Liberty Online Ministries

The Armor of God

Ephesians 6

www.libertyonlineministries.com

Index Wheres the Battle?..............................................2 Girding Your Loins?: The Belt of Truthfulness5 Protect Your Body: The Breastplate of Righteousness7 Sure Footing: The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace..10 Quench those Fiery Darts: The Shield of Faith12 Protecting the Noggin: The Helmet of Salvation15 Butter Knife or Blade?: The Sword of the Spirit ....18 Praying Through the Armor of God.21

Wheres the Battle?

The Armor of God- Ephesians 6 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13
Whichwouldyouratherhaveifyouwerefacedwithadenofhungry lions? acellphonetocall911 arawsteaktothrowtothemhopingtheywillbefilled achewtoy awhipandfedora acopyofWorstcaseScenarioSurvivalHandbook afullsuitofarmorequippedwithswordandshield Itwouldseemobvious,thewhipandfedora.IndianaJonesIamnot,soI wouldratherhavesomethingwithalittlemoreattackthanawhip. Althoughthepenismightierthenthesword,Iwouldratherhavethe swordinthiscase. IhopeIamnotthefirsttotellyouthis,butyouarestandinginalions denrightnow! Youmaynotseethelion,butScripturesaysthatSatanisaroaringlion roamingaboutseekingwhomhemaydevour(1Peter5:89).Doyouput onyourarmoreveryday? WhatareasdoyoufeellikeSatanhasbeenattackingyou?

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Spiritualwarfareisveryrealinthelifeofthebeliever.However,wehave notbeenlefthelplessorwithoutdefense.Tobeequippedforthis warfarewehavebeengivenspecificspiritualtoolswithwhichtofight. Ourunderstandingofthesetoolsisvitalinbattlingtheenemy.Hereare severalreasonswhyweneedtoputonthearmorofGodeveryday. 1.SatancangainafootholdinaChristianslife(Ephesians4:2527). Satandoesnotneedmuchspacetoattack.Sometimeswewonderhow thatbuggotintothehouse.Itisbecausetherewassomesmallholethat thenastylittlethingsqueezedthrough.Itdidnotneedmuch,justalittle bit.Satanisthesameway.Hesearchesandlooksforsomesmallhole orcrackinwhichtosqueezethroughandattack(Acts5:3,1Corinthians 7:5,2Corinthians12:7).PaulwarnsusinEphesiansnottonotgive Satananyfoothold,anyspacetograb.Considersomeofthesewaysin whichSatantriestogetafoothold. Footholdentrances: OccultismDeuteronomy18:1011,Ex22:18 HereditaryafflictionExodus34:57

Victimizationfootholdscancomethroughphysical,sexual, emotionalabuse,fearproducingexperiencesespeciallyin children. LongtermsinanddisobediencetoGodEphesians4:2527

DoesSatanhaveafootholdinyourlifeinanyarea?Listoutwhathehas afootholdin.

2.Satanisthemastercounterfeiter(John8:4344) SatantriestohavehiskingdomappearthatitisGodskingdom.Thishas beenaployofSatansincethebeginningoftime.Anexampleofthisisin thestoryoftheExodus.TheservantsofPharaohwereabletocopy someoftheplaguesthatGodsentthroughMoses.ThatfactthatSatan masqueradesasanangeloflightbringstheimportancetoknowingand developingarelationshipwithChristtoahigherdegree.Wemustknow thetruthinordertodiscoverthelies(2Thessalonians2:9,2Corinthians 11:14). 3.Satansdesireandintentistodestroybelievers(1Peter5:89). Satanisnotalittledemonthatsitsonyourshoulderandtriesto convinceyouhiswayisbetter.Heisnotcontentwithsimplycausing bumpsintheroad.Satanwantstodestroyanddevouryou.Peterwarns usthatSatanislikearavenous,ferociouslionthatislookingformore thanjustabitetoeat.Satanwantstodevour.Heplansandschemes waysoftrippingupthebelieversinwaysthatwillcausethemostpain andheartachetothemostpeople.Hewillnotallowhisthirstfor destructiontobesatisfied.(Luke22:31,1Timothy3:67,2Corinthians 2:1011,1Thessalonians2:18) Howhaveyouallowedtheenemytorobyouofyourjoythispastweek?

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

SatanCANberesisted.Youcandecidetoturnyourbackonhimand hightailittheotherwaybutonlyinGodsstrength(James4:7).ItisGod whogivesusthevictory. Ourenemywillstopatnothingtodestroy,buthecanbestopped.The enemycanberesistedthroughthestrengthandpowerofGod.Itis throughthearmorthatweplaceourselvesinapositiontoresist(1Peter 5:89).OursubmissiontoGodscommandisthebasisforouroffense. Judeexplainsthateventheangelscalluponthepowerandauthorityof GodtodobattlewithSatanandhisminions(Jude1:9).Praisebeto God,whogivesusthestrengthtoresistSatanandcausehimtoflee! Wecannotaffordtodobattlewiththisenemywithoutfirstsuitingup.God hasgivenusthearmor.Itisanarmorthatwillprotectanddefendus.It willkeepusinourdarkesthourthroughHisstrength.Itwillsustainusin

 Satan can gain a foothold Satan is the master counterfeiter Satans desire and intent is to destroy believers

theheatofbattle.Onlythefoolwouldleaveitandstartintohisday withoutit.Armyourselfforwarfare! Inwhatareasofyoulifedoyouknowyouneedtoresistthedevil?

Prayer:Praytodayforstrengthtoputonthearmorandresistthedevil. Youcansaynotothedevil,butittakesfirstsayingyestoJesus. Whatdoyouneedtodoinresponsetothislesson?

