The Forty Fifth Sermon, the Third on the Sixth Chapter - Ephesians 6: 10-12

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against incipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:10-12

We understand that prosperity often leads individuals to become conceited, thinking they are entitled to privileges and exempt from common rules, believing they can act without restraint. Conversely, the most impoverished among us, often despised and neglected, may feel abandoned by God, questioning His care for them. Therefore, it is essential to humble those who, intoxicated by their positions of authority and influence, have grown arrogant. Here, they are reminded that they have a heavenly master who will hold them accountable, even if they manage to evade the judgments of men.

On the other hand, it is of utmost importance to offer solace to those on the verge of despair, those tempted to lose hope. In these words, Paul addresses both concerns. He reassures the servants, urging them not to fear, for God watches over them as they walk in His reverence. He affirms that God values and acknowledges their service as if they held an honorable and esteemed place in the world. To the Masters, he conveys the truth that they have a superior authority in heaven before whom they must answer. Their worldly power and lofty status will not serve as recompense, for all such earthly distinctions lose their significance in the presence of the sovereign judge.

Furthermore, he underscores the importance of comforting the fainthearted, especially those who bear the world's contempt. They must be reminded that God has not forsaken them and that it is His purpose to humble them for a time. Each of us should apply this lesson according to the circumstances God has placed us in. When we encounter unjust tribulations, when others neglect or cast us aside, or when we endure various forms of ridicule, we must remember that we remain under God's protection. He esteems and treasures us, and in due course, He will manifest His care for us. Even in moments when it seems that God is distant, when we might entertain doubts of His remembrance, we should hold fast to the knowledge that we are still cherished by Him.

Nevertheless, after He has humbled us for a period and tested our humility and obedience, we will come to realize that our faithful and unwavering walk in His fear will be taken into account in the end. Our toil will not have been futile, and this is a truth we must hold dear, especially when the mighty and powerful of the world exalt themselves in their pride, potentially treading upon us. Nonetheless, let all who exercise authority over others treat them with kindness and remember that God has not granted them dominion without reserving His own authority. Whether one is esteemed, holds power, or possesses any advantage over their fellow beings, keep in mind: there is no partiality before God.

In this temporal realm, some may lead while others follow, yet when the trumpet of judgment resounds, and we must all stand before the supreme judge, these distinctions will cease to have significance. Even kings and rulers must come to acknowledge this reality, as the Scripture proclaims, "You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High." God has appointed them as His representatives, elevating them to positions of honor. Nonetheless, they too shall face mortality, just like any ordinary person. In that moment, they shall confront their own transience, for all their worldly splendor will fade into obscurity. Indeed, the term "person" serves as a reminder that it pertains to transitory things, which we cannot bring before God as if they were truly our possessions.

When Scripture declares that there is no partiality before God, it essentially signifies that He will judge us solely as mortal human beings, frail and feeble. We cannot rely on our wealth, status, titles, nobility, or any worldly acquisitions to shield us. The affluent cannot bear their riches, lands, or possessions with them to elevate themselves above others. Those who held exalted positions will not be able to assert, "All trembled under my authority," for all such worldly accomplishments will bear no weight before God. All worldly grandeur and dominion will serve no purpose, and each individual shall be regarded as a child of Adam. Thus, those who may have cause to exalt themselves should always remember that worldly renown and acclaim shall dissipate like vapor and be utterly consumed when we confront the judgment of our God.

Therefore, let every individual, whether of high or lowly status, embrace humility and trust. This is why St. James encourages, "Let the humble take pride in their exalted position." Why, you may ask? It is because God has graciously adopted us as His children. Even though we may be as insignificant as earthworms, even if the world regards us as worthless and discarded, God has chosen to mark us as His own beloved offspring. He has granted us the extraordinary privilege of addressing Him as our Father with unwavering confidence. Therefore, we have every reason to take pride in our exalted position, even if we are considered of lowly stature, for we possess a lofty standing by which God has elevated us above the entire world.

Conversely, St. James asserts that those who hold great influence and power should find their pride in their humility. When unbelievers succumb to the snare of arrogance, elevating themselves so high that they disdain God's authority, considering themselves exempt from all moral obligations and believing their status to be singular and detached from the rest of humanity, believers must comprehend that all worldly honor and distinction are transitory and fleeting. When we stand before God, we will have nothing to lean on, whether it be worldly honors or possessions. The worldly trappings referred to as "things" in Scripture, such as garments and possessions, are only temporary embellishments.

Consider this analogy: if a person bedecked in splendid attire seeks to evade God's judgment by asserting that they clothed themselves in their resplendent plumage and that the world esteemed them, they are gravely mistaken. All these worldly adornments must be cast aside when God summons us to account. Likewise, those who are destitute and may barely cover their bodies, perhaps with mere tattered and threadbare garments, should not deem themselves less valued by God. There will be no distinctions in worldly standing; ultimately, we will all stand as we truly are —fragile human beings and descendants of Adam. In essence, this is the lesson we should draw from this.

