Whole Armor of God

His Might

I feel that today’s thinking is that we do not struggle with the evil that was present in the first 3 or 4 centuries. The persecutions were highly evident. But I think that is wrong thinking, and I feel that many people do not buy into the idea that the spirit world is even a real threat.

Paul talks to us about this real threat when he says in the first verse of this passage, 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:10–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Where do we find strength? And from what do we need strength?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.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:12). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Flesh and blood is us right? We do not fight against each other in our humanness, but against the evil forces in this present darkness. Too many people, in my opinion, do not believe ion this passage, or this thought. 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.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Belt of Truth-in the early church men wore a dress like garment. I am sure it was a comfortable dress for the day but not very practical when working or fighting. A belt or girdle they called it was used to gird ones garment for battle. This belt helped to secure the tunic so that he could be free to complete his task. This same belt secured his other tools such as his sword. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Breastplate of Righteousness-a breastplate guarded the most vital of organs, heart, lungs. A breastplate of righteousness means that through right living we are regenerated by the grace of God. Death loses its sting.

Sandals of the Gospel of Peace-it is said that the most attention given a soldier was in his boots. A Roman soldiers boots were designed for long marches over every type of terrain. 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:15). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Shield of Faith-one of the most dangerous weapons of war was the fiery dart. A spear coated in pitch and set afire was thrown at soldiers. If this dart penetrated a wooden breastplate the soldier would be set ablaze. A shield of faith coated this plate with animal hide which would render the fiery dart useless as it would quench the fire. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:16). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Helmet of Salvation-this helmet is not so much a protection from evil as it is a sign of whose you are. If you have accepted the Lord as your savior the helmet serves to signify that is secure in the salvation of the Lord. 17 and take the helmet of salvation,

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Sword of the Spirit-the Word of God-the sword of the spirit is the word of God. and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:17–18). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The writer of Hebrews reassures us that we have a high priest, 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 4:14–16). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

19 and also for me, 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.

Paul closes out this passage asking that the Ephesians pray for him. So, I close this message asking you all to pray for me and other pastors that we can always speak boldly.