Eph 6:14-20 “Armor of God” Part 2
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Intro: Church MILITANT and Church TRIUMPHANT
-As Christians we part of the church militant: there is a real spiritual battle we face everyday
In the spiritual battle we face as Christians, God calls us to put on the whole armor of God and to pray.
*Context: END OF THE LETTER
-Eph 1-3 DOCTRINE; 4-6 Application
-Armor of God (6:10-20)
-Real spiritual battle that happens for the Christian
-Remember, this passage is for the Christian, who has been saved from power of Satan
-CALL TO BE STRONG (v 10)
-REALITY OF SPIRITUAL OPPONENTS (11-13)
-Scheming Satan, spiritual opponents, evil day.
-OUR TASK: “Put on the whole armor of God…Stand!”
-TODAY: 2 more instructions for the spiritual battle: 1. Put on the whole armor of God; 2. Pray!
In the spiritual battle we face as Christians, God calls us to put on the whole armor of God and to pray.
STRUCTURE: 1. Put on the whole armor of God; 2. Pray!
- Put on the Whole Armor of God (14-17)
The apostle Paul was likely chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote Ephesians
-When a Roman solider went to battle, he had a whole array of armor to protect him.
-Paul uses this to help us as believers follow Christ and do the good works of God.
-6 Pieces of armor
1. Belt of Truth: 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
-Roman solider had a belt to keep all of his undergarments secure.
-Christian solider has a belt of truth:
-God’s Word is truth: Ps 119:160
-TRUTH: about God, about ourselves, about reality.
-This gives us peace and confidence and protects us from lies.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness: and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
-Roman solider had a breastplate that covered him, providing protection
-Christian solider put on breastplate of righteousness.
-Righteousness: right standing with God, freely given to us in Christ
-Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:21-22
-This breastplate gives us peace and security in whatever battle we face!
3. Shoes of Readiness: 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
-Roman solider had special boots to help him in different terrain.
-Christian solider: readiness given by the gospel of peace.
-Readiness: to share the gospel with other and do good works God has for you (Eph 2:10)
-Gospel of peace=peace with God and each other
-These shoes motivate us and strengthen us to get busy!
4. Shield of Faith: 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
-Roman solider had 4 foot shield
-They got with raw animal hide and wetted before battle to extinguish flaming arrows
-Christian solider: shield of faith
-Faith in Christ (Eph 2:8-9); Faith in God and God’s Word
-Extinguish the “flaming darts of the evil”=lies and condemnations of Satan
-Satan is an accuser and will lie to you about yourself, God, and your salvation.
-Shield of faith can extinguish them all.
-Take up the shield of faith, believe God’s word when you hear lies! - Helmet of Salvation: 17 and take the helmet of salvation,
-Roman solider had a helmet made of metal
-Christian solider has a helmet of salvation.
-Salvation=Salvation from the power and penalty of sin
–Titus 2:11
-Take up the helmet of salvation and let it give you peace and hope of the future - Sword of the Spirit: and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
-Roman solider 2 foot sword for hand to hand combat
-Christian solider has sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
-We have Scripture and use it as a sword
-Use in evangelism, discipleship, in your own spiritual fight to holiness and truth
*APP: We really need to know, read, and love our Bibles
GOSPEL for Believer: Consider how through the gospel, all these things are graciously given to us.
–TRUTH about God and Selves and Salvation; -RIGHTEOUSNESS as a gift
–GOSPEL OF PEACE—peace with God; -FAITH: trust in God our Make and Savior
-SALVATION: from sins and hell and eternal death; -SPIRIT: God’s Words given to us and Spirit filling us.*UNBELIEVER: These can be yours if you come to faith in Christ.
-Your current state: Opponent of God, serving Satan.
-In Christ, you can be saved brought into God’s kingdom.
APPLICATION: Christian, take up the whole armor of God this week!
QUESTION: How do I put on the armor of God?
ANSWER:
1 Remember the real spiritual battle you face and real spiritual armor that is yours.
2 Consider each of the piece of armor
3. Ask God to help wear and embrace each piece
4 Trust that God’s armor is sufficient for you in the fight - Pray (18-20)
PRAYER is theme in these last four verses, and organized by 4 ALL’S.
1. Praying at ALL times in the Spirit (18a) 18 praying at all times in the Spirit,
-The Holy Spirit fills us and helps to prayer as we depend upon Him
2. Praying with ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION (18b) with all prayer and supplication.
-Our prayer should consist not only of supplication, but confession, praise, thanksgiving
3. Praying with ALL PERSEVERANCE (18c):To that end keep alert with all perseverance,
-We must keep going and not give up!
-God Himself empowers us to preserve in this (Col 1:11)
4. Praying for ALL the Saints (18d-20): making supplication for all the saints,
-We pray for all kinds of Christians
v 19-20: Paul’s prayer Request (19-20)
-Words given to Paul to BOLDLY proclaim the gospel
-HEAR PAUL’S HEART: To see the gospel advance!
-REMEMBER: Paul was in prison!
-Let this be our prayer for each other.
CLOSE: In the spiritual battle we face as Christians, God calls us to put on the whole armor of God and to pray.