After the Apostle Paul has outlined the specific responsibilities of each individual, he returns once more to the broader teachings of the faith. As mentioned previously, there exists a universal principle that applies to all individuals without exception, encapsulated within God's law. It directs us to lead lives of sanctity, dedicating ourselves to His divine service, loving one another, living with purity and self-restraint, displaying gentleness and integrity. This universal guideline is followed by an elucidation that every individual must also recognize their own calling, just as a husband has specific duties towards his wife, and a wife towards her husband, as we have discussed previously. Paul has expounded upon all these aspects.

Now, the Apostle addresses all of us collectively, saying, "Furthermore, my fellow believers, find your strength in the Lord." Here, he reveals that our journey in the service of God is not without its challenges. We must put in the effort to prepare ourselves for this task. It's true that if our nature were pure and uncorrupted, if we were whole and healthy, we would willingly and joyfully follow God's commandments, as the faithful have experienced. When God touches them deeply, they willingly respond. This is why our Lord Jesus Christ said that His yoke is not burdensome or harsh. He meant that He desires to guide us with gentleness and love.

However, when we consider our own condition and realize how weak we are in maintaining steadfastness and consistency in following the path God has laid out for us, we understand why the Apostle urges us here to find our strength. In other words, he is saying, "I have encouraged you to fulfill your duties, but I am aware that each of you will face such resistance within yourselves that you will struggle to overcome your sinful desires unless you fight courageously. Do not use your weakness as an excuse when your passions strongly rebel against God on one side, and you, on the other hand, are feeble. Do not think this will absolve you before God, as you will be judged for your sins."

So, what should you do? "Find your strength in the Lord," he says. This means that even though many people, plagued by sinful thoughts and affections, tend to yield to their sins and believe they are excused, you should acknowledge your own imperfections and seek a remedy for them. And what is that remedy? It is to strengthen yourselves. In other words, you must exert significant effort. The path is challenging, and you will encounter numerous obstacles. The devil will not cease to use every possible means to divert you from the right path, and you will face many trials and tribulations. His cunning is boundless, and his traps are countless.

Furthermore, he has attacked us in various ways, and we have not had the means to resist him. Therefore, it is essential for us to gain strength, but he says, "In the Lord," so that people do not think they can handle things through their own willpower and cleverness. So, "find your strength in the Lord," he says, "indeed, in the mightiness of His power." When God grants us such power, we need not doubt our victory over all the devil's schemes, provided we remain vigilant and do not fall asleep. Thus, let us call upon God to aid and uphold us when necessary. These two aspects should go hand in hand in our lives: vigilance and a sincere desire to call upon God.

This passage holds great significance in a few simple words. First, it teaches us that if we desire to live in accordance with God's will, we must not be idle. Each of us carries our own burdens, and unless we are exceedingly frail, we should cast off the things that weigh us down. We must understand that in our service to God, we must exert ourselves and engage in a battle against the devil. The devil is not idle and will not allow us to fulfill our duties with ease, as if we were taking a leisurely stroll. Instead, he will place thorns and obstacles in our path to hinder us. He will throw challenges at us that could easily overwhelm us many times over unless God comes to our aid. Therefore, since we cannot walk in the fear of God without engaging in a struggle, we should heed St. Paul's warning.

Furthermore, St. Paul intended to make us aware of our own weakness. We know that people are generally inclined to indulge in their pleasures and seek nothing but to revel in them. Some even presume they possess the strength to perform wonders, believing themselves as robust as required. This misconception has deceived wretched individuals throughout history and led to the prevalence of the idea of free will. However, St. Paul informs us here that we need to be strengthened, indicating that we are naturally weak. He articulates this more clearly by stating that our strength should be "in the Lord," emphasizing that He possesses all the power needed to grant us the strength required. Therefore, if we attempt anything without calling upon Him, we shall be punished for our recklessness and pride.

St. Paul shows us that individuals degrade themselves through their overconfidence, imagining they possess qualities they do not have. This conceit diverts them from calling upon God. It might be argued that it is a superfluous exhortation for us to "be strong in the Lord" because no one can sustain themselves; it is not within anyone's power to do so. However, we do observe that God works in such a way within us that we accomplish deeds similar to His. Yet, this must be understood as a work that originates elsewhere, not from within ourselves. We are not like inanimate logs, and thus, we do perform good deeds. Nevertheless, we must recognize that this working comes from a source beyond ourselves and is not due to our own abilities. If it is asked whether people can do good, the answer is yes, but not of their own accord or volition, but solely because they are guided by the Holy Spirit. If it is asked whether people can do evil, the answer is yes, as they are inclined towards it; it is their common inclination.

So, people do evil by their own inclination, and the root of it resides within them. The blame for it is rightfully attributed to them, and they should not search for futile excuses. Those who have done evil will always remain under condemnation. However, we must carefully consider that God works within us when we do good, and the praise for it should be rightfully given to Him. Although there is nothing in us or on our part when we serve God, St. Paul's exhortation to be strengthened in God is not in vain. We must not be indolent, as he mentions elsewhere when he says, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who gives both the will and the ability to perform it, all according to His good pleasure, freely and out of His own mercy."

At first glance, this statement may seem strange, as St. Paul seems to allow us to work out our salvation. Is it within us to do so? No. But he corrects any presumption or arrogance by adding that it must be done with trembling and in fear. This means that we must distrust ourselves, humbling ourselves to acknowledge that we cannot even move one of our little fingers or think a good thought unless God grants it to us from above. He further reinforces this point by concluding that God provides both the will and the ability to act. Therefore, it is God who accomplishes everything, yet we do not cease to act, but we act through Him and in Him, as I have already explained.

In summary, the Holy Scripture does not state that God renews us with His Holy Spirit only for us to relapse into forgetfulness. Instead, it emphasizes that this renewal is intended to glorify God and prevent us from believing that we are the architects of our own salvation. We must give Him all the credit for the goodness that He instills within us. Regardless of the circumstances in the world, we must remain vigilant, guarding against the devil and striving to devote ourselves to goodness. Each of us must make an effort, restraining our own intellect and wicked will to make them obedient to God. Ultimately, all credit must be attributed to Him.

His addition of the words "the mighty power of God" is meant to dispel any doubts within us. We often become discouraged, thinking that we cannot accomplish what He has commanded us. In the end, we tend to lose heart. However, St. Paul reassures us by saying that God will manifest His mighty and victorious power. It is said that He who is on our side is stronger than the entire world. Knowing that God is with us and upholds us with His power should alleviate our fear of being overcome by Satan. We can rest assured that despite the difficulties we face, we will ultimately triumph by relying on God's invincible power.

Indeed, God perfects His power in our weakness. This means that while He works within us, we may stumble, falter, and stray from the path. Our journey is marked by limping and setbacks. However, God's assistance, through the Holy Spirit, is designed to keep us humble. Our weakness is intertwined with God's strength to teach us the importance of calling upon Him and seeking refuge in Him. On our own, we tend to obscure God's glory, so He awakens us to our wretchedness. He reminds us that we would fall countless times if He did not hold us by the hand. God allows our weaknesses to remain to draw us closer to Him and cultivate humility within us. This way, we can praise Him for not allowing our falls to be fatal and recognize that without His help, we would perish.

Therefore, under St. Paul's previous statement, we must also understand that God leaves some weakness in us as long as we live in this world. Yet, He does so not to highlight our frailty but to demonstrate His invincible power in enabling us to prevail. We must hold firmly to the conviction that even when Satan does his utmost, we must continue on our journey, knowing that God's power will come to our aid. God's power is not ordinary; it is mighty and transcends all earthly limitations.

Now, we can discern the stark contrast between the teachings of the papists and our own, which are firmly rooted in Holy Scripture. These blind Richards claim that they can perform wonders through their free will. They might acknowledge God's role in their inclination towards evil, but they insist that they are restrained by Him. According to them, God merely lends a helping hand when needed. They attribute most of their power to their own free will and natural abilities. However, even after they have exerted their utmost effort, they always remain in doubt. If they manage to hold their ground for a brief moment, they quickly stumble and cannot recover.

In contrast, our belief is that human beings must be utterly humbled, as the Holy Spirit has taught us. We should not retain even a trace of power within ourselves but be completely emptied. Once we reach this point, our Lord assures us that He will not forsake us. We must return to Him, acknowledge our weaknesses, and be ready to receive from Him. We should approach Him with open hearts, devoid of pride. Unlike the papists, who boast initially but often fall short, we rely on God's strength and stand firm against Satan's attacks, all the fortifications of hell, and the obstacles and temptations of the world.

This is how we should apply St. Paul's lesson. After emphasising the mighty power of God, he tells us that we must equip ourselves with His complete armour. In other words, it is our own fault that we are not well-prepared and lack the weapons to overcome Satan's assaults. Our negligence leads to frequent defeats. God not only promises to support us with His power to the extent that we will prevail, but He also provides us with the means to defend ourselves. Nevertheless, we often neglect to use these readily available means. Now, what exactly is this armour? St. Paul will explain it in due course. For now, it suffices to understand his intention. When he says we must be armed with God's complete armour, he rebukes our negligence in failing to utilize the resources He has provided. We readily accept the idea that God is willing to help us and that we can be victorious against our enemies as long as He is on our side.

