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Page 1: A “Field Manual” For Spiritual Warfarechristianhopechurch.com/sermons/ManualForSpiritualWarfare.pdf · Our scripture text this morning is basically “A Field Manual For Spiritual

Message for the LORD'S DAY MORNING, December 11, 2016Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolinaby Reggie A. Braziel, Minister

Message 16 in Ephesians Sermon Series (“Rags To Riches”)Message 16 in Ephesians Sermon Series (“Rags To Riches”)Message 16 in Ephesians Sermon Series (“Rags To Riches”)Message 16 in Ephesians Sermon Series (“Rags To Riches”)

A “Field Manual” For Spiritual Warfare A “Field Manual” For Spiritual Warfare A “Field Manual” For Spiritual Warfare A “Field Manual” For Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV) Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV) Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV) Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)

Today we will conclude our series from Paul's Letter to The Paul's Letter to The Paul's Letter to The Paul's Letter to The

Ephesians, Ephesians, Ephesians, Ephesians, that we began almost four months ago. Please openyour Bibles to today's scripture text in Ephesians chapter six. Ephesians chapter six. Ephesians chapter six. Ephesians chapter six. Andlet's read verses 10-18. verses 10-18. verses 10-18. verses 10-18.

EPHESIANS 6:10-18 (NKJV)EPHESIANS 6:10-18 (NKJV)EPHESIANS 6:10-18 (NKJV)EPHESIANS 6:10-18 (NKJV)

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

P R A Y E RP R A Y E RP R A Y E RP R A Y E R

************************************************************

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I N T R O D U C T I O NI N T R O D U C T I O NI N T R O D U C T I O NI N T R O D U C T I O N

One of the predominant themes in movies and TV shows is thethethethebattle between “GOOD VS. EVIL.”battle between “GOOD VS. EVIL.”battle between “GOOD VS. EVIL.”battle between “GOOD VS. EVIL.”

*For BATMAN it was THE JOKER*For BATMAN it was THE JOKER*For BATMAN it was THE JOKER*For BATMAN it was THE JOKER

* For SUPERMAN it was LEX LUTHER* For SUPERMAN it was LEX LUTHER* For SUPERMAN it was LEX LUTHER* For SUPERMAN it was LEX LUTHER

* For LUKE SKY WALKER and HAN SOLO it was DARTH VADER* For LUKE SKY WALKER and HAN SOLO it was DARTH VADER* For LUKE SKY WALKER and HAN SOLO it was DARTH VADER* For LUKE SKY WALKER and HAN SOLO it was DARTH VADER

* For POPEYE it was BLUTO* For POPEYE it was BLUTO* For POPEYE it was BLUTO* For POPEYE it was BLUTO

* And for THE SMURFS it was GARGAMEL* And for THE SMURFS it was GARGAMEL* And for THE SMURFS it was GARGAMEL* And for THE SMURFS it was GARGAMEL

Of course all of these are “fictional characters”“fictional characters”“fictional characters”“fictional characters” engaged in“fictional battles.” “fictional battles.” “fictional battles.” “fictional battles.” But in our scripture text this morning, theapostle Paul warns the Ephesians as well as all of us, that we arewe arewe arewe areengaged in a very REAL BATTLE with a very REAL ENEMY. engaged in a very REAL BATTLE with a very REAL ENEMY. engaged in a very REAL BATTLE with a very REAL ENEMY. engaged in a very REAL BATTLE with a very REAL ENEMY.

Many Christians do not take “spiritual warfare” seriously or at do not take “spiritual warfare” seriously or at do not take “spiritual warfare” seriously or at do not take “spiritual warfare” seriously or at

least seriously enough. least seriously enough. least seriously enough. least seriously enough. In fact, a great number of Christians dismiss “spiritual warfare” “spiritual warfare” “spiritual warfare” “spiritual warfare” as fantasy.

But brothers and sisters, the truth is spiritual warfare is very real!spiritual warfare is very real!spiritual warfare is very real!spiritual warfare is very real!

Spiritual warfare does exist! Our enemy is REAL! Our battles areSpiritual warfare does exist! Our enemy is REAL! Our battles areSpiritual warfare does exist! Our enemy is REAL! Our battles areSpiritual warfare does exist! Our enemy is REAL! Our battles are

REAL! REAL! REAL! REAL! And if you and I are going to be victorious in the Christianlife we must take “spiritual warfare” very, very seriously!we must take “spiritual warfare” very, very seriously!we must take “spiritual warfare” very, very seriously!we must take “spiritual warfare” very, very seriously!

