Ready for Battle
Ephesians 6:14-18
September 4, 2005
Introduction
A few weeks ago I was watching a program about the history of armor. It was a fascinating show that detailed the various types of armor from the ancient to the modern. The program documented the various techniques that were used in creating the armor.
There are different kinds of armor for different kinds of functions. The armor that is on warships is different than the armor that is on fighter jets. There are many different kinds and functions of armor. However there is one central purpose for all armor. The purpose of armor is to protect or to keep safe.
This morning I want to look at the armor that God has given to us. Open your Bibles to Ephesians 6:14-18
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
The Belt of Truth
Purpose of the Belt - The belt held the soldiers clothing next to their body to create an easier way to move. The belt was also used to strengthen and give support to the soldier.
The truth that Paul is talking about is not from the opinions of our mind or what others might think. The truth that matters more than anything else is truth that comes from God. The belt of Truth is from God.
1. Christ is truth
2. The Word of God is truth
3. Living a life that follows truth
The belt of Truth
1. Keeps us focused
2. Keeps us reminded
3. Keeps us supported
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Purpose of the breastplate: The breastplate was designed to protect the heart. The breastplate was a large plate of metal that extended from the neck down to the thighs.
Righteousness is the standing that we are given when we accept Jesus as our personal savior. Jesus is the one who makes us right with God the Father. It is Jesus that gives us a right relationship with God. Righteousness is literally being made right.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21
As Christians we are meant to protect our hearts from the power and corruption of sin. We are to strive to live our lives in an upright manner.
The Sandals of Peace
Purpose of sandals - Roman sandals were fitted with nails that allowed tem to grip the ground in any type of condition. No matter where the soldier was sent they had the ability to stay on their feet.
The peace that we have in Christ gives us a firm standing in any situation that life can throw at us. The peace of Christ gives us the security to stand for Him when we need to do so.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
The sign of readiness
The National Guard - Example
The sandals of peace are more than just having the steadiness of Christ in our lives. It means to have the mental attitude that we are ready to serve Christ at a moments notice. It means that we are ready to march into battle and stand for Christ whenever He calls. We need to be ready at anytime to go anywhere and do anything that is needed to share the gospel with those who so desperately need it.
The Shield of Faith
Purpose of the shield - This is not a small round shield but rather was a large oblong shield that was used to protect the soldier from arrow attacks. These types of shields were often covered with leather and soaked in water prior to battle. The purpose was to put out flames if needed.
In ancient battles arrows were often covered in pitch or some type of combustible material. The arrows were then lit and shot to act like a small incendiary bombs. This is the type of strategy that Satan uses against us.
Satan assaults us with fiery attacks
• Question our salvation
• Question our calling
• Question our involvement
• Cause doubt and wonder in our lives
• Become discouraged, depressed and defeated
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
The sign of the Christian soldier is that we are to place our complete trust in God. It is our faith that becomes our shield from the fiery attacks of Satan. It is the power of faith that quenches the fires that Satan tries to start in our lives. It is faith that gives us the strength to stand when Christ calls. The presence of God is our shield in life.
The Helmet of salvation
Purpose of the helmet - The helmet is meant to give protection to the head and to the mind. There is no possible way for the soldier to be effective if the mind is lost. Thus the mind becomes on of the most vital areas to protect.
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; Romans 8:6
The power of salvation
For the Christian salvation becomes the source of our protection over the core of our being. When we are saved, we are offered protection for our minds. Why is this so important?
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The mind is the source for every action and every attitude that is part of your life. Every single behavior that is in your life today is a product of your mind. It is knowing that we are saved and that we have hope that we will meet Jesus in eternity.
The power of salvation helps us to keep our minds on Christ and away from sin. Salvation becomes the key motive in our lives - every area becomes focused through the lens of saving grace.
The Sword of the Spirit
Purpose of the sword - The sword was used for both offense and defense. The sword could be used to either fight off the enemy or to slay the enemy.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Our sword is the word of God. The scriptures give us the ability to fight back against the schemes and the plans of Satan. It is only when we live by the scriptures that we can truly live for God. Before we can obey the truth we must know it.
Conclusion
Sunday School Class - How can we defeat Satan?
One girl answered - Let Jesus answer the door when Satan starts knocking.
