Ephesians: Life Together in Christ | The Armor of God (6:14-20)
Ephesians 6:10-20
The Reality of Spiritual War is unavoidable in the Christian life, Jesus’ call to His people is clear: Stand Firm!
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Briefly, what is implied in the command to ‘put on’? We know it is more than a putting on by conversation. There is little value in saying ‘I have faith,’ or ‘I have hope,’ or ‘I have charity’ if you are not at that moment believing or trusting or loving. It is one thing to have armor in the house, and another thing to have it buckled on – to have grace in principle, and grace in action.” – William Gurnall
At the moment of new birth, God provides us with His armor.
The Whole Armor of God
Belt of Truth
Our protection both from Satan’s whispering accusations and his roaring deceptions.
Equipping: Continually seek and follow God’s will, through God’s Word.
John 17:17
Breastplate of Righteousness
The righteousness of Christ is our greatest strength and our greatest defense.
Romans 13:14, 1 Peter 1:13-16
Equipping: Rely on and trust in Jesus Christ as the means of our salvation until the very end.
Shoes of Readiness
John 16:33
It keeps us focused on our goal to reach the lost, and guards against apathy.
Equipping: Be ready to seek and tell the lost, without fear of social rejection or even physical persecution
The Shield of Faith
James 1:2-4
The reality that regardless of what the enemy may say, it is our faith and whom it rests on that we stand.
Revelation 12:10, Hebrews 10:23
“My hope lives not because I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died…” – C.H Spurgeon
Equipping: Know and be ready to defend with the promises of God.
The Helmet of Salvation
The knowledge that we already have been saved, and Christ will save us in the end.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
Equip: Boast in the Cross and be confident that Christ is faithful.
The Sword of the Spirit
Hebrews 4:12
The weapon for both internal sin, and external schemes.
Equip: Open ourselves to the Word for our growth and internalize it for our defense.
If you want to fight well you must abide in Christ as the source of our strength, and the assurance of victory.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5