Equipping Yourself with the Armor of God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound and essential topic of the Armor of God, as outlined in Ephesians. We began by emphasizing the importance of knowing our Captain, Jesus Christ, and understanding His character and attributes through the Scriptures. The first three chapters of Ephesians are particularly enlightening in this regard. Knowing our Captain helps us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God, enabling us to stand against the devil's schemes.
We then explored the concept of familiar spirits, which are demonic entities that know our family history and weaknesses intimately. These spirits aim to exploit our vulnerabilities, but by knowing our enemy, we can better defend ourselves. Jesus called the enemy the father of lies, and understanding this helps us to recognize and reject the lies that come our way.
Next, we discussed the various pieces of the Armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece has a specific role in protecting us from spiritual attacks. For instance, the shield of faith helps us to deflect the enemy's lies, while the helmet of salvation protects our minds from doubt and fear.
We also touched on the importance of praying in the Spirit at all times. This means being fully engaged and present with God, praying in faith, and using the Word of God in our prayers. The enemy's most strategic plan is to keep us from abiding in God and obeying His commandments. Therefore, we must be vigilant in our spiritual practices, including prayer and reading the Word.
Finally, we shared a personal testimony about the transformative power of God's Word and the importance of declaring it over our lives. By doing so, we can break free from the lies and limitations imposed by the enemy and walk in the fullness of our identity in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Know Your Captain: Understanding who God is and His attributes is crucial for spiritual strength. The first three chapters of Ephesians provide a stunning revelation of God's character. Knowing our Captain helps us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God. [27:18]
2. Recognize Familiar Spirits: Familiar spirits are demonic entities that know our family history and weaknesses. They aim to exploit these vulnerabilities, but by knowing our enemy, we can better defend ourselves. Jesus called the enemy the father of lies, and understanding this helps us to recognize and reject the lies that come our way. [29:40]
3. The Armor of God: Each piece of the Armor of God has a specific role in protecting us from spiritual attacks. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit are all essential for our spiritual defense. [33:08]
4. Praying in the Spirit: Praying in the Spirit means being fully engaged and present with God, praying in faith, and using the Word of God in our prayers. The enemy's most strategic plan is to keep us from abiding in God and obeying His commandments. Therefore, we must be vigilant in our spiritual practices. [53:09]
5. Declare God's Word: Declaring God's Word over our lives is a powerful way to break free from the lies and limitations imposed by the enemy. By doing so, we can walk in the fullness of our identity in Christ and experience the transformative power of God's Word. [46:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:31] - Introduction to the Armor of God
[27:18] - Know Your Captain
[28:52] - Understanding Familiar Spirits
[30:42] - Personal Testimony on Familiar Spirits
[33:08] - The Belt of Truth and Breastplate of Righteousness
[34:05] - The Shield of Faith
[37:26] - The Helmet of Salvation
[40:06] - The Gift of Salvation
[43:09] - Renewing Your Mind
[46:07] - Declaring God's Word
[51:35] - Praying in the Spirit
[54:20] - The Enemy's Strategic Plan
[56:18] - Practical Tips for Prayer
[58:23] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God
2. John 8:44 - Jesus calls the enemy the father of lies
3. Romans 12:2 - Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
### Observation Questions
1. What are the different pieces of the Armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18, and what is their purpose?
