Put on the Armour of God

Introduction

Spiritual Blessings (v1-14)

Paul’s First Prayer (v15-23)

You Were Dead, but Now Alive (2:1-10)

You were Far Off, but Now Nigh (v11-22)

What was Mystery is Now Known (3:1-13)

Paul’s Second Prayer (v3:14-21)

We began a new phase in Paul’s letter this past Sunday night.

The first three chapters dealt with ‘Who we are in Christ’

Now he’s writing on ‘How we live in Christ’

And the first thing that he addresses is for the church to Walk in Unity.

Walk in Unity

A Plea for Unity

The Shift (v1a); The Standard (v1b); The Spirit of Unity (v2-7)

A Parenthetical Thought

Jesus the Leader and Giver (v8); Jesus the Liberator (v9-10)

A Plan for Perfection (Completion)

Placements Established (v11); Purposes Stated (v12) [Completeness (v12a; 14-16); Completion (v12b); Until the Consummation (v13)]

Walk as a New Man

In Premise

Walk Differently than Others (v17-19); Walk Distinct to your Teachings (v20); Walk with Diligence (v21); Walk Deliberately (v22-24)

In Practice

Speak Truthfully (v25); Control Your Spirit (v26); Secure your Space (v27); Steal Not but Labour (v28); Safeguard your Mouth (v29); For you’re Sealed by the Spirit (v30); Therefore Show it (v31-32)

Walk in Love

The Manner to Walk (v1-2)

The Mess to Avoid (v3-4)

Be Mindful of the Difference (v5-7)

Walk in the Light

Illumination (v8-9)

What they Were; What they Are; Why they Are; What to Do; What it Produces

Separation (v10-14)

A Proving; A Reproving; The Illuminant; The Alarm

Discrimination (v15-17)

Be Wise in our Walk; our Time; in God’s Will

Inundation (v18-20)

With a Godly Filling; by Giving of Thanks

Walk in Wisdom Within

The Environment

Only one point - as this is the preface to our text today. If you don’t have the right environment, it’s impossible to have the right Armament. You cannot rightly be effective in your Christian walk if your closest relationships are shipwreck.

Instruction to the Wives

The Manner of Submission (As unto Christ Himself)

The Method of Submission (Willingly)

Instruction unto the Husbands

The Manner of Love (As Christ loved the Church; as They love Themselves)

The Method of Love (Sacrificially; So they Shine; Supplying; In a Special Way)

Instruction unto the Children

They are to Obey; Behave with Respect and Reverence

Instruction unto the Fathers

Govern with Wisdom and Care; to Train, Warn and Lead them in the things of God ABOVE ALL ELSE

Instruction unto Servants & Masters

Servants are Called to Obedience; Masters are Called to be Servants

This brings us to the conclusion of the book - and a portion of text that many Christians are very familiar with.

The challenge is that because you’re familiar with it, you might feel as though you have nothing to learn from it. I challenge you to pray and ask God to show you something today - and I believe that He will.

I. The Armament (v10-17)

Our Adversary (v11-12)

There’s a couple things that we must point out in these verses.

We have an Adversary.

Satan is not a figment of one’s imagination. He’s a very real entity. He is supremely wicked, and supremely powerful.

He’s very deceptive (subtil)

Notice church that our adversary is not you and I. Sometimes the preacher can be viewed as if he is an enemy. This certainly happened to Paul. Galatians 4:13–16 “Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”

Satan will try to get you to believe that somehow I am your enemy - but if I were your enemy, I’d preach like Joel Osteen. I would make sure not to ever offend you and keep you comfortable all the way to Hell.

But Satan in his subtilty will get many to believe that I - or another brother in Christ is somehow the enemy.

We have a Battlefield

Our battles are not fought with guns & knives - but our battles are fought in our hearts & minds!

We have a Struggle

‘wrestle’ - this word is not used by accident. And if you’ve ever wrestled, you understand that this is the most laborious, taxing event you can endure. It’s a constant struggle you’re engaged it. (As opposed to boxing & getting hit periodically)

We have an Adversary. Secondly, our Armour

Our Armour

Paul now goes on to detail the dress necessary for the battle.

