"Clothed In Christ - Stand!" Ephesians 6:10-17
October 20, 2024
Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
The 21st Sunday After Trinity 20-October-2024 Sermon Text: Ephesians 6:10-17 Sermon Theme: “Clothed In Christ - Stand!” I. Rise Daily To Stand Against The Enemy!(vs.10-12). II. Take Up The Whole Armor of Christ! (Vs.13-17) by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
Episode Notes
The 21st Sunday After Trinity 20-October-2024
Sermon Text: Ephesians 6:10-17
Sermon Theme: “Clothed In Christ - Stand!” I. Rise Daily To Stand Against The Enemy!(vs.10-12). II. Take Up The Whole Armor of Christ! (Vs.13-17)
I.N.R.I. “Has God indeed said...” the fallen angel masquerading as a serpent hissed to our first parents in Eden. The devil, like the birds of the air, seeks to snatch the living seed of God’s Word from us so it cannot take root in our hearts and lives.
“Has God indeed said...” that He created our world and all matter in six 24 hour days about seven millennia ago? Through the mythology of evolution and its idol of scientism Satan steals the truth of the Creator’s wisdom and loving care of His creation from our hearts. Human live is meaningless, disposable, and only worth preserving if it can benefit the community according to our fallen reason captive to the LIE. The LIE drives us in constant fear of ecological disasters, then it peddles tyranny as the savior.
Three weeks ago we heard cosmic history recounted on St. Michael and all angels day. The Holy Spirit preaches through the pen of St. John; Rev 12:7-12 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, (8) but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. (9) So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (10) Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (12) Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." We live on battlefield earth. Satan and his demon army have been defeated. He knows his time is short, for King Jesus the Conqueror will return visibly and in great glory soon to judge the living and the dead. Satan’s demonic army attacks Christ’s Kingdom- The Church seeking to prevail against it.
As St. Paul draws his letter to his congregation in Ephesus to a close - he issues the call for Christ’s Church to daily muster for battle. The Church in this world is called the Church Militant. This isn’t Christian nationalism, for our weapons are not of this world. Paul wrote, 2Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. (4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” This is a battle not for nations, but for a conscience freed through forgiveness in Christ’s blood.
Therefore this morning heed God the Holy Spirit’s call: “Clothed In Christ - Stand!” I. Rise Daily To Stand Against The Enemy!(vs.10-12). II. Take Up The Whole Armor of Christ! (Vs.13-17)
I. If you were the devil, the father of lies and murderer of mankind, why would you peddle evolution as factual science and not just a theory? Lies are deadly. National socialism promoted the lie of evolution in Germany in the 1930's. They justified their genocide of Jews and human experimentation on other inferior human beings in the name of eugenics as scientism promised they could be a master race and build their own utopia on earth. If Satan and his demon horde can convince mankind that God is a myth and their reason and own strength is their god - he can puff them up in pride, chain them in darkness, depravity, despair as he leads them on the highway to hell.
Dear Christian, don’t be deceived! (Vs.10) Don’t forget your oath of office! When I entered the U.S. Army after high school, we stood and raised our right hand taking an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic. Do you remember the oath you took on the day you were mustered into Christ’s Army - His Church Militant? (LSB pg. 270) “Members of Emmanuel, so you renounce the devil?........” You cannot stand against sin, Satan, and his hellish horde with your own reason and strength! (Vs.11) What is this armor? (LSB pg. 270)” Do you believe....” - “I baptize you....”
