Ready For Battle

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