The Strength ofthe Church

The Benefitsof “in”

How Do I Get “in”

The Mystery of “in”

The Strength of “in”

Strength “in” Walking

Strength “in” Marriage

Strength “in” Battle

The Benefits of Being “in” Christ

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places...”

(Ephesians 1:3, ESV)

What Being “in” Christ Means

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God...”

(Ephesians 2:19, ESV; emphasis mine)

The Mystery of Christ

“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

(Ephesians 3:6, ESV; emphasis mine)

The Strength of “in”

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

(Ephesians 4.15-16; ESV)

The Strength in Walking

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

(Ephesians 5.1, 2, NKJV)

The Strength in Marriage

“This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

(Ephesians 5.32-33, NKJV)

The Strength in Battle

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

(Ephesians 6:10-11, NKJV)

Strength in the Armor

• As Christians, you must realize you cannot fight the battle alone, you need help from above (Ephesians 6:10).

– See Ephesians 1:19; 3:16

Strength in the Armor

• The strength to stand comes from the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11).

• The armor is not of ourselves, but of God (Ephesians 6:11).

– This armor must be worn (“put on”) (Ephesians 6:11).

The Battle

• The battle is not against the things of this world, but the power of the devil (Ephesians 6:11b.13).

– He is crafty (2 Corinthians 11:3).

– He is a deceiver (2 Corinthians 11:14).

– He is powerful (Ephesians 2:2).

– He is wicked (1 John 2:13).

Seven Pieces of Armor

• Lower body:

– Girded at the waist with truth (Ephesians 6:14).

– Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel (Ephesians 6:15)

Seven Pieces of Armor

• Upper body:

– Breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).

– Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).

Seven Pieces of Armor

• Head:

– Helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17).

– Praying always in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).

Seven Pieces of Armor

• Weapon:

– The sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6.17)

Communication in Battle

“…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

(Ephesians 6.18)

Strength in Battle

• When the battle comes, a Christian needs the power and strength of the Lord found in the armor of God.

• You cannot stand alone, but with God you can face anyone:

– Romans 8:31

The Strength in Battle

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

(Ephesians 6:10-11, NKJV)

The Strength ofthe Church