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illustration: illustration: illustration: illustration: Over the years the United States Army has distributed “fieldmanuals” to every soldier. These “field manuals” “field manuals” “field manuals” “field manuals” are basically instructionson “how to survive” in battle. Included in the manual is such informationas: what to do if captured by the enemywhat to do if captured by the enemywhat to do if captured by the enemywhat to do if captured by the enemy, and what to do if trapped behindwhat to do if trapped behindwhat to do if trapped behindwhat to do if trapped behind

enemy lines, enemy lines, enemy lines, enemy lines, and what to do if tortured or interrogated by the enemy. what to do if tortured or interrogated by the enemy. what to do if tortured or interrogated by the enemy. what to do if tortured or interrogated by the enemy. These“field manuals” provide the soldier with vital information that may makethe difference between life and death on the battlefield.

Our scripture text this morning is basically “A Field Manual For“A Field Manual For“A Field Manual For“A Field Manual For

Spiritual Warfare.” Spiritual Warfare.” Spiritual Warfare.” Spiritual Warfare.” In these verses, Paul provides us with vitalinformation that will make the difference between victory anddefeat in our spiritual battles.

First of all, Paul tells us about.......

I.I.I.I. Our Our Our Our ADVERSARYADVERSARYADVERSARYADVERSARY (vs. 10-12) (vs. 10-12) (vs. 10-12) (vs. 10-12)

10101010 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.11111111 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. the wiles of the devil. the wiles of the devil. the wiles of the devil. 12121212 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

1. One of the “keys to victory” in any conflict is that you

have to know your enemy. In the field of athletics,

coaches prepare for a game by studying game film of

their opponent for hours, seeing if they can find their

greatest weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

When it comes to “spiritual warfare” we must know our When it comes to “spiritual warfare” we must know our When it comes to “spiritual warfare” we must know our When it comes to “spiritual warfare” we must know our

adversary if we are to be victorious. adversary if we are to be victorious. adversary if we are to be victorious. adversary if we are to be victorious.

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2. Paul clearly identifies our adversary our adversary our adversary our adversary in verse 2. verse 2. verse 2. verse 2. It is none

other than “the devil” himself. “the devil” himself. “the devil” himself. “the devil” himself. The devil is the “arch-

enemy of God” and all of God's children!

3. In verse 10, verse 10, verse 10, verse 10, Paul reveals a very important truth that we

must firmly grasp if we are to be be victorious in our daily battles with Satan; and that is: We cannot, I repeat, We cannot, I repeat, We cannot, I repeat, We cannot, I repeat, we cannot fight our adversary by our own human power or we cannot fight our adversary by our own human power or we cannot fight our adversary by our own human power or we cannot fight our adversary by our own human power or strength! We cannot defeat him by sheer will power or strength! We cannot defeat him by sheer will power or strength! We cannot defeat him by sheer will power or strength! We cannot defeat him by sheer will power or

raw determination. We cannot “out wit or out smart” our raw determination. We cannot “out wit or out smart” our raw determination. We cannot “out wit or out smart” our raw determination. We cannot “out wit or out smart” our

adversary! adversary! adversary! adversary! This is a “spiritual battle” not a physical one. “spiritual battle” not a physical one. “spiritual battle” not a physical one. “spiritual battle” not a physical one.

And the only way we can be victorious in our dailybattles is “to rely upon the strength and power of the to rely upon the strength and power of the to rely upon the strength and power of the to rely upon the strength and power of the

LORD.” LORD.” LORD.” LORD.”

4. Throughout this Ephesian letter Ephesian letter Ephesian letter Ephesian letter Paul has been reminding

us that everything we are and everything we have is becauseeverything we are and everything we have is becauseeverything we are and everything we have is becauseeverything we are and everything we have is because

of Christ. We are of Christ. We are of Christ. We are of Christ. We are RICHRICHRICHRICH in Christ! We are in Christ! We are in Christ! We are in Christ! We are ONEONEONEONE with Christ! with Christ! with Christ! with Christ!

