy and protective belt! Tighten it around you. Use Truth as a piece of armour!

Anchored in That, the Truth, your future in Jesus is secure!

Absolutely.

Pus this, special care for the loins, special observation and respect for the Truth ... is a delightful occupation!

If you do not believe so, study God's Truth every day. His Word, His Person, His Character ... oh how very, very sweet.

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth ...." Ephesians 6:14

Amen, Paul.

And thank you.

If the devil can never make us doubt the Truth God has taught us, if he can never damage our girdle ... we are virtually undefeatable.

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 31:

The second listed piece of defensive armour Paul lists for us, his Text being Ephesians 6:14, is the "breastplate of righteousness."

Word for word: "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness" ... plus other items in the next two or three verses.

Initially the loins must be protected. With the "Truth," which is "aletheia" in Greek, stemming from a word that means "unforgettable!" The great facts of our faith that cannot be overlooked or laid aside! Absolutely overwhelming in gravity and reverence!

But next, immediately, the "breast" follows. "Thorax" is the noun Paul used, meaning that part of the body that includes the neck to the navel! And reaching around to the point where the ribs end.

In English the "thorax" is just that part of the human anatomy to this very day! Except now it's generally defined as "from the neck to the diaphragm."

That part of us that includes, covers and protects our heart! And our lungs! Our internal necessary organs!

And what do I wear here, spiritually?

"Righteousness!"

And "dikaiosune" means "integrity, virtue, purity, correctness" of life that is pleasing in the sight of God. God's Nature implanted in us through the shed Blood of Jesus, faith in Him! Our noun here is derived from "dike," that which is "just" to Almighty God. And get this! "Dike" in turn comes from "deiknuo," a word actually meaning "to show, to expose to the eyes!" This is visible, observable holiness!

Wow!

Live for God.

So others can see.

And admire that  breastplate beauty!

"Have on the breastplate of righteousness."

Let's ask the Lord to help us to learn to dress this way. To practice adorning our breasts with proper, godly living.

The devil can't stand such things!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 32:

We're dressing for a battle, a war really! Spiritually, as Christians I mean. And Paul the Apostle in Ephesians 6:15 is describing the next piece of armour the Lord has given us.

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." After protecting our mid-riff section, the feet are next to be made safe.

In Greek the noun "feet" translates "pous," a little word that gives us English terms like podiatrist and pedestal.

In Latin, and Paul was probably looking at Roman soldiers as he wrote from prison that Ephesians 6 day, the word for "boots" is "caligula!" A fighter's feet, his battle gear for that area of the body, was so vitally important that a Roman Emperor named himself after them! Yes, Caligula ruled the Empire from AD 37 through AD 41.

Shoes, symbolizing the ability to traverse any terrain, are critical to winning any battle, any confrontation.

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."

The verb "shod" is  really blended here, "hupodeo." It means "to tie, to bind, to fasten." "Deo" does anyway. And the prefix, "hupo," means "underneath" anything. Shoes, boots, tied all the way around a warrior's foot, his feet here!

Whatever we Christians are wearing foot-wise, they are securely attached to our feet. We can move any direction against the foe ... and rest confident our feet will not be injured or our shoes fail!

That's what the noun "preparation" means too. "Hetoimasia" means "ready." Or better, "fully provided."

But look, these soldiers, Paul's in Ephesians 6, are men of ... not just war! Surprisingly, "peace!" We must spread a message of Peace, the Peace of God available to all who trust Him and His Son Jesus Christ!

Here's how I think we fight the devil, based on today's clause. "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."

We spread the "good news," what "Gospel" really means anyway, of God's Peace! We defeat the Enemy by proclaiming the Cross of Jesus!

The possibility of men and women being saved by the blood of the Lamb! Telling the Story!

Fighting ... by preaching, witnessing, testifying!

They devil can never knock a saint over, if that individual is trusting in the Gospel of God's Peace to travel the hills and vales of this old earth.

Thank You, Lord!

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 33:

When Paul says, in a list he's writing, "above all" ... surely he is emphasizing the importance of his following item.

And he does just this in Ephesians 6:16. Talking about the armour the Lord has provided us Christians, pieces of equipment to fight the devil ... the Apostle writes: "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

"Epi pas" in Greek, "above all," the phrase could actually be saying something like this, "on top of all the rest." In addition to the girdle and breastplate and boots, make good use of your shield.

Then ... our "faith" is what we believe! The noun for "faith" is "pistis" in Greek, being derived from the verb "peitho." The verb means "to persuade," to induce someone to believe" in a certain fact or set of facts.