But
Satan can be resisted!

ByRobJacksonandKevinConner 4

Girding Your Loins?

The Armor of God The Belt of Truthfulness Ephesians 6
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 Beltsaremoreofanaccessorynow,sotheideaofgirdingyourloinsis somewhatlost.Itcouldbeabeltthatmatchestheshoesandpurseora beltthatsportsthelargestbuckle,butbeltsarenotabigthingthese days,otherthanforlooks.Although,Iwilladmitthatbeltswillbearound forever.Doyouremembersuspenders?Theytriedtotaketheplaceof belts,butnowtheonlyplaceyouseethemisonclowns. Brainstormwithmeforabit.Whataresomeofthedifferentwaysthata beltcanbeused?

Iamsuretherearemanymore.AsakidIusedmybelttopickonmy brothers,slapflies,andclimbtrees.Beltshavesomanyuses.Theonly useIdidntlikewasitsapplicationtomyhindquarters.Memories. Paultellsustogirdourloinswiththebeltoftruth.Hisunderstandingfor theuseofabeltisalittledifferentfromours.Nowtakealookatthe passageinEphesians6.Readverses10through17andcountthe numberoftimesPaulusesthewordstand.WhydoesPaulmakeabig dealaboutstanding?

Thereisacommandherethatcallsustoarms.Wearetostandbecause standingisapositionofoffense.Itisapositionofbattleorreadiness. Thismaybewhyhestartswiththebeltfirst,becausethebeltisapiece ofarmorthatdenotesreadiness.TheRomansoldierworeatunicor outergarmentthatservedashisprimaryclothing.Sincethegreatestpart ofancientcombatwashandtohand,aloosetunicwasapotential hindranceandevenadanger.Beforeabattleitwasthereforecarefully cinchedupandtuckedintotheheavyleatherbeltthatgirdedthesoldiers loins.Thissamebeltalsoheldthesoldierssword. Considerabeltforamoment.Whenyouarewearingabeltthereis almostthissenseofconfidenceandreadiness.Thisismoretruetothe soldierwhosebattleandlifemaydependonbeingreadyandconfident forbattle.ThereareothertimesinScripturewheregirdingwas mentioneddenotingreadiness,strengthorconfidence. 1. GodsinstructionstoMosesatthePassoverExodus12:11 2. JesusconcerninghissecondcomingLuke12:35 3. BeinggirdedwithmightPsalms65:6 4. StrengthenedforbattlePsalm18:32 5. Strengtheningthemind1Peter1:18 Girdingtheloinswasamarkofpreparedness,andthesoldierwhowas seriousaboutfightingwassuretosecurehistunicwithhisbelt.

Thiswasntjustabelt,butabeltoftruth.WhatdoyouthinkPaulwas gettingatwhenhesaidbeltoftruth?

Alethia means
truth.

Thebeltthatgirdsitallsecurelytogetheranddemonstratesthe believersreadinessforwaristruth. Alethia,translatedtruth,basically referstothecontentofthatwhichistrue.Oneaspectoftruthisthe contentofGodsWord,whichisabsolutelyessentialforthebelieverin hisbattleagainsttheschemesofSatan.WithoutthetruthofScripture, astheapostlehasalreadypointedout,wearesubjecttobeingcarried aboutbyeverywindofdoctrine,bythetrickeryofme,bycraftinessin deceitfulscheming(Ephesians4:14). Hereisachallenge.Whatwasthelastthingthatyoulearnedabout God?Goaheadandwriteitdown,butalsoincludewhenthatwas.

WasitawhileagoorjustyesterdayinyourpersonaltimewithHim?Itis hardtofindthetime,butwemustknowthetruthandinordertoknowthe truthwemuststudyit.

Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist. Isaiah 11:5

Thereisanotheraspectofalethiawhichreferstotheattitudeof truthfulness.Itisanattitudeofreadinessandofgenuinecommitment andthemarkofthesincerebelieverwhoforsakeshypocrisyandshame. ItisafaithfulnessandloyaltyasseeninIsaiah11:5. Paultakesthisfirstpieceofthearmortocallthebelievertoreadinessin thetruthofGodsWordandthefaithfulnesstostandbyit. Wearetogirdourloinswiththebeltoftruth.Didyoubutontruthtoday? Inwhatwayscanyouputonthebeltoftruthinyourlife?(Example: beingmorehonestwithyourselfaboutfaults.)

Committodaytoputonthebeltoftruth. Whatdoyouneedtodoinresponsetothislesson?

Protect Your Body

The Armor of God The Breastplate of Righteousness Ephesians 6
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
Ephesians 6:14 Weareinaspiritualbattleandwedontwrestleagainstthisphysical world,butagainsttheforcesofdarkness.Soundslikeascifiorhorror movie,butitwasarealitylongbeforeitwasamoviescript.Thisbattle goesoneverydayandasPaulexplainsitwehavearmorthatweare abletoputontoprotectus.Partofthisarmoristhebreastplate. Wehaveallseenmoviesorreadbookswherethereisanintensebattle scene.Asthebattlerageson,oneoftheheroesisstruckwithaspearor arroworbullettothechest.Heisthrownbackfromtheimpactandlies lifelessagainstthewall.Ofcourse,weallgaspaswebegintoreason thatitistoosoonforhimtodieorhewasnttherightonetodie. Momentslater,whenthereisabreakinthebattle,atrustedcomrade comestoseehiscondition.Totheamazementofhisfriend,thefallen heroopenshiseyes.Youshouldbedead!proclaimshisfriend.Icame prepared,hesays,asherevealsarmorunderhismantle. Thebreastplateisanimportantpieceofarmor. ThinkofatimewhenyouhavedisobeyedGod.Iknowforme,Idonot havetothinktoohardnordoIhavetogotoofarback.Howdid disobediencemakeyoufeel?