His His His His LIFELIFELIFELIFE is our life! His is our life! His is our life! His is our life! His POWERPOWERPOWERPOWER is our power! His is our power! His is our power! His is our power! His TRUTHTRUTHTRUTHTRUTH is is is is

our truth! His our truth! His our truth! His our truth! His WAYWAYWAYWAY is our way! is our way! is our way! is our way! And now Paul is telling us

in verse 10 verse 10 verse 10 verse 10 that His His His His STRENGTHSTRENGTHSTRENGTHSTRENGTH is our strength and His is our strength and His is our strength and His is our strength and His

MIGHTMIGHTMIGHTMIGHT is our might! is our might! is our might! is our might!

If you and I try to win our daily spiritual battles our daily spiritual battles our daily spiritual battles our daily spiritual battles by any

other means than by the strength and power of the LORDby the strength and power of the LORDby the strength and power of the LORDby the strength and power of the LORD

Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ we are “doomed” to lose battle after battle

and to live our Christian lives in constant defeat and

discouragement! Our strength, our power, our might to win Our strength, our power, our might to win Our strength, our power, our might to win Our strength, our power, our might to win our battles comes from the indwelling presence of Christ our battles comes from the indwelling presence of Christ our battles comes from the indwelling presence of Christ our battles comes from the indwelling presence of Christ within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.

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5. Paul goes on to tell us in verse 11, “Put on the whole armorverse 11, “Put on the whole armorverse 11, “Put on the whole armorverse 11, “Put on the whole armorof God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. “the devil. “the devil. “the devil. “

Now what does Paul mean by “the wiles of the devil?”“the wiles of the devil?”“the wiles of the devil?”“the wiles of the devil?”

“Wiles” “Wiles” “Wiles” “Wiles” refers to a a a a modus operandi modus operandi modus operandi modus operandi or a mode of operation.or a mode of operation.or a mode of operation.or a mode of operation.

“The wiles of the devil” or “the devil's mode of operation” “The wiles of the devil” or “the devil's mode of operation” “The wiles of the devil” or “the devil's mode of operation” “The wiles of the devil” or “the devil's mode of operation” is

use trickery, and deception, and lies, and craftiness. trickery, and deception, and lies, and craftiness. trickery, and deception, and lies, and craftiness. trickery, and deception, and lies, and craftiness. His mode of operation is to lure us into traps and snares.lure us into traps and snares.lure us into traps and snares.lure us into traps and snares.

This was his tactic on Eve and Adamtactic on Eve and Adamtactic on Eve and Adamtactic on Eve and Adam in the Garden of

Eden, and he still uses the same mode of operation today.mode of operation today.mode of operation today.mode of operation today.

That is exactly how our adversary operates. He is

always trying to trick us, and deceive us, and to lure us into his traps and snares. And it is vitally important that you and I understand that when it comes to “spiritual warfare” “spiritual warfare” “spiritual warfare” “spiritual warfare” the battlefield is NOT some piece of “earthly real-estate.” You and I ARE the battlefield! Our You and I ARE the battlefield! Our You and I ARE the battlefield! Our You and I ARE the battlefield! Our MINDSMINDSMINDSMINDS, our , our , our , our HEARTSHEARTSHEARTSHEARTS, and our , and our , and our , and our SPIRITSSPIRITSSPIRITSSPIRITS are the battlefield. are the battlefield. are the battlefield. are the battlefield.

In “spiritual warfare” you and I are both THE THE THE THE TARGETTARGETTARGETTARGET Satan aims at and THE Satan aims at and THE Satan aims at and THE Satan aims at and THE TROPHYTROPHYTROPHYTROPHY he is after. he is after. he is after. he is after.

6. We must also understand just how much Satan hates us. Our lives are covered with the blood of Jesus Christ, Our lives are covered with the blood of Jesus Christ, Our lives are covered with the blood of Jesus Christ, Our lives are covered with the blood of Jesus Christ,

a scent that drives Satan stark raving mad! a scent that drives Satan stark raving mad! a scent that drives Satan stark raving mad! a scent that drives Satan stark raving mad! We are

“the ones that got away!” “the ones that got away!” “the ones that got away!” “the ones that got away!” We are reminders of his reminders of his reminders of his reminders of his

defeat! defeat! defeat! defeat! In fact he hates you and me so much he desires to destroy everything that is precious and dear to us.

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He wants to destroy your marriagedestroy your marriagedestroy your marriagedestroy your marriage, your childrenyour childrenyour childrenyour children, youryouryouryour friendshipsfriendshipsfriendshipsfriendships, and your relationship with your brothers your relationship with your brothers your relationship with your brothers your relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ. and sisters in Christ. and sisters in Christ. and sisters in Christ.

He wants to destroy your reputationdestroy your reputationdestroy your reputationdestroy your reputation and ruin your ruin your ruin your ruin your

witness and testimony for Christ witness and testimony for Christ witness and testimony for Christ witness and testimony for Christ. Satan could care less if you are religious, but he will do everything he can to stop you from having a close, intimate a close, intimate a close, intimate a close, intimate

relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants to keep you off your knees in prayerkeep you off your knees in prayerkeep you off your knees in prayerkeep you off your knees in prayer to render you to render you to render you to render you

powerless powerless powerless powerless. And he wants to keep you out of God's word to keep you out of God's word to keep you out of God's word to keep you out of God's word

to blind you to blind you to blind you to blind you to the truth to the truth to the truth to the truth .

His goal is NOT to make you hate GOD; His goal is to fill your life with so many worldly pleasures and treasuresfill your life with so many worldly pleasures and treasuresfill your life with so many worldly pleasures and treasuresfill your life with so many worldly pleasures and treasures

that you have neither the time or affection for God. that you have neither the time or affection for God. that you have neither the time or affection for God. that you have neither the time or affection for God.

And the more determined you are to live for the LORD, And the more determined you are to live for the LORD, And the more determined you are to live for the LORD, And the more determined you are to live for the LORD,

the more determined Satan is going to be to stop you! the more determined Satan is going to be to stop you! the more determined Satan is going to be to stop you! the more determined Satan is going to be to stop you!

Do you see now why Paul is admonishing you and me

to “put on the whole armor of GOD so that we may stand“put on the whole armor of GOD so that we may stand“put on the whole armor of GOD so that we may stand“put on the whole armor of GOD so that we may stand

against the wiles of the devil?” against the wiles of the devil?” against the wiles of the devil?” against the wiles of the devil?”

7. Moving on to verse 12 verse 12 verse 12 verse 12 Paul gives us a very detailed

description of our adversary.......

Paul says, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the but against principalities, against powers, against the but against principalities, against powers, against the but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (verse 12) of wickedness in the heavenly places. (verse 12) of wickedness in the heavenly places. (verse 12) of wickedness in the heavenly places. (verse 12)

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8. Satan would have us to believe he is God's equal he is God's equal he is God's equal he is God's equal

counterpart. counterpart. counterpart. counterpart. He would have us to believe he is

omnipotent or “all-powerful” like God, but he's NOT!omnipotent or “all-powerful” like God, but he's NOT!omnipotent or “all-powerful” like God, but he's NOT!omnipotent or “all-powerful” like God, but he's NOT!

His power is limited! His power is limited! His power is limited! His power is limited!

He would also have us to believe he is omni-presentomni-presentomni-presentomni-present

or “present in all places at all times” or “present in all places at all times” or “present in all places at all times” or “present in all places at all times” like God, but he's

NOT! It just seems like Satan is everywhere because

his demonic forces are spread out all across the

world. And Satan has “lots of allies” in government

positions and in the entertainment industry, and in

the news media, and in the academic world.

Satan would also have us to believe he is omniscient omniscient omniscient omniscient

or all-knowing like God, but he's not. or all-knowing like God, but he's not. or all-knowing like God, but he's not. or all-knowing like God, but he's not. Contrary to what

you may think, there are no verses in the Bible that

says Satan knows everything or that he can even read your thoughts. But Satan is very adept at predicting human behavior because he has seen it operate for thousands of years.

9. Well after giving us this description of our adversary, we might be inclined to believe this is a battle we can't possibly win; that our adversary is simply too smart and to strong to be defeated, but that's not true!

As we move on to verses 14-18, verses 14-18, verses 14-18, verses 14-18, Paul tells us about......

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II.II.II.II. Our Our Our Our ARMORARMORARMORARMOR (vs. 14-18) (vs. 14-18) (vs. 14-18) (vs. 14-18)

1. Having the distinction of being both a Jew and a Roman citizen, the apostle Paul was well-acquainted with Roman soldiers. Remember, when he wrote this letter he was under house arrest, being guarded by a Roman soldier twenty four hours a day seven days a week.

2. No doubt, much of the imagery Paul uses in these verses was gleaned from his knowledge of the armor worn by Roman soldiers.

