God's armor
Content
Spiritual Battle 101 (Ephesians 6:10-20)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. –Ephesians 6:10-20
Are we in a battle? If so, what do we need? Armor (to wear it). Worn ones are best. Worn uniforms are like worn pickup trucks, you know they’ve been in tested when you see them all muddy. The enemy attacks those who seek after God. Have you asked God for more Faith? Patience? Closeness to him? Are you trying to follow him? If you are, then you’re a Christian, consequently you’re under attack, whether you know it or not. What’s the objective of our wrestle (v12): The Greek definition for this word Struggle in Ephesians 6 is a wrestling word. “pale”: wrestling (a contest between two in which each endeavors’ to throw the other, and which is decided when the victor is able to hold his opponent down with his hand upon his neck) Spiritual strength and courage is needed to bring the enemy down and subdue him. To walk in true grace, you need the full armour of God.
Who are we fighting? The combat is not against human enemies, nor against our own corrupt nature only; we have to do with an enemy who has a thousand ways of enticing unstable souls. We must not be passive when Satan is attacking. We must DEFEND AND ATTACK. We must only flee temptation but not against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (v12) What does he attack? The devils assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts. We must resolve by God's grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we give way, he will get ground. If we distrust either our cause, or our Leader, or our armour, we give him advantage. My life, my family, our nation, our promises. The Greek word for ruler is Arche, literally meaning origins or beginning. Authority comes from the Greek word Exousia - translated as rights. o We are fighting against anything that tries to take our spiritual rights away. They are ours, we must not allow anyone to take them away from us. Parts of Armour? (Not just for defense, protection but for offense/action) V 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God. We need ALL of it. If not, we’ll have a weakness and this is where the
enemy attacks.
BELT OF TRUTH (v14) (John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.) Truth, or sincerity, is the girdle. This tightens on all the other pieces of our armour, and is the first mentioned. There can be no communion with God and people without sincerity and truth. The belt allows us to distribute the weight, truth takes weight off your shoulders! Jesus Himself use truth to fight off Satan when he was tempted. BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (v14) – (Phil 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith) A breastplate (coraza) is to protect us but with His breastplate we can move freely. No restrictions of movement. Satan uses our sin/shame to slow us down, the less we move the more he can attack. Spiritual Dullness. His blood set us free. The righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, is a breastplate against the arrows of Divine wrath. The righteousness of Christ implanted in us, fortifies the heart against the attacks of Satan. (GOSPEL) SHOES FOR YOUR FEET (v15) – (Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.) Resolution must be as greaves (chimpinilleras), or armour to our legs; and to stand their ground or to march forward in rugged paths, the feet must be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Roman soldier sandals had spikes on the bottom to stand their ground just as we do when we share the gospel. His promises (from the Word) allows us to stand our ground when doubt comes in. (pinetree) We must stand our ground for Jesus. God’s peace and boldness allows us marched forward knowing God is with us (Jesus wasn’t anxious when he was being tempted by Satan). Calm down and rely on God’s word. It can really do damage.. SHIELD OF FAITH (v16) – (Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.) They were rectangular (not round) to be used in conjunction with other soldiers shields to form corporate protection from sides and above. Same applies to our fellow believers, their faith can shield us, and we are stronger together and cover all around. (Rom 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.) Gal 6:2- Carry each other’s burdens Faith applying the word of God and the grace of Christ, quenches the darts of temptation.
HELMET OF SALVATION (v17) – (Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,) It has blinders (shields) on the side to protect us and have us focus on what’s ahead (Phil 3:13b But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.) Salvation must be our helmet. A good hope of salvation, a Scriptural expectation of victory, will purify the soul, and keep it from being defiled by Satan. SWORD OF THE SPIRIT (v17) – (John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.) Why not a spear if it was the preferred weapon of choice for roman soldiers? Because a sword battle is face to face!. We must come face to face with our enemy, we must recognize that we are sons of the living God and we will fight for Him. (Acts 19:15 But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.). Demons tremble at the name of Jesus, we must carry/inscribed that name with and in us all the time. To the Christian armed for defense in battle, the apostle recommends only one weapon of attack; but it is enough, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It subdues and mortifies evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; and answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. At once destroys a temptation or an objection, and subdues the most formidable adversary. The word subdues our flesh, our evil motives and brings out. When we crucify our flesh, Satan has no control but the Holy Spirit. Then let Satan run as he can’t withstand Him. ALWAYS READY TO FIGHT (v18): PRAYER (Eph 6:18 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 Lord’s people) Prayer must fasten all the other parts of our Christian armour. There are other duties of religion, and of our stations in the world, but we must keep up times of prayer. A vain heart will be vain in prayer. We must pray with all kinds of prayer, public, private, and secret; social and solitary; solemn and sudden: with all the parts of prayer; confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgiving for favours received. And we must do it by the grace of God the Holy Spirit, in dependence on, and according to, his teaching. We must pray, not for ourselves only, but for all saints. MHCC OTHER CONSIDERATIONS There was minimally or no protection on the back; nothing to defend those who turn back in the Christian warfare and also so they can go forward listening to the general’s (Jesus) instructions. It’s His battle. Hear God’s orders and obey -knowing He sees things you don’t. Jesus oversees the whole battle (from a high point). He can make the best military strategy for us. We must obey him in order to succeed. Seek his commandments and we shall live. (Joshua 1:8: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.) Devil isn’t attacking you for who you are right now- but of who you are about to become I’m not ready for this fight-More than a conqueror-Think David-Spiritual Armor. God makes you strong enough for the battle- Never leave or forsake in the Battle To the Victor goes the City (Jericho) References: Pastor JJ Molodecki’s Notes on Message about being a Victim or Victor Matthew Henry Concise Commentary.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. –Ephesians 6:10-20
Are we in a battle? If so, what do we need? Armor (to wear it). Worn ones are best. Worn uniforms are like worn pickup trucks, you know they’ve been in tested when you see them all muddy. The enemy attacks those who seek after God. Have you asked God for more Faith? Patience? Closeness to him? Are you trying to follow him? If you are, then you’re a Christian, consequently you’re under attack, whether you know it or not. What’s the objective of our wrestle (v12): The Greek definition for this word Struggle in Ephesians 6 is a wrestling word. “pale”: wrestling (a contest between two in which each endeavors’ to throw the other, and which is decided when the victor is able to hold his opponent down with his hand upon his neck) Spiritual strength and courage is needed to bring the enemy down and subdue him. To walk in true grace, you need the full armour of God.
