Behind Enemy Lines (4)

Step into the Armory

Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10-20

Christ has already won the victory. You are victorious in Him. But far too many believers live like victims—defeated, discouraged, disarmed.

Why?

Because they’ve stepped onto a battlefield without armor. Because they don’t understand how to wear what God has already provided.

We stand exposed and vulnerable to our enemies.

Every piece of the armor points us back to Christ. It tells us that not only should we arm ourselves for battle but we must also clothe ourselves in Christ for life and all that God has promised through Him.

Look with me once again at our passage.

Ephesians 6:10–20 (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, 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Introduction:

Step into the Armory

It’s Time to Armor Up!

The battlefield is not a place of comfort. It’s Dusty - Loud - Chaotic.

You can’t always see the enemy—but you feel him. You feel the pressure. The anxiety. The temptation. The inner war. The battlefield isn’t out there only—it’s also in here.

Picture this:

A soldier stands on a war-torn field. Scars on his body. Regret in his eyes. He’s been hit—not just by the enemy, but by his own hand. Wrong choices. Friendly fire. Sin he let slip past the gate. He doesn’t need a pep talk—he needs armor. He needs Christ.

And church, so do we. This war is real. The enemy is real. And you’re not called to survive it… You’re called to stand in it.

So today, we step into the armory. We will not put on paper armor. We will not fight in our flesh. We will put on Christ.

The hardest fight hasn’t always been out there… it’s been in here—in the heart, in the mind, in the choices made when no one is watching.

But the enemy is out there too and he is real and he is deadly. An ancient enemy. Older than any of us. Cunning. Merciless. Proud. He was once radiant with heaven’s beauty but was cast down in disgrace. And ever since, he’s hated everything that bears the image of God—especially you.

He whispers lies. He sets traps. He stirs confusion. He accuses you by name.

But here’s what he doesn’t want you to know: he’s already been defeated. He’s dangerous, yes—but not victorious. Not anymore.

And yet, far too many believers walk into battle every day spiritually exposed—unprotected, unaware, and unprepared. No armor. No defense. No plan.

So today, and in the weeks ahead, we are stepping into the armory. We will look closely at the armor God has provided—not costume armor, but battle-tested gear straight from the throne of heaven. We’ll discover how to stand, how to resist, how to overcome—not just survive but stand firm in the strength of our God.

It’s time to armor up. To fight the good fight. To stop living like civilians in a war zone and start walking like soldiers of the King.

The Armor of God (1)

Take a Stand - v. 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.

The Greek here is powerful—“to resist,” “to oppose,” “to pick a position and hold it.”

You don’t drift into victory. You draw a line and say,

"This is where I fight. This is where I stand."

What is that area in your life where the enemy keeps gaining ground? What’s that one sin that clings so closely?

Hebrews 12:1 … lay aside every weight and the sin which clings so closely. . .

God is saying: Pick your battle. Prepare. Take your stand. And don’t just fight with grit—fight with your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

So, if you and I are to take a stand in our evil day against the world - the flesh and the devil we had better look to Jesus as our example.

When you step into the Armory you will notice something unique to this armory unlike any in existence anywhere else.

Every piece of armor is a statement of - a picture of Jesus and how He saves and delivers us in the fight as we face Satan and the world.

2. The Armor: A picture of Christ Jesus - 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth . . .

Let’s be clear: the armor is not just from God—it is God. You’re not putting on a Roman cosplay—you’re putting on Christ.

John 14:6 (ESV) 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. . .

when Paul writes, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…”, he draws on the imagery of the Roman soldier’s belt (cingulum militare) to teach a spiritual lesson.

Show Roman belt

The Belt of Truth is more than you think:

a. Truth Holds Everything Together

Just as the Roman soldier’s belt secured his tunic, sword, and armor, .truth “holds together” the Christian’s life

Without truth, everything falls apart—there is no foundation, no stability, no readiness for battle.

Truth anchors our identity in Christ, keeps our convictions from drifting, and enables us to stand firm.

Without truth, your life comes apart.

You can’t fight lies with vibes. You must know the truth, be grounded in the truth, and live with truth in your innermost being.

b. Truth Prepares you for Action

Soldiers would “gird up” before battle—tightening their belts to move freely.

Peter says it this way:

1 Peter 1:13 – “Gird up the loins of your mind.” The more you know God’s truth, the harder it is to be caught off guard. Lies lose their power when your belt is tight.

c. Truth Protects your Integrity

In Scripture, “truth” often refers not just to facts, but to faithfulness, sincerity, and moral integrity.

Truth is not just information-its character

Putting on the “belt of truth” means living with honesty and consistency—not being divided or hypocritical.

Psalm 51:6 (ESV) 6  Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Truth keeps us the same in the dark as we are in the light.

You never have to remember your lies when you’re living in truth.

Conclusion:

This isn’t about intellect. It’s about identity. Are you clothed in Christ, or are you exposed to the enemy?

Three closing calls:

The Greatness of God Must Anchor You

Deuteronomy 7:21 – “The Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.”

Don’t tremble before the enemy when God is among you.

The Tolerance of Sin Must Grieve You

Isaiah 59:2 – “Your sins have hidden His face from you…”

When we stop being bothered by sin, we stop being protected by truth.

Romans 1:18 – “They suppress the truth…”

Friend, don’t suppress truth—strap it on.

The Belt of Truth Must Be Worn Daily

You don’t get dressed once for life. Armor isn’t for Sundays—it’s for every moment.

“Step into the armory. Strap on the belt. And take your stand.”

Because when you put on truth… you’re putting on Jesus.