Letstakealittledifferentapproach.Thinkofatimethatyou compromised,ormaybeyoudidnotactjustlytowardssomeone.How didthatmakeyoufeel?

Forme,Ifeltitinmychestandstomach.Itwasthispainorheartache thatcamefromwithinme.EventhoughthereweretimesthatItriedto ignoreit,thepainwouldstillbethere. ThefirstpieceofarmorPaulmentionedisthebeltoftruth.Partofthatis beingtruthfulwithmyselfinallowingGodtorevealareasthatarenot right.Thebreastplateisthenputontoprotectmeandhelpmein righteousnessandalongwiththebelt.Thisisarmorthatisnevertobe removed. NoRomansoldierwouldgointobattlewithouthisbreastplate,atough, sleevelesspieceofarmorthatcoveredhisfulltorso.Itwasoftenmadeof leatherorheavylinen,ontowhichweresewnoverlappingslicesof animalhoovesorhornsorpiecesofmetal.Someweremadeoflarge piecesofmetalmoldedorhammeredtoconformtothebody.The purposeofthatpieceofarmorisobvioustoprotecttheheart,lungs, intestines,andothervitalorgans.

Isthereanythinginyourarmorlegthatisvitaltoyourbody?Itisallin thechestarea,withtheexceptionofthebrain,butthatpieceofarmor comeslater. InancientJewishthinking,theheartrepresentedthemindandthewill andthebowelswereconsideredtheseatofemotionsandfeelings.The mindandtheemotionsarethetwoareaswhereSatanmostfiercely attacksbelievers. Howdoestheenemyattackthemindandtheemotionstoday?

Howhastheenemyattackedyourmindandemotionsinthepastfew days?

And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:24-27

Satancreatesaworldsystem,asinfulenvironmentbywhichhetempts ustothinkwrongthoughtsandtofeelwrongemotions.Hewantsto cloudourmindswithfalsedoctrine,falseprinciples,andfalse information,andheseekstounderminepurelivingandreplaceitwith immorality,greed,envy,hate,andeveryothervice.Hewantsustolaugh atsinratherthanmournoverit,andtorationalizeitratherthanconfessit andbringittotheLordforforgiveness.Heisagainstrighteousnessand justice. Doyouseeaneedforthebreastplateyet? Letslookattherighteousnesspartofthisarmor.Howwouldyoudefine thewordrighteousness?

Peoplesometimeshaveamisunderstandingofthewordrighteousness. Paulisobviouslynotspeakinghereofselfrighteousness,whichisnot righteousnessatallbuttheworstformofsin.Somanypeopletakeon thisselfrighteousnesswhichismanmadelegalisticrulesthatchange theoutsideman,makinghimproudandspirituallooking,buttheymake Godsick. Thisisalsonottheimputedrighteousnessgiventousatsalvation (Romans4:6,11,2224).Wearepermanentlydressedinthat righteousness,throughoutourlivesonearthandthroughoutalleternity. GodsimputedrighteousnessisthebasisofourChristianlifeandofour Christianliving.Itprotectsusfromhell,butitdoesnot,initself,protectus fromSataninthispresentlife. Sowhatisthisrighteousness?Thebreastplateofrighteousnessthatwe putonasspiritualarmoragainstouradversaryisthepractical righteousnessofalifelivedinobediencetoGodsWord.Itisrighteous behaviorthatisseenearlierinEphesians4:2427,whichhavingbeen done,willnotgivethedevilopportunity(Colossians3:914.).

Thisrighteousnessislivingmomentbymomentinobediencetothe HeavenlyFather.Toputitanotherway,thispartofthearmorissimply holylivingwhichisseeninScripture. WeknowthataChristianwouldbelivinginsinifnotpracticing righteousness,butcanyouthinkofsomeofthebenefitslosttoa Christianwhoisnotlivingrightly?

Rightlivingprotectsandblessesthebeliever.IfIkeepwithinthespeed limit,Iwillnotbepulledoverforspeeding,IwillnothavefearwhenIsee apolicecar,thereislessofachancethatIwillbeinanaccident,andI amobeyingtheauthoritiesplacedaboveme.Rightlivingprotectsand blessesus. Herearesomethingstoconsiderifwearenotlivingrightly: 1. ItwillcosttheChristianhisjoy.In1Johntherearemanycommands andwarningsgiventobelieverssothatourjoymaybemade complete(1John1:4,Romans6). 2. Itwillcausefruitlessness.ThedisobedientChristianisunproductive inthethingsoftheLord. 3. Itbringsalossofreward.Whatevertheworldly,fleshlybelieverdoes willneveramounttoanythingworthofheavenlypraise(1Corinthians 3:1215). 4. ItbringsareproachonGodsglory.ThegreatestevilofaChristians sinisitsreflectiononhisheavenlyFather.Unholinessfailstoadorn thedoctrineofGodourSaviorineveryrespect(Titus2:10). ConsiderthewordsofPeterBeloved,Iurgeyouasaliensandstrangers toabstainfromfleshlylusts,whichwagewaragainstthesoul(1Peter 2:11). IsGoddealingwithyouaboutanissuethatisnotconsidered righteousness?Dealwithit.Dealwithitnow. WhatthingsneedtobesurrenderedtoGodinyourlifethatdoesnot reflectrightorholyliving?Itcouldbemoviesyouwatchoractivitiesthat youareapartof.

