Finally Be Strong Series

Two times Paul says that we are to "put on the full armor of God" he gives us why and how.

Why? So that we can stand against the devil’s schemes.

The word for Schemes used here is: "metheodeia" which is where we get our word method.

The Devil’s method focuses in on three strategic areas of your life:

1. He attacks you mentality.

Why? Because everything starts in the mind.

2 Corinthians 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."(NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:3 "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray (or seduced) from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ." (NIV)

2. He attacks you morally.

Mental departure from truth always leads to moral depravity.

Psalms 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (NIV)

3. He attacks you motivationally.

The Devil wants your will.

2 Timothy 2:26 "And that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (NIV)

Question: Are you strong in the Lord?

-Paul gives us the proper attire of a believer.

A. The Belt of Truth.

Psalm 51:6 "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." (NIV)

Question: Do you hunger for truth?

B. The Breastplate of Righteousness.

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God, say this to your shame." (NIV)

C. The Feet ready to take the Gospel of Peace.

Literally it’s sandals that have cleats on them. You will be able to stand unmoved.

1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." (NIV)

D. The Shield of Faith.

John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV)

E. The Helmet of Salvation.

1 Peter 2:2-3 "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." (NIV)

F. The Sword of the Spirit.

Matthew 4:1-10

Question: How can you be strong in the Lord if you do not have a relationship with Him?