the “whole armor of god” ephesians 6:11-18. giving up? throwing in the towel? the christian life...
Post on 18-Dec-2015
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“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
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 firm.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
--Ephesians 6:11-18
--Support to keep you from getting jacked up!
--It’s about readiness, making a plan (putting on the belt) then following with purpose
(lifting the weight)
1. The actual content of what is true.--What’s true is true, and that’s
how it is.--Our truth: The Word
--The Word provides an anchor to keep us from being swept away by false doctrines
-- The more you’re rooted in truth, the less likely you are to sway when life throws punches
2. The quality of truthfulness--Refers to “the whole truth”--About authenticity,
commitment, “living it”--Secures all the other pieces of
armor
How to wear the belt?
“Then you know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” –John 8:32
--Spending time in scripture
Why?
For support when life gets heavy…when thoughts are weighty, we have a place foundation to lift from
What’s the footwear for?--Preparedness--Willingness, evento respond in a manner
consistent with Christ’s teachings
The “gospel of peace”
Knowing we are “children of God”—zealously held in His arms by grace through faith
The “gospel of peace”
Knowing we are “children of God”—zealously held in His arms by grace through faith
The Christian life takes footwork too…
Going, doing, being, thinking, immersing, speaking…the list goes on and on and on
--Following the gospel of peace is the first defense
--Standing and moving in confidence of God’s love, His union with us, and His commitment to fight for us
“…In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”
The “shield of faith”--Compress (confine) the
negative attacks--Support our purpose --Protect our hearts
Satan’s purpose—To drive a wedge between the
Creator and the createdFaith’s purpose—
Stand confidently in the promises of God
Our heads… the source of all our can’t
do’s…all our not good enough’s…our perceived failures…shortcomings…
To discourage us, he points to our failures, our sins, our unresolved problems, our poor health, or to whatever else seems negative in our lives.
What will knock you loopy in a fight? A blow to the head
What will knock you loopy in life? A blow to the mind
The head gear may lessen the damage…but it doesn’t mean the punches don’t come…
but we’re prepared anyway
Past=Justification“to be made right”--Deliverance from sins from the
moment we accepted Jesus--For most of us, that’s past--It’s a FOREVER gift
Present=Sanctification“to be made holy”--this is about time on Earth-- “set apart” for a purpose--the cross before me, the
world behind me
Future=Glorification--arrives at the second coming of
Christ--I’m outta here!--ETERNAL worship…awesome!--The hope of things to come
Our hope is in Christ…and the knowledge that we are
going to ultimately be given the opportunity to worship Him forever…
Satan attacks where we’re weakest…in the places we lack knowledge.
“Did God REALLY say don’t eat that apple?!”
Offensively:--Only weapon (purposefully)--Word of God=our offense--Being an offensive weapon ≠
being offensive
“When I do leave you, you’ll not only know how to fight, you’ll be able to take care of yourself outside the ring too…”
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive
because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
--John 14:16-17
When we’re discouraged, downtrodden, beaten and worn—just like the trainer in the corner cheering us on—we have the Holy Spirit to get us through. As a departure gift.
Your story isn’t over.Your life isn’t over.Your dream isn’t over.You are never too far gone.You are never out of this fight.
“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life.
“But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward! How much you can take and keep moving forward! That’s how winning is done! Now, if you know what you are worth, go out and get what you are worth.”
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