The Armor Of God #1 Series

Sermon for 10/18/2009

The Armor of God Part #1 (Ephesians 6:10-15)

Introduction:

Have the children come up front and sit on front pew. Have at least two teenagers help demonstrate skateboards and protective gear.

Let’s pretend that you have just gotten your first skateboard and you are wondering what to do with it. You’ve seen other skateboarders like (two teenagers names), and you have seen all of the cool things they can do. How do you get started? First, before you try anything crazy, you need to get comfortable standing on the skateboard. It is best to start out on the grass or some carpet so that the board will not roll until you get the hang of it. After you get comfortable standing on the board, you are ready to try some skating. Oh wait! I think I have forgotten something. Can you guess what it is? That’s right! We need to make sure we have the right protective gear. The first thing is that we need to have the right kind of shoes. We wouldn’t want to go skating in a pair of cowboy boots, would we? Your shoes should have a flat bottom to help you get a better grip on the board. Next, every skateboarder should wear a helmet. You might think that wearing a helmet makes you look like a dork, but, believe me, it is the smart thing to do. Another thing you will need is pads. It is important to have pads to protect your elbows and knees. It might also be a good idea to wear braces on your wrists. Now that you have the right gear, it is time to go skateboarding. Even professional skateboarders make sure they have the right protective equipment. Doesn’t it make sense that you should use it too?

Just as we need protective gear in skateboarding, the Bible teaches us that we need protection in life. The Bible calls it the armor of God and it tells that we need the armor of God to protect us from Satan’s evil schemes.

We are starting to talk about this protection today. Read Ephesians 6:10-15.

Dismiss Children’s Church.

WBTU:

A. Paul was in chains (Ephesians 6:20) and constantly under guard by Roman soldiers as he wrote this letter to the Ephesians.

B. As Paul talked about standing firm against the devil and his schemes, he looked up at the Roman soldier. What a perfect illustration of how we are to stand and what the Lord has given us to protect us from the devil.

Thesis: Let’s examine the first 3 pieces of the armor of God.

For instances:

1. Belt of truth buckled around your waist (Vs. 14)

A. When a soldier got dressed, he would put on his belt over his tunic. The tunic was the primary piece of outer clothing that covered much of the soldier’s body. It was a square piece of material with holes cut in it for the soldier’s head and arms. It fit very loosely.

During a battle the tunic could easily be a hindrance, getting in the way. The tunic was tucked into the leather belt worn by the soldier. The belt also helped to hold other pieces of armor in place. The belt was an essential piece of equipment.

B. The first armor of defense is to have a good knowledge of the truth. We need to know the Bible. (2 Tim 2:15 NIV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

E. Satan is a liar. Jesus said that he is a liar and the father of it. When Satan speaks lies in our ears, we need to know what God’s truth is. That is how Jesus overcame him.

F. (Psa 119:16 NIV) I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

G. Several years ago in Guatemala a young Christian named Paulos had been arrested with a gang of robbers. In that place and in those days, anyone suspected of a crime, was immediately taken to an open field, ordered to dig a hold, and then toppled into the hole he had dug by the bullets of a firing squad. As Paulos walked to his doom, he tried to think what to do to escape. He prayed. And he felt the little NT in his pocket. He loved that book, and he loved the One who wrote it. He began every day with it, reading and memorizing some verses. It made him feel not quite alone to have God’s Word with him especially now. Somehow he must speak to the officer in charge. There must be a way to tell him. “I’m not a thief,” he told the officer. “I am a Christian.” “Oh, no you aren’t,” the officer said. “You are a criminal, or you wouldn’t have been with those other thieves.” “They aren’t my friends,” Paulos answered. “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m a Christian and I don’t get mixed up in such things. See, here’s my NT right in my pocket.” “You’re lying. You don’t know anything about the Bible,” the officer said. “Yes, I do,” Paulos replied. “I can recite several verses.” “I don’t believe you,” said the officer. “Stand there and let me hear you repeat some verses from the Bible.” Paulos cleared his throat and started in. He repeated several verses and gave the references. He said the verses without mistake. The officer listened in amazement. When Paulos finished, the officer said, “I am convinced you are not a thief. You may go.” Knowing God’s word by heart saved Paulos’ life. How about us? Could we quote enough Scripture to save our lives?