Ephesians 6:10-18
Our country and our communities are living through a very difficult time right now. It’s time for the church to be the church. It’s time for us to get our arms around our community, show them God’s love, and offer them hope.
Today we will talk about getting our armor on. The word of God has a lot to say about how we can defend ourselves against the attacks of the enemy. It’s my goal today as your pastor, to equip you with information that can protect you against the spiritual onslaught of the enemy and prepare you for spiritual war.
I. Preparing for Battle – Ephesians 6:10-13
A. Be strong – realize that your strength comes from the Lord and that you will fight under His power.
B. Put your whole armor on – Don’t just put some of it on, suit up you’re going to war!
1. This battle is not against flesh and blood. It’s a spiritual battle that is manifesting through flesh and blood.
2. Get ready to pull down strongholds and conquer spiritual wickedness in high places. If we cut off the head of fear, the manifestations of fear will die.
3. We are more than conquerors!
C. When we suit up for spiritual battle it doesn’t just help us win the war but it also helps us stand.
1. The very presence of a Spirit filled, fully prepared child of God, will make every demon in hell tremble.
II. Suiting Up – Ephesians 6:14-17
A. Loins girded with truth.
1. The loin cloth covers the reproductive areas of our bodies. The question we should ask ourselves is, “What are we producing with our faith?”
2. The “truth” is – God is in control!
3. John 8:31-32 – Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
a. The truth will set us free from worries, anxieties and fears.
B. Breastplate of Righteousness.
1. The breastplate covers the heart.
2. Now, like never before, it is incumbent upon us to allow God to “make us” the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
3. We should guard our hearts and keep them pure. Purity produces power and we need the strength of God’s righteousness in our lives to win this war against fear.
4. Always remember, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Fill your heart up with faith, fill your heart up with the Word and it will produce the power necessary for living in today’s climate.
C. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
1. We are called by God to preach, teach and emulate peace.
2. Feet shod means that we should always be “prepared” to carry this gospel to the disenfranchised, the fearful, the hurting and those in despair.
a. Preparation is accomplished through discipleship. Discipleship is achieved through spiritual mentoring.
b. We should always be prepared to care and share everywhere we go.
c. We are God’s hands, feet, eyes and ears extended to a world that is hurting… estranged from their Creator.
D. Shield of faith.
1. God's Word specifically declares that we should take up the shield of faith above all else.
a. With faith we quench all the fiery darts of the devil. The wicked will try to puncture you, poke holes in your faith with darts of doubt, fear, unbelief and many other things in his arsenal. (my mind goes to Jesus praying over Jerusalem saying, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem how long will I be with you how long will I suffer you?”)
b. Faith in God can move mighty mountains, calm troubled seas and bring peace where there is chaos, confusion and disarray.
E. Helmet of salvation
1. Your helmet of salvation protects you from stinkin’ thinkin’. Your mind was initially renewed the day that you gave your life to Jesus and became born-again. It continues to be renewed day by day.
2. You’ve been redeemed from the curse of the law – Believe this! Cleansed by the blood of Jesus – Believe this! Washed and made clean – Believe this! Don’t allow the enemy to throw your past back on you. Old things have passed away and all things have become new.
Ephesians 4:22-24: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
F. Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
1. The Word is your weapon.
2. The Word will work if you work the Word! So… Work it!
III. It’s Time to Pray – Ephesians 6:18
A. Let’s quit waiting for the heathen to do what they’re never going to do until they become born again. It’s the church that needs to be praying.
1. II Chronicles 7:14 tells us: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven I will forgive their sins and I will heal their land.”
a. It’s not a Pagan’s responsibility to pray that God heals our land. If the church will step up and do what is instructed in the scripture we will see a mighty move of God in our country.
b. Pray in the spirit! Let the Holy Ghost be your prayer partner during this time.
B. We’re also commanded to watch.
1. Persevere – don’t give up!
2. I like to think this scripture means, “Watch what I will do when you pray! “
Conclusion:
We are living in troubled times. We’re having to make decisions that we thought we would never have to make. Some are watching their wealth evaporate right before their eyes. Others are seeing their loved ones suffer through sickness and disease but more than that anxiety and fear.
I want to encourage you today. God is still in control. There is nothing that is going to happen to you today or tomorrow, next month or next year that will be a surprise to God. He is the best friend that you can have. A friend that sticks closer than a brother. It’s imperative that your heart is right with God today.
• Altar invitation for salvation.
• Prayer against anxiety, worry and fear.
• We speak peace over you and your family today.
Now – GET YOUR ARMOUR ON!
You are a Warrior!!!
