Chapter 1: Introduction to the Christian’s Spiritual Battle
Summary: The apostle Paul, while imprisoned, writes to the church at Ephesus. In the first part of the letter, he discusses the mysteries of faith, and in the second part, he addresses the practical application of these mysteries. He emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the grace of the gospel in all relationships and circumstances. Paul uses martial language to describe the Christian’s calling as a continual warfare against the world and the devil. He emphasizes that this warfare is not fought with physical weapons but with spiritual armor provided by God. He encourages believers to be strong in the Lord and provides instructions on how to manage this spiritual war successfully.
Key Points:
- The Christian life is compared to a warfare against the world and the devil.
- Christians engage in a spiritual war against the devil, not a physical one.
- The strength for this battle comes from God, not from human effort.
- Spiritual armor, as described by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-20, is essential for standing firm.
- The importance of encouragement and mutual support among Christians. The letter to the Ephesians emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the grace of the gospel.
- Paul’s example of steadfast faith and focus on the spiritual well-being of others despite his imprisonment. Paul’s imprisonment did not deter him from ministering to the churches.
Bible Verses: Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 6:10-20, Acts 19:10, Acts 20:17, II Chronicles 32:7, Isaiah 35:4, Joshua 1:7, Genesis 22:2, Isaiah 50:10, Job 13:15, Romans 12:2
Chapter 2: The Need for Strength and Courage
Summary: Gurnall stresses the necessity of courage and strength for Christians facing spiritual warfare. He explains that every aspect of a Christian’s life requires valor, from resisting sin to maintaining a consistent prayer life and that a cowardly spirit is incompatible with the Christian life. The strength and courage to do so, however, are not inherent but must be drawn from God. Gurnall warns against self-reliance and highlights the role of faith in accessing divine strength.
Key Points:
- Christian courage is essential in all aspects of spiritual life.
- True strength and courage come from God, not from oneself. Christians should walk humbly before God, recognizing their dependence on Him.
- The challenges of spiritual life, such as resisting temptation and staying faithful in prayer.
- The danger of relying on one’s own abilities rather than trusting in God’s power.
- Faith as the means of accessing God’s strength and support.
Bible Verses: Ephesians 6:10, John 15:5, II Corinthians 3:5, Philippians 2:13, Romans 7:18, John 17:11, Psalm 138:3, Acts 16:14
Chapter 3: Understanding Spiritual Armor
Summary: This chapter delves into the specifics of the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6. Gurnall explains each piece of the armor, such as the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and shield of faith, among others. He emphasizes the significance of each piece and how it protects the believer from the devil’s attacks. The chapter encourages Christians to be fully equipped with all parts of the armor to withstand the enemy’s schemes.
Key Points:
- Detailed explanation of the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6.
- Importance of each piece: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.
- The armor as essential for protection against the devil’s attacks.
- Christians must wear the full armor to stand firm in their faith.
- Practical application of each piece of armor in daily spiritual life.
Chapter 4: The Belt of Truth
Summary: Gurnall focuses on the belt of truth, describing it as the foundational piece of the Christian’s armor. He argues that truth is central to the Christian life, as it supports and holds together all other aspects of spiritual integrity. Without truth, a believer is vulnerable to deception and spiritual failure. The chapter encourages Christians to live and speak truthfully, grounded in the truth of God’s Word. It emphasizes that true sincerity, or truth of heart, is a divine gift that covers a believer’s imperfections and strengthens them in their spiritual battles.
Key Points:
- The belt of truth is fundamental in the spiritual armor.
- Sincerity is a divine gift that covers a Christian’s imperfections.
- Truth supports and holds together other aspects of spiritual life.
- Vulnerability to deception without a strong foundation in truth.
- Importance of living and speaking truthfully.
- Grounding oneself in the truth of God’s Word.
- Christians should cultivate sincerity by seeking a changed heart, understanding God’s Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit.
