The Armor of God

Part Two

Introduction:

Paul has been exhorting the Christians in Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God in order to meet the enemy in battle and defeat him.  They were to wear a belt of truth and a breastplate of righteousness while putting on their feet the gospel of peace.  Now he continues that admonition.

Text:  Ephesus 6:10-20

Body:

I. The Armor of God (Verses 16-17)  Verse 16  A Roman soldier carried a shield that was 2½ feet wide and 4 feet tall as protection against the sword and arrows of the enemy.  For the Christian soldier, faith is his shield.  Faith is essential for one to be victorious. (I John 5:4)  A strong faith in our Lord offers protection.  (Proverbs 30:5) This shield of faith is able to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”  Faith enables one to withstand temptation, ridicule, pressure to conform to the world, discouragement, and doubt.  Recall how those of old withstood so much “by faith.”  (Hebrews 11:32-37)  This shows the necessity of a strong faith.  Verse 17  The “helmet of salvation” denotes a helmet that protects the head, our mind, which is the seat of our intellect.  This is vitally important.  We must be able to reason correctly; to “test all things; to hold fast to what is good.”  (I Thessalonians 5:21)  (II Timothy 3:15)  Correct use of our mind is necessary.  Now read I Thessalonians 5:8. “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”  NKJV The hope [confident assurance] of our salvation helps us hold our head up.  The “sword of the Spirit” is the Word of God, the only offensive weapon mentioned.  It is able to put our enemy to flight.  The Roman soldier’s sword was 22 inches long and sharpened on both sides.  Listen to Hebrews 4:12.  “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts of intents of the heart.”  NKJV Recall Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness when He was tempted by saying, “It is written.”  Notice the imagery of Revelation 19:11-16.  If the Christian does not study the Word as he should, he will be as helpless as a soldier without a weapon.  He will ultimately fall! 

II. The Need for Prayer in Battle (Verses 18-20)  Verse 18 Prayer is vital for our success on the battlefield.  It links us to God.  It’s our lifeline to heaven!  (Luke 18:1)  Remember the model prayer in Matthew 6:13, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints –” (Ephesians 6:18) We must continue to pray in all circumstances for all saints, because “the people of God are in a war with the powers of darkness.” David Lipscomb  Verses 19-20  Paul doesn’t ask for a softer bed or better food; but that he might preach the gospel boldly.  Recall II Thessalonians 3:1-2.  “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.” NKJV We need to pray for one another to encourage them in their struggles with Satan, the Christian’s arch-enemy.  (I Peter 5:8-10)

Conclusion:

We can win this battle!  We can be standing in the end!  We must first enlist in God’s army, and then fight the good fight of faith. 

Bobby Stafford 

September 14, 2014