Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Ephesians 6:10-18

Jack Zavada Updated on July 22, 2024

The armor of God, described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10–18, is our spiritual defense against attacks by Satan. Fortunately, we don’t have to leave home every morning wearing a full suit of armor to be protected. 

Although invisible, the armor of God is real, and when used properly and worn daily, it provides solid protection against the enemy’s onslaught.

Key Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10–18 (KJV)

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Armor of God Bible Study

In this illustrated, step-by-step study of the armor of God, you’ll learn the importance of wearing your spiritual armor daily and how it protects against Satan’s attacks. None of these six pieces of armor require power on our part. Jesus Christ has already won our victory through his sacrificial death on the cross. We only have to put on the effective armor he has given us. 

Belt of Truth

The belt of truth is the first element of the armor of God. In the ancient world, a soldier’s belt not only kept his armor in place but, if wide enough, protected his kidneys and other vital organs. Just so, the truth protects us. Practically applied, you might say the belt of truth holds up our spiritual pants so that we’re not exposed and vulnerable.

Jesus Christ called Satan the father of lies: “He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, NLT).

Deception is one of the enemy’s oldest tactics. We can see through Satan’s lies by holding them against the truth of the Bible. The Bible helps us defeat the lies of materialism, money, power, and pleasure as the most important things in life. Thus, the truth of God’s Word shines its light of integrity into our lives and holds together all of our spiritual defenses.

Jesus told us “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV).

Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts. A wound to the chest can be fatal. That’s why ancient soldiers wore a breastplate covering their hearts and lungs.

Our heart is susceptible to the wickedness of this world, but our protection is the righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ. We cannot become righteous through our own good works. When Jesus died on the cross, his righteousness was credited to all who believed in him, through justification.

God sees us as sinless because of what his Son did for us: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT).

Accept your Christ-given righteousness; Let it cover and protect you. Remember that it can keep your heart strong and pure for God: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT).

Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 talks about fitting our feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. The terrain was rocky in the ancient world, requiring sturdy, protective footwear. On a battlefield or near a fort, the enemy might scatter barbed spikes or sharp stones to slow an army down. In the same way, Satan scatters traps for us as we’re trying to spread the gospel.

The gospel of peace is our protection, reminding us that it is by grace that souls are saved. We can sidestep Satan’s obstacles when we remember, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).

Fitting our feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace is described in 1 Peter 3:15 like this: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (NIV).

Sharing the gospel of salvation ultimately brings peace between God and men (Romans 5:1).

Shield of Faith

No defensive armor was as important as the shield. It fended off arrows, spears, and swords. Our shield of faith guards us against one of Satan’s deadliest weapons: doubt.

Satan shoots doubt at us when God does not act immediately or visibly. But our faith in God’s trustworthiness comes from the unassailable truth of the Bible. We know our Father can be counted on.

Faith and doubt don’t mix. Our shield of faith sends Satan’s flaming arrows of doubt glancing harmlessly to the side. We keep our shield held high, confident in the knowledge that God provides for us, God protects us, and God is faithful to us his children. Our shield holds because of the One our faith is in, Jesus Christ.

Helmet of Salvation

The helmet of salvation protects the head, where all thought and knowledge reside. Jesus Christ said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32, NIV).

The truth of salvation through Christ does indeed set us free. We are free from vain searching, free from the meaningless temptations of this world, and free from the condemnation of sin. Those who reject God’s plan of salvation battle Satan unprotected and suffer the fatal blow of hell.

First Corinthians 2:16 tells us that believers “have the mind of Christ.” Even more interesting, 2 Corinthians 10:5 explains that those who are in Christ have the divine power to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV). The helmet of Salvation to protect our thoughts and minds is a crucial piece of armor. We cannot survive without it.

Sword of the Spirit

The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God with which we can strike against Satan. This weapon represents the Word of God, the Bible: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

When Jesus Christ was tempted in the desert by Satan, he countered with the truth of Scripture, setting an example for us to follow: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'” (Matthew 4:4, NIV).

Satan’s tactics have not changed, so the sword of the Spirit is still our best defense.

The Power of Prayer

Finally, Paul adds the power of prayer to the armor of God: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18, NIV).

Every smart soldier knows they must keep the lines of communication open to their Commander. God has orders for us, through his Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Satan hates it when we pray. He knows prayer strengthens us and keeps us alert to his deception. Paul cautions us to pray for others as well. With the armor of God and the gift of prayer, we can be ready for whatever the enemy throws at us.

