The Journey

Be strong in the Lord.

Ephesians 6

The Whole Armor of God

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. 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. 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, 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. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 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.

The Believers’ Strengths

We need to arrive at the conclusion that his church is not weak, and we have access to a strength that is beyond ourselves.

▪️Be Strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

The battle is not one of physical might and will only be won by them power of the spirit.

When God is our strength, it is strength indeed; when our strength is our own, it is only weakness.

St Augustine of Hippo

▪️Be equipped with what has been given.

The Whole armor in its entirety is essential.

Salmond explains the idea in this fashion: “The spiritual warrior who has kept his position victorious and stood above his conquered foe in one ‘evil day,’ is to take his stand again ready to face another such critical day, should it come.” What is necessary to such a stand is expressed by four participles (asv), each of which modifies the imperative “stand.” These participles—“having girded” (vs. 14), “having put on” (vs. 14), “having shod” (vs. 15), and “taking up” (vs. 16)—speak of things that are to be done before one takes his stand.

As believers, we are equipped from day one to take on the enemy. God is not in the habit of ill equipping his warriors.

▪️Be on the move (in the work of the Gospel.) .

Praying at all times, keeping alert at all times, making supplication for all the saints.

proclaiming comes after putting on the ppe given.

Live with a sense of urgency.

Psalm 24 ESV

A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah