Are You Wearing The Full Armor of God?

We must know who the enemy is (10-12)

Ephesians 6:10–12 KJV 1900

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

A. Be strong in the Lord

1. too many times we try to face our sin and spiritual battles in our own knowledge and power

B. Put on the FULL armor of God

1. This is to protect us as we go into war

C. Our struggle is not with flesh and blood

1. republican/democrat

2. gay communities (Tell the story about Gina’s coworker in JC)

D. Our struggle is with spiritual forces of wickedness

Ill. I’m an Alabama fan so we love our football as much as people in Kentucky love their basketball. What would happen in football if the offensive line instead of blocking for the QB turned around and rushed him just like the defense is doing?

App. Too many times we are that offensive line... we rush our brothers and sisters in Christ instead of blocking for them and being on their team

TS: We must know who the enemy is and then We Must Be Prepared For War

We must be prepared for war (13-17)

Ephesians 6:13–17 KJV 1900

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

1. Put on your belt: wear truth.

ACTIONS: Know the Truth, Read the truth, Live the truth

Temptation: to be false, a hypocrite

2. Put on the breastplate of righteousness.

ACTIONS: Believe that God gives us His righteousness, and live a holy and righteous life. Make right choices.

Temptation: To live unrighteously

3. Put on your boots: prepare to share the gospel of peace.

ACTIONS: Stand firmly in the gospel. Always be prepared to share the gospel. Go into the battle. Live in the gospel of peace.

Temptation: to be unstable in our faith; to ignore opportunities to evangelize

4. Take the shield of faith.

ACTIONS: Do not doubt! Believe that God will help you overcome. Live according to faith. Believe and do (). Step out, regardless of the cost.

Temptation: to live only according to sight and/or feeling

5. Put on the helmet of salvation.

ACTIONS: Be secure in your identity in Christ. Live in Christian hope (). Reject the messages of the enemy.

Temptation: To allow our hope to be removed; to live in discouragement and defeat

6. Take the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

ACTIONS: Read the Word. Believe, live, and apply the Word. Devote your life to spreading the gospel.

Temptation: to ignore the Word, to use it wrongly, or to choose not to share it.

Let me ask you a question: Paul says "FULL" armor of God... Is it possible to only wear some of the armor or one piece of it? (Everything goes back to the Sword of the Word) (BTW you may have heard that this is the only offensive piece of armor but Paul's use of the language is that every piece is to be used as you rush or trudge into battle)

Ill. How do you prepare in football? Practice, practice, practice... even professionals have summer camps and practice and workout continually to be prepared for the next game

App. We must practice spiritually...

how do you learn to lean upon His truth more and more (by drawing close to God and going through life depending on Him)

how do you become more righteous (by drawing close to Him and seeing His righteous in your life... btw the further you get from God the less righteous you will start living)

how do you share the gospel of peace more (by staying in His word and letting the gospel sink so deeply in you that you will not be able to keep yourself from sharing it with others)

how do you become more faithful (by putting all your trust in God and not your own sight and understanding)

how do you become more secure in your salvation (by being secure about your identity in Christ and knowing that He is the one that holds your salvation)

how do you get more deep in the Word (by reading it and using it correctly and sharing it over and over with others)

TS: We must know who the enemy is and we know that we must be prepared for War but the last point is We Must Continually Be In Prayer

We must continually be in prayer (18-24)

Ephesians 6:18–24 KJV 1900

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

A. We are to pray at all times

B. Paul wanted the people to pray that he be able to continue to share the gospel boldly

C. In the book of Ephesians, where was Paul? (In Prison)

Ill. In football you have to have a coach. This person guides you on what you can do in any circumstance. A believer's coach is the HS and this is beneficial because it shows that God is in control of our lives and we must seek His guidance, direction, and will over our lives!

App. Why do you think Paul listed the whole armor of God before he said to pray for him? (He wants prayer warriors)... We need prayer warriors in this church! Over our church, our pastor, our leadership, our members, our vbs, our homecoming.... PRAY PRAY PRAY

Conclusion: We are about to have a time of invitation so if God has stirred your heart and you need to respond please do so. I would love to pray with you and there are others that will pray with you as well...

So this morning let me ask you again, Are You Wearing The Full Armor of God?