3. Two times in our text, Paul has already admonished us to “Put on the whole armor of God.” (vs. 11, 13)“Put on the whole armor of God.” (vs. 11, 13)“Put on the whole armor of God.” (vs. 11, 13)“Put on the whole armor of God.” (vs. 11, 13)

Can you imagine one of our American soldiers going into Can you imagine one of our American soldiers going into Can you imagine one of our American soldiers going into Can you imagine one of our American soldiers going into

battle without his helmet or without his bullet proof vest, battle without his helmet or without his bullet proof vest, battle without his helmet or without his bullet proof vest, battle without his helmet or without his bullet proof vest, or without carrying his rifle? or without carrying his rifle? or without carrying his rifle? or without carrying his rifle?

The wise soldier knows to “put on the whole armor”“put on the whole armor”“put on the whole armor”“put on the whole armor”

because each and every piece serves a specific purpose.

4. Likewise, you and I must “put on the whole armor of “put on the whole armor of “put on the whole armor of “put on the whole armor of

God” God” God” God” because to neglect to put on one piece or another leaves us vulnerable to attack from our enemy.

OUR SPIRITUAL ARMOROUR SPIRITUAL ARMOROUR SPIRITUAL ARMOROUR SPIRITUAL ARMOR

(A) (A) (A) (A) The first piece of armor is THE BELT OF THE BELT OF THE BELT OF THE BELT OF TRUTHTRUTHTRUTHTRUTH....

v. 14a v. 14a v. 14a v. 14a Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth.....Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth.....Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth.....Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth.....

This is fairly easy to understand. John 8:44 John 8:44 John 8:44 John 8:44 tells us Satan is a liar and the father of all who lie and when heSatan is a liar and the father of all who lie and when heSatan is a liar and the father of all who lie and when heSatan is a liar and the father of all who lie and when he lies he is speaking his native language. lies he is speaking his native language. lies he is speaking his native language. lies he is speaking his native language.

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Remember I told you earlier one of Satan's “wiles”“wiles”“wiles”“wiles”

is to “deceive.” is to “deceive.” is to “deceive.” is to “deceive.” He deceives us by lying to uslying to uslying to uslying to us. And one the best ways we can defend ourselves against his lies is not only to know the TRUTH of God's not only to know the TRUTH of God's not only to know the TRUTH of God's not only to know the TRUTH of God's

word, but literally to WEAR His truthword, but literally to WEAR His truthword, but literally to WEAR His truthword, but literally to WEAR His truth. We “wear God's“wear God's“wear God's“wear God's

truth” truth” truth” truth” by obeying God's commands and putting His word into practice in our daily lives.

If you are constantly discouraged and feel defeated all the time in your Christian life, chances are its because you haven't “put on the “put on the “put on the “put on the

belt of truth.” belt of truth.” belt of truth.” belt of truth.” In other words, you're probably not spending some quality time each day in the word.

(B)(B)(B)(B) Next, Paul tells us to PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OFPUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OFPUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OFPUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESSRIGHTEOUSNESSRIGHTEOUSNESSRIGHTEOUSNESS. (v.14). (v.14). (v.14). (v.14)

The breastplate The breastplate The breastplate The breastplate shielded the soldier's vital organs, primarily his heart, from suffering a fatal wound.

“The Breastplate of Righteousness” “The Breastplate of Righteousness” “The Breastplate of Righteousness” “The Breastplate of Righteousness” has nothing to do with our own works of righteousness, but rather it is “the righteousness of Jesus Christ.” “the righteousness of Jesus Christ.” “the righteousness of Jesus Christ.” “the righteousness of Jesus Christ.” It has to do with His righteous work on the cross.His righteous work on the cross.His righteous work on the cross.His righteous work on the cross.

You see, one of Satan's favorite weapons against us is to “accuse us of our past and present sins and “accuse us of our past and present sins and “accuse us of our past and present sins and “accuse us of our past and present sins and to constantly remind us what miserable failures we to constantly remind us what miserable failures we to constantly remind us what miserable failures we to constantly remind us what miserable failures we

are as Christians.” are as Christians.” are as Christians.” are as Christians.” If you are trusting in your own human righteousness to protect you in battle you are “up a creek without a paddle.”“up a creek without a paddle.”“up a creek without a paddle.”“up a creek without a paddle.”

