Anchored In Truth

There was once a show called “Doomsday Preppers” where they showed the various buildings and ideas of these people who were preparing for major catastrophes such as nuclear wars and such. One man was asked what his approach would be if such an event came and he said, “My plan is to retreat, ride it out, and live to fight another day.” Now, while that may be a decent idea in this situation, that’s unfortunately how many people view the Christian life. We coast through week by week, come to Church to hide for a bit and say that maybe we’ll get serious and fight in the future.

Well, living like that is much like living like Ella in this picture… She may look unbelievably cute, but what do you think would happen if I decided to play monster and she need to run? She’s not going to make it far in the game is she? Why? Because there’s too much stuff weighing her down and she’s not prepared with the right clothes.

As we look in Ephesians 6:10-14 today, we will find that there is a serious war at hand but that we have real power and real armor to stay in the fight. So, as we read through this passage together, I want you to keep your eyes out for 3 truths to arm yourself with in your Christian fight.

Ephesians 6:10–14 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,

Realize Your Strength Comes From God.

In verse 10, Paul calls us to find our strength, not in ourselves, but in God. The language of strength is pulling from Ephesians 1:19-20

Ephesians 1:19–20 ESV

19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

So, what we find here that is encouraging to us today, is that Paul wants us to realize that the power that is within us is that same power that raised Christ from the dead. We have the Holy Spirit living in us. He regenerated us, He gave us faith, He lives in our hearts and is making us more like Christ. He is in us to strengthen us and it is His same power that rose Christ from the dead.

Remember There Is An Enemy

Notice in verse 11-12 that Paul wants us to be aware that there is really a real Devil and a real spiritual war that’s taking place in this world. One of the most creative manipulations Satan played was by allowing himself to be portrayed as some cartoonish red figure with a pointy tail so that people would either 1.) Think that this is so ridiculous that there couldn’t possible be a real devil or 2.) Think that everything the devil is behind is scary and off putting.

But that’s not the case. He tempts people, attracts them, deceives them and his demons are working all around us today. Peter describes him as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Interestingly enough, I believe this passage should influence how we look at those around us today. The people who bother us the most, the people who are the total opposite of everything we believe in. I believe this passage equips us to see that their sinfulness and hatred for God is the result of something greater than meets the eye. They are image bearers of God who are dead in their sins and are puppets and slaves of Satan. And if this is the case, we should be committed to praying for them and preaching the gospel to them that the Lord might save them from their horrible condition.

Seeing that spiritual, demonic evil is working around us should cause discomfort, but we don’t need to fear, we have the strength of the Lord. 1 John 4:4 says

1 John 4:4 ESV

4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Rejoice In The Armor Provided

Have you ever felt helpless before? Maybe you’ve felt overwhelmed because you have so much going on and you just don’t even know where to begin. Lately, when Ella begs to do something and we say no, she gets really upset and says, “What’s I have to do!?” Maybe this is how you feel as a Christian sometimes. You look at your life and you see failures and faults and you think, “Lord, I am so overwhelmed at my sinfulness. I’m beat down, I’m discouraged, I don’t want to live like this but the things I don’t want to do I find myself doing. Lord, what do I have to do!?”

Now, if we misunderstand this passage, we’re going to leave here thinking that God is just sitting in Heaven saying, “Guys, I did the saving and I laid out the armor, now it’s your turn.” But that’s not the case. You see, in Phil 1:6 we read

Philippians 1:6 ESV

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

What I want to express to you guys today is that when we read passage on wearing the belt of truth, we might find ourselves discouraged because we are often deceived by Satan’s lies and we find ourselves feeling hopeless. So, I want you to look to Jesus who wore the armor for you. Isaiah 11:5 prophecies the coming of Jesus and that He would wear:

Isaiah 11:5 ESV

5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

And, if you were here a few Sundays ago, you might remember our lesson on Jesus in the wilderness where He wins over the temptation of Satan. Even more, on the cross lies were being thrown at Jesus as they insulted Him, but He remained faithful to the truth and with His dying breath cried, “It is finished.”

Do you feel beat down tonight, like you keep messing up and you can’t do better? Look to Jesus who did what you couldn’t do perfectly. When He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He wore the belt of truth and responded to Satan with the word of God.

So, what I want you to take away from this lesson is:

There is a real threat.

Jesus won for me where I would only lose.

As I live in light of what Jesus did for me, I will strive to arm myself with the truth that is the word of God that I might stand against the Devil.