The Belt Of Truth: It Is Wrong To Judge Series

THE ARMOR OF GOD AND THE LIES OF THE ENEMY

The Belt of Truth: It is Wrong to Judge

Ephesians 6:10-18

#armorofGod

INTRODUCTION… en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin%27s_lost_expedition

If you would, please turn in your Bibles this morning to Ephesians 6. While you’re turning there, let me tell you a story about the 1845 British expedition to the Northwest Passage in the Arctic. That was 178 years ago, but relevant because the wrecks of the ships were just discovered in 2014 and 2016 and the examination of the wrecks were halted because of COVID-19. Discoveries and information is still being uncovered all these years later.

This expedition was led by Captain John Franklin; there were two ships, the HMS Terror and the HMS Erebus, and they took 138 men to explore the Northwest Passage. They did prepare for their journey, but not in the correct way. They took a lot of supplies with them, but not necessarily what they needed. Both ships were solidly built with new technology like steam heat. There was a 1000-volume library. They had three years’ worth of food and silver place settings and glass wine goblets and fine dinnerware to dine on. They also packed in a 12-day supply of coal for the backup auxiliary engine.

Once they got up into the icy waters in the Arctic, it wasn’t long before they were in weather conditions where water was freezing on the decks, eventually freezing up around the rudder of the ship, and they were stranded. Yes, they had three years’ worth of food, but because they hurried the tins the food was in were not properly sealed and the food started to go bad immediately and was inedible. They also ran out of fuel. So, some of the men set out overland to find help, but it was doomed from that point forward, as they were face with exposure to high winds and to subzero freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, and tragically, all 138 men died. It was a complete failed operation due to lack of preparation. They had not prepared for the mission adequately. Again, the ships were found in 2014 and 2016 and a lot of information about this expedition has been reported by historians just recently. The conclusion has been consistent… poor preparation.

TRANSITION

The passage that is at the center of our attention in Ephesians 6 is all about preparation. Spiritual preparation. Mental preparation. Emotional preparation. The Apostle Paul wants us to be prepared for the “schemes of the devil” (verse 11) and the “cosmic powers over this present darkness” (verse 12) and against the “flaming darts of the evil one” (verse 16). The Apostle Paul wants us to prepare by visualizing being a disciple of Jesus like a soldier with armor.

There is much preparation when it comes to being a disciple of Jesus Christ because there is opposition for which we must be prepared. The Apostle Paul does not want us inadequately prepared or inadequately armed or defeated.

* Lack of preparation leads to spiritual ruin and we lose spiritual battles before they even begin.

* Lack of preparation means our minds are taken in by what is false and we belief false things.

* Lack of preparation results in living in emotional defeat.

* Lack of preparation leads to the schemes of the devil being successful.

* Lack of preparation means darkness overtakes us and we get lost in the dark.

* Lack of preparation results in flaming darts of the evil one causing us harm.

Let’s read what the Apostle Paul writes to us:

READ EPHESIANS 6:10-18 (ESV)

“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…”

Verses 10-13 makes it very clear that we have an enemy that wars against us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and we need to stand firm against all his schemes which often come to us as lies, deception, false beliefs, worldly philosophies, and even beliefs from other religions. I am not discounting the physical side of life, but in these verses the Apostle Paul centers on our inner selves.