Sermon Central
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The Armor Of God Series
Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 12, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: Part 3 in a series about spiritual war. We need to put on the FULL armor of God.
The Armor of God
June 10, 2012
What do all of these items have in common —
Homeowners Insurance Life Insurance Auto Insurance New wipers
Winterizing your car Wills Oil Changes car seats
Coats in winter seat belts Mouth pieces Safety gloves
Cribs Training wheels bicycle helmets annual physicals
Volleyball - Knee pads Goggles at work
They are all ways in which we protect ourselves. When you think about it, it’s amazing to think of all the ways we protect ourselves — physically, emotionally and financially. We make sure that as best as we can, nothing will harm us or our family. Yet, how many of us are actively protecting ourselves spiritually?
Most of the time, we don’t think we need spiritual protection, because we have God on our side; and if God is for us, then who can be against us? Paul asked that question in Romans 8:31, because he was certain that nothing could ever separate us from God’s live in Christ. And Paul was and is 100% correct. But we need to utilize God’s power and strength, and if we don’t, then we’re on our own and we’re in trouble.
We’ve been taking a look at Spiritual Warfare, our battle against satan. As we battle satan, we need to be equipped for the war which faces us. Just like that long list of different ways to protect ourselves, we need spiritual protection. And that protection comes from God. What can we use to defend ourselves and even to take the offensive with satan? In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul commands what we’re supposed to do in order to combat satan.
Let’s look at what Paul tells us ~
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
11 Put on the FULL armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the FULL armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Great words of wisdom from Paul; and this week and next week, we’re going to unpack what Paul was getting at in this command to us. We must put on the whole armor of God. Not just a few pieces that feel more comfortable than others.
Remember in Greek mythology, the Greek god Achilles. Achilles was invulnerable in all of his body except for his heel. And he died because of a small wound on his heel, the only unprotected part of his body. We can’t do the same, and leave ourselves unprotected, so we must remember to put on the FULL armor of God.
If you don’t put on one piece of armor it can be a disaster. You cannot pick and choose, because missing one piece will leave a weak spot in your defense. And satan will pick on that and attack you.
This is not a typical battle, it’s a spiritual battle and we must use spiritual weapons which God has placed at our disposal. It is not a battle of our strength, otherwise we would all be in the gym, but our strength comes from God, as He sends His Holy Spirit to empower us. Verse 10 tells us to be strong in the Lord and in His MIGHTY POWER. Again, it’s not our power, it’s God’s!
Our battles will come from places we least expected. That’s satan at work. Remember, Christ-followers can be his tools to destroy other Christians and churches. That’s what satan lives for. That’s why it’s vital to put on the whole armor of God . . . everyday.
Putting on the whole armor of God must be a natural act. As we get dressed everyday, not only should we follow Colossians 3:12-15 and put on love, but we should also put on our spiritual armor so we can withstand his attacks. Isn’t it better to be prepared than to realize after the fact that you’ve been attacked and now you run for cover and before you know it, you’ve bought into satan’s lies and you lay there wounded.