Satan lies! Remember Jesus’ baptism? St. Matthew records that all heaven broke loose in when Jesus was baptized. After John poured water over Jesus’ head to baptize Him history records, Mat 3:16-17 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. (17) And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." In baptism Jesus battles for you! For all sinners! Mat 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
The devil either convinces us that he doesn’t exist, or that he is like a cartoon devil in a “Tom and Jerry” cartoon with horns and a pitch fork. It is his deception, so you don’t take evil seriously (vs.12) Our battle is not against blood and flesh, but a fallen angel and his demon army. He hates humanity and detests the human body as inferior to his spirit being. He is not a buffoon, but well organized to battle against Christ and the Truth. Principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. Satan isn’t God - he is a fallen created being. He isn’t omniscient, though he knows how to play you through your desires. He isn’t present everywhere, though his demon army is many and seeks to deceive and destroy your body and soul. He enlists evil men and women to carry out his work, teach even in churches, and destroy human life. It is demonic to destroy infants in the womb. It is demonic to mangle human bodies in pursuit of fantasies, feelings, and fallen desires. It is demonic to war constantly to gain more power for self as you sacrifice more and more human life. It is demonic to promote pornography isolating many through media alone by themselves. It is demonic to promote a Christ-less, Cross-less, spirituality claiming that there are many paths to heaven. It is demonic to let the dust grow on your Bible, neglecting gathering together in the Divine service, as you are certain that you are a “good person” and not a “poor miserable sinner.”
Daily Stand in Christ’s baptismal river! Listen! Psa 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. (3) He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
II. Soldiers must be equipped to fight. They may have dress blues for banquets, but when duty calls the put on their BDU’s, body armor, pistol belt, combat boots, helmet, and grab their weapon to protect and defend the liberty of their fellow citizens.
In the Lord’s Army daily put on the whole armor of Christ! (Vs. 13) Clothed with Christ you are called to stand! Stand still and see the salvation of our God! Moses told the cowering Israelites on the shores of the Red Sea. The greatest military superpower of their day was attacking these freed unarmed slaves. It was certain to be a slaughter! The battle was Christ’s to win, not the Israelites. He opened the way of escape for them on dry ground through the Red Sea. When Pharaoh’s mighty army tried to pursue them - they were defeated - swallowed up by the sea and drowned. God’s little Word fell them!
Now isn’t the day for you to wring your hands and complain how evil and darkness engulfs our fallen world. Dear Christian soldier - take up Christ’s armor clothed upon you in baptism - STAND! Stand still and see the salvation of our God! (Vs.14-17) (LSB pg. 271 1st 3 paragraphs)
Today be belted with Truth! The Apostles’ Creed is the Truth of reality! Stand confessing the Truth in the face of the Lie! Our Heavenly Father created and cares for us! Christ redeems and rules history us! The Holy Spirit sanctifies and keeps us in the One True Faith in this Christian Church!
Put on the breastplate - the body armor - of Christ’s perfect righteousness. The devil’s accusations are overcome by the blood of Jesus and His perfect fulfilling of the Law for you!
Put on the combat boots of the Gospel of peace! Stand fast! Tell the world the good news of Jesus. He is the Light that shines in the darkness! He brings hope and healing to the despairing speaking His Word to bring life!
Take up the long shield of the Faith! Study the Creeds - Satan doesn’t change his lies - he just dresses ancient heresies up in new disguises to lead you away from Jesus. St. Peter instructs you,1Pe 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (9) Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” Roman legions conquered the world, not by fighting as individuals, but by standing together and linking their shields as one united front. Don’t allow Satan to break the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace! Stand and confess:Eph 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism; (6) one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Satan’s fiery arrows are snuffed out with the Faith gifted you in Holy Baptism.
Put on the helmet of salvation - fix your eyes and thoughts on the life of the world to come - won for you by Jesus as He now prepares your place and soon will bring you Home to Himself - in the resurrection of your body and the life of the world to come.
Take up the Word of God - the Holy Bible - the Sword of the Spirit. Read, mark, learn, inwardly digest it - so you can wield it against Satan and learn to counter his lies with “it is written!” Deer hunters take great pains to target in their weapons before climbing the stand - hone your knowledge of Scripture through study as you pray for the Holy Spirit to teach and keep you in the Truth.
Gather with your fellow soldiers to be fed by the Captain and King of your body and souls - Jesus Christ. An army moves on its stomach - it needs to be fed. Come to His table! Dr. Luther wrote: “If you could see how many knives, darts, and arrows are every moment aimed at you, you would be glad to come to the Sacrament as often as possible. But there is no reason why we walk so securely and heedlessly, except that we neither think nor believe that we are in the flesh, and in this wicked world or in the kingdom of the devil.”L.C. PartV (LSB pg.330) Amen.
