Further Thought: “An army in battle would become confused and weakened unless all worked in concert. If the soldiers should act out their own impulsive ideas, without reference to each other’s positions and work, they would be a collection of independent atoms; they could not do the work of an organized body. So the soldiers … Continue reading –>
In concluding his battle exhortation, Paul urges believers as soldiers to participate in crucial, continuing prayer “for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18, NKJV) and for himself as imprisoned ambassador (Ephesians 6:19-20). This call to prayer can be seen as an extension of the military imagery, since calling out to God (or to the gods) in prayer was a … Continue reading –>
When and how should believers as combatants in the great controversy use the shield, the helmet, and the sword? Ephesians 6:16-17. Paul’s shield is the large, rectangular shield of a Roman legionnaire. Made with wood and covered with leather, its edges curved inward to guard against attacks from the side. When soaked in water, shields were “able to quench … Continue reading –>
Be still, and know that I am God; Psalm 46:10 NKJV I have a friend I meet every week at the Mexican restaurant in town. Sometimes I run a few minutes late and find her just sitting there waiting on me. I’ve suggested to her, “Bring a book or read something on your cell phone, … Continue reading –>
A Roman soldier, preparing for battle, would tie on a pair of sturdy, military sandals. A multilayered sole featured rugged hobnails, helping the soldier hold his ground and “stand” (Ephesians 6:11, Ephesians 6:13-14). Paul explains this military footwear with language from Isaiah 52:7, which celebrates the moment when a messenger brings the news that Yahweh’s battle on behalf … Continue reading –>
Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Dr John McVay, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson (1)
Continue reading -->You can view an in-depth discussion of Waging Peace in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view: With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life. (0)
Continue reading -->Lesson 13 *September 16-22 Waging Peace SABBATH AFTERNOON Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 6:10-20; 1 Peter 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8; Isaiah 59:17; Isaiah 52:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Memory Text: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the … Continue reading –>
How does Paul imagine believers beginning their preparation for the battle against evil? Ephesians 6:14; see also 1 Peter 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8; Romans 8:37-39. Paul’s warning of an intense battle (Ephesians 6:13) prepares readers for his final call to stand (his fourth, compare Ephesians 6:11, Ephesians 6:13) and is a detailed call to arms (Ephesians 6:14-17). Paul describes the action of “girding up one’s waist” (compare Isaiah 11:5). … Continue reading –>
The book of Ephesians does show us “How to Follow Jesus in Trying Times”: Hymn 623 – I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour so that our actions will always speak louder than our words. For the peace that is so needed in our poor, old world now, we find this in Hymn 463 – Peace, Perfect … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: The spiritual battle is based on God’s offering to fight for our salvation. When we accept Christ, we join in His army and His offer of peace. September 23, 2023 1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 6:14, I Peter 4:1, 5:8. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most … Continue reading –>
Read Ephesians 6:10-20. What is Paul saying about the kind of warfare the church is engaged in? Is Paul primarily depicting just an individual believer’s spiritual battle against evil, or the church’s corporate war against evil? Victory in Greek and Roman warfare was dependent on the cooperation of the soldiers in a military unit and especially … Continue reading –>