The scriptures teach us that “our righteousness is as The scriptures teach us that “our righteousness is as The scriptures teach us that “our righteousness is as The scriptures teach us that “our righteousness is as

filthy rags.” filthy rags.” filthy rags.” filthy rags.” In other words, “our righteousness”“our righteousness”“our righteousness”“our righteousness” offers us NO PROTECTION against Satan's offers us NO PROTECTION against Satan's offers us NO PROTECTION against Satan's offers us NO PROTECTION against Satan's

accusations. accusations. accusations. accusations. In fact, our human righteousness makes us more vulnerable to Satan's attacks.

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But when we trust in the righteousness of Christ to trust in the righteousness of Christ to trust in the righteousness of Christ to trust in the righteousness of Christ to save us from our sins, our hearts are protected from save us from our sins, our hearts are protected from save us from our sins, our hearts are protected from save us from our sins, our hearts are protected from

Satan's accusations. Satan's accusations. Satan's accusations. Satan's accusations. And when Satan reminds us of our past, we can confidently remind him of his future!

(C)(C)(C)(C) Next, Paul tells us to PUT ON THE SHOES OF PUT ON THE SHOES OF PUT ON THE SHOES OF PUT ON THE SHOES OF PREPARATION OF THE PREPARATION OF THE PREPARATION OF THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPELGOSPELGOSPELGOSPEL OF OF OF OF PEACEPEACEPEACEPEACE. (v.15). (v.15). (v.15). (v.15)

The battle shoes worn by the Roman soldiers in Paul's day were made of layers of metal and

leather. They had “spikes” on the bottom of the shoes for sure footing; and often had a long spike

protruding from the toe of the shoe to stab or lacerate the enemy.

A good pair of battle shoes was vitally important to a soldier being “prepared” to march upon command or to stand firm on the battlefield.

The Gospel is the Christian's battle shoes! The Gospel is the Christian's battle shoes! The Gospel is the Christian's battle shoes! The Gospel is the Christian's battle shoes! As Christians we must be “prepared” or be “ready” to obey the LORD'S commands at all times. We must be “prepared” to share the gospel with those who are outside of Christ. And we must be “prepared” to use the gospel to defend ourselves against an attack from our adversary, the devil.our adversary, the devil.our adversary, the devil.our adversary, the devil.

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(D)(D)(D)(D) Next, Paul tells us to TAKE UP THE TAKE UP THE TAKE UP THE TAKE UP THE SHIELDSHIELDSHIELDSHIELD OF OF OF OF FAITHFAITHFAITHFAITH....

v. 16 “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will v. 16 “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will v. 16 “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will v. 16 “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will

be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

Roman soldiers used two types of shields in battle. One was a small,light weight, round shield about 2' One was a small,light weight, round shield about 2' One was a small,light weight, round shield about 2' One was a small,light weight, round shield about 2'

in diameter that was secured to their arm by two in diameter that was secured to their arm by two in diameter that was secured to their arm by two in diameter that was secured to their arm by two

leather straps. leather straps. leather straps. leather straps. This shield was primarily used to deflect the blow of an enemy sword in hand-to- hand combat.

The other type of shield was much larger. It was 2 1/2 ' wide and 4' high2 1/2 ' wide and 4' high2 1/2 ' wide and 4' high2 1/2 ' wide and 4' high. It was designed to protect It was designed to protect It was designed to protect It was designed to protect

the soldier's entire body. the soldier's entire body. the soldier's entire body. the soldier's entire body. When the enemy would fire arrows or flaming arrows, the soldier would kneel down behind this large shield to form a wall of protection between his body and the flaming arrows.

FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD is our “shield” of protectionFAITH AND TRUST IN GOD is our “shield” of protectionFAITH AND TRUST IN GOD is our “shield” of protectionFAITH AND TRUST IN GOD is our “shield” of protection

against our enemy. against our enemy. against our enemy. against our enemy. Satan is constantly shooting his “flaming arrows” of doubt, and discouragement, and despair at us. But when we put all of our faith and trust in GOD our faith acts a shield of protection our faith acts a shield of protection our faith acts a shield of protection our faith acts a shield of protection against Satan's “flaming arrows.” against Satan's “flaming arrows.” against Satan's “flaming arrows.” against Satan's “flaming arrows.”

