The Whole Armour Of God

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.