Title: Spiritual Warfare: The Equipment We Must Wear (Part 2)
Text: Ephesians 6:13-17
Date: September 4, 2022
Introduction: Satan will attack us any time of the day or night. What is the mark of his diabolical work? We face opposition from the devil when there are:
— Attacks from an unexpected person(s)
— Delays that hinder us from obeying God
— Inducements to doubt God’s Word
— Circumstances that produce unusual pressure upon us
— Temptation to sin in areas that never troubled us before
— Prolonged bouts of discouragement
— Worries that seem to consume us
— Seductive appeals to sinful compromise
— Bitterness to others
— Desires to give up on the Christian life
— Enticements to turn away from the means of grace
— Excuses made for lack of spiritual growth
— Critical comments about other believers
— Attempts to hide your behavior from others
When we face these temptations, we may be sure that the evil one has us in his cross-hairs. That’s exactly the moment when we need the message of our text. This passage records how we should fight back against the devil. Paul paints a picture of the Christian in complete armor ready to go into battle with the devil. He describes six parts of the soldier’s uniform. Last week we covered two parts:
—The Belt of Truth—(Ephesians 6:14a). It is the truth God has revealed in His Word. When we are discouraged and under attack, we must go back to the “truths” we know in His Holy Word.
—The Breastplate of Righteousness—(Ephesians 6:14b). The righteousness Paul has in mind comes to us by virtue of our right standing with God. Having been declared righteous (justified) by God (Romans 5:1), we now pursue righteousness in the choices we make (1 Timothy 6:11). Nothing gives us more courage than knowing we are right with God and others.
Today, we will focus on two more parts of the soldier’s uniform. What are they?
I. The Shoes of Gospel
II. The Shield of
Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church Oneonta