Church, let me just say - it’s important that we dress right for the battle.

(Ill.) I dare say that if you were to go to any battle that American troops are in, you will see that they are dressed for battle. You’ll not find them out there in their pajama’s as though they were going to a slumber party - they’re going to fight!

Too many Christians are in the midst of battle in their pajama’s!

So what does this armament look like?

It begins with the Loins girt about with truth.

Loins of Truth (v14b)

It’s been said that the belt (which is what this is referring to) is what holds it all together. I must say that I believe it’s true that without my belt, things could fall apart pretty rapidly!

But more importantly, is what God says is what holds everything together - and that is truth.

Church, without truth, we have nothing. I’m so thankful that I have truth today!

There are so many people (and many politicians) that live in constant fear of being ‘found out’. This is why they talk in circles and give such evasive answers. I’m thankful that I don’t live that way!

One thing that we must recognize is the battle that being constantly waged is the battle between truth and lies.

The truth is that God is Creator of Heaven and Earth - yet the lie (that Satan spews) is that of evolution

The truth is that Jesus is the only way of Salvation - lies are that there are many paths, or that there is no salvation at all

The truth is God preserved His Word perfect - the lie is that no version is perfect, therefore we can’t know for sure

The truth is ALL life is precious to God - the lie is that sometimes it’s acceptable to kill a baby in the womb

The Bible tells us: Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”

The Loins of Truth

Breastplate of Righteousness (v14c)

This symbolizes practical Righteousness.

As a Christian we have positional righteousness - in other words, when God looks down upon me, I am Justified by Christ. Positionally, I am Sanctified.

But this Righteousness is something that I am to ‘have on’ - in other words, it’s my doing. CHRIST made me positionally righteous, but it’s my job to be righteous in PRACTICE.

Satan - that accuser - will look for ‘chinks in the armour’. He will do his best to accuse me before others and attack my testimony. This is why I must have on the breastplate of righteousness, that I may be able to fend off these accusations!

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Shoes Prepared with the Gospel (v15)

Notice it’s not ‘feet shod with the Gospel’, but with ‘the preparation of the Gospel’

Preparation (def) ready; prepared

This verse indicates a couple things:

We must be EVER-READY with the Gospel

I wonder how many of us are ready to give the Gospel to someone?

We must TAKE the Gospel

We cannot wait for others to come to us, we must be willing to GO with the Gospel! Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

If you’re not ready RIGHT NOW to give the Gospel to someone, then GET READY!

Shoes Prepared with the Gospel

Shield of Faith (v16)

The Shield is something that is designed to protect you - and the best thing that can protect you against the fiery darts of Satan is FAITH!

Satan will do his best to discourage you, to get you to doubt, to get you to buy into his lies… but we must remember God > Satan. His Word is True!

When you’re feeling alone, we must believe: Hebrews 13:5b “…he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”

When we’re weighed down with the burdens of life, we must remember Jesus said: Matthew 11:28–30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

When you feel worthless and unloved, trust God’s Word: 1 Peter 1:18–19 “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”

When we really believe the Word of God, it strengthens us! It keeps Satan at bay! It keeps us safe from his attacks!

Shield of Faith

Helmet of Salvation (v17a)

Remember, Paul is concluding this great letter speaking about how to live the Christian life. That being said, when he’s speaking of the ‘helmet of Salvation’, he’s speaking of having a regenerated mind.

We Christians are think differently than the heathens. And part of being equipped with the Armour of God is think with a regenerated mind.

Philippians 4:8–9 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

When our minds are pondering on ‘these things’ we can have the peace of God in our lives.

God told Joshua: Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Church when we’re constantly meditating on the things of God, it helps us live a life God is pleased with.

This is one of the reasons Satan wants you out of church. Because when you’re in church, you are inundated with the Word of God, the Things of God and the Expectations of God - this is why the flesh nor Satan wants you in a Bible preaching / teaching church!

How do you think Job experienced all the things he did, but sinned not? Job 23:12 “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”

He made sure his mind was God-centered!

The Helmet of Salvation

The Spirit’s Sword - the Word of God! (v17b)

There is a few things to note:

First - this is the only offensive weapon that we have as Christians. But a powerful weapon it is!