Not living rightly will: Cost a Christian his joy Cause fruitlessness Bring a loss of reward Bring a reproach on Gods glory

Thenightisalmostgone,Paulsays,andthedayisathand.Letus thereforelayasidethedeedsofdarknessandputonthearmorof lightPutontheLordJesusChrist,andmakenoprovisionfortheflesh inregardtofulfilllusts(Romans13:12,14) Starttodaytoliverighteously,becausewecannotaffordtoforgetthe breastplate. Whatdoyouneedtodoinresponsetothislesson?

Sure Footing
The Armor of God The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace Ephesians 6 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace Ephesians 6:15
Itsabattleoutthere.SometimesIdontevenwanttocrawloutofbed becauseIknowjustthetraffictoworkwillbeabattlefield.Paulsaysthat wedonotwrestlethethingsofthisword,butthatourfightisinthe spiritualrealmwhichisallaroundus. Bummer.Iguesssleepinginwillnothelpmeavoidthebattle. Godgivesusweaponsofwar.Thereisthebelt,thebreastplate,the helmet,theshield,thesword,andtheshoes. Shoes,likethebelt,aremoreofafashionstatementtoday.Ihaveknown peopletohaveshoesforeveryoccasion.Therearedressshoes,work shoes,andleisureshoes.Therearealsospecialshoesforeverysport, sometimesseveraltypesforagivensport.Atennisplayermightwear onetypeofshoeonaconcretecourt,anotherkindonclay,andstill anotherongrass.Likewise,footballandbaseballplayersweardifferent shoestoplayondifferentsurfaces. Whatmakesapairofshoesagoodpairofshoes?

Weeachhavedifferentreasonsthatwelikeshoes,butinrealityshoes areprimarilytoprotectourfeet. WhydoyouthinkaRomansoldiersshoeswereimportant?

Romansoldiersshoeshadamuchdifferentpurposethentheshoesyou mayhaveon,becauseasoldiersverylifecoulddependonthem.Ashe marchesonrough,hotroads,climbsoverjaggedrocks,tramplesover thorns,andwadesthroughstreambedsofjaggedstones,hisfeetneed muchprotection.Asoldierwhosefeetareblistered,cut,orswollen cannotfightwellandoftenisnotevenabletostandupaperilous situationinbattle. Inadditiontobeingmadetoughanddurabletoprotecthisfeet,the Romansoldiersshoes,orboots,wereusuallyimpregnatedwithbitsof metalornailstogivehimgreatertractionasheclimbedaslipperycliff andgreaterstabilityashefought.Itmayhavealsobeenusedonthe battlefieldtofinishoffanyfallenenemy. AChristiansspiritualfootwearisequallyimportant.Verse15says,And yourfeetshodwiththepreparationofthegospelofpeace.TheGreek wordforpreparationhasthegeneralmeaningofreadiness.Agoodpair ofbootsallowsthesoldiertobereadytomarch,climb,fight,ordo whateverelseisnecessary.

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Okay.Soitiseasytounderstandtheneedforshoes,buthowdoesa gospelofpeacefitonafieldofwar?WhatdoyouthinkPaulissaying? For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:6-10

OurunderstandingcomesfromRomans5wherePaulexplainsthatwe areunrighteoussinners,whoareunderGodswrath.Hecontinuesto explainthewonderfulworkthatChristdidonthecross. ReadRomans5:610. Didyouseeit?Paulexplainsthatbelieverswereenemies,butbecause ofChristsdeathwearenowreconciledoratpeacewithGod.Thisis howPaulstartsoutthechapter.WenowhavepeacewithGod.Weare onGodsside.Wearereconciled.Thisreadinessofthegospelofpeace istheabilitytostandfirmknowingthatweareatpeacewithGod. ThisideaofpeacewithGodinthemidstofabattlehassomeawesome ramifications.WhataresomeramificationsofbeingatpeacewithGodin battle?

DoyourememberthestoryofPeterandJohnbeforetheSanhedrin? Theytoldthecouncilthattheycouldntobeythecommandtostop preachingbecausetheyweregoingtoserveGod(Acts5:2729).They hadnofearbecausetheyknewwhowasontheirside.Theycouldstand firmandreadywiththegospelofpeace.Theywereatpeace. ThebelieverwhostandsintheLordspowerneednotfearanyenemy, evenSatanhimself.Whenhecomestoattackus,ourfeetarerooted firmlyonthesolidgroundofthegospelofpeace.We,whowereonceHis enemies,arenowHischildren,andourheavenlyFatheroffersusHisfull resourcestobestrongintheLord,andinthestrengthofHismight (Eph.6:10). ReadRomans8:31,3739. DoyoureallybelievethatGodisforyou?Isthereanareainyourlifethat youarenotatpeaceabout?Putitintowords.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31, 37-39

NowtakethatthingandofferittoGod.Havingyourfeetshodwiththe preparationofthegospelofpeaceisknowingthatatthismomentyou areatpeacewithGodandthereforecanstandfirminaworldthatisin turmoilandchaos. Itsabattleoutthere.Areyouatpeace? Whatdoyouneedtodoinresponsetothislesson?