Sermon Text: Ephesians 6:10-17
Sermon Theme: “Clothed In Christ - Stand!” I. Rise Daily To Stand Against The Enemy!(vs.10-12). II. Take Up The Whole Armor of Christ! (Vs.13-17)
I.N.R.I. “Has God indeed said...” the fallen angel masquerading as a serpent hissed to our first parents in Eden. The devil, like the birds of the air, seeks to snatch the living seed of God’s Word from us so it cannot take root in our hearts and lives.
“Has God indeed said...” that He created our world and all matter in six 24 hour days about seven millennia ago? Through the mythology of evolution and its idol of scientism Satan steals the truth of the Creator’s wisdom and loving care of His creation from our hearts. Human live is meaningless, disposable, and only worth preserving if it can benefit the community according to our fallen reason captive to the LIE. The LIE drives us in constant fear of ecological disasters, then it peddles tyranny as the savior.
Three weeks ago we heard cosmic history recounted on St. Michael and all angels day. The Holy Spirit preaches through the pen of St. John; Rev 12:7-12 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, (8) but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. (9) So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (10) Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (12) Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." We live on battlefield earth. Satan and his demon army have been defeated. He knows his time is short, for King Jesus the Conqueror will return visibly and in great glory soon to judge the living and the dead. Satan’s demonic army attacks Christ’s Kingdom- The Church seeking to prevail against it.
As St. Paul draws his letter to his congregation in Ephesus to a close - he issues the call for Christ’s Church to daily muster for battle. The Church in this world is called the Church Militant. This isn’t Christian nationalism, for our weapons are not of this world. Paul wrote, 2Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. (4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” This is a battle not for nations, but for a conscience freed through forgiveness in Christ’s blood.
Therefore this morning heed God the Holy Spirit’s call: “Clothed In Christ - Stand!” I. Rise Daily To Stand Against The Enemy!(vs.10-12). II. Take Up The Whole Armor of Christ! (Vs.13-17)
I. If you were the devil, the father of lies and murderer of mankind, why would you peddle evolution as factual science and not just a theory? Lies are deadly. National socialism promoted the lie of evolution in Germany in the 1930's. They justified their genocide of Jews and human experimentation on other inferior human beings in the name of eugenics as scientism promised they could be a master race and build their own utopia on earth. If Satan and his demon horde can convince mankind that God is a myth and their reason and own strength is their god - he can puff them up in pride, chain them in darkness, depravity, despair as he leads them on the highway to hell.
Dear Christian, don’t be deceived! (Vs.10) Don’t forget your oath of office! When I entered the U.S. Army after high school, we stood and raised our right hand taking an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic. Do you remember the oath you took on the day you were mustered into Christ’s Army - His Church Militant? (LSB pg. 270) “Members of Emmanuel, so you renounce the devil?........” You cannot stand against sin, Satan, and his hellish horde with your own reason and strength! (Vs.11) What is this armor? (LSB pg. 270)” Do you believe....” - “I baptize you....”
Satan lies! Remember Jesus’ baptism? St. Matthew records that all heaven broke loose in when Jesus was baptized. After John poured water over Jesus’ head to baptize Him history records, Mat 3:16-17 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. (17) And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." In baptism Jesus battles for you! For all sinners! Mat 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
The devil either convinces us that he doesn’t exist, or that he is like a cartoon devil in a “Tom and Jerry” cartoon with horns and a pitch fork. It is his deception, so you don’t take evil seriously (vs.12) Our battle is not against blood and flesh, but a fallen angel and his demon army. He hates humanity and detests the human body as inferior to his spirit being. He is not a buffoon, but well organized to battle against Christ and the Truth. Principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. Satan isn’t God - he is a fallen created being. He isn’t omniscient, though he knows how to play you through your desires. He isn’t present everywhere, though his demon army is many and seeks to deceive and destroy your body and soul. He enlists evil men and women to carry out his work, teach even in churches, and destroy human life. It is demonic to destroy infants in the womb. It is demonic to mangle human bodies in pursuit of fantasies, feelings, and fallen desires. It is demonic to war constantly to gain more power for self as you sacrifice more and more human life. It is demonic to promote pornography isolating many through media alone by themselves. It is demonic to promote a Christ-less, Cross-less, spirituality claiming that there are many paths to heaven. It is demonic to let the dust grow on your Bible, neglecting gathering together in the Divine service, as you are certain that you are a “good person” and not a “poor miserable sinner.”
