The theme of 2nd Peter is the great need for personal spiritual growth in a time when false teachers and teachings were infiltrating the early church (2Pe 1:5 with 2Pe 3:18). Key words/phrases relevant to spiritual growth are “grace and peace,” which can be “multiplied” as we grow in the “knowledge” of our Lord, and exercise due “diligence” in the practice of spiritual “love.” As a method of instruction, Peter emphasizes the necessity of reminder and repetition (2Pe 1:12-13, 2Pe 1:15, 2Pe 3:1-2).
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: Isaiah 59:16-20, Romans 13:11-14, Luke 4:1-14, 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
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.