Equipping for Spiritual Warfare: The Armor of God
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of being prepared for the battles we face as Christians. We are in a constant spiritual battle against Satan, not against people or earthly entities. This battle is ongoing and will persist until Jesus returns. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6, provides us with the tools we need to stand firm against the enemy's schemes: the armor of God. This armor is essential for our daily victory and protection.
We discussed the importance of not just knowing about the armor of God but actively putting it on every day. Many Christians live defeated lives because they are not prepared or protected; they have not put on the armor of God. The armor includes the belt of truth, which holds everything together and signifies readiness for action, and the breastplate of righteousness, which protects our vital organs, especially our hearts, from the enemy's attacks.
Righteousness is not about our own goodness but about receiving and living in the righteousness of Christ. This means repenting, being forgiven, and intentionally living a life that aligns with God's standards. When we fail to do this, we leave ourselves vulnerable to Satan's attacks. The breastplate of righteousness acts as a spiritual bulletproof vest, shielding us from the enemy's schemes.
We also touched on the importance of recognizing the enemy's tactics, such as challenging God's word, attacking our identity, and tempting us to compromise our faith. By immersing ourselves in God's word and living righteously, we can stand firm against these attacks. Obeying God is beneficial, not burdensome, and it equips us to live victoriously.
Key Takeaways:
1. Spiritual Warfare is Real and Ongoing: We are in a constant battle against Satan, not against people or earthly entities. This battle will continue until Jesus returns, and we must be prepared daily by putting on the armor of God. [00:50]
2. The Armor of God is Essential for Victory: The armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, is crucial for our protection and victory in spiritual battles. This includes the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, which we must intentionally put on every day. [02:38]
3. Righteousness Protects Us from the Enemy: The breastplate of righteousness acts as a spiritual bulletproof vest, protecting our hearts and vital organs from Satan's attacks. Living righteously means repenting, being forgiven, and aligning our lives with God's standards. [23:28]
4. Recognize and Combat the Enemy's Tactics: Satan uses various tactics to deceive and harm us, such as challenging God's word, attacking our identity, and tempting us to compromise our faith. By immersing ourselves in God's word and living righteously, we can stand firm against these attacks. [12:07]
5. Obeying God is Beneficial, Not Burdensome: Living a life of righteousness is not about following a list of rules but about protecting ourselves from the enemy's schemes. Obeying God brings benefits and helps us live victoriously, rather than being a burden. [36:11]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[01:45] - The Magnified Bullseye for Believers
[02:38] - The Armor of God: Daily Victory
[03:30] - God's Provision for Victory
[04:19] - Don't Be Scared, Be Prepared
[05:01] - Living Defeated: Lack of Preparation
[06:14] - The Armor of God: A Gift to Be Used
[07:11] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[08:16] - Preaching Jesus and the Cross
[09:14] - Ephesians 6:10-14: The Armor of God
[10:15] - The Battle in the Spiritual Realm
[11:25] - Understanding the Wiles of the Enemy
[12:07] - Satan's Tricks and Deceptions
[13:02] - Staying Clothed in the Armor of God
[14:00] - Immersing in God's Word
[15:34] - Typical Wiles of the Devil
[19:03] - The Belt of Truth
[22:55] - The Breastplate of Righteousness
[23:28] - Protecting Vital Organs
[25:03] - Living Intentionally Righteous
[29:52] - The Authority to Wear the Armor
[31:40] - Striving to Do What is Right
[36:11] - Obeying God: Beneficial, Not Burdensome
[39:27] - Denying Yourself and Following Christ
[41:22] - Guarding Your Heart
[43:55] - Overcoming Temptations
[45:40] - Standing Firm Against the Enemy
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-14
2. 2 Corinthians 5:21
3. Proverbs 4:23
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 6:10-14, who are we truly battling against in spiritual warfare? ([00:50])
2. What are the components of the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-14, and what is their purpose? ([10:48])
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:21 describe the process of becoming righteous in Christ? ([27:15])
4. What does Proverbs 4:23 advise us to do with our hearts, and why is this important in the context of spiritual warfare? ([42:42])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to recognize that our battle is against spiritual forces rather than people or earthly entities? How does this perspective change our approach to conflicts? ([00:50])
2. How does the breastplate of righteousness function as a "spiritual bulletproof vest," and why is it crucial for protecting our hearts? ([23:28])
3. What are some of the enemy's tactics mentioned in the sermon, and how can immersing ourselves in God's word help us combat these tactics? ([12:07])
