God’s Armor (B)

God’s Armor (B)

September 28, 2008, Evening Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: God gives us the tools we need to fight/resist the devil.

Focus Passage: Ephesians 6:16-20

Introduction:

• The Belt of Truth – we need to be completely immersed and founded on the truth of God so that we can stand firm against the lies of the devil.

• Breastplate of Righteousness – we need to live a righteous and obedient life so that when Satan hurls his accusations at us we are found blameless.

• Shoes of Peace – God’s peace provides us w/ the ability to stand against doubt and guilt in our knowledge of God’s power and presence in our lives.

I. Shield of Faith

a. This is not a reference to saving faith or to the body of Christian beliefs – rather it is a reference to living or practical faith – our daily confidence and reliance upon God for guidance, direction, and protection – a daily trust.

b. A Shield of Confidence

i. Our shield against the devil’s attack is our daily living faith that God will keep His promises as we trust and obey His leading.

c. A Shield of Courage. Notice why we need the shield of faith – the enemy is shooting arrows at us to defeat us and we need to shield to quench all his fiery darts. Our faith gives us the courage to stand in times of temptation.

i. Arrows of Disappointment and Discontent

Idea: Your marriage is not the utopia you envisioned – you feel unfulfilled and incomplete – so in your disappointment you think for looking for fulfillment in someone else. Your child does something that you don’t approve and in your disappointment you withdraw you affection – Satan pierced you.

ii. Arrows of Lust and Longing

Idea: You are alone in the motel room w/ access to pornography – Your co-worker seems to be more attractive and understanding than your mate.

iii. Arrows of Doubt and Dismay

Idea: You’ve been divorced – you’ve lost your job – you’re facing a terrible illness – and you’re asking, “Does God care?”

iv. Arrows of Criticism and Condemnation

Idea: Satan uses a friend or church member to deliver a cutting and destructive word of discouragement or criticism – and the words cut like a knife.

d. A Shield of Community

i. As the Roman soldiers had a personal shield, they also had one that they interlocked with others. A Scutum was large and acted like a tortoise shell when used properly.

II. Helmut of Salvation

a. The purpose of the helmet is obvious – to protect the head from injury.

Note: Satan attacks us on many levels – but his mental attacks on the validity of our faith through apostasy and false teaching is crippling for many.

b. The helmet refers to the mind controlled by God. Having both knowledge and understanding of the precepts of God and His word coupled w/ a willingness to surrender and obey allows God to control our minds.

c. We’re in a battle for the mind. Rom. 12 tells us our minds must be transformed by being renewed. Renewal only comes to through study and obedience to the Word.

d. Salvation Equips Us w/ a Calm Assurance

i. The reality and certainty of our salvation gives us confidence b/c we know that no matter what happens we have assurance in victory b/c of the cross. Of course, we must not be foolish – but we can have confidence.

e. Verse: A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. Jn. 10:10

• The Hope of Eternal Life

• The Hope of Abundant Life

III. Sword of the Spirit

a. The Word is a SPIRITUAL Weapon

b. The Word is a POWERFUL Weapon

i. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NASB)

c. The Word is a NECESSARY Weapon

i. Most of us would say “Amen” to what I have shared w/ you about God’s Word, but it is not our “Amen’s” that have meaning, but our obedience.

Note: Many churches claim allegiance to the Word, but preach w/ a closed Bible.

Many people clamor to hang the 10 commandments, but can’t recite 5 of them.

1. READ the Word

2. RUMINATE the Word (Meditate)

o Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf shall not wither; and whatever he does will prosper. Ps. 1:1-3