Armor of God

Hello church and welcome to ICA Devotionals where for the next 6 weeks we go through the spiritual armor of God in the book of Ephesians.

Hook: Imagine you are an athlete, it is the final quarter of the game and you need some sort of inspiration. You are running low and you need an encouragement.

Paul, in his letter to the churches of Ephesus, encourages God’s church to pursuit strength that only God can give.

Ephesians 6:10–13 NIV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

This desire to be strong and to PUT ON the armor which will protect you.

This model of armor relates to how Roman soldiers were dressed. All of it, the helmet, shield, weapon, breastplate.

In Ukraine, we have see sets of armor more times than we can count. Some of us helped purchase the armor for our friends or family because they are fighting for our freedom.

Today’s focus is on the belt of truth.

Ephesians 6:14 NIV

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

In Jesus’ days, the belt had a practical application:

Holding the tunic and other equipment in place

Essential piece that each solider carried

If you don’t have the belt, then you are not equipped for the day and for the tasks that you have

Spiritual application:

Truth matters, for it holds our integrity

Truth is non-negotiable, for everything is held by what we believe is truth.

If we don’t have truth in us, what are we upholding in our lives?

Question for contemplation:

What truth do you hold in your life?

Have you put on your armor of God?

Do you have your pieces of armor together?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you your scripture, that is alive and working in us today. I am praying that the truth that was given to us, entrusted us with, that it will be alive in us every day.