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.
Psalm 7:10 NLT
10 God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.
• Helmet of salvation - constantly aware of our salvation. Brings confidence.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT
8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
• Sword of the Spirit -
Hebrews 4:12 NLT
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
•
God Sets the Direction
Ephesians 6:18–20 NLT
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
1 Timothy 2:1 NLT
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
• Prayer is communication with God.
• Notice that the elements we use to fight spiritual battles all come from God. We don’t manufacture them. He gives them to us.
• Since he’s the one who equips us, He’s the one who sets the battle plan.
• Here’s the plan:
• Live like Jesus, love like Jesus.
Matthew 28:18–20 NLT
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Mark 12:30–31 NLT
30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
• We need to pray consistently for direction on how to put on our armor everyday.
• To live in truth, righteousness and peace as we go out into the world every day to tell people that God really loves them.
• We need to pray consistently to remember who the real enemy is. It’s Satan and his angels. Not one another.
