THE ARMOR OF GOD

We are in a War and Don’t know it!

Battle Ready: Understanding Our Spiritual Warfare

Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10–18

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Illustration: In the Bible, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. Imagine if a soldier showed up for battle wearing shorts and flip-flops! He might not even realize he’s in a war. Just like that overconfident soldier, many of us walk through life poorly equipped for the spiritual war we're in. We must embrace the fact that we need to put on God’s Armor and prepare ourselves daily with prayer and scripture, so we're ready for whatever comes our way!

In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength and the armor of God needed to confront the unseen battles against evil forces. He encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and be equipped with divine protection.

I pray that we recognize the ongoing spiritual battle they we recognize our identity in Christ and utilizing the armor of God, that we can stand firm and resist the enemy's attacks, leading to greater spiritual growth and resilience in our daily lives.

We have to focus on the necessity of spiritual preparation and the specific pieces of armor—truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—necessary to fight against spiritual forces. We must be actively engaged in prayer and reliance on God's strength empowers believers to live victoriously.

This passage ultimately points to Christ as the source of strength and victory in spiritual warfare. Just as Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness, believers can draw on His power and righteousness. The armor represents aspects of Christ's character and His redemptive work, showing that victory is found in Him.

Recognizing our spiritual warfare equips us to confidently engage in the battle, relying on the strength of Christ and the armor of God.

There are three points that I would like to focus as we study this passage of scripture:

1. Be Aware (Realizing the Real Battle;

2. Be Armored (Resolving the Need for Armor).

3. Be Assured (Relying on Spiritual Strength.

1. BE AWARE: Realizing the Real Battle

Ephesians 6:11-12

We must understand that our battle is not in the natural, but in the spiritual realm. We wrestle not against flesh and blood , but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. . “Wrestling” implies that it is a hand-to-hand and foot-to-foot struggle for the mastery: to wrestle successfully with Satan, we must wrestle with God in irresistible prayer like Jacob (Ge 32:24–29; Ho 12:4). It's essential to understand that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers. Paul’s use of the Greek word methodeia suggests that the devil is cunning and uses deception to advance his evil purposes. The devil has schemes and devices to destroy the believer.

Psalm 22:16–20 “For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.”

2. BE ARMORED: (a) Resolving the Need for Armor

Ephesians 6:13-15

Sometime we can feel outmatched by these enemies forces unless we put on the armor of God, which offers divine protection. We are putting on Christ. Christ has obtained the victory over darkness. By recognizing these truths, believers can understand the significance of being spiritually armed and ready.

Putting on the armor of God is essential in standing firm during adversity, just as like soldiers preparing for war. Explain the importance of truth, righteousness, and readiness. Christians often face lies and accusations, thus wearing the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness is crucial. The gospel brings peace, making the shoes of readiness vital. We must see these elements as reflections of Christ’s character. He equips us through His grace.

2 Cor 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

(b) Responding with Armed Faith

Ephesians 6:16-17

Maybe focus on the remaining elements of armor—faith, salvation, and the Word of God—that provide defense and offense against spiritual threats. The shield of faith can quench fiery darts of doubt and temptation. The helmet of salvation assures victory over sin, while the sword of the Spirit—the Word—actively confronts lies. Encourage believers to deepen their faith and understanding of scripture, trusting in their eternal security. Highlight how Christ calls them to be proactive in this spiritual warfare with His empowering grace.

3. BE ASSURED: (a) Relying on Spiritual Strength

God is in control and we have a hope.

Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”

Jeremiah 31:16–17 “Thus says the Lord: “Refrain your voice from weeping, And your eyes from tears; For your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord, And they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future, says the Lord, That your children shall come back to their own border.”

Ephesians 6:10

We often forget that our own strength is insufficient for battling spiritual forces. Christ as our source, who conquered through resurrection. We rely fully on Him for strength. If we rely on our own abilities we will fall short. Our reliance on Christ is foundational for engaging in spiritual warfare confidently. By acknowledging this, we can find peace and assurance that we are equipped with His extraordinary strength.

(b) Reinforcing with Prayer

Ephesians 6:18

Prayer is the key to activating the armor of God, keeping it effective and alive. We pray in the Spirit at all times, remaining alert and persistent. By fostering a constant prayerful spirit, believers maintain a connection with Christ, keeping their spiritual defenses strong. Christ modeled prayer and taught its necessity. In this way, believers can continually seek His wisdom and courage throughout their battles.