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Quench those Fiery Darts

The Armor of God The Shield of Faith Ephesians 6
Ashieldcanbeaverymenacingthing.Icannotthinkofashieldthathas flowersonitorahappyface.Mostshieldshaveemblemsonthemthat invokefear.Anarmythatisadvancingwantstostrikefearinthehearts oftheirenemy.Fearcanbeverydamaging. Whataresomethingsthatyoufear?

in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

Ifearfailure.Idonotwanttofailanyone.Thatincludesmyfamily,myco workers,myministry,andmostlymyGod.Isayagain,fearcanbevery damaging. Paulexplainstheneedtobeequippedwiththeshieldoffaith.Hehasa breakhereinthelistofarmor.Inadditiontoallintroducesthelastthree piecesofarmor.Thefirstthree,thebelt,breastplate,andshoeswerefor longrangepreparationandprotectionandwerenevertakenoffonthe battlefield.Theshield,helmet,andsword,ontheotherhand,werekept inreadinessforusewhenactualfightingbegan. Doyouseeotherdifferencesbetweenthefirstthreepiecesandthelast threepieces?

Therearesomedifferences,butthetruthremainsthatweneedtoputon theentirearmor. Nowletslookintothehistorybehindtheshield.Romansoldiersused severalkindsofshields,butthereweretwothatweremostcommon.The firstwasasmallroundshield,twofeetindiameter.Itwassecuredtothe armbytwoleatherstrapsandwasrelativelylightweight.Thisshieldwas usedtoblocktheswordblowsoftheenemyinhandtohandfighting. Thesecondshieldwasthethureos,whichPaulreferstohere. Thisshieldwasabouttwoandhalffeetwideandfourandahalffeet high. Whydoyouthinkasoldierwouldneedtwodifferentkindsofshields? WhydoyouthinkPaulreferredtothesecondoneratherthenthefirst?

Differentshieldswerefordifferentwaysoffighting.Thissecondshield wasdesignedtoprotecttheentirebodyofthesoldier.Theshieldwas madeofasolidpieceofwoodandwascoveredwithmetalorheavyoiled

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leather.Thesoldierswhocarriedtheseshieldswereinthefrontlinesof battleandnormallystoodsidebysidewiththeirshieldstogether,forming ahorizontalwallextendingaslongasamileormore.Thiskindofa stancewouldstrikefearintheenemybecausefromadistanceitwas hardtoseewherethebreakwas.Itlookedlikeasolidwall. Theshieldswerealsousefulintheaerialattack.Thearchersstood behindthisprotectivewallofshieldsandshottheirarrowsasthey advancedagainsttheenemy.Anyonewhostoodorcrouchedbehind suchshieldswasprotectedfromthebarrageofenemyarrowsand spears. Nowthinkofthisshield.WhydoyouthinkPaulequatestheshieldwith faith?

ThefaithtowhichPaulrefershereisnotthebodyofChristianbeliefs. Thepassagewouldhavereadtheshieldofthefaith.TheChristian beliefsweretakencareofinthebeltoftruth.Here,Paulreferstobasic trustinGod.FaithtakesholdofGodspromisesandGodsresources whichproducefirmresolve. Howisyourfaith?Isthereanareainyourlifeinwhichyouhavenot beentrustingGod?Writeitdown.

Itisstrustissue. Iknowitiseasiertosayitthanitistodoit,butweneedtogiveittoGod. OurfaithortrustinGodisourshieldagainsttheenemyandthefiery darts.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. 1 John 5:4

Letmeexplain.InNewTestamenttimesthetipsofarrowswouldoften bewrappedinpiecesofcloththathadbeensoakedinpitch.Justbefore thearrowwasshot,thetipwouldbelitandthenshotattheenemy troops.Thepitchburnedfiercely,andonimpactitwouldspatterburning bitsforseveralfeet,ignitinganythingflammableittouched.Sothearrow notonlypiercedthesoldiersbodies,itcouldinflictseriousburnsand destroyclothingandgear.Theshield,whichhadacoveringofmetalor leathersoakedinwater,wasthemostreliableprotectionagainstsuch flamingmissilesbecausewouldeitherdeflectorextinguishthem. SatancontinuallybombardsGodschildrenwithtemptationsto immorality,hatred,envy,anger,covetousness,pride,doubt,fear, despair,distrust,andeveryothersin.Thesesoundlikefierymissilesto me.SatansinitialtemptationtoAdamandEvewastoenticethemto doubtGodandinsteadtoputtheirtrustinhislies.Thatwasthefirstof his flamingmissiles,fromwhichalltheothershavelightedtheirflames. Everytemptation,directlyorindirectly,isthetemptationtodoubtand distrustGod. Doyouseetheenemyspurpose?Itistocausebelieverstoforsaketheir trustinGod,todriveawedgebetweentheSaviorandthesaved.

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Theshieldoffaithprotectsusfromtheliesoftheenemy.1John5:4 saysthatitisourfaiththatgivesusvictoryandovercomestheworld. ReadProverbs30:56.

Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

DoyoubelievethateverywordofGodistrue?DoyoubelieveGodfor whoHesaysHeisasrevealedinScripture? WhatisitthatGodisaskingyoutohavefaithin?

AskGodtohelpyoutrustinHimwithit,thentakeupyourshieldoffaith andquenchthosefierydarts. Itisfaithinsomethingthatmakesourlivesworthliving,butitisfaithin Christthatmakeslifeworthlosing.(Authorunknown) Whatdoyouneedtodoinresponsetothislesson?