Bible Verses: Ephesians 6:14, Romans 10:5, Genesis 20:6, I Corinthians 5:8, Joshua 24:14, I Peter 1:13, II Corinthians 1:12, Philippians 1:10,11, Psalm 138:2, I Samuel 16:7, I Corinthians 10:31, Ezekiel 11:19, II Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 119:9, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 84:11
Chapter 5: The Breastplate of Righteousness
Summary: In this chapter, Gurnall discusses the breastplate of righteousness, which protects the heart and vital organs of a Christian. He explains that this righteousness is not self-derived but imputed through faith in Christ. The breastplate signifies the importance of living a righteous life, which shields believers from the attacks and accusations of the devil. It emphasizes that true righteousness is not earned through works but is a gift from God, imparted to believers through the Holy Spirit. This righteousness is not a static quality but a dynamic principle that empowers Christians to live in a way that is pleasing to God. The chapter also highlights the importance of sincerity and purity of heart, emphasizing that true holiness is not merely outward conformity but an inward transformation. It provides several reasons why righteousness is crucial, including its ability to protect the soul, embolden the Christian in spiritual warfare, and bring peace and joy. The chapter concludes by offering practical guidance on how to cultivate and maintain righteousness in one’s life, emphasizing the importance of a changed heart, a reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to living according to God’s word.
Key Points:
- The breastplate of righteousness protects the spiritual heart.
- Righteousness is imputed (imparted by the Holy Spirit) through faith in Christ, not self-generated.
- Importance of living a righteous life to shield against the devil’s accusations.
- Righteousness as a key defense in spiritual warfare.
- Encouragement to pursue a life of holiness and integrity.
- Christians should cultivate righteousness by seeking a changed heart, relying on the Holy Spirit, and living according to God’s word.
Bible Verses: Ephesians 6:14, Romans 10:5, Genesis 20:6, I Corinthians 5:8, Joshua 24:14, I Peter 1:13, II Corinthians 1:12, Philippians 1:10,11, Psalm 138:2, I Samuel 16:7, I Corinthians 10:31, Ezekiel 11:19, II Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 119:9, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 84:11
Chapter 6: The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Summary: Gurnall explains the significance of having feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. This piece of armor symbolizes the Christian’s readiness to spread the gospel and maintain a peaceful heart amidst spiritual battles. The chapter highlights the importance of being prepared to move and act in alignment with the gospel message, which provides stability and direction in life.
Key Points:
- The shoes represent readiness to spread the gospel and live in peace.
- Importance of being prepared to act in alignment with the gospel.
- Stability and direction come from the gospel of peace.
- Readiness to move and respond in spiritual warfare.
- The gospel as the foundation for a peaceful and purposeful life.
Chapter 7: The Shield of Faith
Summary: The shield of faith is described as a crucial defensive weapon that can extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked. Gurnall emphasizes that faith is vital for withstanding spiritual attacks and maintaining trust in God’s promises. The chapter encourages believers to hold up their faith against doubts, fears, and temptations, relying on God’s strength to protect them.
Key Points:
- The shield of faith is essential for defense against spiritual attacks.
- Faith extinguishes doubts, fears, and temptations.
- Importance of maintaining trust in God’s promises.
- Encouragement to hold up faith in all circumstances.
- Reliance on God’s strength for protection and victory.
Chapter 8: The Helmet of Salvation
Summary: Gurnall discusses the helmet of salvation, which protects the mind and assures the believer of their salvation. He explains that assurance of salvation is critical for spiritual confidence and resilience. The chapter encourages Christians to dwell on the hope and certainty of their salvation, which guards their minds from the devil’s lies and discouragements.
Key Points:
- The helmet of salvation protects the mind and provides assurance.
- Assurance of salvation is critical for spiritual confidence.
- Importance of dwelling on the hope and certainty of salvation.
- Protection from the devil’s lies and discouragements.
- Encouragement to focus on the promises of eternal life.
Chapter 9: The Sword of the Spirit
Summary: The sword of the Spirit, identified as the Word of God, is highlighted as the only offensive weapon in the Christian’s armor. Gurnall explains that Scripture is powerful for defending against temptations and attacking the enemy’s lies. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of knowing and using the Bible effectively in spiritual warfare.
Key Points:
- The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, an offensive weapon.
- Scripture is powerful for defense and attack in spiritual warfare.
- Importance of knowing and using the Bible effectively.
- The Word of God as a weapon against temptations and lies.
- Encouragement to study and apply Scripture in daily life.
Chapter 10: Praying Always
Summary: Gurnall concludes with the importance of prayer in maintaining and using the whole armor of God. He stresses that prayer is essential for spiritual strength and victory. The chapter encourages constant communication with God, praying for oneself and others, and relying on the Spirit’s guidance in prayer.
Key Points:
- Prayer is essential for using the whole armor of God.
- Importance of constant communication with God.
- Praying for oneself and others for spiritual strength.
- Reliance on the Spirit’s guidance in prayer.
- Encouragement to maintain a consistent prayer life.
These summaries and key points provide a modern understanding of Gurnall’s detailed exegesis on the spiritual armor and the Christian’s battle against spiritual forces.
