Armor Up

Introduction

I use a Windows background screen saver system that rotates different animals and different parts of creation as my background on my work computer.

This week...just so happened to have an image of a Rhinoceros. I thought about how tough the “armor” a Rhino has...so I looked up which animal had the strongest exoskeleton armor. Any guesses what animals came up?

Two crustaceans (the mantis shrimp and coconut crab) and one beetle (of course we all know that beetle’s name… “the diabolical ironclad beetle”; its real name) which is “a flightless beetle renowned for its nearly indestructible exoskeleton...capable of withstanding forces up to 39,000 times its body weight.”

Everything in the world God made or human made...has armor...military vehicles...our cars...space capsules...even our bodies (skin protective layer. Armor is all around us.

Today

Today we hear of a different kind of armor. A spiritual armor that Paul tells the Christians in Ephesus...they must put on...to live as faithful followers of Jesus.

Today we have our second-to-last sermon covering the entire book of Ephesians...we come to a well-known passage speaking of the Armor of God.

Some don’t like when the Bible uses militaristic language to describe anything to do with God or the life of faith...but Jesus said his followers are sent out as sheep among wolves...and he came to bring the sword...not peace. His point? John 16:33

John 16:33 MSG

I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

In this world, you will have trouble...but he has overcome the world.

IN the book of Ephesians Paul has already spoken of:

the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2)

rulers and authorities in heavenly places (Eph. 3)

giving now opportunity to the devil to tempt you to sin (Eph. 4)

and the "Unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5)

and in today’s reading Ephesians 6:12

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

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.

Armor...whether found in creation or in our metaphors...is meant to protect. Protect against disease, infection, pain, and death.

How much more is the spiritual armor meant to protect believers? 1 Peter 4:1-2

1 Peter 4:1–2 NLT

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.

Friends we must arm ourselves and be aware we are in constant spiritual warfare. To deny this is to miss an important exhortation from the New Testament...we need to be spiritually ready for battle.... because we’re in one... whether we know it or not.

Hebrew Bible

God is portrayed at times a warrior in the Hebrew Bible...Exodus 15:3

Exodus 15:3 ESV

The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name.

Isaiah 42:13 ESV

The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes.

Isaiah 59:16–17 ESV

(God) saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

Paul knows this...he instructs Christians of his time...and our time to… Ephesians 6:13

Ephesians 6:13 NLT

...put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Who’s armor

Who’s amor is it? It’s God’s armor. Its not the armor of our own strength, wisdom, discernment or power...the armor is God’s...and you and I are take it up...especially when we are struggling with sin or anything that threatens us to turn away from God.

Paul explains it this way.… (slides)

Closing

Friends...do not be deceived...spiritual warfare is in each of our lives... it's the prevalent theme of the world or “this present darkness” as well. But God did not send us out with out protection...defensive (helmet of salvation; breastplate of righteousness; shield of faith) and offensive weapons… the sword of spirit (the Bible; not subjective truth....which is a misnomer...subjective truth is a lie)...which is connected to the belt of truth that keeps the whole armor of God in place...and the shoes of the gospel of peace.

We are to be on the move...as sheep amongst wolves...not afraid, not alone, but with trust in the God of all creation as our protection and our guiding light.

Armor up, church...for God’s sake...armor up.

Thanks be to God...AMEN.