First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #47
God has provided everything we need; we have the same resources as every person in the Bible. Spiritual combat briefing: Armor of God Eph 6:10-20. Call to action for believers: "Be strong in the Lord" -- strength/ability that only God can give (Eph 6:10-13). What He gives in fellowship is through His Word (Eph 1:16-20, Eph 3:14-21). "Put on" means to clothe; putting on the armor means putting on Jesus Christ (Rom 13:11-14). Jesus Christ entered the world as an armed soldier (Isa 59:16-20). "Wiles of the Devil" means deceitful plotting (Eph 6:11, Eph 4:14). Have you possessed your possessions (Oba 1:17)? Our war is against the hierarchy of the Satanic hosts (Eph 6:12). "Stand" is the battle cry of the Roman soldiers (Eph 6:13-14). Removing the imagery of the armor, to put on and stand in Jesus Christ means essentially: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Spirit. Christ responded to enemy with the Sword of the Spirit (Luk 4:1-14) -- the recall ministry of the Spirit.
Scripture References: Ephesians 3:14-21, Ephesians 6:13-14, Ephesians 1:16-20, Ephesians 6:12, Ephesians 6:10-13, Ephesians 4:14, Ephesians 6:10-20, Ephesians 6:11, Isaiah 59:16-20, Romans 13:11-14, Luke 4:1-14
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.