091706 The Whole Armor of God
The Whole Armor of God
Throughout the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, and especially in Ephesians 6, God instructs us about the enemy.
The Enemy (Eph. 6:10–12)
(Admonition to be strong)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
(What is provided?)
11 Put on the whole armor of God,
(Purpose)
that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
(Know your enemy)
12 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.
(Application)
The war against terror
Pope’s statement
The leader—the devil.
Devil: “accuser,” he always accuses God’s people (Rev. 12:7–11).
Satan: “adversary,” enemy of God and of His people.
Tempter (Matt. 4:3), he tempts God’s people into unbelief
Murderer and the liar (John 8:44). Through his lies and deceit he kills
Lion (1 Peter 5:8), Hungry on the prowl
Serpent (Gen. 3:1; Rev. 12:9), Sneaky, deceitful, skews God’s Word
Disguised as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:13–15), has the appearance of righteousness
“the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4, niv). The motivating force of the world’s thinking
(Where did he come from?)
Many believe he was “Lucifer, son of the morning” (Isa. 14:12–15) cast down because of his pride and his desire to occupy God’s throne.
(But he is a creature/not Creator):
he is limited in knowledge and activity.
he accomplish so much evil through his organized helpers—evil angels.
Paul called them “principalities... powers... rulers... spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).
Satan’s angels struggle for control of the affairs of nations (Dan. 10:13–20).
You and I are a part of the struggle (Jihad).
(The important point):
our battle is not against human beings.
Job tells what Satan can do to body, home, wealth, and friends, but only with the authorization of God.
The Equipment (Eph. 6:13–17)
Christ has already conquered Satan, and gives us just what we need to stand against Satan and his dominions.
The belt of truth (v. 14a).
Christ is the Truth (John 14:6),
Personal Integrity: A person of integrity need not fear Satan’s lies.
The breastplate of righteousness (v. 14b.)
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Christ is our righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21)
Righteousness in Christ, without practical righteousness, is like faith without works
The shoes of the Gospel (v. 15).
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Christ is our peace (Eph. 2:14).
Peace with God (Rom. 5:1) comes from the proclamation of the Gospel (Rom. 10:17)
We stand then (in God’s Peace)
The shoes indicate preparedness to share the Gospel of peace with a lost world as Christ’s ambassadors of peace (2 Cor. 5:18–21).
The shield of faith (v. 16).
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
The shield is a defensive weapon. 1 John 5:4-5 says: "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? " [1]
The helmet of salvation (v. 17).
The helmet refers to the mind controlled by God (1 Cor 2:16).
Christ is our salvation (Luke 2:30);
Satan attacked the mind of Eve (Gen. 3)
He still attacks to take God’s children away from a pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:1–3).
Bible study and faith in Christ secures the helmet
Through the written Word We “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The sword of the Spirit (v. 17b).
The only defensive spiritual weapon is the Word of God
Hebrews 4:12 calls it a sharp double-edged sword “Law” and “Gospel”
The Law “cuts us to the heart” (Acts 2:37; 5:33) and convicts us of sin
The Gospel Heals and fortifies our heart against Satan
See then, that the “whole armor of God” is Jesus Christ
The Energy (Eph. 6:18–20)
The energy for battling Satan does not come from our own power
(Paul tells how to pray)
Pray always.
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
This obviously does not mean “always saying a prayer.”
Jesus says: We are not heard for our “much speaking” (Matt. 6:7).
To “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17) “Always be in communion with the Lord
Pray with perseverance.
To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
The word perseverance simply means “to stick to it and not quit.”
Several forms of praying: prayer, supplication, intercession, thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1).
Pray for all the saints.
The Lord’s Prayer begins with “Our Father”—not “My Father.”
We pray as part of a great family for the family that is also talking to God
Paul asked for the prayer support of the Ephesians for the effectiveness of his witness and ministry.[2] that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.[3]
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[1] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[2]Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt. (Eph 6:10). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
[3]The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Eph 6:10-20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.