4. How does living righteously and obeying God's commandments benefit us, according to the sermon? ([36:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are you intentionally putting on the armor of God each day? If not, what steps can you take to make this a daily practice? ([06:40])
2. Think about a recent conflict or challenge you faced. How might recognizing it as a spiritual battle rather than a personal one have changed your response? ([00:50])
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. How can you apply the concept of the breastplate of righteousness to protect yourself in this area? ([23:28])
4. The sermon mentioned several tactics of the enemy, such as challenging God's word and attacking our identity. Can you recall a time when you experienced one of these tactics? How did you respond, and what could you do differently in the future? ([12:07])
5. Obeying God is described as beneficial and not burdensome. Can you think of a specific commandment or principle from the Bible that you find challenging to follow? How can you shift your perspective to see it as beneficial? ([36:11])
6. Proverbs 4:23 advises us to guard our hearts with all diligence. What practical steps can you take this week to guard your heart against negative influences or temptations? ([42:42])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of living intentionally righteous. What is one specific area of your life where you can be more intentional about aligning your actions with God's standards? ([29:52])
Devotional
Day 1: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
We are in a constant spiritual battle against Satan, not against people or earthly entities. This battle is ongoing and will persist until Jesus returns. As Christians, we must be prepared daily by putting on the armor of God. Recognizing the reality of this spiritual warfare helps us understand the importance of vigilance and readiness. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6, emphasizes that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. This awareness should drive us to seek God's strength and protection every day.
[00:50]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to remind yourself of the spiritual battle you are in and to seek God's strength and protection?
Day 2: The Armor of God is Essential for Victory
The armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, is crucial for our protection and victory in spiritual battles. This includes the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, which we must intentionally put on every day. The belt of truth signifies readiness for action, while the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts from the enemy's attacks. Many Christians live defeated lives because they are not prepared or protected; they have not put on the armor of God. By actively putting on this armor, we can stand firm against the enemy's schemes.
[02:38]
Ephesians 6:13-14 (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."
Reflection: How can you make it a daily habit to put on the armor of God? What specific piece of the armor do you need to focus on today?
Day 3: Righteousness Protects Us from the Enemy
The breastplate of righteousness acts as a spiritual bulletproof vest, protecting our hearts and vital organs from Satan's attacks. Living righteously means repenting, being forgiven, and aligning our lives with God's standards. Righteousness is not about our own goodness but about receiving and living in the righteousness of Christ. When we fail to do this, we leave ourselves vulnerable to Satan's attacks. By living intentionally righteous lives, we shield ourselves from the enemy's schemes and stand firm in our faith.
[23:28]
Isaiah 59:17 (ESV): "He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to align more closely with God's standards? How can you intentionally live righteously today?
Day 4: Recognize and Combat the Enemy's Tactics
Satan uses various tactics to deceive and harm us, such as challenging God's word, attacking our identity, and tempting us to compromise our faith. By immersing ourselves in God's word and living righteously, we can stand firm against these attacks. Recognizing the enemy's tactics is the first step in combating them. When we are aware of how Satan operates, we can better defend ourselves and remain steadfast in our faith. Obeying God and staying grounded in His word equips us to resist the enemy's schemes.
[12:07]
2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV): "So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs."
Reflection: What specific tactics has the enemy used against you recently? How can you use God's word to combat these tactics today?
Day 5: Obeying God is Beneficial, Not Burdensome
Living a life of righteousness is not about following a list of rules but about protecting ourselves from the enemy's schemes. Obeying God brings benefits and helps us live victoriously, rather than being a burden. When we align our lives with God's will, we experience His protection and blessings. Obedience to God is a source of strength and victory in our spiritual battles. It is through obedience that we can fully experience the abundant life that God has promised us.