(E) (E) (E) (E) Next, Paul tells us to PUT ON THE PUT ON THE PUT ON THE PUT ON THE HELMETHELMETHELMETHELMET OF OF OF OF SALVATIONSALVATIONSALVATIONSALVATION. (v.17a). (v.17a). (v.17a). (v.17a)

The helmet of course was worn by the Roman soldiers to protect their head, their brain, from a dangerous and potentially deadly blow from an enemy sword.

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When Satan attacks us, usually the very first thing he “targets” “targets” “targets” “targets” is our mind. our mind. our mind. our mind. He wants to “get inside our“get inside our“get inside our“get inside our

head.” head.” head.” head.” He wants to “mess up our thinking,” “mess up our thinking,” “mess up our thinking,” “mess up our thinking,”

especially regarding our salvation. our salvation. our salvation. our salvation. Satan knows if he can get us to doubt our salvation doubt our salvation doubt our salvation doubt our salvation it will destroy our confidence, and our peace, and our faith and trust in God.

What does it mean to PUT ON THE HELMET OF PUT ON THE HELMET OF PUT ON THE HELMET OF PUT ON THE HELMET OF

SALVATION? SALVATION? SALVATION? SALVATION? It means that you and I place all of our hope of salvation in the “work” Christ did on the cross, and not upon our own works. It means we believe what GOD'S WORD says about our salvation, not what Satan whispers in our ear.

(F)(F)(F)(F) And then in the latter part of verse 17, the latter part of verse 17, the latter part of verse 17, the latter part of verse 17, Paul tells us to TAKE UP THE TAKE UP THE TAKE UP THE TAKE UP THE SWORDSWORDSWORDSWORD OF THE OF THE OF THE OF THE SPIRITSPIRITSPIRITSPIRIT....

Every other piece of our armor is for DEFENSIVE purposes. THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT or the the the the WORDWORDWORDWORD of of of of G0DG0DG0DG0D is our only is our only is our only is our only OFFENSIVEOFFENSIVEOFFENSIVEOFFENSIVE weapon in our battle. weapon in our battle. weapon in our battle. weapon in our battle.

Remember when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness? How did Jesus go on “the offensive” against Satan? He used “the sword of the Spirit.”“the sword of the Spirit.”“the sword of the Spirit.”“the sword of the Spirit.”

He quoted SCRIPTURE. He combated Satan's LIES with the TRUTH of God.

This is why it is critically important to stay in the stay in the stay in the stay in the

word of God. word of God. word of God. word of God. If you neglect your daily Bible reading , in essence you are going “unarmed” into you are going “unarmed” into you are going “unarmed” into you are going “unarmed” into battle each day. battle each day. battle each day. battle each day.

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5. In verse 18 verse 18 verse 18 verse 18 Paul says, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Don't ever under-estimate the importance of prayer in fighting your daily battles. We are fighting a “super- natural enemy” and to fight a supernatural enemy we need a supernatural power. PRAYER is the means God PRAYER is the means God PRAYER is the means God PRAYER is the means God has given us to “tap into His supernatural power.” has given us to “tap into His supernatural power.” has given us to “tap into His supernatural power.” has given us to “tap into His supernatural power.”

And when you and I neglect our daily prayer life, not only are we ill-prepared to fight our daily spiritual battles, we are virtually assuring our failure and defeat.

***********************************************************************C O N C L U S I O N

A godly man by the name of ISAAC AMBROSE ISAAC AMBROSE ISAAC AMBROSE ISAAC AMBROSE wrote a book in 1660 1660 1660 1660

entitled: “The Christian Warrior.” entitled: “The Christian Warrior.” entitled: “The Christian Warrior.” entitled: “The Christian Warrior.” I want to share a brief excerpt from hisbook as we close:

“God is on the side of all true wrestlers, and if God is for us, who can prosper against us?” The LORD JESUS not only feels deeply, but prays earnestly for His children when they wrestle with their grand adversary. No sooner does Satan run in upon you but Christ runs into the bosom of His Father to intercede for you. Christians be not afraid of Satan; he is only a creature of limited power. Yes, he is potent, but your Captain is omnipotent.”

Satan is real. Satan is powerful. Satan is wicked. And Satan is clever. But most importantly, SATAN IS DEFEATED!”SATAN IS DEFEATED!”SATAN IS DEFEATED!”SATAN IS DEFEATED!”

So “Be strong in the LORD and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!” So “Be strong in the LORD and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!” So “Be strong in the LORD and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!” So “Be strong in the LORD and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!”