Engaging The Enemy, Part 1

A. Opening illustration: Priscilla Shirer story of the lack of invite to the critters under the boat. MacArthur list

B. Background to passage: Interestingly enough, this is the church at which Timothy was dropped off. Paul has laid out a theological foundation for salvation, and practical guidelines for Christian living in the first five chapters. Here he turns his attention to the spiritual battle that they must not be ignorant of or apathic about. He begins by instructing that spiritual battle is about standing in the face of satanic attack. He repeats the goal multiple times. Then he gives insight into the ultimate, unseen battle against forces of darkness. The penultimate battle will be a little more tangible, visible, because it will be manifested through the means of other men/women, organizations, industries, sickness, and finally death. So, these believers are commanded to take up weapons and stand and fight. Side note: many of these word pictures are images from the OT, especially from Isa, regarding the Messiah as a warrior; but a Roman soldier is more the intention of Paul’s description. Speak about influence upon believers, fight from union with Christ-gospel.

C. Main thought: Today we will look at the weapons for our good warfare.

A. The Belt of Truth (v. 14) WORLDVIEW

1. It was an undergarment piece of leather that protected the thighs and held up loose clothing so one could fight with speed and agility. This symbolizes preparedness, a readiness for battle. Similar to the other week, awareness of the spiritual battle raging, and willingness to engage in it. It comes off of the end of a Spirit-filled behavioral section, so it is connected to the idea of a biblical worldview of truth. A Christ-focused lens through which all feelings, events, teaching, thoughts, convictions, relationships, and situations will be interpreted. It has the idea of total truthfulness and total commitment.

2. 2 Sam 18:9, Isa 11:5

3. Illustration: Chloe Kim, gold medalist, said she was just so proud of herself! Staff study about human-centered worship music and its importance, because "We are willing to be God-centered, it seems, as long as God is man-centered." Where are the young men and women of this generation who will hold their lives cheap, and be faithful even unto death, who will lose their lives for Christ’s, flinging them away for love of him? Where are those who will live dangerously, and be reckless in this service? Where are the men of prayer? Where are the men who count God’s Word of more importance to them than their daily food? Where are the men who, like Moses of old, commune with God face to face as a man speaks with his friend? Where are God’s men in this day of God’s power? -Howard Guinness, Sacrifice [1936]

4. 1. When we engage in spiritual warfare we must think biblically. Deception is a tool of Satan. Heresy is another. A hundred other things require you to have your mind continually renewed to Christ. 2. Worldview is key. Systematic theology is key. Prepared to tie up loose ends. 3. Embrace the truth that to radically, recklessly, throw your life away to Christ for his glory is your highest goal, and you will strap on your belt ready to face the devil, so that when reviling comes, when suffering comes, when pain comes, when discouragement comes, when hateful people come, when loss comes, you rejoice and count it a blessing to be used of Christ to demonstrate his worth and value. 4. Have a well-rounded, biblical filter through which you see life (pro-life, how we view government, tragedy, creation, evil, salvation, prayer, etc.).

MacArthur’s List as to what Satan attempts to do in the life of a believer:

5. Attempts to impugn God’s character and credibility

6. Undermine present victory by generating trouble in life to make it difficult to be obedient

7. Doctrinal confusion and falsehood

8. Hindering our service to God

9. Causing division and discord

10. Persuading us to trust in our own resources rather than God

11. Leading us to hypocrisy

12. Leading us into worldliness

13. Leading them to disbelieve and disobey God’s word.

B. The Breastplate of Righteousness (v. 14) INDIVIDUAL PURITY

1. This was that piece of armor that protects the heart from arrows from a bow. Satan is called the accuser of the brethren because he will use sin to grab a foothold in your life and cause discouragement, doubt, guilt, shame, embarrassment, brokenness, and destruction in your life. This is not a justifying, imputed righteousness, but practical righteous. He can lead you to wrong/false emotions and thoughts. You stand before God guiltless in Christ, no condemnation legally, but Satan accuses you practically because of how “good” you don’t live as a Christian.

2. King Saul and his disobedience, Peter, get behind me Satan, Eph 4:27, Heb 12:15, Isa 59:17