This “Arrows and Extinguishers” document walks through the major identity and life-in-the-Spirit themes of Ephesians, showing how the devil commonly attacks each one with doubt—and how Paul’s truths extinguish those arrows (Eph. 6:16).
1. Chosen & Loved Before Time
| Truth: Ephesians 1:4–6 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… in love He predestined us…” | “God may love others, but He didn’t really choose you. If He knew what you’d become, He wouldn’t have wanted you.” | God’s choice was made before your performance and before your failure. His love is not reactive—it is eternal and intentional. |
2. Adopted as God’s Child
| Truth: Ephesians 1:5 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ…” | “You’re tolerated, not treasured. God puts up with you, but you’re not really His.” | Adoption means belonging, inheritance, and permanence. God does not adopt reluctantly—and He does not disown His children. |
3. Redeemed and Fully Forgiven
| Truth: Ephesians 1:7 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses…” | “That sin was too much. You’ve crossed a line this time. God may have forgiven you, but not this.” | Forgiveness is grounded in Christ’s blood, not your consistency. If Christ paid for it, Satan has no claim on it. |
4. Secure and Sealed by the Spirit
| Truth: Ephesians 1:13-14 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance…” | “You can lose your salvation. One more failure and God is done with you.” | The Spirit is a seal, not a suggestion. Your security rests on God’s promise, not your grip. |
5. Alive from Spiritual Death
| Truth: Ephesians 2:1-5 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “You were dead… but God made us alive together with Christ…” | “You’re still the same person. Nothing has really changed. You’ll always be stuck like this.” | Resurrection power has already been applied. Growth may be gradual, but life has already begun. |
6. Saved by Grace, Not Performance
| Truth: Ephesians 2:8-9 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “By grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works…” | “You need to do more to stay right with God. You haven’t earned His favor today.” | Grace that must be earned is no grace at all. Obedience flows from acceptance, not for it. |
7. God’s Workmanship with Purpose
| Truth: Ephesians 2:10 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” | “You’ve wasted your life. God can’t really use you now.” | God finishes what He starts. Your past does not disqualify you—it becomes part of the testimony. |
8. Brought Near & Fully Belonging
| Truth: Ephesians 2:13-19 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens…” | “You don’t really belong here—in the church, in God’s family, among His people.” | The cross demolished every dividing wall. You belong because Christ made room for you. |
9. Indwelt by God’s Spirit
| Truth: Eph. 2:22; 3:16-17 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “You are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit…” | “God wouldn’t live in someone like you. You’re too messy.” | God does not wait for perfect houses—He moves in and renovates from the inside. |
10. Loved with an Unbreakable Love
| Truth: Ephesians 3:17-19 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “To know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…” | “God’s love for you is shallow. If you really knew Him better, you’d realize He’s disappointed.” | Christ’s love is deeper than understanding, stronger than failure, and wider than fear. |
11. Called to Walk Worthy
| Truth: Ephesians 4:1-3 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “Walk a matter worthy of the calling… With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” | “You’ll never change. Humility, patience, love—those are for other Christians.” | The command to walk worthy is based on an already-secured identity, not self-generated power. |
12. New Self, Old Self Put Away
| Truth: Ephesians 4:22-24 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “Put off your old self… Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God.” | “This sin proves the old you is still the real you.” | The old self is put off, not resurrected. Failure reveals weakness, not identity. |
13. Walking in Love as Christ Loved
| Truth: Ephesians 5:1-2 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” | “Loving others like this will cost you too much. Protect yourself.” | You love from fullness, not scarcity. Christ’s love for you is the supply. |
14. Light, Not Darkness
| Truth: Ephesians 5:8 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” | “You’re still more darkness than light.” | Paul does not say you walk in light—he says you are light. |
15. Strengthened for Spiritual Battle
| Truth: Ephesians 6:10-18 | Flaming Dart of Doubt: | Extinguishing Truth: |
| “Be strong in the Lord… Take up the shield of faith.” | “You’re powerless against the enemy. You’re already losing.” | The armor is God’s, not yours. The shield of faith is trusting what God has already declared true. |