Points to examine

2. Points to examine What is Armor? What are the different components of the armor of God? What are we battling against?

3. What is armor? Armor: a defensive covering, as of metal, wood, or leather, worn to protect the body against weapons. A safeguard or protection. Any* quality, characteristic, situation, or thing that serves as protection. Armor is used because the solider acknowledges that there exists the possibility of something penetrating his personal “defense zone”. It takes humility, recognition of authority and obedience for armor to serve its designed purpose. Personal questions: When we enlist into the army of God (prayer of salvation) why do so many of us think we will never be attacked? Isaiah 54:17 When we are in training (church) why do we expect immediate perfection in ourselves and others? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 When we are attacked why is it so many of us run from the army? James 5:16, 2 John 1:8-9 After our training (church) why are we still afraid of past attacks we have been prepared for? Watch the spirits! 1 John 4:1-3 Are we humble enough to recognize our need of armor? Do we recognize the authority (ability) of the armor? 2 Corinthians10:3-5 Are we willing to obey the command made from the commanding officer? Psalms 91:1-6 If we are not willing to obey the command what outcome do we expect?

4. What are the different components of the armor of God? Ephesians 6:13 13 ”Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Full armor: They key in our victory is not to pick and choose what we apply to our lives from God but take every single thing He provides to us. Everything He gives us has a purpose- 1 Corinthians 10:13* (the way out) Picture puzzle*** lose a piece, what happens?

5. What are the different components of the armor of God? Ephesians 6:14 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, Belt of truth- The belt of truth known as the “Cingulum or balteus” (Roman Soldiers) was used for the purpose of tying all the weapons together. Held the sheath for the sword which ultimately held the sword. It also held the strands of leather that protected the lower body and concealed the vulnerable areas. The belt also conserved the weapons so the solider could remain mobile, a solider in place is a person open to attack. The belt of truth provides us direction, since the truth is the Word, the belt is the 360degree coverage and encompassing of our bodies by the word (truth). When this is the case in our lives we leave no open areas for the enemy. There can be no gaps or open spots in your belt or your weapon will fall and you will be exposed! Look at today's "style", kids pants sag and expose their vulnerability... Breast plate of righteousness- the central part of the soldiers armor. The breastplate protects the most vital organs. The reason it’s the “Breast plate of righteousness” is because righteousness is birthed from the heart and protected and sought out by the same. Righteousness goes hand in hand with Faith and Love- 1 Thessalonians 5:8, if there is no Faith, there is no victory and if there is no love there is no reason to fight! Whatever you keep close to your heart is what you will honor. (Good or bad) See chest anatomy picture*

6. What are the different components of the armor of God? Part#2 Ephesians 6:15-16 15 “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Readiness- The state of being ready or prepared, promptness, quickness. Willingness, cheerful consent, a stage at which we have the capacity to receive instruction to engage in a particular activity. The Gospel of peace secures our steps, assures there is no obstructions (Luke 10:19) and provides certainty of path. Its our Spiritual GPS. Matthew 4:23- The Gospel of Peace brings change and restoration! If your shoes aren't comfortable you will not get far and when you stop you will be hurting. Do you have spiritual foot pain? Shield of faith- The shield is the first item mentioned that is independent of the soldiers body (stands on its own and isn’t strapped to the body of the user) WE must want to take it up for it to be useful (it’s a gift (add on Ephesians 2:8))not a mandate!). Some soldiers will rely on the sword too much and leave their body exposed to attacks that the shield prevents. We must use them all simultaneously. First weapon that could be used both offensively & defensively (close combat) Our shield of faith reveals our testimony. Our testimony blocks the attacks (lies) of the devil and simultaneously offends the work of the devil! Faith will help us against the enemy (defense) and also to stimulate our own walk (offense)! We must TRUST our shield! Romans 8:24-25

7. What are the different components of the armor of God? Ephesians 6:17 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Helmet of Salvation- To understand the Helmet of Salvation we must first understand the use of the helmet. Helmet- a protective head covering. The head contains the brain and the brain controls every function of the body. If we hurt the head we will not be able to function as normal. We lose mobility, function and the capability of making correct decisions. 2 Timothy 1:7 The helmet of salvation surrounds our thoughts, mind and ultimately our body. This is what leads us to retain the Word on our mind continuously. Joshua 1:8 Sword of the Spirit- The sword of the spirit is the Word of God! A soldier without a sword is like a car without an engine, it simply wont serve it’s purpose. It has many of the necessary components to function but its missing the most important part. James 2:17 The cut of the sword was important as they were shaped to pierce even the strongest of armors. It’s important to understand every inch of the sword has function, from the blade to the grip. The word is our light (direction)- Psalms 119:105 The word is Truth (certainty)- John 17:17 The word is life (preservation)- Hosea 4:6 The word is on every realm of reality (Spiritual & Physical)- Hebrews 4:12-13

8. What are the different components of the armor of God? Ephesians 6:18 18 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. Prayer- a reverent petition made to God. The act of COMMUNICATION with God, in the form or devotion, confession, praise or thanksgiving Do you have a specific way to talk to a loved one? (ex: my little petunia, mi negra, mi cui pequeno?) the Gift of tongues is a higher level of intimacy that we establish with God has we dig deeper in our prayer life. It takes your relationship from good to GREAT. Acts 2:1-8 Praying in the Spirit for a Christian is similar to a soldier maintaining radio contact with his general when at war. Generals provide direction, inside information and aerial & foot driven support when required. Matthew 7:7-8 We all know that the moment we lose communication with our support system we tend to be vulnerable to the enemies attack. (Ex: alcoholic losing touch with their sponsor) Lack of communication (separation) breeds fear and instability in all Christians. Even Jesus felt stressed when faced with possible separation! Matthew 26:39 Prayer is a form of self & brethren motivation and a recognition of the General we serve- How great is your God?

9. What are we battling against? The enemy- Ephesians 6:12. we cant fight the enemy in a human realm we have to go higher! Ourselves!- Mark 9:14-27 *24* our personal fears and lack of faith are a bigger issue than the enemy himself. Can you imagine if Gideon would have listened to himself when faced with the Midianites? As soldiers in the army of God its important to always be fully suited and understand our armor. If we don’t understand what we are equip with it has no value to us. Hosea 4:6 This retreat was all about getting us to the point of understanding we are bigger than “ourselves”, with the resources God has provided and our brethren walking in unity there is no enemy that can stand against us!