Who are we fighting? The combat is not against human enemies, nor against our own corrupt nature only; we have to do with an enemy who has a thousand ways of enticing unstable souls. We must not be passive when Satan is attacking. We must DEFEND AND ATTACK. We must only flee temptation but not against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (v12) What does he attack? The devils assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts. We must resolve by God's grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we give way, he will get ground. If we distrust either our cause, or our Leader, or our armour, we give him advantage. My life, my family, our nation, our promises. The Greek word for ruler is Arche, literally meaning origins or beginning. Authority comes from the Greek word Exousia - translated as rights. o We are fighting against anything that tries to take our spiritual rights away. They are ours, we must not allow anyone to take them away from us. Parts of Armour? (Not just for defense, protection but for offense/action) V 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God. We need ALL of it. If not, we’ll have a weakness and this is where the
enemy attacks.
BELT OF TRUTH (v14) (John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.) Truth, or sincerity, is the girdle. This tightens on all the other pieces of our armour, and is the first mentioned. There can be no communion with God and people without sincerity and truth. The belt allows us to distribute the weight, truth takes weight off your shoulders! Jesus Himself use truth to fight off Satan when he was tempted. BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (v14) – (Phil 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith) A breastplate (coraza) is to protect us but with His breastplate we can move freely. No restrictions of movement. Satan uses our sin/shame to slow us down, the less we move the more he can attack. Spiritual Dullness. His blood set us free. The righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, is a breastplate against the arrows of Divine wrath. The righteousness of Christ implanted in us, fortifies the heart against the attacks of Satan. (GOSPEL) SHOES FOR YOUR FEET (v15) – (Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.) Resolution must be as greaves (chimpinilleras), or armour to our legs; and to stand their ground or to march forward in rugged paths, the feet must be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Roman soldier sandals had spikes on the bottom to stand their ground just as we do when we share the gospel. His promises (from the Word) allows us to stand our ground when doubt comes in. (pinetree) We must stand our ground for Jesus. God’s peace and boldness allows us marched forward knowing God is with us (Jesus wasn’t anxious when he was being tempted by Satan). Calm down and rely on God’s word. It can really do damage.. SHIELD OF FAITH (v16) – (Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.) They were rectangular (not round) to be used in conjunction with other soldiers shields to form corporate protection from sides and above. Same applies to our fellow believers, their faith can shield us, and we are stronger together and cover all around. (Rom 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.) Gal 6:2- Carry each other’s burdens Faith applying the word of God and the grace of Christ, quenches the darts of temptation.
HELMET OF SALVATION (v17) – (Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,) It has blinders (shields) on the side to protect us and have us focus on what’s ahead (Phil 3:13b But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.) Salvation must be our helmet. A good hope of salvation, a Scriptural expectation of victory, will purify the soul, and keep it from being defiled by Satan. SWORD OF THE SPIRIT (v17) – (John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.) Why not a spear if it was the preferred weapon of choice for roman soldiers? Because a sword battle is face to face!. We must come face to face with our enemy, we must recognize that we are sons of the living God and we will fight for Him. (Acts 19:15 But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.). Demons tremble at the name of Jesus, we must carry/inscribed that name with and in us all the time. To the Christian armed for defense in battle, the apostle recommends only one weapon of attack; but it is enough, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It subdues and mortifies evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; and answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. At once destroys a temptation or an objection, and subdues the most formidable adversary. The word subdues our flesh, our evil motives and brings out. When we crucify our flesh, Satan has no control but the Holy Spirit. Then let Satan run as he can’t withstand Him. ALWAYS READY TO FIGHT (v18): PRAYER (Eph 6:18 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 Lord’s people) Prayer must fasten all the other parts of our Christian armour. There are other duties of religion, and of our stations in the world, but we must keep up times of prayer. A vain heart will be vain in prayer. We must pray with all kinds of prayer, public, private, and secret; social and solitary; solemn and sudden: with all the parts of prayer; confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgiving for favours received. And we must do it by the grace of God the Holy Spirit, in dependence on, and according to, his teaching. We must pray, not for ourselves only, but for all saints. MHCC OTHER CONSIDERATIONS There was minimally or no protection on the back; nothing to defend those who turn back in the Christian warfare and also so they can go forward listening to the general’s (Jesus) instructions. It’s His battle. Hear God’s orders and obey -knowing He sees things you don’t. Jesus oversees the whole battle (from a high point). He can make the best military strategy for us. We must obey him in order to succeed. Seek his commandments and we shall live. (Joshua 1:8: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.) Devil isn’t attacking you for who you are right now- but of who you are about to become I’m not ready for this fight-More than a conqueror-Think David-Spiritual Armor. God makes you strong enough for the battle- Never leave or forsake in the Battle To the Victor goes the City (Jericho) References: Pastor JJ Molodecki’s Notes on Message about being a Victim or Victor Matthew Henry Concise Commentary.
