God’s Armed Forces Text: Ephesians 6:10-18
( Illustration: Have a person get into a bucket ’called the sin bucket’ let him or her act out how easy it is to get into the sin bucket, and how no one can get you out but Christ.)
10). In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provide]. 11). Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12). For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the repression, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13). Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14). Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral righteousness and right standing with God. 15). And having shod your feet in preparation to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. 16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench, all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.18Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
Story about Jimmy Carter: Admiral Hyman Rickover, who was once head of the United States Nuclear Navy, personally interviewed every officer on board his nuclear submarines. Among them was former President Jimmy Carter. This is Carter’s account of the interview: “ He looked straight into my eyes. He never smiled. I was saturated with cold sweat. Finally he asked a question and I thought I could redeem myself, “How did you stand in your class at the Naval Academy?” I had done very well so I swelled my chest with pride and answered, ‘ Sir, I stood 59th out of a class of 820!’ I sat back waiting for congratulations- which never came. Instead, the question: ‘ Did you do your best?’ I started to say, yes, sir, but I remembered who this was and recalled several times at the Academy when I could have learned more about our allies, our enemies, weapons, strategy, and so forth. I was just human. I finally gulped and said, No, sir, I didn’t always do my best.’ He looked at me for a long time, and then turned his chair around to end the interview. He asked one final question, which I have never been able to forget or to answer. He said, ‘Why not?’ “I sat there for a while, shaken, then slowly left the room.”
I. We have to Put on and wear God’s armor, and not take it off and then we won’t be ashamed! 1. We should tighten the belt of truth around your loins. 2. Stand on the Gospel of peace. ( Think about it, " pure peace.) 3. Lift up the shield of faith. 4. Wear the helmet of salvation. ( In Roman days a soilders helmet told his war story. If he had many wins under his belt his helment would have beautiful feathers coming out of it.) 5. Hold the sword of truth. ( The sword of the Spirit is God’s word and it’s sharp on both sides. Hebrews 4:12 6. Pray at all times! 7. Stay watchful and alert!
A. The enemy has been sent to destroy; to launch weapons of mass destruction. He cannot be seen, but he can be felt through his assaults and tactics of fear and faithlesness against your mind. He doesn’t fight fare nor does he care about you! (You might say, “ I’m innocent!” but when he sees you he sees Christ.) The devil’s will for you, is to work, think and try within yourself!
I. However, God allows His Son Jesus to declare His word over you through 24-hour intercession. Hebrews 7:25
A. Jesus said, John 10:10 Jesus said, 10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
B. Paul gives God’s people exact instructions on how to win against the devil. #1. Stay in union through fellowship and be strong in the Lord!
C. Acts 4: 13 now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Unbroken fellowship!)
D. #2. The second way to win over satan is to put on God’s whole armor! Vs. 11 say’s, like a heavy- armed soldier… Wear God’s armor!
E. Think about an American solider going into battle ill prepared! (They wouldn’t last long.)
F. God’s weapons include: Salvation, mediating in God’s word, love, prayer grace, forgiveness, acceptance, faith and a positive confessions!
G. #3. The third way to win over the devil is to Stand, and hold your ground! Sometimes the waiting is the worst. Psalm 40:1 I WAITED patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. ( A Roman soilder wore shoes that had spikes coming from them that helped them stand their ground.)
H. Jimmy Carter said, “ As I thought about what my Admiral said, I answered, “no, I didn’t always try my best.”
The only way to win over satan is to put on God’s whole armor daily!