Our Doctrine as Christians, what we've become convinced is true ... that constitutes our "faith."

And what we so strongly believe is literally a "shield" to us, in defending ourselves against the onslaughts of the wicked one, the Devil.

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

To "quench" means "to extinguish" the malignant words and doubts and accusations and temptations of Satan. Apparently they, if left alone, can really "burn" a child of God.

So folks, let's use our "shields!"

Now a note about this noun we call a "shield." It's a translation of the Greek word "thureos." It is one of two shields the Roman government provided their soldiers. In fact, it is the larger of the two, by far! The "thureos" is not the small, light-weight hand-held shield designed for close hand-to-hand combat. No, it is the huge body-protecting one!

"Thureos" the shield is related to the noun "thura." And what is a "thura" in a Greek home? It's their word for the front "door!" Really!

Goodness, the Lord has provided us a shield to help ward off the devil's attacks ... a shield as big as a door!

Wow!

I sure feel protected this afternoon!

Let's keep our faith strong! "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." 

Amen.

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 34:

The last piece of defensive armour Paul mentions is the "helmet" of salvation. Here are his exact words, "And take the helmet of salvation." Ephesians 6:17

The verb "take" is "dechomai" which just means "to reach out and grasp with one's hand." It's an imperative verb, expressing another command. This piece of equipment is given us of God, our job merely being appropriating it.

The noun "helmet" is a blended Greek word, "perikephalaia." It means something "encircling one's head." It obviously provides protection for the skull and brain area of the human anatomy.

I suspect this spiritually includes one's "thoughts, emotions, plans, purposes," and the like.

The word "salvation" is "soterion," derived from the verb "sozo," meaning "to save." No doubt the various aspects of salvation are included here. Such as reflecting on forgiveness, redemption, propitiation, and everything else Jesus did for us when He made us born-again children of God.

Yes, pondering God's great Plan of Salvation can drive away ... from our heads ... anything doubtful, pessimistic, defeating and demeaning to God!

 "And take the helmet of salvation." What we think is vitally important to the Christian as he or she lives day by day.

Let's put on our helmets each morning as we set out to walk the Christian pathway.

Philippians 4:8 might even enter into the picture here. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Think right ... and defeat the Devil!

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 35:

The last piece of weaponry Paul mentioned in his great Ephesians 6 paragraph concerning spiritual warfare is the "sword." Some say it's the only offensive tool we have in combating the Devil. But really it is both offensive and defensive.

Ephesians 6:17, the last half of the verse, in the King James Bible: "And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

The word for "sword" Paul used is "machaira." It means "a large knife." Or better, "a small sword." It is derived from "mache," a noun meaning "a fight, combat, strife." The words all indicate some state of war.

In Roman terminology this is the sword used in close hand-to-hand combat. To slay an enemy who has come way too near!

That literal weapons are not in view here can be easily surmised by noticing that the "sword" belongs to the "Spirit," with a capital "S." Surely the Holy Ghost of God is the Person in view!

Yet we still need more information. What is the sword of the Spirit, exactly? "And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." 

The Bible, God's Message to mankind, is authored by the Holy Spirit according to Second Peter 1:21. "For the prophecy (the Word) came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Yes!

The Scriptures, God's Holy Word, are our offensive power source! And they can defend us as well.

Jesus overcame Satan three times in His forty-day temptation ... each time by quoting and applying Scripture! Three verses from Deuteronomy. Jesus took the "sword of the Spirit" and ran the Devil away. At least for a season. See Luke 4:13 for proof.

Oh, to study the Bible! To become skilled swordsmen and women! To be exercised in wielding the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God!

The better we prepare ourselves in this area ... the better we can move Satan out of our territory!

Lord, help us to faithfully and diligently try to master the precious Word of God. Make us good foot soldiers for Thy Glory!

Amen.

           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Make yourselves a list today. Of maybe ten or twelve Verses you can memorize or quote or "stab" at the Devil when he comes around! You will then be truly using the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, against the one who hates our God so vehemently.

Swordsmen, arise!

LESSON 36, CONCLUSION:

After Paul teaches us about the armour God has provided His children ... to overcome the Devil, he advances into a paragraph about prayer.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:18-20

Maybe today's Lesson, the final thought in our series, is this: One of our greatest strengths in confronting evil is prayer! The power God has invested in prayer!

Notice two people or groups of people for whom we are to pray. They are rather inclusive.

"For all saints," meaning every single Christian.

And Paul says, "for me." That means the Preacher! Your Pastor or your Evangelist or your Missionary ... as they serve the Lord faithfully.

Prayer as a weapon!

Amazing!

                       --- Dr. Mike Bagwell