2. According to the sermon, what are familiar spirits, and how do they operate in our lives? [29:40]
3. How does the shield of faith function in our spiritual defense, as described in the sermon? [34:05]
4. What does it mean to pray in the Spirit, and why is it important? [53:09]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it crucial to know our Captain, Jesus Christ, and how does this knowledge help us in spiritual warfare? [27:18]
2. How can recognizing familiar spirits help us in our spiritual battles, and what steps can we take to counteract their influence? [29:40]
3. What role does the helmet of salvation play in protecting our minds, and how can we practically "put it on" daily? [37:26]
4. How does declaring God's Word over our lives help us break free from the enemy's lies and limitations? [46:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of Jesus' character and attributes. How can you deepen your knowledge of Him this week to strengthen your spiritual life? [27:18]
2. Identify a familiar spirit or recurring temptation in your life. What practical steps can you take to recognize and reject its influence? [29:40]
3. Think about a recent situation where you felt spiritually attacked. How did you use (or could have used) the shield of faith to defend yourself? [34:05]
4. How can you incorporate praying in the Spirit into your daily routine? What changes do you need to make to be fully engaged and present with God during prayer? [53:09]
5. Choose a specific scripture to declare over your life this week. How will you remind yourself to speak this truth daily? [46:07]
6. Reflect on a time when you struggled with doubt or fear. How can the helmet of salvation help you combat these thoughts in the future? [37:26]
7. What is one area of your life where you need to renew your mind according to Romans 12:2? What practical steps will you take to transform your thinking? [43:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Knowing Our Captain
Understanding who God is and His attributes is crucial for spiritual strength. The first three chapters of Ephesians provide a stunning revelation of God's character. Knowing our Captain helps us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God. [27:18]
Knowing our Captain, Jesus Christ, is foundational to our spiritual journey. The first three chapters of Ephesians reveal the depth of God's love, grace, and power. By immersing ourselves in these Scriptures, we gain a clearer understanding of who God is and what He has done for us. This knowledge strengthens our faith and equips us to stand firm against the challenges we face. When we know our Captain, we can trust in His leadership and guidance, allowing us to confidently put on the full armor of God.
As we grow in our understanding of God's character, we become more aware of His presence in our lives. This awareness helps us to rely on His strength rather than our own, enabling us to face spiritual battles with courage and confidence. By knowing our Captain, we are better equipped to discern His voice and follow His direction, leading us to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
Ephesians 1:17-19 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of God's character this week? What specific steps will you take to know your Captain better?
Day 2: Recognizing Familiar Spirits
Familiar spirits are demonic entities that know our family history and weaknesses. They aim to exploit these vulnerabilities, but by knowing our enemy, we can better defend ourselves. Jesus called the enemy the father of lies, and understanding this helps us to recognize and reject the lies that come our way. [29:40]
Familiar spirits are demonic forces that have intimate knowledge of our family history and personal weaknesses. These entities seek to exploit our vulnerabilities, often using lies and deception to lead us astray. By understanding the nature of these spirits and recognizing their tactics, we can better defend ourselves against their attacks. Jesus referred to the enemy as the father of lies, highlighting the importance of discerning truth from falsehood in our spiritual battles.
To effectively combat familiar spirits, we must be vigilant in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, reading the Word, and seeking God's guidance. By staying close to God and relying on His strength, we can resist the enemy's attempts to exploit our weaknesses. Recognizing and rejecting the lies that come our way is crucial in maintaining our spiritual health and walking in the truth of God's Word.
John 8:44 (ESV): "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
Reflection: Are there any lies or deceptions you have believed about yourself or your family? How can you use God's truth to counteract these lies and stand firm in your faith?
Day 3: The Armor of God
Each piece of the Armor of God has a specific role in protecting us from spiritual attacks. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit are all essential for our spiritual defense. [33:08]
The Armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual protection we need to withstand the enemy's attacks. Each piece of the armor serves a unique purpose in safeguarding our faith and helping us to stand firm. The belt of truth grounds us in God's Word, while the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts from sin. The shoes of peace enable us to walk confidently in the gospel, and the shield of faith deflects the enemy's fiery darts. The helmet of salvation guards our minds, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, equips us to fight back against spiritual darkness.
By putting on the full armor of God, we are better prepared to face the challenges and temptations that come our way. This spiritual armor not only protects us but also empowers us to live out our faith boldly and effectively. As we daily equip ourselves with these spiritual tools, we can stand strong in the Lord and resist the enemy's schemes.
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."
Reflection: Which piece of the Armor of God do you feel you need to strengthen in your life? How can you intentionally put on this piece of armor each day?
Day 4: Praying in the Spirit
Praying in the Spirit means being fully engaged and present with God, praying in faith, and using the Word of God in our prayers. The enemy's most strategic plan is to keep us from abiding in God and obeying His commandments. Therefore, we must be vigilant in our spiritual practices. [53:09]
Praying in the Spirit involves a deep, intimate connection with God, where we are fully engaged and present in our communication with Him. This type of prayer is characterized by faith, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and the use of God's Word. When we pray in the Spirit, we align our hearts and minds with God's will, allowing His power to work through us. The enemy's primary strategy is to keep us from abiding in God and obeying His commandments, making it essential for us to be vigilant in our spiritual practices.