Cite this Article: Zavada, Jack. “Ephesians 6:10–18: Armor of God Bible Study.” Learn Religions, Jul. 22, 2024, learnreligions.com/the-armor-of-god-701508.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Ephesians 6:10-18

Jack Zavada Updated on July 22, 2024

The armor of God, described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10–18, is our spiritual defense against attacks by Satan. Fortunately, we don’t have to leave home every morning wearing a full suit of armor to be protected. 

Although invisible, the armor of God is real, and when used properly and worn daily, it provides solid protection against the enemy’s onslaught.

Key Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10–18 (KJV)

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Armor of God Bible Study

In this illustrated, step-by-step study of the armor of God, you’ll learn the importance of wearing your spiritual armor daily and how it protects against Satan’s attacks. None of these six pieces of armor require power on our part. Jesus Christ has already won our victory through his sacrificial death on the cross. We only have to put on the effective armor he has given us. 

Belt of Truth

The belt of truth is the first element of the armor of God. In the ancient world, a soldier’s belt not only kept his armor in place but, if wide enough, protected his kidneys and other vital organs. Just so, the truth protects us. Practically applied, you might say the belt of truth holds up our spiritual pants so that we’re not exposed and vulnerable.

Jesus Christ called Satan the father of lies: “He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, NLT).

Deception is one of the enemy’s oldest tactics. We can see through Satan’s lies by holding them against the truth of the Bible. The Bible helps us defeat the lies of materialism, money, power, and pleasure as the most important things in life. Thus, the truth of God’s Word shines its light of integrity into our lives and holds together all of our spiritual defenses.

Jesus told us “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV).

Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts. A wound to the chest can be fatal. That’s why ancient soldiers wore a breastplate covering their hearts and lungs.

Our heart is susceptible to the wickedness of this world, but our protection is the righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ. We cannot become righteous through our own good works. When Jesus died on the cross, his righteousness was credited to all who believed in him, through justification.

God sees us as sinless because of what his Son did for us: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT).

Accept your Christ-given righteousness; Let it cover and protect you. Remember that it can keep your heart strong and pure for God: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT).

Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 talks about fitting our feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. The terrain was rocky in the ancient world, requiring sturdy, protective footwear. On a battlefield or near a fort, the enemy might scatter barbed spikes or sharp stones to slow an army down. In the same way, Satan scatters traps for us as we’re trying to spread the gospel.

The gospel of peace is our protection, reminding us that it is by grace that souls are saved. We can sidestep Satan’s obstacles when we remember, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).

Fitting our feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace is described in 1 Peter 3:15 like this: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (NIV).

Sharing the gospel of salvation ultimately brings peace between God and men (Romans 5:1).

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Ephesians 6:10-18

Jack Zavada Updated on July 22, 2024

The armor of God, described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10–18, is our spiritual defense against attacks by Satan. Fortunately, we don’t have to leave home every morning wearing a full suit of armor to be protected. 

Although invisible, the armor of God is real, and when used properly and worn daily, it provides solid protection against the enemy’s onslaught.

Key Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10–18 (KJV)

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Armor of God Bible Study

In this illustrated, step-by-step study of the armor of God, you’ll learn the importance of wearing your spiritual armor daily and how it protects against Satan’s attacks. None of these six pieces of armor require power on our part. Jesus Christ has already won our victory through his sacrificial death on the cross. We only have to put on the effective armor he has given us. 

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Chapter Outline for Book of Esther 

Chapter 7 Esther’s banquet request and the death of Haman 

“Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.” (7:3-6) 

“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.” (7:10) 

Chapter 8 Promotion of Mordecai and new decree to allow the Jews to defend themselves 

“On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.” (8:1-2) 

“Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.” (8:8) 

“And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,” (8:10-11) 

Chapter 9 Jews destroy their enemies and Purim instituted 

“Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.” (9:5) 

“And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.” (9:20-22) 

“Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,” (9:26) 

Chapter 10 Mordecai’s greatness 

“For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” (10:3) 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Chapter Outline for Book of Esther 

Chapter 4 Mordecai informs, Jews fast, Esther prepares to go to the king 

“And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.” (4:7-8) 

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (4:14) 

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” (4:16) 

Chapter 5 Courage of Esther and the Pride of Haman 

“And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.” (5:2) 

“And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow am I invited unto her also with the king.” (5:11-12) 

Chapter 6 Mordecai Rewarded and Haman shamed 

“And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.” (6:2-3) 

“Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor.12 And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and havinghis head covered. (6:10-12) 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The Book of Esther 

The Festival of Purim 

Key players: 

Ahasuerus: King of Persia. He reigned from 485-465 BC. The book of Esther portrays him as ruling a vast empire, being very wealthy, being sensual, continually giving feasts, and being cruel and acutely lacking in foresight (1:13-22).Ahasuerus banished his queen, Vashti, taking two years to find a replacement. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988) 

Vashti: Queen to King Ahasuerus. Refused the King’s command to appear before the King. She is removed as queen. 