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Protecting the Noggin

The Armor of God The Helmet of Salvation Ephesians 6
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
Headinjuriesareaseriousissue.Therehavebeenaccidentswhere victimshadwhatseemedtobeminorinjuries,butbecausetherewasa blowtothehead,theyhadseriousheadtrauma.Evenpeopleriding bicyclescanhaveseriousheadinjuriesiftheyfall.Thinkaboutit.Would youwanttoplayprofessionalfootballwithnohelmet? Irememberatimeplayingbasketballinhighschool.Igottheballand washeadeddowncourtonafastbreak.Anopponentbehindmewentto knocktheballandhitmyankleinstead.Iwenttumblingforward,headed forthecementwallattheendofthecourt.Fortunately,therewasamat thathungonthewalltoprotectpeoplefrominjury.Unfortunatelyforme,I hitthewalljustbelowwherethematwashanging.Iwastakentothe hospitalandhadmyheadexamined.Ihadaconcussion,buttheyfound nothingmore. Istillusethatforanexcuse. PaulexplainsthatGodgivesusapieceofarmortoprotectthehead. Whydoyouthinkthehead,spirituallyspeaking,needsprotection?

Itisinourheadthatweformulatedoubtanddiscouragement.Haveyou everhadthosemomentswhereyouhavegottenallworkeduponan issue?Maybeitwasbecauseofsomethingthatwassaid.Suddenly,in yourmind,youarehavingaconversationabouthowitwastakenand whowillbeoffendedbyit.Thenyoubegintobuildyourdefenseofwhat wassaid.Finally,youconcludethatyouwillnevertalkagain.IfIamthe onlyonewhohasdonethisthenmaybethereissomethingwrongwith myhead. Wearecalledtotakeupthehelmetofsalvation.ThispieceofGods armorisrepresentedbytheRomansoldiershelmet,whichhenever enteredbattlewithout.Someofthehelmetsweremadeofthickleather coveredwithmetalplates,andotherswereofheavymoldedorbeaten metal.Theyusuallyhadcheekpiecestoprotecttheface. Letsbrainstormaboutthedangersforamoment.Whatdidthesoldiers headneedtobeprotectedfrom?

Therewereprimarilytwokindsofswordsoneistheshortswordthat Paultalksaboutlater.Theotheristhethreetofourfootlongdouble edgedswordusuallycarriedbycavalry.Thecavalrywouldcomeinon horsesandswingatheads.Thehelmetwastoprotectagainstthese attacks.Thefactthatthehelmetisrelatedtosalvationindicatesthat

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Satansblowsaredirectedatthebelieverssecurityandassurancein Christ.Thatiswhyweneedthisprotection. Satanhasadoubleedgedswordthatheattacksthebelieverwith: discouragementanddoubt. Haveyouhadarecentattackfromdiscouragement?Howdidyouhandle it?

But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8

SatanwilluseChristiansandnonChristianstodiscourageabeliever, andhedoesagreatdealofthis.Satanhasbeensuccessfulingettingus tofightpeopleratherthanfightingwhatiscausingpeopletobetheway theyare. AnotherwaySatandiscouragesusiswhenhepointstoour failures,oursins,ourunresolvedproblems,ourpoorhealth,orto whateverelseseemsnegativeinourlivesinordertomakeuslose confidenceintheloveandcareofourheavenlyFather. Whataboutdoubt?Hastheenemyattackedyouwithdoubtrecently? Howdidyouworkthroughit?

DoubtiswhatseparatesusfromtrulyknowingandfollowingChrist wholeheartedly.Doubtistheveryreasonwhyapersonhastrouble knowingGodmore,throughprayerandscripture.Wemaybetemptedto doubtourcalling,ourchoiceinmarriagepartner,ourjob,ourabilities, andsomanyotherthings.Doubthasatendencytocrippleusjustasa headinjurymaycripplesomeonewhootherwiseisperfectlyhealthy. Takesometimelatertoreadthrough1Kings1819andseehowaman ofGodhadtoworkthroughdiscouragementanddoubt. Thehelmetofsalvationprotectsusfromdoubtanddiscouragementin twoways. Thereisapresentsenseofprotectioninthatbelieversaresavedand sealed.WearepresentlyachildoftheKingofKingsandLordofLords. Inthatwaywearesetfreefromthebondageofsinandareprotected fromtheblowswhichSatantriestohituswith. DoyouknowChristasyourpersonalSavior?Ifnotvisit www.libertyonlineministries.comandclickontheWhoisJesus?button. Ifyouhavemadethatdecision,whenwasit?Howdidithappen?

Itisgoodtorememberbacktothatday,asitremindsusthatweareHis child. Thesecondprotectionisinthefuturesense.Itisthehopeofsalvationas seenin1Thessalonians5:8.Itistheknowledgeofthevictorythatwe

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haveinJesusnowandintheagetocome.Itgivesusstrengthfrom discouragementanddoubtbecauseourfutureissecure. Thebattlethatweareinisaconstantbattleandtheenemywillnotgive usabreak.FromthetimeyouacceptedChristasyourSavioruntilthis verymomentyouareinthebattle.Satanwilltryeveryopportunityto discourageyouandcastdoubtinyou. Whatarethethingsthatarecausingdoubtanddiscouragementinyour liferightnow?Makealistofthem.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

NowtakeeachoneofthosethingsandgiveittotheLord.AskHimto remindyouofyourpresentsalvationandthehopeofsalvation.Letyour helmetofsalvationbeaprotectiontoyou. Wemustnotloseheartinstruggles,victories,ordefeatsothatinthe end,wemaygain.Itisonlywhenourworkonearthisfinishedcanwe saywithPaul,Ihavefoughtthegoodfight,Ihavefinishedthecourse,I havekeptthefaith,(2Timothy4:7)andnomatterwhatourspiritual enemiesmaythrowagainstus,wearesecuredbysalvationthrough Godsownpower. Soprotectyournoggin! Whatdoyouneedtodoinresponsetothislesson?

