Ephesians
“Keep Alert”
Ephesians 6:13-20

Living to please God is not easy, but God makes his power available for His people to stand.

Keep alert!

Ephesians 6:13-20

From now on…
Remember the battle is real - v. 10-13
Take up the armor of God - v. 13-20

Armor of God - 6:13-20

1. Belt of Truth
Fully surrender to God
Exodus 12:11; John 8:30; John 17; 1 Corinthians 16:13

2. Breastplate of righteousness
Regularly confess and change

3. Feet of the gospel of peace
Don’t drag your feet toward finding balance
1 Peter 3:15; Titus 3:1

4. Shield of faith
Rehearse promises regularly

Temptation…
• To believe a lie
• Doubt your relationship with God 
• By an experience or an event
• Give up from a loss
• Give in from a success 
• In trials and suffering 

Psalm 119:11

5. Helmet of salvation
Find hope even in set backs
2 Corinthians 4:6-12

6. Sword of the Spirit
Soak your mind in scripture
Matthew 4:1-11; James 4:7

Prayer is the ultimate expression of the Christian life.

Keep alert
“Walk the perimeter of your life” (wall) - v. 18

“Peace be to the brothers (and sisters), and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” –Ephesians 6:23-24

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Research:

Biblical literacy is down
• Fewer than half (47 percent) say the Bible is 100 percent accurate in all it teaches.
• Half (51 percent) say the Bible was written for each person to interpret as he or she chooses.
• Three-quarters (74 percent) disagree with the idea that even the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation.
• Three-quarters (77 percent) say people must contribute their own effort for personal salvation.
• Half (52 percent) say good deeds help them earn a spot in heaven. And 45 percent believe there are many ways to get there.

https://research.lifeway.com/2017/07/10/discipling-in-an-age-of-biblical-illiteracy/

94% of today’s churchgoers grew up with a connection to the church. 
6% didn’t attend church; or had a former connection to church

Three ways to reach non-religious people:
1. Reach kids 
2. Move from inviting people to church to “your life”
3. Speak as if ½ the room is brand new to the Bible

79% of unchurched Americans say they don’t mind talking about issues of faith with a friend

https://research.lifeway.com/2020/10/12/3-ways-to-reach-non-religious-people-in-your-community/