Mordecai: The hero of the Book of Esther. He was a resident of Susa (Shushan), the Persian capital during the reign of Ahasuerus, king of Persia. Mordecai took his orphaned cousin, Hadassah (Esther), into his home as her adoptive father (2:7). Later, Mordecai uncovered a plot to murder the king and saved his life (2:21-22). This good deed was recorded in the royal chronicles of Persia (2:23). Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, and as a result, Haman introduced a plan to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire (3:6). Mordecai then exhorted Queen Esther to approach the king and save her people (3:1-4:17). Haman was hanged on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai (7:10), and Mordecai became second in command, succeeding Haman. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988) 

Esther: The Jewish queen of the Persian king, Ahasuerus. She save her people, the Jews, from a plot to annihilate them. Esther was a daughter of Abihail (2:15, 9:29) and cousin of Mordecai (2:7-15). After her father and mother died, Mordecai raised her as his own daughter. Her Jewish name was Hadassah, which means “Myrtle” (2:7). The story of Esther’s rise from an unknown Jewish girl to queen of a mighty empire illustrates how God uses events and people to fulfill His promise to His chosen people. Ahasuerus appointed Esther to replace Queen Vashti (2:17) Esther exposed Haman’s sinister plot to slay all the Jews. As a result, Ahasuerus granted the Jews the right to defend themselves and destroy their enemies. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988) 

Haman: The king’s vizier (chief adviser). Haman wants everyone in the kingdom to bow down to him, but Mordechai refuses. This leads Haman to decide to kill all the Jews, and he convinces the king to allow the plan. Only the intervention of Esther prevents Haman from carrying out his plan, and Haman is instead hung on the gallows he had erected for Mordechai. 

Haman is one of the most villainous characters in Jewish history. A greedy, vengeful, and vicious advisor to King Ahasuerus, he only seeks to increase his own wealth, power and influence (generally at the expense of everyone else around him). Haman is also said to be a direct descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites as they were leaving Egypt and have become symbolic of all the enemies of the Jewish people, so for Haman to be related to Agag connects him directly to centuries of violence and persecution of the Jews. (ReformJudaism.org) 

Chapter Outline for Book of Esther 

Chapter 1 The Fall of Queen Vashti 

“But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.” (1:12) 

“If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.²⁰And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.²¹And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:” (1:19-21) 

Chapter 2 The Rise of Esther 

“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. (2:15-17) 

Chapter 3 The rise of Haman and his wicked plot to destroy the Jews 

“After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.2 And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.” (3:1-2) 

“And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.” (3:5-6) 

Chapter 4 Mordecai informs, Jews fast, Esther prepares to go to the king 

“And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.” (4:7-8) 

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (4:14) 

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” (4:16) 

Chapter 5 Courage of Esther and the Pride of Haman 

“And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.” (5:2) 

“And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow am I invited unto her also with the king.” (5:11-12) 

Chapter 6 Mordecai Rewarded and Haman shamed 

“And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.” (6:2-3) 

“Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor.12 And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. (6:10-12) 

Chapter 7 Esther’s banquet request and the death of Haman 

“Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.” (7:3-6) 

“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.” (7:10) 

Chapter 8 Promotion of Mordecai and new decree to allow the Jews to defend themselves 

“On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.” (8:1-2) 

“Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.” (8:8) 

“And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,” (8:10-11) 

Chapter 9 Jews destroy their enemies and Purim instituted 

“Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.” (9:5) 

“And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.” (9:20-22) 

“Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,” (9:26) 

Chapter 10 Mordecai’s greatness 

“For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” (10:3) 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Chapter Outline for Book of Esther 

Chapter 1 The Fall of Queen Vashti 

“But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.” (1:12) 

“If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.²⁰And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.²¹And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:” (1:19-21) 

Chapter 2 The Rise of Esther 

“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. (2:15-17) 

Chapter 3 The rise of Haman and his wicked plot to destroy the Jews 

“After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.2 And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.” (3:1-2) 

“And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.” (3:5-6) 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The Book of Esther 

The Festival of Purim 

Key players: 

Ahasuerus: King of Persia. He reigned from 485-465 BC. The book of Esther portrays him as ruling a vast empire, being very wealthy, being sensual, continually giving feasts, and being cruel and acutely lacking in foresight (1:13-22).Ahasuerus banished his queen, Vashti, taking two years to find a replacement. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988) 

Vashti: Queen to King Ahasuerus. Refused the King’s command to appear before the King. She is removed as queen. 

Mordecai: The hero of the Book of Esther. He was a resident of Susa (Shushan), the Persian capital during the reign of Ahasuerus, king of Persia. Mordecai took his orphaned cousin, Hadassah (Esther), into his home as her adoptive father (2:7). Later, Mordecai uncovered a plot to murder the king and saved his life (2:21-22). This good deed was recorded in the royal chronicles of Persia (2:23). Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, and as a result, Haman introduced a plan to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire (3:6). Mordecai then exhorted Queen Esther to approach the king and save her people (3:1-4:17). Haman was hanged on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai (7:10), and Mordecai became second in command, succeeding Haman. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988) 

Esther: The Jewish queen of the Persian king, Ahasuerus. She save her people, the Jews, from a plot to annihilate them. Esther was a daughter of Abihail (2:15, 9:29) and cousin of Mordecai (2:7-15). After her father and mother died, Mordecai raised her as his own daughter. Her Jewish name was Hadassah, which means “Myrtle” (2:7). The story of Esther’s rise from an unknown Jewish girl to queen of a mighty empire illustrates how God uses events and people to fulfill His promise to His chosen people. Ahasuerus appointed Esther to replace Queen Vashti (2:17) Esther exposed Haman’s sinister plot to slay all the Jews. As a result, Ahasuerus granted the Jews the right to defend themselves and destroy their enemies. (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988) 

Haman: The king’s vizier (chief adviser). Haman wants everyone in the kingdom to bow down to him, but Mordechai refuses. This leads Haman to decide to kill all the Jews, and he convinces the king to allow the plan. Only the intervention of Esther prevents Haman from carrying out his plan, and Haman is instead hung on the gallows he had erected for Mordechai. 

Haman is one of the most villainous characters in Jewish history. A greedy, vengeful, and vicious advisor to King Ahasuerus, he only seeks to increase his own wealth, power and influence (generally at the expense of everyone else around him). Haman is also said to be a direct descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites as they were leaving Egypt and have become symbolic of all the enemies of the Jewish people, so for Haman to be related to Agag connects him directly to centuries of violence and persecution of the Jews. (ReformJudaism.org) 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Luke 10:17-19, Colossians 2:13-15, Revelation 12:11

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:17-19)

Introduction:

First Adam had dominion over the Garden of Eden. Gen 1-2

First Adam gave up dominion when he sinned. Gen 3

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)

Second Adam bought back sinful man through His blood.

3.  AUTHORITY MUST BE STRATEGICLY EXERCISED

a. Person must be right with the Lord.  No unconfessed sin.  You can not fight spiritual battles if you are not under God’s authority.

b. Right position.  We are praying from earth to heaven instead of Heaven to earth. And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: (Eph 2:6) Our position is seated with God.

c. Right power is in Calvary. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rev 12:11)

 Use your testimony against Satan.  Be willing to serve Jesus even unto death.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Luke 10:17-19, Colossians 2:13-15, Revelation 12:11

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:17-19)

Introduction:

First Adam had dominion over the Garden of Eden. Gen 1-2

First Adam gave up dominion when he sinned. Gen 3

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)

Second Adam bought back sinful man through His blood.

2.  THIS KINGDOM AUTHORITY THAT HAS BEEN SOVEREIGNLY ESTABLISHED MUST BE STRONGLY ENFORCED

Satan does not give up without a fight.  He uses deception to win.

SATAN ONLY HAS POWER ON THOSE WHO ALLOW HIM TO HAVE THAT POWER.

HE DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO HIM.

We must appropriate what God has given us.  Claim His promises.

OUR DOMINION OVER SATAN

Has Satan’s back been broken?  YES

Has his kingdom been ruined?     YES

Do you have authority?     YES

You must appropriate and enforce your authority.

Satan is holding people captive.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:17-18)

Jesus said: As my Father has sent me, so send I you.  We are being sent to the rescue/ to set the captives free.

We have the authority to tell Satan to be gone.  Our debt of sin has been forgiven, Jesus defeated Satan at Calvary and stripped him of all power he has over man.

BUT WE MUST EXERCISE THAT AUTHORITY!! WE HAVE AUTHORITY OVER SATAN!!!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com