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A familiar picture, even for children, of a Roman soldier in armor.
As believers, are we wearing the whole armor of God …right now?
John 13-17, “The Upper Room Discourse” has been a real blessing as we have heard our Savior invite us into an intimate communion with The Father, Himself, and the always-indwelling Holy Spirit. See especially Jn.14:23.
I have been meditating on Jn.14:23 for the past 4+
years during quiet times with God in prayer & Bible
Study. It’s been so precious as I leave for my daily activities with joy having “My Heart-Christ’s Home”.
…BUT…have I been wearing the whole armor of
God to engage in Spiritual Warfare during my daily
activities?
Have I been fully dressed for battle with satan and his demons?
OUR SPIRITUAL WARFARE
“The true believer* described in Eph.1-3, who lives the Spirit-controlled life of Eph.4:1-6:9, can be sure to be in a spiritual war as described here…The LORD provides His saints with sufficient armor to combat and thwart the adversary.” [ MacArthur Study Bible ]
*One who is truly saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus
Christ; salvation and faith being gifts from God [ Eph. 2:8,9 ]
Spiritual Warfare was real in the garden-the Fall of Adam; for Job, Moses, Daniel, JESUS, Paul, etc.
Spiritual Warfare is real today; American culture with legal abortion, failing marriages, LGBT agenda, loss of religious liberty, and in our lives!
Satan and his demons are real and are behind sin, evil, false religions; they are the enemy we face.
Spiritual Warfare and the need for the whole armor of God are so important, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote 734 pages on Ephesians 6:10-20 [11 verses].
OUR SPIRITUAL WARFARE
“The true believer described in Eph.1-3, who lives the Spirit-controlled life of Eph.4:1-6:9, can be sure to be in a spiritual war as described here…The LORD provides His saints with sufficient armor to combat and thwart the adversary.” [MacArthur Study Bible]
Ephesians 6:10-17 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV)
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and [take] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
A.“Having put on”- Once for all-Always On:
1.BELT of Truth-Jesus The Truth, unchanging!
The belt shows a readiness to fight.
2.Breastplate of Righteousness=Justification!
Symbolizes God’s protection of our heart, desires,
affections, emotions.
3.Gospel of Peace Shoes-Good News of peace with
God; a readiness from God to do battle, to stand in
His strength.
4.Shield of Faith-protection from Satan’s flaming arrows of temptations, doubts & discouragement.
5.Helmet of Salvation=“being saved”=sanctification
and assurance of future glorification. The Helmet
pictures protection for our mind, thoughts, will, etc.
6.Sword of The Spirit=The Word of God-Authority!
Gr. Rhema-God’s Word applied to specific situations
which cuts to the heart of a matter.
The Sword is for defense and offense.
NOTE:
There is no provision for covering our backs!*
We are to stand in God’s strength-
not turn in retreat!
* Scott Weinschreider-7-31-16
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
“…Be strong in The Lord and in…His might. Eph.6:10
“No soldier gets entangled* in civilian pursuits.” 2 Tim.2:4
* “…so also must the good soldier of Jesus Christ refuse to allow the things of the world to distract him.” [ MacArthur ]
[ See also Rm.12:2, James 4:4 & 1 Jn.2:15-17 ]
“…praying at all times in The Spirit…” Eph.6:18