Armor Of God - Intro Series

The Armor of God – Purpose – Teaching

(The introduction to this series is a little light, and not very deep. The problem is we have so many teachers that aren’t anointed to teach; influencers, bloggers, and radio personalities that are putting junk out there that must be addressed with Holy Spirit wisdom.)

(There are questions at the bottom, “Has anyone ever heard…” It’s sometimes good to ask these questions to know if your class has been listening to bad teachings.)

(Opening Prayer: asking for spiritual wisdom and revelation)

We have a new series: Armor of God

- you’ll learn how to strengthen the armor, have a more effective prayer life, and walk closer to the Lord

- I’m expecting testimonies from everyone on a stronger prayer life that produces greater results

- today we’re going over: what it is, why you need it, and what it isn’t

If you’ve been in church any length of time, chances are you’ve heard some type of teaching or mention of the Armor of God. You might be tempted to think, “heard this,” but please bring a notebook for this series, because I promise that you haven’t heard all this before.

(Tell how you felt about the armor before you knew its importance- to lighten the mood)

(My true example is below if you need to use all or parts it)

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(Example) “When I was younger, I thought, “Yeah yeah we’re all soldiers for Christ.” But as I have grown in my spiritual walk, I am learning that the armor of God is literal in the spiritual realm, and far more important than I once thought. Do I really think I’m clunking around with invisible metal-bottom sandal boots? No, not at all. After feeling challenged by the Holy Spirit to research upgrading my armor, I realized Paul is trying to tell us we have real spiritual protection available that can also strengthen our prayer life. I realized I should have been taking these scriptures more seriously, and not like a cute song about being in Lord’s Army, Yes Sir. “

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Ephesians 6:11,18 NKJV Paul tells us exactly what the Armor of God is used for

11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

18…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…

Strongs Concordance gives the word trickery as another meaning of wiles; stand against the trickery of the devil. This suit of armor is meant to guard against the trickery of the devil and a prayer suit, as Paul promptly mentions right after explaining each part. The majority of the teachings on the suit will say this suit is to make you immoveable against the attacks of the devil. While we must be immovable as Christians, it’s also important to acknowledge this suit is also an offensive suit in its function as a prayer suit. As we elaborate on each of the pieces, we'll see that they are offensive and defensive pieces, and also prayer and anti-trickery pieces. Many people get hung up on which piece is offensive and which piece is defensive. I don’t think it matters, because we can say the sword is offensive and we can say the sword is defensive (you can jab, and you can block a jab). If Paul named the pieces, we should just consider them all important and not get hung up on classification. When you’re in a dire situation, knowing if your salvation helmet is defensive or an offensive headbutting weapon just doesn’t matter.

Back to talking about Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV

Have you ever prayed and didn’t receive any results? Have you ever prayed, and things got worse? Did you decide to double down and got nothing? Good news! All you might need is an armor upgrade! If you feel like that might be you, make sure to take some notes in this series.

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (trickery) of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood,”

(Give an example, my true one is below if you need it. If you have one, write it in the same style.)

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Example: You’re not arguing against your drunk neighbors who think nothing of almost running you over with their SUV multiple times.