“Ambassadors in Chains” (Ephesians 6:10-20) - Belong VIII –

 

Spiritual Warfare?

What comes to your mind when you hear the words “spiritual warfare”? The French poet Charles Baudelaire once wrote, “The devil’s finest trick is to persuade you that he does not exist.” As C. S. Lewis echoed this idea in the Screwtape Letters, saying people tend to fall into two extremes about the devil: either ignoring his existence completely or becoming obsessed with him. Neither is helpful. As Christians, we are called to have a balanced, biblical understanding of spiritual warfare.

As followers of Jesus, we know the devil is real. Recognizing the enemy is the first step in the battle. His attacks come in different ways. Sometimes it’s obvious, like persecution of Christians. Other times, it’s more subtle—distracting us with meaningless debates, false teachings, or temptations like money, power, and selfish desires.[1] We wrestle daily with some of these whether we like it or not. Paul reminds us that our struggle is not with human beings (“flesh and blood”), but with evil spiritual forces. We must be ready to face these battles.

 

The Full Armor of God

God has given us what we need to win. Paul describes it as the full armor of God. In his time, people often saw Roman soldiers, so this analogy was easy to understand. The armor includes six parts:

1. The belt of truth
2. The breastplate of righteousness
3. The boots of the gospel of peace
4. The shield of faith
5. The helmet of salvation
6. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

This armor is not something we put on physically. It’s a picture of our relationship with Jesus. Just as a soldier wears armor, we “wear” Christ. Just as a soldier’s armor becomes a part of him, our lives must be completely united with Christ. When we stay close to Christ, we are protected.

All-Prayer

How do we put on the armor? Through prayer. After describing the six main pieces of the armor, Paul tells us how to put the armor on, saying, “Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication” (v. 18). Prayer connects us with Jesus and equips us for the fight.

In Pilgrim’s Progress Christian defeats Apollyon the dragon with his sword. But then, he enters the valley of the shadow of death. In that valley you hear things like a continual howling and yelling; discouraging clouds of confusion hang over the valley; the pathway is so dark, that you can’t see where your next step would land. The sword is no help. He switches to another weapon called All-prayer. He cries, “O Lord, deliver my soul!” And God answers him.[2]

We too face times when the enemy attacks subtly but persistently. He whispers lies like, “God doesn’t care about you,” or “Why does a good God allow suffering?” In those moments, we fight back with prayer. When we feel unworthy, we pray, “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” When we feel confused, we pray, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). When we feel afraid, we pray, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You” (Psalm 56:3). Prayer helps us stay close to God and overcome every attack. By All-prayer, we win the battles.  

 

Stand

God provides the armor and does most of the work in our battles. He strengthens us, sustains us, helps us. But he asks one thing of us: to stand. Paul says “stand” four times in Ephesians 6:11-14: Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore. Stand, stand, stand, stand. That’s our part. God provides all the means to overcome, but we must be willing to stand, and persevere.

In the Old Testament, we see this principle in the story of King Jehoshaphat. When the Moabites and Ammonites came against King Jehoshaphat for battle, Jehoshaphat was afraid. But he resolved to seek the Lord, praying, “O our God… we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” God answered, “Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf” (2 Ch 20:17). Early the next morning Jehoshaphat and his army went out, marching and singing to the Lord, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever!” As they sang, God caused their enemies to turn on each other. Israel won the battle by standing firm in faith. So how did Israel win the battle? By standing. God did all the work, but still Israel had to stand firm, hold their position by faith.

The story of Dick and Rick Hoyt shows what it means to stand. Rick was born with cerebral palsy and cannot walk or talk. Yet, he and his father have completed over 800 races, including Ironman triathlons. In these races, the father pulls, pushes, and carries Rick. The father does all the work, but Rick must endure the cold, wind, and exhaustion. In one race, when their bike broke, Dick knelt beside his shivering son and asked, “Do you want to keep going?” Rick nodded. Together, they finished the race. This is a powerful picture of standing in faith. God carries us, but we must remain willing.

 

Ambassadors in Chains

Paul knew what it meant to stand firm. In Ephesians 6:20, he calls himself “an ambassador in chains.” What a paradoxical truth it is! Ambassadors usually travel freely, representing their king. But Paul was imprisoned for the gospel.

Paul might have thought his education and background made him perfect to preach to the Jews, but God had a different plan. Paul was sent to the Gentiles. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned. Yet, he remained faithful. From prison, he wrote at least four letters, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, and throughout his life he wrote about half of the New Testament* (*He wrote 13 letters out of 27 books in the NT). He also planted at least 14 churches, and influenced many more through his disciples and co-workers. Paul was willing, standing firm, praying always. Paul was an ambassador in chains for Christ.

When I began ministry, I thought that if I gave my very best, the church would grow and flourish. Yet, over time, I’ve learned that it doesn’t always work out that way. Our church, like so many others in the UMC, is facing challenges. Every empty pew makes me think of those who have gone before us and those who have left, and I often feel the weight of it. But through these trials, God is teaching me to trust Him more deeply and embrace humility and compassion. I am beginning to understand the heart of a true shepherd—that one soul is more precious than the entire world.

Let me close with a prayer known as the Creed for the Disabled:

 

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

 

I asked for health that I might do greater things.

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

 

I asked for riches that I might be happy.

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

 

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

 

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

 

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

 

Are you willing to stand? Will you trust God, no matter the battle? God has already given us everything we need. Let’s say “Amen” with our lives. Amen.

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[1] N. T. Wright, Ephesians (N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides) . InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition. Location 867 of 1084.

[2] John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress, Aneko Press. Kindle Edition. 69-70.

“Life in the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18-21) - Belong VII –

New Life

Once, John Wesley visited factory workers in Epworth. In his journal, he described their behavior as “profane and loose to the last degree.” But Wesley didn’t give up on them; he kept visiting and praying with them. Over time, a remarkable change took place. In three factories, profanity and lewdness disappeared, replaced by worship and encouragement. “God put a new song in their mouths,” Wesley wrote, “and blasphemies were turned to praise. Those three I visited today, and I found religion had taken deep root in them. No trifling word was heard among them, and they watch over each other in love. I found it exceedingly good to be there, and we rejoiced together in the God of our salvation.”

Where there is the Holy Spirit, there is new life. The same transformation was happening in Ephesus. People who turned to Christ left behind their old, pagan ways. They put away sexual immorality, greed, and anger. In chapter 5, the Apostle Paul calls the Ephesian Christians to “walk as children of light” and says, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (v. 18) Here, Paul highlights the responsibility believers have to be open and receptive to the Spirit’s work in their lives. We choose to drink alcohol, and we can also choose to seek the Spirit’s filling. While we can’t create the Holy Spirit’s work ourselves, we can welcome and invite the Spirit into our lives. And that choice—this decision to open ourselves to God—leads to joy, peace, and freedom. 

 

Singing

How can we be filled with the Holy Spirit? Today’s passage gives us three ways, beginning with singing. Verse 19 encourages us to “sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to one another, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts.” Singing is a spiritual practice that keeps our hearts and minds fixed on God. Many hymns come directly from the Bible, especially from the Psalms. When we sing hymns, we’re not just saying words; we’re giving the Holy Spirit space to fill and strengthen us.

Eric Liddell, the Olympic athlete and missionary, experienced the Spirit’s filling in this way. Liddell faced many trials, starting with the 1924 Paris Olympics, when he refused to compete in the 100-meter race scheduled for Sunday. He endured public criticism for his decision, but he stood firm. Later, he served as a missionary in China, where he lived in constant danger during the Japanese invasion. As conditions worsened, he had to send his wife and young children to safety in Canada, staying alone in China. Eventually, he was sent to a prison camp, where he suffered from a brain tumor, migraines, and depression. Through it all, Liddell stood firm, often singing the hymn “Be Still, My Soul,” which is inspired by Psalm 46:10 (UMH #534):

 

Be still, my soul, the Lord is on your side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to your God to order and provide;

In every change, God faithful will remain.

 

Be still, my soul, your best, your heavenly friend,

Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end.

 

By singing, Liddell kept God at the center of his life. He enthroned God in his heart. When we sing hymns, we also set our minds on God and are filled by His Spirit.

 

Giving Thanks

We are filled with the Spirit when we give thanks to God. Verse 20 encourages us to “give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Pastor Charles Spurgeon once said, “Be thankful for moonlight, and you shall get sunlight: be thankful for sunlight, and you shall get that light of heaven which is as the light of seven days.” Some of us may feel we have little to be thankful for, but Paul, by the Spirit, urges us to give thanks in all circumstances, even for small things.

One powerful story of gratitude in difficult circumstances comes from Corrie ten Boom. Corrie and her sister Betsie were sent to a Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jews. Conditions in the camp were unbearable, and the sisters had to fight off fleas every day. Corrie struggled to endure it, but Betsie reminded her of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” Together, they counted their blessings, thanking God for being together, for having a Bible, and for the opportunity to share the gospel. Betsie even thanked God for the fleas, though Corrie resisted, saying, “The fleas! This was too much. Betsie, there’s no way even God can make me grateful for a flea!” But later, they discovered that the fleas kept the guards away, allowing them to hold Bible studies freely.

Giving thanks opens our hearts to the Spirit. The more we thank God, the more we recognize His presence and love. By this, we are filled with God’s Holy Spirit.

 

Submitting

Thirdly, we are filled with the Holy Spirit when we submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (v. 21). Submission is important to God, even though it’s often difficult, especially under “unjust” authority. Why does God allow us to experience challenging relationships with difficult parents, spiritually immature church leaders, mean bosses, or incompetent politicians? It’s often to test our hearts and help us grow in humility.

Pastor John Bevere shares a story of learning submission in his book Under Cover. As a young pastor, he was given permission by his senior pastor to start a home cell group program. After months of preparation, however, his pastor announced that the plan was canceled. John was angry and felt sure he was right. But as he continued to meditate on his frustration, he sensed the Holy Spirit saying, “John, when you stand before me in judgment for the time I had you serve this pastor, you will not first give an account of how many youth you led to salvation. You will first be judged on how faithful you were to the pastor I’ve put you under.” These words changed his heart, leading him to repentance and reconciliation with his pastor.

If we don’t submit to the people we can see, how can we submit to God, whom we cannot see? (1 John 4:20). The Holy Spirit is a humble Spirit, and as we practice submission, we become more teachable and receptive to the Spirit’s direction.

 

Life in the Spirit

In Ephesians, Paul shows us how the gospel transforms our relationships. When we are filled with the Spirit, our marriages, homes, and workplaces are redeemed. Paul emphasizes that being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but a continuous experience, a privilege to be renewed daily through spiritual practices.

Recently, I had a meaningful conversation with my father. For 14 years, he had a strained relationship with someone, but God showed him his own pride and led him to seek reconciliation. So my dad reached out to that person and asked for forgiveness. I could feel the freedom, joy, and peace that this brought him. It was a reminder of how the Spirit can bring healing and transformation to our lives when we are willing to be filled and guided by the Spirit.

My prayer for each of us is that we would be filled with the Spirit every day, becoming more like Christ through singing, gratitude, and humility. May the Spirit work in our lives and our relationships, guiding us toward freedom, joy, and peace. Amen.

“Our Church Speaks” (Eph 4:11-16) - Belong VI -

 

Who Are the Saints?

Many of us find inspiration in The Upper Room devotional, and I want to share a story from October 10 that particularly touched me. In this story, the author and his wife took a summer hike through New Mexico. The landscape was brown, dry, and desert-like. But as they walked, they noticed a few green trees standing out against the dry land. They found out these were juniper trees. They have a special root system that goes as deep as 25 feet and spreads up to 100 feet wide to find water. These roots allow them to survive even in drought.

This reminds me of the beautiful truths written in Psalm 92:

 

The righteous flourish like the palm tree

and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

They are planted in the house of the Lord;

they flourish in the courts of our God.

In old age they still produce fruit;

they are always green and full of sap,

showing that the Lord is upright. (vv. 12-15a)

 

Today, we remember our saints. Who are the saints? Saints are the ones who believed in us, invested in us, and helped us grow in faith. Who are the saints? Saints are the ones who took us under their wings and guided us. They taught us, prayed for us, and lived out God’s love in such a way that shaped us.

When I think about the saints in my own life, I see the faces of several people who have deeply impacted me. My grandfather stands out as a hero of faith. Through his life and his actions, I learned how precious Christ is. Through his preaching, I came to faith when I was 12 years old. My mother is another hero. When I was in high school, I went through a season of spiritual drought. I felt like my prayers were just words hitting the wall. The Bible felt like a book of fairy tales to me. I shared these struggles with my mother, and she listened carefully, then shared her own faith story—how she grew up in a pastor’s family and encountered the living God. Her story and her steady, persistent prayers helped sustain me through that time. 

I also remember my 8th-grade Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Won. At that time, I wasn’t very interested in Christianity. But I could tell she was praying for me and each one of her students. Her godly life made a lasting impression on me, even when I didn’t realize it.

 

Called to Equip the Saints

I am sure you have those heroes of faith. Each of these saints in our lives acts like stepping stones along our journey of faith. God has sent us saints – apostles (spiritual leaders), prophets (those correcting us), evangelists (those preaching the gospel to us), pastors (those shepherding us), and teachers – to help us grow. Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is because I am standing on the shoulders of giants.” In the same way, we are standing on the shoulders of saints today.

Now, we are called to do the same for others. We are called to equip other believers – potential saints, the next generation. Perhaps they may be skeptics or seekers. They may be new believers. They may be our own family members or neighbors. Whoever they are, God calls us to equip them for one purpose: to build up the body of Christ, strengthen the church and God’s kingdom. Some of us in this room may feel unprepared, thinking, “I don’t know what to do.” But every of us can do three things for others right now: we can love them, serve them, and pray for them. We never know how these simple actions might change their lives.

Have you heard of the name Edward Kimball? Probably not. But his story shows how even a “nobody” in the world’s eyes can make an incredible impact when they care about others and God’s kingdom. Edward Kimball was a Sunday school teacher in Chicago in 1855. One day, he visited a teenage student from his class at the shoe store where the teen worked, and there he shared the gospel with him. Kimball then helped nurture the young man’s faith through his Sunday school class. That young man’s name was D.L. Moody.

1.      Moody shared Christ with a man named F. B. Meyer.

2.      F. B. Meyer’s preaching led to the conversion of J. Wilbur Chapman.

3.      Chapman’s preaching led to the conversion of Billy Sunday.

4.      Mordecai Ham was converted at a Billy Sunday meeting.

5.      Billy Graham was converted at a Ham meeting.

6.      Graham preached the gospel face-to-face to more people than anyone else in history.[1]

 

This whole chain of faith began with one Sunday School teacher who simply cared enough to do his part and share the gospel according to his gifts.

 

Small Things Like These

Mr. Holland’s Opus is a movie about a dedicated music teacher who dreams of becoming a famous composer. He does not have those gifts and, instead, makes an impact he does not fully appreciate in the lives of a generation of students in his high school music program. Mr. Holland never writes the musical opus that will make him famous but pours himself into the young people before him: a redheaded girl with pigtails who struggles to play the clarinet, a football player who cannot keep rhythm but needs a band credit to keep his game eligibility, a street kid who is mad at the world but who discovers the beauty of his own soul in music.

As the movie concludes, Mr. Holland is fighting budget cuts for the survival of the high school’s music program. He loses. And he retires. The last day of school he cleans out his desk and, with shoulders slumped down, walks the school hall for the last time. He feels defeated, as if this life’s work was wasted. But as Mr. Holland walks, he hears noise in the auditorium. He goes in to see what is happening and faces a packed auditorium of students and alumni thundering an ovation and chanting his name. The little girl with pigtails is now the governor of the state, and she addresses Mr. Holland from the podium. “Mr. Holland, we know that you never became the famous composer you dreamed of being. But don’t you see it today? Your great composition is what you did with us, your students. Mr. Holland, look around you. We are your great opus. We are the music of your life.”[2]

One of my Korean clergy friends recently visited some of her Sunday School teachers to express her deep gratitude while visiting Korea. It was a way of honoring those saints who poured into her life. Today, you may feel like you don’t have much to offer. You may feel like you are planting in dry soil. But let us remember God’s promise and be encouraged. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Cor 15:58) Let us remember the words of missionary C. T. Studd and be encouraged, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Amen.

  

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[1] Kenneth Boa and Jenny Abel, Recalibrate Your Life (pp. 200-201). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

[2] Bryan Chapell, Ephesians (Reformed Expository Commentary) (pp. 195-196). P&R Publishing. Kindle Edition.