Secondly - note who’s Sword it is - it’s the Sword of the Spirit!

You see, when you take the Sword of the LORD - the Word of God, and the Spirit of God wielding it, do you know what you get? (Ill.) You get a young man who many had written off as a lost cause. He was lost & didn’t KNOW or CARE anything about God put his trust in Jesus Christ and be born again. You have that same young man grow a passion for it, study it, eat it and live it - and give his life that was SO FAR FROM GOD UNTO GOD!

Church, there is NOTHING MORE POWERFUL THAN THE WORD OF GOD WIELDED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD!

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Church, this is the only weapon we have - but it’s enough! We just need to become more familiar with it!

The Spirit’s Sword - the Word of God!

We see the Armament. Secondly, we see the Attitude

II. The Attitude (v13; 18-20)

The Equipment is not the entirety of the Soldier. There’s more to it than that.

(Ill.) You can dress me and a Navy Seal in the same uniform, but we’re not going to be equal.

Let’s address the Attitude / the Posture / the Demeanor of a capable Solider of the Cross

Standing for Christ (v13)

‘Having done all - to Stand. Stand therefore’

Church, we need not be cowering away in a corner concerning our faith. We need to be bold - UNASHAMED!

Paul said: Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Proverbs 28:1 “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion.”

I truly believe that we are in the last of the last days - NOW is the time Christians to Stand for Christ!

(Ill.) It’s amazing to me that men are unashamed to dress like women and parade themselves down main street in NYC while Christians hide their faith as to ‘not offend’ anybody!

Let me just say - if you are unwilling to stand, it doesn’t matter one bit what armour you have on! We must be a people who let it be known that we stand for Christ and we will not be moved!

We must Stand for Christ

Praying in the Spirit (v18a)

We must not only Stand for Christ, but Kneel to Christ - understanding from whence cometh our help!

Prayer is an integral part of the Christian life.

(Ill.) I heard a politician recently say that they pray once - sometimes twice - a day. Now I will say that I don’t believe this politician to know the LORD at all, so it’s not surprising for them to say that.

My point is, if all you’re praying is a couple times a day, you’re prayer life is deficient.

We must constantly be in a mind of prayer.

Having always close communion with our God.

Looking always for His Direction and Guidance

Seeking His approval

Relying upon His Wisdom and Power in all things.

We must be in constant prayer in the Spirit of God

Watching with Persistence (v18b)

We should be watching. Watching for what? The LORD’s return!

Contrary to popular opinion, Jesus is coming back! Jesus said: Matthew 24:42–44 “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

Jesus said: Matthew 24:27 “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” When Jesus comes, it will be brilliant, visible - and sudden. We would do well to look toward the eastern sky each morning and simply ask ’Will it be today?’

Watching with Persistence

Speaking Boldly (v19-20)

Notice here - (we’ve already spoken of the importance of Standing for Christ and speaking boldly) - but what I want you to see here is that Paul asked for prayer that he might speak boldly as well.

You see, it’s not an easy thing to speak boldly - Paul desired prayers for that very thing! It will not happen by accident, we must seek the unction of the Spirit!

Speaking Boldly the Word of Life

We see the Armament, and the Attitude. Lastly, to conclude the letter we see the Afterglow

III. The Afterglow (v21-24)

Now for the close of the letter, Paul wants to leave them with a few things.

Enlightenment Sought (v21-22a)

Twice we see the phrase ‘may / might know my affairs’

Paul desired that they knew how and what he was doing. He invited them to inspect his Christian walk.

Church, how many of us would invite others to hear of and inspect our Christian service unto the LORD?

We should live as though someone is ALWAYS watching us - because someone is!

He sought for them to be enlightened, but he also sent encouragement

Encouragement Sent (v22b-24)

He desired for their hearts to be comforted (v22b)

He desired peace, love and faith sent from the God of Heaven unto them (v23)

He desired for them grace and the love of the LORD Jesus (v24)

Paul had a mind and heart to be a help and blessing unto the brethren. May God instill the importance of that in us as well!

Encouragement was sent as well

Conclusion

How has God used this message to you today?

How’s your armour looking?

Is your posture lacking?

This message will help you, but only if you let it.