Our Battle Armor 1 Series

"Our Battle Armor!"

"Knowing Our Enemy" series - Part 5 of 7

Text: Eph. 6:13-15 & Selected

Cross Creek Community Church

July 23, 2000

God’s Word is Powerful, Relevant, and Up to Date!

Ephes. 6:13-15

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. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

We are engaged in a spiritual battle. It is as if the school bully has called us outside to fight. Like it or not, we must deal with the situation.

This threat is somewhat different. The apostle says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." We are not engaged in a physical battle which we can fight with physical weapons. We are engaged in a supernatural, spiritual battle which requires a new weaponry. We cannot fight in our own strength. To do so would mean sure defeat.

To attempt to fight in our own strength would be like attacking a forrest fire with a squirt gun. It would be like attempting to slay a lion with a fly swatter. To attempt to defeat the devil in our own strength is like attempting to catch an elephant with a butterfly net.

Spiritual warfare needs spiritual weapons.

Paul imprisoned and chained to Roman soldiers saw close up and personal the armor and weaponry which they possessed. He then applied it in a "spiritual" sense, with our enemy, the devil.

It is essential for us to see the importance of this armor. We are required to put on this armor and understand how to use it. The alternative is that we go down to defeat. Without this armor we are in danger. With this armor we emerge victorious.

TO PUT ON:

The Belt of Truth

14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist

Wide thick leather belt helped to hold together the rest of the armor.

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds (gird up) for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

His belt gathered his armor together and secured his sword to his side. The belt also served to secure long garments so that they would not interfere with fighting. The belt tied it all together.

* Preparedness, serious

1. Truth is CHRIST. John 14:6

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

* God’s Word is truth - "All scripture is by Inspiration of God" - God breathed. Reliable, trustworthy.

* John 1:1 & John 14:6 Truth is a person - Jesus Christ, Truth is the living Christ.

* John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and dwelled amongst us."

2. Truth is ESSENTIAL. Prov. 23:23

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

* Knowledge of biblical teaching is essential - without it you will be carried into error & sin.

* An attitude of truthfulness, being open and honest, genuine.

* Where would we be without God’s Word? Out in no man’s land, without hope, direction, lost.

* Road map to Christ - tells us many things. Rom 10:17

3. Truth never CHANGES. Heb. 13:8

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

* Even if we don’t believe it, truth is truth - it never changes

* Being renewed in your mind - a commitment to God’s truth, your enemy will sow lies.

* In science, the two laws of thermodynamics. 1) Energy and matter cannot be created or destroyed. 2) Universe is winding down, wearing out, not getting better.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Essential armor which protected the vital organs.

The heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, and other organs were covered by this vital piece of armor. A heavy leather garment with metal, animal hooves/horns attached to it. The point which Paul is making is that the breastplate of righteousness is essential for the Christian to avoid a mortal wound. Like a bullet proof vest today - protect the vitals, namely the heart. The Christians heart is Satan’s primary target. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Ancient Jewish people believed the heart represented the mind and will, the bowels represented the emotions and feelings. Both are areas the devil will fiercely attack us believers.