[36:11]
1 John 5:3-4 (ESV): "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."
Reflection: In what ways have you viewed obedience to God as burdensome? How can you shift your perspective to see it as beneficial and life-giving today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Listen, we are in a spiritual battle. That's using a broad brush. Most of the time people will apologize for using a broad brush, but I only use it here. It affects every area and arena of your life and life in general, even the world. We are in a spiritual battle, and we will be until Jesus returns. There's no doubt about it. So we are at war. Well, who are we at war with? It's not people. It's not even the Democratic Party or whatever, if that's the way you feel. It's not your boss. It's not your neighbor. It's not even someone you would consider an enemy. No, it is Satan." [00:50] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our Heavenly Father has provided everything we need. We need to live in victory. And one of the most important things, if not the most valuable thing, that he has given us outside of the Word of God, you know, that's some of the first part of the armor, but it's the armor of God. He gave inspiration to the Apostle Paul while he was in prison to tell us about the armor of God, how we can stand against the wiles of the enemy. And that just means his schemes." [03:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You need to know Jesus is the answer. But in that answer, wrapped up in that good news, wrapped up in the gospel, wrapped up in redemption is tools that he gives us. He doesn't leave you helpless. So here's what I wanted to do is to once again visit Ephesians chapter six. Will you turn there with me? Hope you've already found your place." [09:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Obeying God is beneficial, not burdensome. Obeying God is beneficial, it's not burdensome. Listen, church, Isaiah 59, 17 says that God himself wears the breastplate of righteousness or owns righteousness as a breastplate. Read that. There's more homework. Isaiah 59, 17. He's addressing wickedness. He's addressing wickedness there through Isaiah. Isaiah, the prophet Isaiah is telling us about it. And it says that God is mad at it or ill at it and it says God himself puts." [37:15] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. I want you to think about it this way. We've already mentioned this, but I want you to see another verse and it's going to help me really close it out. And I don't know how I'm going to get the other four pieces in next week. If you tell me, then we'll both know. But I want you to think about it this way. The breastplate covers the heart. Okay? We've established that. kind of covers the lungs too. That's the very life." [41:22] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Spiritual warfare is very real, especially for believers, and the Apostle Paul here addresses believers in our text. Okay? You see, in our war with Satan, in this broken world that we live in, yes, we're foreigners now as believers, but in this world we live in, this very broken world, in our weaknesses, we still live in a fleshly body, in our weaknesses, we need spiritual help. Amen? But see, here's the good news. That's wrapped up in the gospel of Jesus Christ. God provides the powerful armor of God to protect us and help give us the victory when? Every day. On a daily basis." [02:38] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see, to combat the wiles of the devil, followers of Christ must stay clothed in the armor of God. You must. Well, Pastor Ross, how in the world does it just seem like and I don't apologize for saying this. Why does it seem like you're just so happy all the time and so excited all the time and all these other things? Well, have you ever thought that I may be putting the armor of God on every day? It's not that I'm special. It's not that God's giving me anything that he won't give you. I've made a decision to put the armor of God on every day of my life." [13:29] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To be righteous is first of all to repent and be forgiven of our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that justifies us and makes us right with God. So that's the starting point. That's the first step of putting on the breastplate of righteousness is to receive his righteousness. Turn with me right quick. 2 Corinthians 5. 2 Corinthians chapter 5. You need to see this. 2 Corinthians 5 21. So the first step and that's what I talked about in order to make this armor yours in order to use this armor you need to receive Christ's righteousness the first time." [26:09] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It's not your righteousness that gets you into heaven. You always remember that. You'll never be good enough. It's not your goodness. It's nothing you've done. It's all what he did. You hear me? It's all what he did on the cross. Because the Bible says that on our best day our righteousness is as filthy rags is what the Bible says. But do your homework and you'll know what he was even talking about there when he said filthy rags in the original language. means pretty bad. And so on your best day is as filthy rags when it comes to righteousness. You've got to receive his righteousness." [28:15] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As a soldier, as a believer wanting to overcome the skins and the wiles of the enemy, we should strive to do what is right in God's eyes. I'm telling you, it almost seems like, and I know how y'all believe. I know you believe what I'm preaching. But I'm telling you from a preacher's perspective, it's almost when he starts preaching about your lifestyle that we are living in a culture that people are like shocked. You can't be talking... I'm already a Christian. You can't be bringing... Listen, I'm not pointing out anything. It's called conviction. Why did we get away from that word?" [32:14] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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