Daily Stand in Christ’s baptismal river! Listen! Psa 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. (3) He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
II. Soldiers must be equipped to fight. They may have dress blues for banquets, but when duty calls the put on their BDU’s, body armor, pistol belt, combat boots, helmet, and grab their weapon to protect and defend the liberty of their fellow citizens.
In the Lord’s Army daily put on the whole armor of Christ! (Vs. 13) Clothed with Christ you are called to stand! Stand still and see the salvation of our God! Moses told the cowering Israelites on the shores of the Red Sea. The greatest military superpower of their day was attacking these freed unarmed slaves. It was certain to be a slaughter! The battle was Christ’s to win, not the Israelites. He opened the way of escape for them on dry ground through the Red Sea. When Pharaoh’s mighty army tried to pursue them - they were defeated - swallowed up by the sea and drowned. God’s little Word fell them!
Now isn’t the day for you to wring your hands and complain how evil and darkness engulfs our fallen world. Dear Christian soldier - take up Christ’s armor clothed upon you in baptism - STAND! Stand still and see the salvation of our God! (Vs.14-17) (LSB pg. 271 1st 3 paragraphs)
Today be belted with Truth! The Apostles’ Creed is the Truth of reality! Stand confessing the Truth in the face of the Lie! Our Heavenly Father created and cares for us! Christ redeems and rules history us! The Holy Spirit sanctifies and keeps us in the One True Faith in this Christian Church!
Put on the breastplate - the body armor - of Christ’s perfect righteousness. The devil’s accusations are overcome by the blood of Jesus and His perfect fulfilling of the Law for you!
Put on the combat boots of the Gospel of peace! Stand fast! Tell the world the good news of Jesus. He is the Light that shines in the darkness! He brings hope and healing to the despairing speaking His Word to bring life!
Take up the long shield of the Faith! Study the Creeds - Satan doesn’t change his lies - he just dresses ancient heresies up in new disguises to lead you away from Jesus. St. Peter instructs you,1Pe 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (9) Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” Roman legions conquered the world, not by fighting as individuals, but by standing together and linking their shields as one united front. Don’t allow Satan to break the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace! Stand and confess:Eph 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism; (6) one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Satan’s fiery arrows are snuffed out with the Faith gifted you in Holy Baptism.
Put on the helmet of salvation - fix your eyes and thoughts on the life of the world to come - won for you by Jesus as He now prepares your place and soon will bring you Home to Himself - in the resurrection of your body and the life of the world to come.
Take up the Word of God - the Holy Bible - the Sword of the Spirit. Read, mark, learn, inwardly digest it - so you can wield it against Satan and learn to counter his lies with “it is written!” Deer hunters take great pains to target in their weapons before climbing the stand - hone your knowledge of Scripture through study as you pray for the Holy Spirit to teach and keep you in the Truth.
Gather with your fellow soldiers to be fed by the Captain and King of your body and souls - Jesus Christ. An army moves on its stomach - it needs to be fed. Come to His table! Dr. Luther wrote: “If you could see how many knives, darts, and arrows are every moment aimed at you, you would be glad to come to the Sacrament as often as possible. But there is no reason why we walk so securely and heedlessly, except that we neither think nor believe that we are in the flesh, and in this wicked world or in the kingdom of the devil.”L.C. PartV (LSB pg.330) Amen.
Content Copyright Belongs to Emmanuel Lutheran Church
5761