Our Armor

Introduction:

I typically do not preach a holiday themed message, but every once in a while, there is a correlation between the special day and what I am preaching. Today being Father’s Day, it works!

Sorry, mom’s! I know I did not preach a mother’s day message this year. But I did last year!

This is the message I would have preached whether or not it was Father's Day.

As a young teen, I learned a lot about doing household repair projects, and I quickly discovered that it is so important to use the right tool for the job. This is a lesson that I have tried to instill in my own sons. Sometimes, you can rig something to work, but it often comes with undesirable consequences.

The Father’s Day title of this message would probably be Use the Right Tools or Follow the Manual.

For the sake of our series Rise Up in Triumph, I am going with the title, Our Armor: Suit Up. A subtitle would be The Importance of Not just having but actually Putting on the Armor of God.

In the last couple of weeks, we have seen that we are engaged in spiritual warfare. The enemy is very real and is working to bring you down in defeat. He has deceived the world and is leading them in their disbelief.

Ephesians 2:2 AV 1873

wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Whether or not they realize it, Satan and his evil forces are working in those who have not believed in Jesus. Many times, he will use them as he opposes God and us.

Other times, he may attempt this through discouragement, distraction, or difficulties that may trip you up and cause you to feel like a failure.

While we may have failures from time to time, we are not failures, because Jesus Christ has overcome and He has given us victory. he has made us more than conquerors!

Failure is not final. We can pick up and move forward through the grace and mercy of Christ.

Ephesians 1:19 AV 1873

and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Ephesians 1:3 AV 1873

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

As we have identified our enemy and our allies, it is now important for us to take a look at the resources we have been provided for success in these battles.

I remember several years ago when our troops had once again been deployed to the Middle East. Many people were talking about the need for protective gear to keep our men and women safe in the combat zones. Our military had provided a lot of resources, but some believed there were some items they still needed for optimum safety.

I am so glad that our Commander in Chief knows what we need and He has graciously provided it for us. As we read Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul lists each piece of armor for us.

Now there are seven items listed which I will briefly mention, but we are not going to study them today. We will take a deeper look at each one over the next few weeks to see its importance and how we can utilize this armor and weaponry for consistent victory.

What we need to know today is that we have been equipped, outfitted, and supplied with the gear necessary for our spiritual protection and success. This does not come from ourselves or from the universe. It is not that you rolled the dice or because this is the hand you were dealt. In other words, your protection and victory are not left to chance.

If we are to be successful in our battles, we must remember:

The Lord is our Source

Ephesians 6:10 AV 1873

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

We are too often swayed by name brands because society had convinced us that the name brand makes the person. Nothing could be further from the truth. We do not (or at least should not) find our identity in the things we own, the crowd we hang with, or what we do.

Now, sometimes we buy name brands not because of status but because of quality. There are some brands that you know you can trust. You feel good about spending a little more because you know that in the long run, it will last longer and therefore cost much less or that the dependability of the items performance will reduce stress and save time - therefore, it is worth the extra to buy quality.

When it comes to the armor we wear into our spiritual battles, we want the armor designed and provided by God Himself! Now that is a brand you can trust! He personally guarantees the effectiveness of the armor because He is present to monitor and maintain the armor as we wear it and use it. That is better than a money back guarantee!

The psalmist knew the importance of trusting in the Lord. He regularly referred to God as his high tower, his shield and buckler, his rock, his defense, his refuge, his fortress. I am so glad we are secure when we trust in Him. He is the source of our strength. He is the source of our armor. He is the source of our victory. He is the source of our salvation.

Protection Comes from Following His Plan

Ephesians 6:11 AV 1873

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

God has provided the armor, but it is our responsibility to put it on. Having the armor is not enough. We must put it on and use it!

When you woke up today and prepared for church, you most likely did not get out your snow boots, heavy coats, extra thick wool socks, gloves, and mufflers because we are not going to be experiencing freezing temperatures here in Southern California in the middle of June. You probably did not put on cleats, shoulder pads, a jersey, and a helmet because you knew you were going to church, not to play football!

