Sermon for 10/18/2009
The Armor of God Part #1 (Ephesians 6:10-15)
Introduction:
Have the children come up front and sit on front pew. Have at least two teenagers help demonstrate skateboards and protective gear.
Let’s pretend that you have just gotten your first skateboard and you are wondering what to do with it. You’ve seen other skateboarders like (two teenagers names), and you have seen all of the cool things they can do. How do you get started? First, before you try anything crazy, you need to get comfortable standing on the skateboard. It is best to start out on the grass or some carpet so that the board will not roll until you get the hang of it. After you get comfortable standing on the board, you are ready to try some skating. Oh wait! I think I have forgotten something. Can you guess what it is? That’s right! We need to make sure we have the right protective gear. The first thing is that we need to have the right kind of shoes. We wouldn’t want to go skating in a pair of cowboy boots, would we? Your shoes should have a flat bottom to help you get a better grip on the board. Next, every skateboarder should wear a helmet. You might think that wearing a helmet makes you look like a dork, but, believe me, it is the smart thing to do. Another thing you will need is pads. It is important to have pads to protect your elbows and knees. It might also be a good idea to wear braces on your wrists. Now that you have the right gear, it is time to go skateboarding. Even professional skateboarders make sure they have the right protective equipment. Doesn’t it make sense that you should use it too?
Just as we need protective gear in skateboarding, the Bible teaches us that we need protection in life. The Bible calls it the armor of God and it tells that we need the armor of God to protect us from Satan’s evil schemes.
We are starting to talk about this protection today. Read Ephesians 6:10-15.
Dismiss Children’s Church.
WBTU:
A. Paul was in chains (Ephesians 6:20) and constantly under guard by Roman soldiers as he wrote this letter to the Ephesians.
B. As Paul talked about standing firm against the devil and his schemes, he looked up at the Roman soldier. What a perfect illustration of how we are to stand and what the Lord has given us to protect us from the devil.
Thesis: Let’s examine the first 3 pieces of the armor of God.
For instances:
1. Belt of truth buckled around your waist (Vs. 14)
A. When a soldier got dressed, he would put on his belt over his tunic. The tunic was the primary piece of outer clothing that covered much of the soldier’s body. It was a square piece of material with holes cut in it for the soldier’s head and arms. It fit very loosely.
During a battle the tunic could easily be a hindrance, getting in the way. The tunic was tucked into the leather belt worn by the soldier. The belt also helped to hold other pieces of armor in place. The belt was an essential piece of equipment.
B. The first armor of defense is to have a good knowledge of the truth. We need to know the Bible. (2 Tim 2:15 NIV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
E. Satan is a liar. Jesus said that he is a liar and the father of it. When Satan speaks lies in our ears, we need to know what God’s truth is. That is how Jesus overcame him.
F. (Psa 119:16 NIV) I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
G. Several years ago in Guatemala a young Christian named Paulos had been arrested with a gang of robbers. In that place and in those days, anyone suspected of a crime, was immediately taken to an open field, ordered to dig a hold, and then toppled into the hole he had dug by the bullets of a firing squad. As Paulos walked to his doom, he tried to think what to do to escape. He prayed. And he felt the little NT in his pocket. He loved that book, and he loved the One who wrote it. He began every day with it, reading and memorizing some verses. It made him feel not quite alone to have God’s Word with him especially now. Somehow he must speak to the officer in charge. There must be a way to tell him. “I’m not a thief,” he told the officer. “I am a Christian.” “Oh, no you aren’t,” the officer said. “You are a criminal, or you wouldn’t have been with those other thieves.” “They aren’t my friends,” Paulos answered. “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m a Christian and I don’t get mixed up in such things. See, here’s my NT right in my pocket.” “You’re lying. You don’t know anything about the Bible,” the officer said. “Yes, I do,” Paulos replied. “I can recite several verses.” “I don’t believe you,” said the officer. “Stand there and let me hear you repeat some verses from the Bible.” Paulos cleared his throat and started in. He repeated several verses and gave the references. He said the verses without mistake. The officer listened in amazement. When Paulos finished, the officer said, “I am convinced you are not a thief. You may go.” Knowing God’s word by heart saved Paulos’ life. How about us? Could we quote enough Scripture to save our lives?
2. The breastplate of righteousness in place (vs. 14)
A. The breastplate was an important piece of armor because it protected the heart and lungs of the Roman soldier. The heart and lungs are vital parts of a soldier. If a soldier was wounded there, he would die. The Roman breastplate was made of strong leather covered with metal. No arrow or dart could piece a breastplate that was worn properly.
B. The breastplate for the Christian represents the righteousness of Jesus. Rightness
C. The Christian soldier needs the righteousness of Jesus to help him live in this world. The righteousness of Jesus is the only way the Christian can have the victory.
D. (Isa 64:6 NIV) all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.
E. How do we put on Jesus’ breastplate? (1 Pet 2:24 NIV) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. How do we do that, die to sins and live for righteousness?
F. (Rom 6:3 NIV) Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?(Rom 6:4 NIV) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.(Rom 6:5 NIV) If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.(Rom 6:6 NIV) For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--(Rom 6:7 NIV) because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
G. This verse gives us this promise after we have been baptized by faith in Jesus Christ: (Rom 6:18) You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
H. We are no longer slaves to sin. However, what about those sins that easily entangle us (Hebrews 12:1). After we sin, our breastplate gets weakened. Jesus Christ can repair our breastplate. (1 John 1:9 NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
I. In 1934, King Alexander of Yugoslavia landed in France for an official visit. Before he left his warship, he dressed in the full uniform of an admiral of the navy. Finding that the uniform’s tunic did not fit easily over his bulletproof vest, he took the vest off. Thus, when he entered the special automobile which met him at the dock, his protective armor was gone. A few minutes later, an assassin’s bullet pierced his uniform and entered the breast of the king. The king died. One of the first assassinations to be caught on film. This didn’t have to happen. If he would have just worn his bulletproof vest. More interested in looking good than in being good.
Without Jesus Christ and his breastplate we are going to be injured and we will not be able to recover. We will die eternally without Christ.
3. Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Vs. 15)
A. Paul had in mind here the Roman soldier’s war boot that a soldier would wear while on duty. It was a boot with a heavily nail studded sole which was tied to the ankles and shins with straps. These were not shoes for running. These boots served for marching, especially in battle. Their function was like today’s cleated football shoe. They gave the foot traction and prevented sliding. Much ancient battles were hand to hand and foot to foot, like on the line of scrimmage, so these boots gave the Roman soldier an advantage. The “readiness” of this verse pictures us being ready with our boots firmly planted on solid ground. Thus established, the enemy is not going to be able to push us back.
B. We must not go where the Lord Jesus doesn’t want us to go. These boots do not easily retreat. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says to flee from sexual immorality. It can be done but it is difficult. Try to not get into situations where we know we will not have peace. We will be tempted to fall.
C. Same thing goes for alcoholics going into a tavern, or a person who struggles with gossip to go to a group where he knows it happens. The Christian soldier who has his feet equipped with the gospel of peace will not go anywhere he cannot take the gospel with him and b e a witness for Jesus.
D. If we don’t feel comfortable, then don’t go. Song by Avalon- I don’t want to go somewhere If I know that You’re not there, ’Cause I know that me without You is a lie.
And I don’t want to walk that road, Be a million miles from home, Cause my heart needs to be where You are. So I don’t want to go.
E. As we mature in Christ, we should be able to advance. Overcome our fears and advance. (John 14:27 NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
F. (Isa 52:7 NIV) How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