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Butter Knife or Blade?

The Armor of God - The Sword of the Spirit Ephesians 6
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
Whatisitaboutasoliderthatmakeshimdangerous? Hemayhavemenacingarmorandafearfullookingshield.Hemayeven havesomedangerousfootwear,butitisasoldiersweaponthatmakes himthemostdangerous.Theotherpartsofhisarmoraremeantto withstandtheattacksoftheenemy,buttheweaponhecariesismeantto attack,tostrewdownthosethatstandbeforehim.Iamsureashieldcan becomeaweapon,butnotnearlyaseffectivelyasaswordorgun. Themerelookataweaponcanbringfearintosomeonesheart.Whyis that?

Aweaponcanshoutdeathanddefeattothosewhocomeagainstit.It bringsthissenseoffearbecausethebiggertheweaponthegreaterthe fall.Whyisitthenthatbelieverswillputontheentirearmorexceptfor theirswords?Thosethatdopickuptheswordarenotsurehowtouseit ormayevencutthemselvesbeforetheyareathreattotheenemy. HaveyouhadatimewhereyouhaveheardtheScripturebeing misused?Whathappened?

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

PaulsaysthatourweaponistheswordoftheSpiritwhichistheWordof God.Inthefirstcentury,whentheRomanfootsoldierswereinvolvedin handtohandcombat,aswordwasconsideredamongtheRomansas thecentralweaponforvictoryinwarfare.InEphesians6,theswordin whichPaulreferstoisthemachaira. Thisparticularswordvariedin lengthfromsixtoeighteeninchesandwasthecommonswordcarriedby Romanfootsoldiers.Thistypeofswordwasabletobepulledoutquickly andthrustintoenenemyandthenquicklypulledouttoattackanother.It wasmuchmoreversatilethenthetwohandedbroadsword. Hebrews4:12tellsushowvaluableanddangerousourswordiswhen usedasGodintended.Jesus,himself,usedthisweaponinhisbattle againstSataninthewilderness(Matthew4).WitheachattackthatSatan pressedwith,JesususedScripturetonotonlydefend,buttostrikeback atSatan. Howdoesaswordsmanbecomeamasteratusinghisweapon?Orwhat stepswouldyoutakeifyouwantedtolearnfencing?

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But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26

IthinkthefirstthingIwoulddoisfindagoodtrainer.Iwouldwanttofind someonewhoknowshowtohandlethesword.John14:26tellsusthat Godprovidedthebesttrainer,theHolySpirit.Heisourhelperortrainer andwillteachusandhelpustorememberwhatwehavebeentaught. Thereareothersthatcanhelpusinthistrainingaswell,althoughthe HolySpiritisourtoptrainer.Wecancalluponfriends,pastors,and familymembersohelpusinthistraining. Whocanyouthinkofrightnowthatcanhelpyouinyourstudyand memorizationofGodsWord?

Haveyouaskedthemtohelpyou?Iwouldencourageyoutopray throughthislistandaskyourmastertrainerwhomightbeagood assistanttrainerforyouandthentalktothatperson. Notonlydoweneedatrainer,butweneedtotrain.Therearetwoparts tothis. First,wemustknowtheweaponweareusing.Wemustbecomefamiliar withGodsWord.

The more familiar we are with the weapon, the better equipped we are to use it correctly.

Whydowewanttoknowaboutourweapon?Whywoulditbeimportant, say,toknowaboutthedifferentpartsofagun?

Themorefamiliarwearewiththeweapon,thebetterequippedweareto useitcorrectlyandthebetterequippedweareinkeepingitingood workingconditionandkeepingourselvessafe.Therearesomanystories ofchildrenwhohavegottenaholdoftheirfathersgunandfiredit becausetheydidnotunderstandtheweapon.Itwasnotamatterof practiceoftheweapon,butappreciationfortheweapon. WewanttobefamiliarwithScripture.Doyouknowthebooksofthe Bible?Doyouknowthethemesofeachbook?Areyoufamiliarwiththe historyofIsrael?Doyouunderstandhowthegospelsworktogether?

How to practice the use of Scripture: Read Gods Word Know Gods Word Meditate on Gods Word Hide Gods Word in your heart

WewanttoknowabouttheScripture,butwealsowanttoknow Scripture.Thisisthepracticepartofthetraining. WhenwasthelasttimeyouusedScriptureinyourdaytorespondto somethingorsomeone?OrusedScripturetofightoffanattackinthe mindorheart?

Ifithasbeenawhile,thenyoumightbeoutofpractice.2Timothysays thatScripturecanbeusedinallaspectsoflife.Hereishowwepractice. 1. ReadGodsWord 2. KnowGodsWord 3. MeditateonGodsWord

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4. HideGodsWordinyourheart Itseemssimple.Itis. Scripture enables us to: Expose deeds of darkness Refute worldly philosophies and false religions Preach the Gospel of salvation WhenwepickuptheswordoftheSpiritwebecomeonoffensivesoldier. Wewillbeableto: 1. ExposedeedsofdarknessTheWordofGodisalightwhichwill shineoutinthedarknessandexposeallthatisinit.Ephesians5:13 Psalm119:105,130. 2. RefuteworldlyphilosophiesandfalsereligionsGodsWordistruth andwillrefutethefalseclaimsandthemisguided.James5:1920. 3. PreachtheGospelofSalvationThegreatestwaythatwecan damagethekingdomofSatanistoturnpeopleawayfromSatanto ChristJesusthroughtheGospel. Doyoubelieveinthisweapon?DoyoubelievethatGodsWordis inspiredbyGodandisinerrantandinfallible?Itisavalidquestion, becauseifyoudonotbelieveintheweapon,thentheweaponwillbeof nousetoyou. AllScriptureisinspiredbyGodandprofitableforteaching,forreproof, forcorrection,fortraininginrighteousnesssothatthemanofGodmay beadequate,equippedforeverygoodwork(2Timothy3:1617). Davidsaysitbestwhenhewrites: YourwordIhavetreasuredinmyheart,thatImaynotsinagainstYou (Psalm119:11). Pickupyourswordandfight! Whatdoyouneedtodoinresponsetothislesson?

