PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD THAT YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO STAND….

                      “A  BIBLICAL  LOOK  AT  THE CHRISTIAN’S ARMOR”

 

Intro.

 

1. Many reject Christ & Christianity due to a false sense of security!

 

2. We know we have an enemy who wants to destroy us! (1 Pet. 5:8)

 

3. 1 Pet. 5:9 – Steadfastly resist him! How? Eph. 6:10-17

 

 

 

I. THE CHRISTIAN’S STRENGTH COMES FROM CHRIST – 6:10; Phil. 4:13; Rom. 8:37 (through faith & obedience to Him).

 

A. What Do I Need The Strength To Overcome?

 

1. Sin & temptations – 1 Pet. 2:24; Heb. 4:14-16.

 

2. Trials of life – cf. Rom. 8:35-39.

 

a. Tribulation (“pressed down,” affliction) – External presses.

 

b. Distress (narrowness of place; anxiety) – Internal stress.

 

c. Persecution (put to flight) – Threats, etc.

 

d. Famine, nakedness, peril (dangers), sword (death threats).

 

B. We Must Be Humble Enough To Accept His Strength! – 2 Cor. 12:7-10.

 

 

 

II. WHY WE MUST RELY UPON HIS STRENGTH FOR OUR SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING – 6:11-12.

 

A. Our Adversary Is The Devil – 1 Pet. 5:8; 2 Cor. 2:11.

 

B. Our Battleground Is In The Spiritual Realm – cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-4.

 

-(The battle ground is over our souls, & the effects are seen in how we live in the flesh! – cf. Rom. 6:12-14).

 

 

 

III. BE STRONG IN THE LORD BY PUTTING ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD – 6:13-17.

 

A. Each Christian Must Put On God’s Armor.

 

1. You must be able to withstand when trials come- 6:13.

 

2. When worn, God’s armor will protect us & assure our victory in Christ!

 

C. The Whole (entire) Armor Must Be Worn:

 

1. The girdle of truth (v. 14):

 

a. Trust in God & your salvation found there – Eph. 1:13.

 

b. Speak truth in love – Eph. 4:15.

 

c. Truth is in Jesus – Eph. 4:21.

 

d. Always speak truthfully – Eph. 4:25.

 

e. The fruit of the Spirit in your life – Eph. 5:9.

 

2. The breastplate of righteousness (v. 14):

 

a. Character of the “new man” – Eph. 4:17-24.

 

b. Holy living protects you against the devil!

 

3. Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (v. 15):

 

a. To walk in good works of God – Eph. 2:10.

 

b. To walk worthily of our calling – Eph. 4:1.

 

c. To not walk like the lost in the world – Eph. 4:17.

 

d. To walk in love – Eph. 5:1.

 

e. To walk as children of light – Eph. 5:8.

 

f. To walk carefully throughout life – Eph. 5:15.

 

4. The shield of faith (v. 16):

 

a. A faith which is lived & known – Eph. 1:15.

 

b. A faith which relies on God for salvation – Eph. 2:8.

 

c. A faith by which Christ dwells in our heart – Eph. 3:17.

 

d. A faith that is one (united) in Christ – Eph. 4:5, 13.

 

5. The helmet of salvation (v. 17):

 

a. Present reality – Eph. 2:5.

 

b. Future reward – Eph. 1:13.

 

6. The sword of the Spirit…the word of God – (v. 17):

 

a. Secures one’s faith – Eph. 1:13.

 

b. The word of peace Jesus preached – Eph. 2:17-18.

 

c. Revealed, written & understandable – Eph. 3:3-5.

 

d. To be spoken in love – Eph. 4:15.

 

e. By it Christ sanctifies & cleanses His church – Eph. 5:26.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. Will you stand in the strength & power of the Lord? Only if you put on His armor……Do it now!

 

2. There is no other protection & no other confidence of victory over sin except in the strength of His might! (Eph. 6:10)