Title: Spiritual Warfare: The Equipment We Must Wear (Part 3)
Text: Ephesians 6:13-17
Date: September 11, 2022
Introduction: Staying filled with the strength of God (“be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” Ephesians 6:10) and fitted with “the full armor of God” is the only way to victoriously stand against the “devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6-11).
Paul describes six parts of the soldiers uniform that must be worn when battling the devil. The pieces of armor Paul refers to mirror those worn by Roman soldiers in that day.
— 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.
— The Shoes of Gospel Peace (Ephesians 6:15). “As Christians, we enjoy the peace with God. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). As believers, we are to share the message of peace with others. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7)
— The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16). Faith is taking God at His Word. The arrows that come against us are the lies the enemy constantly tells us. He lies about God’s faithfulness, love, and concern for us etc. Without the promises of God, we would not know what to believe about or expect from God. We wouldn’t know what He thought about us. We would be lost in a sea of doubt. The promises of God give us something to anchor our faith. They give us something to hold onto. Using the shield of faith is a matter of claiming the promises God has made to us.
Today, we will focus on the last two parts of the soldier’s uniform. What are they?
I. The Helment of
II. The Sword of the
Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church Oneonta