Equipped for Battle: The Armor of God

Summary

### Summary

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we embark on a detailed sermon series on the armor of God from Ephesians 6, fulfilling a 12-year promise. Jonathan's recent messages on Ephesians 1-5 have set the stage perfectly, highlighting God's immense love for us and the call to live worthy of His grace. However, living up to this calling can seem overwhelming, almost impossible, if we were left to our own devices. Thankfully, Ephesians 6 provides us with the spiritual armor necessary to stand firm against the devil's schemes.

Paul's exhortation to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" is crucial because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. This battle is not one we can fight with our own strength or self-sufficiency. The more we strive to live a life pleasing to God, the more Satan intensifies his attacks. If you find yourself without conflict, it may be a sign of spiritual complacency or entanglement in sin.

The armor of God is not a temporary outfit but a permanent fixture, a lifelong companion that equips us for victory. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote about this divine provision while possibly observing a Roman guard. This armor is available to every believer, young or old, and is essential for standing firm against the devil's cunning methods. Satan's greatest deception is convincing people he doesn't exist, allowing him to operate freely and pounce on unsuspecting believers.

Our struggle is not just against Satan but also against his subordinates—demons, rulers, powers, and spiritual forces of wickedness. These enemies are highly disciplined, motivated, and organized, unlike the often squabbling church. Therefore, we must run to our commanding officer, Jesus Christ, who has already won the ultimate battle on the cross. By putting on the full armor of God, we can stand firm and experience the thrill of victory.

### Key Takeaways

1. Strength in the Lord: Our strength must come from the Lord and His might, not from our self-sufficiency or hard work. The battle we face is spiritual, and human strength is inadequate against the supernatural forces of evil. We must rely on God's power to stand firm. [38:55]

2. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: If you are not experiencing spiritual conflict, it may indicate complacency or entanglement in sin. Satan intensifies his attacks on those striving to grow in faith. Recognizing this helps us stay vigilant and dependent on God's strength. [41:09]

3. Permanent Armor: The armor of God is not something to put on and take off; it is a permanent fixture in our lives. This divine provision equips us for continuous victory against the devil's schemes. We must always be mindful of wearing this armor. [47:05]

4. Satan's Deception: One of Satan's greatest deceptions is convincing people he doesn't exist. This allows him to operate freely and attack unsuspecting believers. Recognizing his existence and his methods helps us stay alert and prepared. [51:11]

5. Unity in Battle: While the church often squabbles over trivial matters, Satan's forces are highly disciplined and united. We must emulate this unity and discipline, running to Jesus, our commanding officer, for strength and protection. [01:02:32]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [34:38] - Introduction to Ephesians 6
3. [36:41] - The Armor of God
4. [38:55] - Strength in the Lord
5. [41:09] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
6. [43:09] - Spiritual Deadness
7. [45:14] - Source of Our Strength
8. [47:05] - Permanent Armor
9. [48:51] - God's Provision
10. [51:11] - Satan's Deception
11. [53:16] - Satan's Activities
12. [55:15] - Names of Satan
13. [56:59] - Satan's Schemes
14. [58:49] - Spiritual Struggle
15. [01:02:32] - Unity in Battle
16. [01:04:36] - Victory in Christ
17. [01:07:02] - Call to Action
18. [01:09:09] - The Joy of Victory
19. [01:10:36] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God)
2. 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (Paul's Struggle and Adversaries)
3. 1 John 5:19 (The World Under Satan's Power)

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 6:10, where should our strength come from? ([36:41])
2. What does Paul mean by "put on the full armor of God" in Ephesians 6:11? ([47:05])
3. How does 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 describe the relationship between opportunities for service and opposition? ([41:09])
4. What does 1 John 5:19 say about the state of the world and its relationship to Satan? ([53:16])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to rely on God's strength rather than our own when facing spiritual battles? ([38:55])
2. How does recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare help us stay vigilant in our faith? ([41:09])
3. What are the implications of viewing the armor of God as a permanent fixture in our lives? ([47:05])
4. How does understanding Satan's deception and his methods change the way we approach our spiritual life? ([51:11])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to rely on your own strength rather than God's. What was the outcome, and how could relying on God's strength have changed the situation? ([38:55])
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually complacent? How can you become more vigilant and dependent on God's strength? ([41:09])
3. How can you remind yourself daily to "put on" the armor of God and keep it on as a permanent fixture? ([47:05])
4. Have you ever encountered someone who denies the existence of Satan? How did that affect their spiritual life, and how can you help others recognize this deception? ([51:11])
5. In what ways can you contribute to unity within your church, especially when facing spiritual battles? How can you emulate the discipline and organization seen in Satan's forces? ([01:02:32])
6. Think of a specific spiritual struggle you are currently facing. How can you run to Jesus, your commanding officer, for strength and protection? ([01:04:36])
7. Identify one piece of the armor of God (e.g., the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness) that you feel you need to focus on more. What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen that aspect of your spiritual life? ([47:05])

Devotional

### Day 1: Strength in the Lord

Our strength must come from the Lord and His might, not from our self-sufficiency or hard work. The battle we face is spiritual, and human strength is inadequate against the supernatural forces of evil. We must rely on God's power to stand firm. [38:55]

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than God's? How can you begin to depend more on His power today?