No, You prepared and clothed yourself according to what you expected to be faced with today. We may look at the weather or the plans for the day and we dress appropriately.

Some of us guys probably should have asked someone for a second opinion, but what are you going to do!?!

Guys, I have learned that when I get dressed and McKenzie asks, “Are you going to wear that?” the correct answer is “NO!”

Firefighters have special gear they wear any time they go to fight a fire. Their gear is designed to withstand the heat, provide oxygen, and enable them to rescue those in danger from the fire whether in a building or in a forest.

How effective could they be if they decided that it would be quicker and therefore better if they did not put on their gear? They would not be able to get as close to the fire and may not be able to properly extinguish the fire properly or as quickly.

We would say, “Take the extra time to suit up!”

We must not think of our armor or weapons as unimportant. Although they are not tangible and material, they are very real and of utmost importance.

2 Corinthians 10:4–6 AV 1873

(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

When we put on the armor God has provided and we use it as He intended, we will see victory.

If we try to work things out our way and follow our own pleasures and pursuits, we will not experience the victory or joy that God desires for His children.

So, what is this armor and weaponry? and how do I put it on?

Ephesians 6:14–18 AV 1873

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Belt or girdle of Truth - holds it all together

Breastplate of righteousness - the righteousness of Christ; encourages us to do right, live righteously and holily

Shoes/Sandals/Boots of a prepared Gospel witness - ready to tell someone

Shield of Faith - Trust in God

Helmet of Salvation - Know you are saved; know who you are in Christ; know you are secure

Sword of the Spirit - the Word of God - used properly, it is a powerful, undefeatable weapon

Prayer - expressed dependence upon God - Communication

Put it on by consciously going through the pieces of armor and their purpose

Notice if you will that several of these are related to our salvation.

Stand

Knowing who you are in Christ and that He has provided not only victory for every battle but also everything you need for life and godliness, you can have confidence and boldness to stand. When the enemy attacks and hurls his fiery darts, you raise your shield of faith and see the fire quenched. When he attacks your mind and says that you have messed up one too many times, you are glad that you are wearing that helmet of salvation and you are reminded that your place in the family is did not come through your goodness and power, but by the goodness, grace, love, and power of Jesus Christ. You also remember that you are kept not by your own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit! You are secure because the Holy Spirit has sealed you unto the day of redemption. Saved, Sealed, and Secured by the Holy Ghost!

This knowledge we gain from the Word of God - the same Word that is our Sword! This Sword is used when the enemy comes and says, “You have lost your salvation!” or, “God just asks too much!” or, “You don’t measure up!” or, “God would not save you” or anything he can do or say to get your focus off of Jesus Christ. He wants to keep you doubting, struggling, and falling to sin. But a direct, swift answer from God will send him packing.

James 4:7 AV 1873

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Any time we use the armor of God, we are taking a stand against the enemy attacks. Although there will be times when it seems like all you do is put out fires, the relationship we have with Christ and the victory we experience from doing things God’s way provides a holy boldness that we might stand against the wiles of the devil and having done all, to stand!

Ephesians 6:11–13 AV 1873

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand in the strength God gives

Stand with your armor on and your weapons firmly in hand

Stand to show the enemy that there is still one who has not thrown in the towel.

Stand to show future generations that staying faithful and faith-filled is worth it!

Conclusion:

God has lovingly provided us with the armor we need to face the enemy in spiritual warfare. In order to be successful and to experience consistent victory, we need to daily put on the armor of God. Consciously go through the list and spiritually put it on. Have it at the ready for when Satan attacks. You will not receive a warning or a notification that he is coming. He attacks when you are not expecting it. He attacks when you the pressures of life are piling on. He attacks when you have had a wonderful Sunday in church.

He attacks. That is what he does.

But his attacks do not mean defeat for you and me. His attacks do not mean that he wins.

Our loving Heavenly Father knows exactly what we will face each day. So He provided us with the armor and weapons we will need.

2 Peter 1:3 AV 1873

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

We can be prepped and ready for the encounter. Put on the armor of God.

Amen