Equipped for Spiritual Warfare: The Armor of God

 

Summary

The sermon titled "SUNDAY MORNING LIVESTREAM | Ready for Battle | Ephesians 6:13-17" focuses on the theme of spiritual warfare and the necessity for Christians to be prepared for battle. The speaker, whose name is not provided in the title, begins by establishing that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground. Conversion to Christianity marks a transition from darkness to light, provoking the enemy's wrath. The victory over Satan has been secured by Jesus on the cross, and believers must stand firm in this victory, equipped with the full armor of God to resist evil influences, like the biblical figure Lot did amidst the wickedness of his time.

The armor of God is essential for standing against the enemy and shining the light of Jesus in a dark world. The speaker urges the congregation to apply the word of God in all areas of life, including marriage and family, and to engage in the Great Commission. The armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.

The sermon also addresses the spiritual blindness that afflicts both believers and unbelievers, with the speaker emphasizing that true peace is found in Jesus Christ alone. The invitation is extended to all to come to Jesus as they are, without first trying to clean up their lives. The importance of humility and the need for God's mercy and forgiveness are highlighted, along with the necessity of preparation to fulfill God's purposes.

The concept of the great exchange is discussed, where Jesus took on our sins so that we could receive His righteousness. This allows believers to stand against the enemy's lies, not in their own righteousness, but in Jesus'. The speaker expresses gratitude for the Word of God and the strength it provides in the face of spiritual wickedness.

The sermon also touches on the practical aspects of church life, including the impact of the Sunday School Ministry and the radio Ministry, which have been sources of blessing and encouragement. The congregation is invited to get involved in these ministries and to support one another in fellowship.

Key Takeaways:

- The Christian life is a spiritual battle that requires full armor for defense and victory. Believers must recognize that they are not fighting for victory but from a place of victory already secured by Christ's sacrifice. This perspective shifts the focus from striving to standing firm in the truth of the Gospel. [49:37]

- The armor of God is not merely symbolic but represents practical aspects of Christian living that must be applied daily. Truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation are not abstract concepts but tangible realities that protect and empower believers against spiritual attacks. The armor is both defensive and offensive, providing protection and the means to advance the Gospel. [01:33:05]

- True peace and resolution of inner turmoil are found exclusively in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The world offers temporary and superficial solutions, but only Christ provides lasting peace by addressing the root of sin through His redemptive work on the cross. This peace is a powerful testimony in a world filled with unrest. [01:35:44]

- The righteousness of believers is not their own but is imputed through faith in Christ. This great exchange is foundational to Christian identity and defense against condemnation. Understanding and embracing this truth enables believers to confidently resist the enemy's accusations and live in freedom. [01:09:26]

- The Word of God is the believer's offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. Knowing Scripture and applying it in specific situations, as Jesus did, is crucial for overcoming temptation and lies. The spoken word of God, or Rama, is a dynamic and practical application of the written word, or logos, that brings victory in battle. [01:30:51]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Ephesians 6:13-17 (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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
> "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

3. Romans 5:1-2 (ESV)
> "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

### Observation Questions

1. What are the six pieces of the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:13-17?
2. According to the sermon, why is the belt of truth essential for the armor of God? [58:29]
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:21 describe the "great exchange" that Jesus accomplished for believers?
4. What does Romans 5:1-2 say about the peace we have with God and how it is obtained?

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the sermon emphasize that Christians are fighting from a place of victory rather than for victory? [50:07]
2. How does the concept of the "great exchange" in 2 Corinthians 5:21 help believers stand against the enemy's accusations? [01:09:26]
3. In what ways does the "gospel of peace" provide a firm foundation for believers, according to the sermon? [01:12:52]
4. How does the sermon explain the practical application of the "sword of the Spirit" in spiritual warfare? [01:30:51]

### Application Questions

1. The sermon mentions that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground. How does this perspective change the way you approach your daily life and spiritual practices? [49:37]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually attacked. How did you respond, and what piece of the armor of God could have helped you stand firm in that situation? [50:40]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of the Word of God as an offensive weapon. What specific steps can you take to incorporate more Scripture into your daily routine to be better prepared for spiritual battles? [01:30:51]
4. How can you apply the "belt of truth" in your relationships and decision-making processes this week? [58:29]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of standing in the righteousness of Christ rather than our own. How can this understanding impact your sense of worth and identity in Christ? [01:09:26]
6. Think of a situation where you need to stand firm in your faith. How can the "shield of faith" help you extinguish the fiery darts of doubt and fear in that situation? [01:21:59]
7. The sermon encourages believers to get involved in church ministries and support one another in fellowship. What is one specific way you can contribute to your church community this week? [39:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Victory in Christ's Triumph
Christians engage in spiritual warfare from a position of victory, not for victory, because Christ has already triumphed over the enemy. This understanding transforms the approach to spiritual battles, encouraging believers to stand firm in the truth that they are fighting from victory, not for it. The full armor of God is not just a metaphor but a necessary provision for this stance. [49:37]

Romans 8:37 - "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
Reflection: How does knowing you fight from a place of victory change your approach to spiritual challenges you face today?

Day 2: Daily Application of God's Armor
The armor of God represents practical aspects of Christian living that must be applied daily. Truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation are tangible realities that protect and empower believers against spiritual attacks. This armor is both defensive and offensive, providing protection and the means to advance the Gospel. [01:33:05]

1 Thessalonians 5:8 - "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."
Reflection: Which piece of the armor of God do you need to focus on today, and how can you actively put it on?

Day 3: Christ as the Source of True Peace
True peace and resolution of inner turmoil are found exclusively in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The world offers temporary and superficial solutions, but only Christ provides lasting peace by addressing the root of sin through His redemptive work on the cross. This peace is a powerful testimony in a world filled with unrest. [01:35:44]

Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Reflection: In what ways can you allow the peace of Christ to rule in your heart amidst the unrest you encounter?

Day 4: Embracing the Great Exchange
The righteousness of believers is not their own but is imputed through faith in Christ. This great exchange is foundational to Christian identity and defense against condemnation. Understanding and embracing this truth enables believers to confidently resist the enemy's accusations and live in freedom. [01:09:26]

2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does understanding the great exchange impact the way you view yourself and your ability to stand against the enemy's lies?

Day 5: The Word as Our Weapon
The Word of God is the believer's offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. Knowing Scripture and applying it in specific situations, as Jesus did, is crucial for overcoming temptation and lies. The spoken word of God, or Rhema, is a dynamic and practical application of the written word, or Logos, that brings victory in battle. [01:30:51]

Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: What specific Scripture can you memorize and use as a sword to combat a current temptation or lie you are facing?

Quotes

"We're going to stand against the wicked one, we're going to stand against these things, the gates of hell are not going to prevail against the church and the Lord's called you just like he called Paul." [01:34:11] (Download)

"All power in Heaven and Earth has been given to Jesus, and he sent you to go and to preach the gospel to be a light to the nations, a light to this world." [01:34:39] (Download)

"We put on the whole armor of God that we can stand against the wiles of the devil; we need that so that we can live for Jesus today, so that we're ready for the battle." [01:35:09] (Download)

"Jesus said this is my body that was broken for you, this is my blood of a New Covenant of Grace that we can come and that Jesus, he took the punishment we deserved on the cross, the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of man." [01:37:09] (Download)

"Whoever comes to me I will in no wise cast out so we come and he receives us and he forgives us, or maybe you've been away from the Lord, the enemy is a liar saying don't come, God won't, you got to get your life together first, no, we all come broken." [01:37:44] (Download)

"There's a hope of Salvation that we have that our Salvation is sure, it's steadfast, it's secure, it's unmovable, it's complete. Because what the enemy does is he wants to cast doubt on that." [01:26:42] (Download)

"The world would look at the church and know that's a place that speaks the truth, that's a place that's built upon the truth and I'm going to hear truth when I'm there." [01:05:40] (Download)

"The Christian Life we discover it's not a playground, it's a Battleground. There's a real battle that rages around us and we have an enemy that's like a roaring lion seeking who may devour." [49:37] (Download)

"Greater is he that's in you than he that is in this world. Jesus has already won the victory on the cross, he said it is finished, and we're fighting not for victory but we're fighting from a place of Victory." [50:07] (Download)

"The Rama means the spoken word, that's what this word means. It's taking the scripture and applying it. We need to read the Bible, study the Bible, rightly dividing the word of Truth, we want to hide the word in our hearts because we need a well to draw from." [01:31:22] (Download)

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Transcript
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