Three Mistakes We Dare not Make!

Ephesians
6:10-12

The Bible Teaching Commentary

Paul J. Bucknell

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Introductory

Ephesians 6:10 Power | Ephesians 6:11 Protective | Ephesians 6:12 Perception

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Purpose

Ephesians 6:10-12 Three Mistakes We Dare Not Make shows signs of having apathy enter our soul and explains how Paul's final instructions helps us avoid not gaining the fullness of the gospel in our lives. This is part 1 of 4 of expository preaching.

“ 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:10-13, NASB).

Paul, in the previous chapters of Ephesians, has just stated the glorious power of the gospel in our lives. He describes the wonder of how Christ lives through us and collectively the church. He shows us how to conquer personal sin and have a wonderful marriage.

He tells us how to be filled with the Spirit, raise godly children and have productive business relationships. Wonderful lives with the Lord, with others, even with our spouses and colleagues.

Why all the problems?

The blueprint looks so good but it seems so illusive at times. Why is there so much criticism or jealousy in our lives and the church?

Paul uses his last words of Ephesians to point out what obstacles might keep us from reaching the greater and more glorious aspects of the gospel. In Ephesians 6:10 he begins this last section with ‘Finally.’

The church is the most powerful structure on earth. God has given provided her with a tremendous potential, but there are several points that need to be paid close attention to or we will never attain those goals. This is Paul’s concern here.

If you are somewhat disenchanted with the church or your own personal spiritual growth, perhaps you have made one of the three mistakes Paul highlights. But please remember, even though we have fallen into one of the evil one’s traps, the very advice the Paul warns us with can also be used to recover from our mistakes.

Remember that Paul is instructing us so that we will not fall into Satan’s trap. We do not need to be sidetracked by him.

Understanding our problems

Even though Paul’s statements are positive instructions, we will first focus on what happens if we do not follow Paul’s admonition. In this way we can better discover how these mistakes might have infiltrated into our lives.

Clearly Paul’s idea is that you will find opposition but that opposition takes on forms that we cannot easily perceive. If you see any problems in the church or personal Christian belief, it is because we have not carefully followed our Lord’s advice.

We will focus on three mistakes that Paul warns us of in Ephesians 6:10-13, but in each case we will return with a look to the three solutions.

1. Power Crisis (Ephesians 6:10)

2. Protection Stripped off (Ephesians 6:11)

3. Perception Distorted (Ephesians 6:12)

Next page => 1. Power Crisis (Ephesians 6:10)

Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell