Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, focuses on Ephesians chapter 6, specifically verses 10 through 11, to emphasize the spiritual warfare faced by believers. He explains that the Apostle Paul frames the struggle in terms of a fight, advocating that Christians must equip themselves with the whole armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil. Strelecki illuminates the nature and origin of this spiritual battle, revealing that it began with Lucifer and extends through history over the nations under a veil of darkness. He underscores the importance of being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, which is characterized by the resurrection power exerted by God in raising Christ and seating Him at His right hand, far above all principalities and powers. Strelecki encourages believers to have confidence in God’s authority and strength, which enables them to confront and overcome the darkness prevalent in the world.

Strelecki also draws parallels from the Old Testament, citing figures like Joshua and David as examples of those who were strong in the Lord against formidable enemies. He asserts that the spiritual strength believers need today is akin to that confidence and lack of fear modeled by biblical figures. This strength involves a deep understanding and belief in the transformative power of the Gospel, the promises of eternal life, and the inheritance in Jesus Christ. Additionally, Strelecki calls believers to confront worldly ideologies rooted in darkness with the wisdom and light of Christ, reminding them that their true battle is spiritual. With references to historical figures like Richard Wurmbrand, who demonstrated unwavering faith amidst persecution, he inspires Christians to echo heaven in their lives, consistently drawing strength from their assured future and the hope of glory in Christ.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, explores the themes of spiritual warfare and the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. He emphasizes that believers are engaged in a "good fight" that transcends physical confrontations, as it is fundamentally spiritual, involving a battle for the mind and heart. The sermon contrasts earthly perceptions of war with the divine perspective, where victory is already secured through Jesus Christ. Strelecki highlights apostle Paul's exhortation to put on the "whole armor of God," underscoring the importance of understanding and utilizing spiritual truths and doctrines as weapons and defense against spiritual adversaries.

Strelecki delves into the role of institutions established by God, such as the church, marriage, family, and government, as reflections of eternal realities. He contrasts these with the corrupted powers and principalities described in Ephesians, influenced by spiritual wickedness. Through various scriptural references, including Romans 13 and Colossians 1, the sermon illustrates the nature and purpose of governmental authority and the believer's responsibility to live contrary to the world’s darkness. He calls believers to live by faith, equipped with spiritual armament, to fight against the influence of darkness, emphasizing that true transformation occurs within believers' hearts and minds through God's Word.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians 6:5-9, addressing the complex issue of slavery and its biblical context. He emphasizes that while labor and servitude have been misused and abused throughout history, work itself is a divinely ordained institution, established by God before the fall of man. Strelecki encourages believers to perceive their work as a reflection of their faith, serving their earthly masters "as unto Christ" with singleness of heart, not as mere men-pleasers. By doing so, they exhibit the love and grace of Jesus, reflecting the principles that will continue into eternity.

Strelecki further connects this idea to the broader themes within the Book of Ephesians, highlighting the importance of walking worthy of one's calling in Christ. He explains that this involves not merely going through the motions but understanding and living out one's vocation through the power of the Spirit and the wisdom of God. The pastor underscores the eternal impact of demonstrating Christ-like servitude in earthly relationships, suggesting that such actions serve both as a testament to one's faith and as preparation for the life to come. He invites listeners to see their work as an opportunity to glorify God, promising that the true reward is not earthly recognition but the eternal inheritance received from the Lord.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, leads the congregation through Ephesians chapter 6, specifically focusing on the verses 5 through 9, where the Apostle Paul provides guidance on the dynamics between servants and masters. Strelecki emphasizes the importance of being Spirit-filled in all aspects of life, including work, encouraging believers to view their jobs as opportunities to serve Christ rather than merely their earthly employers. He draws upon historical contexts, comparing biblical and Roman slavery to contemporary work relationships, highlighting that regardless of circumstances, believers must embody the qualities of Christ in their interactions. Strelecki also outlines how understanding God's will objectively, as revealed through the exaltation of Christ, shapes believers into lights within worldly institutions, urging a Spirit-led approach to daily labor.

Strelecki turns to biblical references to illustrate how the principles of servitude and freedom in Christ transcend earthly bondage. Citing scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments, he delves into the historical and scriptural context of slavery, demonstrating God's emphasis on attitude and character over the societal structures of the time. He encourages believers to draw from Christ's example of humility and service, reminding them of the eternal rewards promised to those who labor in faith and obedience. Through this lens, mundane tasks gain spiritual significance, motivating believers to transform their workplace experiences into acts of worship and testimony. Strelecki concludes by urging the congregation to be thankful for opportunities to illuminate Christ's life in all their endeavors, thereby aligning their personal conduct with the heavenly vocation to which they are called.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, discusses Ephesians 6:1-4 to explore the concept of a Spirit-filled family, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of parents and children. He emphasizes the importance of children obeying and honoring their parents as foundational to eventually honoring God, while urging parents, particularly fathers, to balance authority with love and guidance. Strelecki explains the cultural context of Roman law, where fathers had absolute power, contrasting it with the Christian approach where parental correction is founded on love rather than domination. He encourages parents to avoid provoking their children to wrath and instead nurture them with the teachings and discipline of the Lord.

Continuing, Strelecki underscores the necessity of spiritual nourishment through the "nurture and admonition of the Lord," interpreting nurture as corrective instruction with a purposeful aim toward righteousness. He references the broader biblical theme of divine chastening, which serves to instruct and correct believers lovingly, producing the peaceable fruit of righteousness. He challenges parents to instill spiritual teachings and discipline, aiming for heartfelt obedience rather than mere outward conformity. As parents exercise this role, they themselves grow in spiritual maturity. Strelecki concludes by encouraging families to be Spirit-filled, drawing wisdom and guidance from God's Word to build strong, faith-based relationships within the family unit.