Spiritual Armor for Spiritual War

Me (30 | 3)

There’s a saying, “You don’t know what you’re capable of until you try.”

I consider myself to be very self-aware.

I think I know my limits and potentials.

I also say, “I never fail.”

If I’m honest, the most growth I’ve had as a human has come from stepping out into the unknown—beyond my self-aware limits and potentials—not afraid to fail, but aware of the possibility.

We (27 | 3)

In history, the church is a chameleon. ELABORATE

Same definition of church: Assembly of Jesus’ followers

Radical redefinition of practices, procedures, structures

The church today is not—it’s stuck in traditions.

Non-traditional churches

Got rid of some traditions

Not adopted new

Not a radical redefinition; minor adaptation

The church in the United States was not ready for Coronavirus

Neither is the church in the US ready to withstand the enemy—endure the spiritual war that we are a part of.

Ephesians 6:13

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.

Paul’s BIG IDEA: Winter is coming. Paul is concerned that we are ready. That we have the whole armor, not part of the armor. That we are able to withstand the devil and the powers of evil in the cosmos. He wants us to stand firm.

God (24 | 15)

Ephesians 6:14a 

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…

the belt of truth, “girded your loins with truth” (ASV)

The belt holds your sword at ready.

Truth prepares you for battle. (foreshadowing of the sword)

Ephesians 6:14b

Stand therefore...having put on the breastplate of righteousness…

the breastplate of righteousness

The breastplate or breastpiece is your identity (cf. Aaron, 12 jewels identify him as the priest of the 12 tribes of Israel)

Your identity is righteousness—What do people know about you when they see you?

Ephesians 5:15 

And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

shoes for your feet

“shod your feet,” (ASV) — to gain a firm footing

cleats with long spikes strapped to your feet in some war settings

We are to have a firm footing, with spikes dug deep into the Gospel of peace (Paul has in mind the Gospel of Jesus)

Broadly, Paul is calling for readiness by truth, but we should have a sure footing in the Gospel

Small Group—just finished ch. 7, the works of Jesus and starting ch. 8 salvation—Jesus 101? I think not. It’s that important

Ephesians 6:16

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

shield of faith

Defensive weapon readied before you receive a blow

Faith is to be fostered in the good times so you’re prepared for the bad—you pick up your shield and keep it by your side long before the enemy arrives

Ephesians 6:17a 

And take the helmet of salvation…

take the helmet of salvation

LEB, receive — dechomai means to receive, accept, or welcome

Salvation is something you are given—much can be said here, but you need to be convicted that you have indeed recieved it.

The way you do that is by having a firm footing in the Gospel of Jesus and by being ready with the truth.

Ephesians 6:17b

And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…

the sword of the Spirit

The Word of God is truth, readied at your side

Jesus temptation in the dessert (Matt 4:1-11)

Jesus combats the devil with the scriptures, 3 times.

The devil quotes the scriptures and kind of twists it, not lies, but deceives a bit to try to trick Jesus — that’s the devil’s work and he’s still at it.

You (9 | 6)

13-17 Get ready by being filled with the truth of God’s Word.

Synopsis

Ephesians 6:18 

[Get ready], praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

The message isn’t, “Work real hard to know the Bible and get wise so that you, from your knowledge and strength of constitution are able to combat the spiritual forces of evil in the cosmos.”

The message is, “As you study the scriptures, pray like you’ve never prayed before so that through your study the Spirit of God will empower you, give you words to speak, and strength for perseverance so that you will be able to combat the spiritual forces of evil in the cosmos.”

It’s not about what you can do to fight, but what God can do through you.

CHALLENGE: Have you prayed for understanding of the Word? for words to speak? What if you did?

Us (3 | 3)

The church in the US is NOT ready to withstand the enemy—endure the spiritual war that we are a part of.

Sociologists predict the church in the Western World will die, but continue to grow in 3rd world countries and persecuted countries.

Why?

Western churches (PEOPLE) stopped submitting to God’s Spirit.

Western church is a place to go NOT a people to be.

Western church is a service to people NOT a service BY the people to the world.

We need to regain church.