Note: This is a study through the book of Ephesians as done in 1995. One of the main sources I used at the time was Beacon Bible Commentary vol. 9.
Title: Armor of God
Theme: To show God's protection
Text: Eph 6:12-17
Christians have a battle in this world. Paul spoke of this when he spoke of the battle that is internal. The battle between the flesh and the spirit of God. The battle between evil and good. The battle between man-pleasers or god pleasers. What a battle it is? Sometimes it seems one wins out over the other. It is a war. Many times in scripture do we see this used. In 1 Samuel 25:28 we see the reference to it as one "fighteth the battles of the Lord."
We are told in Jude 3 to contend for the faith. Hold our ground for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We see this same idea in Revelation 3:11 when "hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.." We are fighting a battle for our life. Not just a life here on earth but one of eternity. The best part in Christ has already won and Satan has been defeated and we have the same power through Christ to overcome him and then speak as Paul spoke " I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (2 Timothy 4:7 AV) What a testimony? What an epitaph to put on a grave.
So what must we do. How do we begin? Right here in Ephesians 6. Let us look at what we must do.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
As we have already discussed we are in a battle and to fight one needs armour or protection from the enemy.
Who are we fighting against? Satan, Lucifer, the deceiver, the devil.
wiles: 1) cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
A well quoted verse We know the application of it. Our battle is not against flesh but against the spiritual realm. That is physical flesh. When I mention the flesh earlier it was as the old man or the worldly desires.
We also see the different levels in the dark world. Understanding that Satan is not omnipresent. He is not everywhere. It may seem like it but he is not he has demons and principalities that do his dirty work. There seems to be an hierarchy in the kingdom.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. {having...: or, having overcome all}
So what are we to do but take up the whole armour of God. To be able to with stand and when we do. When we have done all and taken all we must stand. In the name of Jesus we must stand. Notice it doesn't say run. As we look at this armour and if you have seen armour you will notice it is not designed to run in. If were to have a race it would be a pitiful sight but it is designed to fight. Stand and fight. The Christian is to fight.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 AV)
Now let us look at the equipment that God has given us:
I. The foundational truth
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
What is the purpose of the girt. Some people call it a girdle but it is as a belt. It is the center of the armour but also it is the piece that holds all together. As my belt that I have. I would be sad if I did not have my belt. I will not take it off to illustrate.
So why is it so important? Think about it does it make a difference when we fight for something that is true. Does it make a difference when we know what we are doing is right? Does it give us that extra adrenaline? No matter what others say when you know you are right it makes a difference and you are willing to stand.
We have truths We have the God of truth.
What do we have but these two to follow. The truth or a lie.
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; {In: or, For} (Titus 1:2 AV)
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. {of his own: or, from his own will or disposition} (John 8:44 AV)
II. The breastplate
and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
covering and protecting the heart. A heart that is focused on what is right. The we can make our plans the right way and not worry about making wrong decisions.
covering the heart with character and right conduct
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32 AV)
III. Sandals of peace
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
IV. Shield of Faith
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
V. Helmet of Salvation
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
protection is on the head. It you cut the head off then there is no fight. But the protection is salvation. There no fear of the enemy. We are not lost but wwe are found.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. {believed: or, trusted} (2 Timothy 1:12 AV)
VI. sword of the Spirit-word of God
Our battle instrument. This is one weapon that we do not take advantage of enough. It is one that we forget.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 AV)
Jesus overcame Satan by quoting the word of God
Our goal is:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (2 Timothy 4:7 AV)
