THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD
EPHESIANS 6: 13 – 18
13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round 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 WHOLE ARMOUR
13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The armour has been provided to enable us to withstand the attack of the enemy of our souls.
We need to be fully equipped with the full armour of God – not just the pieces we fancy! The full armour will protect us completely.
I. THE GIRDLE OF TRUTH
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist.
The thought here is of our being ready for action.
Truth – ‘sincerity of mind, and integrity of character in harmony with Divine truth’.
The Lord Jesus said “I am truth” [John 16:6]
“For this purpose was I given birth, and for this purpose I came into the world, that I might give witness to what is true. Every lover of what is true gives ear to my voice. [John 18:37BBE (to Pilate)]
1. WE SHOULD WORK OUT THE LORD’S EXAMPLE
I John 4:17 . . . as he is, so are we in this world. [BBE]
2. WE SHOULD WITNESS TO THE TRUTH
Acts 1:8 . . .you will be my witnesses [NIV]
3. WE SHOULD WALK IN TRUTH
III John v4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
II. THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
14b the breastplate of righteousness in place.
Breastplate: A protective covering in two pieces, covering from the throat to the waist
Righteousness: Purity of life, uprightness, and correctness in thought.
We are to wear righteousness as a breastplate!
1. IT PROVES OUR SALVATION
Ephesians 5:9 the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth
2. IT SHOULD BE PERSUED
I Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
3. IT PROTECTS THE WEARER
Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity
III. THE SANDALS OF THE GOSPEL
15 with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.. [NIV]
Be ready with the good news of peace as shoes on your feet. [BBE]
Sandals/Shoes: An aid in walking – avoiding direct contact with the earth.
1. PEACE PURCHASED
Isaiah 53:5 He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Romans 5:1 since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2. PEACE PRACTICED
Isaiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
3. PEACE PREVAILING
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
IV. THE SHIELD OF FAITH
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.
Shield: A means of protection, oblong, made of leather on a frame. Often linked together to form a greater protection. Used on the walls of wooden fortresses to put out the flaming arrows of the enemy.
Faith: Absolute trust/repose in Christ.
1. FAITH PLEASES GOD
Hebrews 11:6 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.
2. FAITH BRINGS ITS REWARD
Mark 9:23 Jesus said. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
3. FAITH BRINGS VICTORY
I John 5:4everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
V. THE HELMET OF SALVATION
17 Take the helmet of salvation.
Guarding the thought life – subduing the impulse to sin.
1. CONTROLLED THOUGHTS
I Corinthians10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2. COMMITTED THOUGHTS
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
3. CENTRED THOUGHTS
Philippians 4:8 Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. [NLT]
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VI. THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
17b the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
1. PURITY OF THE WORD
Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
2. THE PRACTICE OF THE WORD
Psalm 119:9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
3. THE PROBING OF THE WORD
Hebrews 4:12 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.
4. THE POWER OF THE WORD
Matthew 4:1 – 11 3times “It is written”
V11. “Then the devil leaves Him”
The Word Says, “Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
