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The Armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17. Ephesians 6:1-12. Christians are soldiers in a battle that cannot be won with physical weapons. Vs. 10: God makes us strong by providing weapons and armor that are suitable for our warfare.
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The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-17
Ephesians 6:1-12 • Christians are soldiers in a battle that cannot be won with physical weapons. • Vs. 10: God makes us strong by providing weapons and armor that are suitable for our warfare. • Vs. 11: Only when we learn how to use them will we actually benefit from them. • Vs. 12-13: We will be victorious in Christ “having done all to stand.”
Gird Your Waist with Truth TRUTH • The girdle bound the soldier’s garments in the middle. • It gave him freedom of movement. • John 8:32: “The truth shall make you free.” • When the truth is at the center of our armor, then the rest will be held together firmly. • If the truth is not at the center, then our armor will fail—it will no longer be the armor of God.
Breastplate of Righteousness • The breastplate was designed to protect the body’s vital organs. • We may receive minor injuries in our battle against the rulers of darkness. • But when our hearts are covered with righteousness, we will not fall. • We will not fall to sin when righteousness is in our hearts (Matt. 12:35).
Feet Shod With the Gospel • The soldier’s boots gave him a sure footing during the battle. • They protected his feet regardless of the terrain. • When we live according to the gospel it will give us a sure footing. • It will carry us over any terrain and through any battle. • We must walk according to the gospel.
Shield of Faith • Roman shields in Paul’s day were commonly four feet tall. • They protected most of the soldier’s body. • Our faith is able to protect us from giving in to the attacks of wickedness. • Whatever hardship we face, our faith in Christ and in the power of God will protect us.
Helmet of Salvation • The helmet protected the most vital part of the soldier’s body, the head. • Our helmets guard our minds, for many of our battles take place in the mind. • It helps us to keep our orientation when in the heat of battle—focused on our salvation. • When tempted in our minds to give in to sin, focusing on our salvation helps us to withstand the blow.
Sword of the Spirit • All other armor is for protection or defense. • But we can also fight back with God’s word as our sword. • Heb. 4:12: The word is sharper than any two edged sword. • 2 Cor. 10:4-5: With it we can cut down the arguments of God’s enemies. • Matt. 4:4-10: Like Jesus, we are able to fight back, not with our fists, but with, “it is written.” • We must have a firm grip on our sword in order to wield it properly.