Equipped For War

Text: Eph. 6:13

Introduction: We are in the middle of a war. The Devil has come to kill, steal, and destroy. He wants to steal our love for God, kill us, and destroy the church. The moment he was cast down from Heaven, him and his demons have been trying to turn us against God. But we must stand against this opposition at all costs. God has given us everything we need to stand firm and fight in this spiritual war.

Transitional Sentence: Its time for us to put on the Full Armor of God.

I: Seriousness of war 1: Not against flesh and blood A: Ephesians 6:12

II: Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14) 1: Girded your waist with truth A: mentally preparing yourself for war B: Correcting our attitudes C: Disciplined to win 2: Word of God A: John 8:31-32 (Sets us free) B: John 17:17 3: How do we put on the Belt of Truth A: Reading the Word of God B: Applying what we learn

III: Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) 1: Not Self Righteous A: Romans 3:23 (All have sinned and fallen short) B: Romans 3:10 (No one is righteous) 2: Righteousness from God A: Romans 3:21-22 B: 2 Cor. 5:21 3: It protects our hearts A: Mind (thoughts) B: Emotions (Feelings)

IV: Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15) 1: Stability A: Pick a side and stay on it (Matthew 12:30) B: Peace with God (Romans 5:1) 2: Mobility A: Into enemy territory preaching the gospel

V: Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16) 1: Protection from flaming arrows (direct attacks on our minds) A: Arrows of ungodly thoughts, doubt, pride, fear, etc. B: Can come from anywhere at any time 2: Lift your shield A: Have faith in God, his truths, and promises B: Apply those truths when attacked C: Blocks the distraction and sets our eyes on our faith in God

VI: Helmet of Salvation 1: Protects us from thoughts of discouragement and tiredness 2: Salvation A: Justification (Past) B: Sanctification (Present) C: Glorification (Future)

VII: Sword of the Spirit 1:  The Word of God A: Learn the word and use it B: Short sword, precise and close quarter 2: Spirit A: Power of the Holy Spirit. 3: Witness to the world

Conclusion: In order to win this war, we must be ready and equipped. We must fix our attitudes to understand that we are at war. Protect our hearts and minds, our thoughts and emotions. We then must use the Word of God to spread the gospel to every nation and defeat the Devil and his lies. Its time to stand up and fight.