### Day 2: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

If you are not experiencing spiritual conflict, it may indicate complacency or entanglement in sin. Satan intensifies his attacks on those striving to grow in faith. Recognizing this helps us stay vigilant and dependent on God's strength. [41:09]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Reflection: Are you experiencing spiritual conflict in your life? If not, could it be a sign of spiritual complacency? How can you stay vigilant and dependent on God's strength?

### Day 3: Permanent Armor

The armor of God is not something to put on and take off; it is a permanent fixture in our lives. This divine provision equips us for continuous victory against the devil's schemes. We must always be mindful of wearing this armor. [47:05]

Ephesians 6:13 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily to put on the full armor of God? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are always equipped for spiritual battles?

### Day 4: Satan's Deception

One of Satan's greatest deceptions is convincing people he doesn't exist. This allows him to operate freely and attack unsuspecting believers. Recognizing his existence and his methods helps us stay alert and prepared. [51:11]

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (ESV): "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

Reflection: Have you ever underestimated the reality of Satan's existence and his schemes? How can you stay more alert and prepared to recognize and resist his deceptions?

### Day 5: Unity in Battle

While the church often squabbles over trivial matters, Satan's forces are highly disciplined and united. We must emulate this unity and discipline, running to Jesus, our commanding officer, for strength and protection. [01:02:32]

Philippians 1:27 (ESV): "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel."

Reflection: How can you contribute to greater unity and discipline within your church community? What steps can you take to ensure you and your fellow believers are standing firm together in the faith?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Amen. Why? Because this is the one thing, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, is the one thing you cannot, you cannot, I cannot do on our own. Why? Because our battle is not with human beings who may or may not be equal to us physically in our strength or in our intelligence." [38:55] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The more you want to be effective for the Lord, the more Satan intensifies the attack. Satan will heat up his war machine for those who want to grow stronger in their faith. Can I get a witness? Here's another thing that you can take to that same bank. If you are a Christian who's no longer struggling with the world, the flesh, and the devil, you are either mired in the Prisoners of men'suttering." [41:09] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Whenever there is a blessing, there is a blasting. Whenever God blesses you, Satan wants to blast you. Oh, beloved, listen to me. Only God in heaven, only God in heaven knows the indescribable spiritual battles that I would go through every time I see God at work. Every time. It never misses." [43:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The armor of God is a permanent fixture. The armor of God is a lifelong companion. The armor of God is God's continuous provision of His power for us and to us. Now, most historians would say or speculate that Paul, when he was writing these words in the prison, he was looking at the guard, the Roman guard who was standing guarding him and looking at his uniform and his writing about, being inspired by that." [48:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The great news is this. Listen carefully. These armors, as we're going to be looking at them in details, these equipments for victory, they're not given to pastors, or church hierarchy, or to well-known preachers. No, no, no, no, no. They're given to every single believer. Young or old. Whether you're six or sixty, you have the same equipment. You have the same armor in order to defeat your enemy every time." [01:04:36] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Living worthy of this incredible privilege of that calling of God, we would have been handed an impossible assignment. It would have been equal to being told, well, you're on your own, buddy. Sink or swim. Do your best. Don't look to me for help. You're on your own now. I've done all this for you. Now you need to live this way. But thank God for Ephesians chapter 6. He does not do that." [36:41] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you are a Christian who's no longer struggling with the world, the flesh, and the devil, you are either mired in the Prisoners of men'suttering. You are either having youruseme or in sin, and you can't see it, or you have become complacent in your Christian walk. If you're a Christian who has no conflict with the devil, then you are Christians who have opted for mediocrity. I know this is strong. I know that. I know that. But it's the truth." [41:09] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The one thing that you must never miss, never miss about the armor of God is that you must never miss the armor of God. You must never miss the armor of God. The full armor of God. It is not something that you put on and you take off. It is something that you put on and you keep it on. Now, remind yourself that you've got it on. It is not like in a, you know, sport uniform. You put on the sport uniform and you play the game. And then when the game is over, you take it off. No, no, no, no. It's not like that at all." [47:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Paul makes sure that we understand that our struggle is not only against Satan, but it's also against his subordinates, demons, rulers, powers, forces of darkness. These are different ranks in the army of Satan. Different ranks. Each of these ranks represents a particular category of demons and their activities and their authorities. Don't ever forget that while we as Christians fight among each other, squabble among each other, I think through the years, and I'm talking about even all my experience of traveling the world in churches, and I see people squabbling over and over again." [01:02:32] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "No Christian, no Christian believer who could say, I am hopelessly under the attack and under the subjected to demonic forces. It is impossible. You cannot say that. You cannot say that. But if you are continuously confessing, continuously repenting, continuously ungrieving the Holy Spirit, because we grieve Him when we deliberately sin, but when we ungrieve Him, you can always avail yourself again and again to the power of God." [01:06:05] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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