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Praying Through the Armor of God

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

The Armor of God Ephesians 6

WearecalledtoputonthearmorofGod.Itisonlythenthatwewillbe abletostandupagainsttheonslaughtthatSatanhasforuseachday.I donotthinkthereisoneofuswhowouldwanttobeploppeddowninthe middleofabattlefieldwithnoarmor. Paulexplainsthatweareinabattle,butthatGodhasgivenusarmorto use.Whatarethedifferentpartsofthearmor? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Satanisgoingtocomeagainstusinamultitudeofways.Hereareafew, assuggestedbyJohnMacArthur. UnderminingGodscharacterandcredibility Persecution,peerpressure,orpeacefulpreoccupation Confusingthebelieverwithfalsedoctrine HinderingthebelieversservicetoChrist CausingdivisionintheBodyofChrist Urgingbelieverstotrusttheirownresources Causingthebelievertobehypercritical Makingbelieversworldly CausingustodisobeyGodsWord

Doyoufeeltheenemyisattackingyouinoneoftheareasrightnow? Whichone?Howishedoingit?

AlthoughitisveryimportanttobeawareofthedevicesofSatan,our defenseagainstthemisnotsimplyourknowledgeofthem.Thearmor hasbeenprovidedforthisdailybattlewearein. Wecanbeequippedwiththisarmorthroughthepowerofprayer. Nothingofeternalvaluehasbeenaccomplishedapartfromprayer Dr.JerryFalwell. Letswalkthroughprayingthroughthearmor.

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Ephesians6:1119PutonthefullarmorofGodsothatyoucantake yourstandagainstthedevilsschemes.Forourstruggleisnotagainst fleshandblood,butagainsttherulers,againsttheauthorities,against thepowersofthisdarkworldandagainstthespiritualforcesofevilinthe heavenlyrealms.ThereforeputonthefullarmorofGod,sothatwhen thedayofevilcomes,youmaybeabletostandyourground,andafter youhavedoneeverything,tostand. 1.Standfirmthen,withthebeltoftruthbuckledaroundyour waist Lord,Iputonthebeltoftruth.Ichoosealifestyleofhonestyand integrity.ShowmethetruthsIsodesperatelyneedtoday.Exposethe liesImnotevenawarethatIbelieve. 2.Withthebreastplateofrighteousnessinplace Andyes,Lord,Iwearyourrighteousnesstodayagainstallcondemnation andcorruption.Fitmewithyourholinessandpuritydefendmefromall assaultsagainstmyheart. 3.Andwithyourfeetfittedwiththereadinessthatcomesform thegospelofpeace. Idochoosetoliveforthegospelatanymoment.Showmewhereyou areworkingandleadmetoit.Donotletmebecomeslackinmywalk. 4.Inadditiontoallthis,takeuptheshieldoffaith,withwhichyou canextinguishalltheflamingarrowsoftheevilone. Jesus,Ilifttheconfidencethatyouaregoodagainsteverylieandevery assaultoftheenemy.Youhavegoodinstoreforme.Nothingiscoming todaythatcanovercomeme,becauseyouarewithme. 5.Takethehelmetofsalvation Thankyou,Lord,formysalvation.Ireceiveitinanewandfreshway fromyouandIdeclarethatnothingcanseparatemenowfromthelove ofChristandtheplaceIshalleverhaveinyourkingdom.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

6.andtheswordoftheSpirit,whichisthewordofGod HolySpirit,showmespecificallytodaythetruthsoftheWordofGodthat IwillneedtocountertheassaultsandthesnaresoftheEnemy.Bring themtomindthroughouttheday. 7.andprayintheSpiritonalloccasionswithallkindsofprayers andrequests.Withthisinmind,bealertandalwayskeepon prayingforallthesaints. Finally,HolySpirit,Iagreetowalkinstepwithyouineverythinginall prayerasmyspiritcommuneswithyouthroughouttheday. 8.PrayalsoformethatwheneverIopenmymouth,wordsmaybe givenmesothatIwilltirelesslymakeknownthemysteryofthe gospel. Lord,IpraythatIwilltakeeveryopportunitytosharethegospeltoday. Weareatwar,butthisbattleisnotoneofthisworld.Weareatwarwith theverydarknessthatseekstodestroyallthatisgood.Wearefighting theforcesofevilthatdesiretosnareandtrampleourfellowbelievers. Wecannottakethiswarlightly.

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Come.Fight.ForifGodisforus,whocanbeagainstus?Romans8:31 Whatdoyouneedtodoinresponsetothislesson?

byRobJacksonandKevinConner 23

Other studies are available at www.libertyonlineministries.com, including:

By Faith (Hebrews 11) One Anothers The Armor of God (Ephesians 6) The Road to Happiness - Beatitudes (Matthew 5) Strengthening Your Moral Fiber - Moral Purity (Proverbs 7) One Plus One is One Marriage as God intended it to be Integrity: A Lost Discipline - (Psalm 15) Practical Faith (James)