Battle Gear

Battle Gear

2021 Summer Series / Ephesians 6:10–20

• We seem to be approaching the end of a 20 year military conflict in the Middle East.

• No matter your opinion of whether or not that was a good idea, it’s undeniable that we’ve gotten used to America being at war.

• We have a whole generation born and raised that have never known a time that we weren’t at war in the Middle East.

• Familiarity often results in apathy. Conflict just doesn’t grab our attention any more.

• This is a dangerous attitude to take in an increasingly dangerous world.

• It’s also true for us as followers of Christ.

• We’ve become so used to the evil around us that it’s hard to spot.

• Or we just don’t see the world through a spiritual lens (like we discussed last week.)

• But the Apostle Paul’s worldview is that we are in a spiritual battle with evil. The other side is playing for keeps and to the death.

It’s a War - And You’re In It

Ephesians 6:10–12 NLT

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

• Supernatural

• Personal - it’s standing firm - not giving in one inch.

• Futile if we fight on our own and against others. That’s not where the battle is.

• Too often, we’re fighting the wrong war.

2 Corinthians 11:14–15 NLT

14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

Luke 4:4–5 NLT

4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’” 5 Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

1 Timothy 4:1 NLT

1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

• Satan is playing to win against our souls. He uses every deception he can find to trick us

Be Prepared to Fight

Ephesians 6:13–17 NLT

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

• Can you imagine a special forces team going on a mission without armor? Or a hostage rescue team?

• How often do we go out into our world without the slightest bit of spiritual preparation?

• Paul uses the very familiar imagery of a Roman legionnaire to illustrate.

• [IMAGE] Here’s a version of a modern-day example.

• Implications of the armor.

• Belt of truth - Girdle, wide leather belt with strips that hung down to protect the groin and upper legs. Also used as a foundation to attach other armor to.

• Truth - reality - is the foundation of our lives.

• Integrity of our lives may be in mind here.

Titus 2:7 NLT

7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

• body armor (breastplate) of righteousness -

• righteous living protects us against Satan’s accusations.

Titus 2:12–13 NLT

12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

• Shoes of peace - Spiritual stability based on peace (good relationship w/God)

Romans 12:18 NLT

18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

• Shield of faith - faith makes it harder for Satan to land a blow.