However, we often content ourselves with inaction, believing that our enemy is too strong for us to confront. We tend to let God's armour remain idle and unutilised, preferring that it stays prepared for us without us having to use it. This is why we are commanded to put on this armour, which means applying it for our own use. Our situation necessitates us to engage in battle, and God intends for us to be armed so that the devil cannot catch us unprepared.

St. Paul uses not only the word "armour" but also "outfit" to emphasise that we must be fully equipped, from head to toe. I will elaborate on this point in more detail later. His message in this text is that our ingratitude becomes all the more apparent when we consider that God has armed us comprehensively, leaving nothing missing except our own involvement. Indeed, some of us may apply a portion of God's armour for our use, not entirely rejecting His grace. However, we often do not fully equip ourselves as we should, missing out on the virtues that God offers us.

It is certain that God has provided us with sufficient means to fight from all directions – from the right, left, above, and below. We must not despise these means but receive them willingly, acknowledging our shortcomings.

This should motivate us to arm ourselves and accept the help that God generously provides. By doing so, we can withstand all the devil's assaults. This further reinforces the point that we cannot serve God at our own leisure. Obedience to God requires us to be armed, as the devil relentlessly troubles and obstructs us. Therefore, if we wish to walk in the fear of our God, we must be prepared for battle, for our enemy will never allow us to rest.

St. Paul makes it clear that Satan's assaults on us to lead us into wickedness are not occasional but a continuous battle. After one attack from one direction, he returns from another, requiring us to strengthen ourselves and repel him with armour no matter where he strikes. Furthermore, he emphasises that our fight is not against mere human beings but against the powers and principalities of the air, against the rulers of the world, and against wicked spirits from heaven. Often, when we perceive an enemy as weak and incapable of harming us, we become complacent and underestimate their potential. This has led many who were thought to be valiant to fall short because they underestimated their foe.

St. Paul reminds us that our adversaries are not ordinary mortals but far surpass them. He calls them "powers and principalities," suggesting that they have authority and dominance over us. Even if we were to engage an enemy who had the upper hand, it would be deeply troubling. These demonic forces not only have authority but also employ countless stratagems and ambushes to ensnare us. Our lack of vigilance and readiness is evident despite these warnings, and we seem to be in a state of apathy.

St. Peter similarly warns us, comparing the devil to a roaring lion seeking prey to devour. This serves to remind us not to be careless or overly confident but to remain steadfast. We should not be overwhelmed with excessive fear; instead, we should rely on faith. Both St. Peter and St. Paul stress that the devil is powerful, but God's armour equips us to overcome Satan and his attacks, ultimately gaining the upper hand.

Therefore, we must remember that whenever we encounter obstacles hindering our path in God's call, and when we see that we fall short as required, we must acknowledge our weakness. We should reject the notions of popery, such as the idea of free will and preparatory works, which delude people into thinking they can approach God on their own merits. All such misconceptions must be cast aside.

Once we have admitted our complete inability to achieve anything by ourselves, we should turn our attention to our enemy. This should not overwhelm us to the point of despair, but rather, it should serve as a wakeup call, motivating us to seek help from God through prayer and supplication, and to embrace His promises with unwavering faith. God's promises are more powerful than anything in the world, and we should trust that He will always prevail over Satan and his schemes. God has promised us His infinite power and support in our times of need.

In light of the fact that we are surrounded by many enemies and are inherently prone to evil while lacking any inherent goodness, we should walk in a state of vigilance and caution. It is essential to recognise our own weaknesses and be stirred by fear due to the presence of our enemies, who could easily overwhelm us if not for the sustaining hand of God. Despite our weaknesses, we must move forward with heads held high, confident in the promised help from above. We will experience God's strength manifesting itself through our weaknesses, allowing us to remain unvanquished. Even in the midst of fierce battles and severe trials, where we may feel the intensity of the struggle, we should know that all will ultimately work to our advantage. Our trials will serve to humble us and motivate us to call upon God. They will also prompt us to give thanks and honour to Him when we realise that it is He who grants us the grace to overcome our enemies.

To live a well-ordered life, it is essential to first know God and recognise that we owe Him for all the goodness and blessings we receive. This knowledge should not lead to complacency but should instead inspire us to continually glorify Him by walking in His fear. Now, let us humble ourselves before the majesty of our good God, acknowledging our faults and praying that our awareness of them will lead us to seek Him. May we not only obtain forgiveness for our past faults but also be strengthened to live our entire lives in accordance with His holy commandments, in line with the measure of grace He has bestowed upon us. We pray that He may cleanse us from the vices and blemishes that stain us as we journey through this world. And thus, we say, "Almighty God, Heavenly Father, etc."