To pray in the Spirit, we must cultivate a habit of regular, intentional prayer, seeking God's presence and guidance in all aspects of our lives. This includes praying with faith, using Scripture in our prayers, and being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading. By doing so, we can overcome the enemy's attempts to distract and discourage us, remaining steadfast in our walk with God.
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
Reflection: How can you make your prayer time more intentional and Spirit-led? What specific steps will you take to ensure you are fully engaged and present with God during your prayers?
Day 5: Declaring God's Word
Declaring God's Word over our lives is a powerful way to break free from the lies and limitations imposed by the enemy. By doing so, we can walk in the fullness of our identity in Christ and experience the transformative power of God's Word. [46:07]
Declaring God's Word over our lives is a powerful practice that helps us to break free from the lies and limitations imposed by the enemy. When we speak God's truth over our circumstances, we align ourselves with His promises and power. This act of declaration reinforces our faith and reminds us of our true identity in Christ. By consistently declaring God's Word, we can experience its transformative power, enabling us to walk in the fullness of who we are in Him.
To effectively declare God's Word, we must first immerse ourselves in Scripture, understanding and internalizing its truths. As we meditate on God's promises, we can confidently speak them over our lives, situations, and challenges. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also empowers us to overcome the enemy's attempts to deceive and discourage us.
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What specific Scriptures can you declare over your life today? How can you make the practice of declaring God's Word a regular part of your spiritual routine?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is greater than the enemy. But we need to know our enemy. He knows us. He knows everything about us. And if you can identify what a familiar spirit might be like in your life, you can take it down. You can refute it. You can reject it and say know the day. And so I just want you to know your enemy. Familiar spirits know us. They're ancient. They know all about us. They know how to tempt us. They know what to say. And so know your enemy." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There is no greater value to our human existence than to accept Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Do you know that sitting here today? No amount of money, no amount of, whether it's a big model you've got in tow, or whether it's not, it doesn't matter what to, or who you look to, there is nothing like the gift that salvation is. Do you know that today, people? Put your helmet on." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We receive everything that's a currency in which heaven, God's kingdom, is transferred into our spiritual bank accounts. We receive it by faith. And so, everything is spiritually received through faith. The forgiveness. The love of God. The salvation of God. The provision of God. The protection of God. We need to be continuously exercising our faith. Or we block it. Does that make sense? So, we get our shield, folks. Practice it." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The world, when about 20 years ago I was doing a counselling course and they were talking about cognitive behavioural therapy, right? And the teachers were in awe of cognitive behavioural therapy and the discovery it was. And how the high hegions of the psychology and physiology and whateverologies are on there were celebrating the great discovery. Cognitive behavioural therapy has been in the Bible for nearly 3,000 years. And it says a man is as he thinketh. How you think really matters. You need to think like a child of God. You need to think according to the word of God. It's all part of wearing your armour. You have to transform your mind." (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Praying in the Spirit is about being fully engaged in faith with God. Fully attentive all there all present all in. That's what praying in the Spirit means. It's not religious prayers mechanical it's not casualness it's about being fully present with God agreeing with His word praying His word decreeing His word it can be sitting quiet but you're fully attentive to listening for what God is saying." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Know your captain. I wanted to add to that. If you have not read the rest of the chapters in Ephesians, it's a stunning read. You will know and get to know your God and who he is. It's stunning. The first three chapters. Know your God. Find out what he says in the chapters and the letters. The letter to the Ephesians. It's a must read. And so, know your captain. Know your God. The church works really hard here to do their best to help people get to know who God is. What he thinks about us. What his characters look like. What his attributes are like. So, know your captain." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We must put our helmet on. We must know our children of God. We must know what that has obtained. Psalm 103 for new people. If you don't know what the salvation package is, it's in that. It's amazing. It's the greatest gift and the good news is Nicola accepted it and has all the fears about where she's going and what happens. And now she's in peace. Is that not beautiful? We love you, Nicola." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to know who we are. We need to protect our mind. It says be transformed by the renewing of your mind. It doesn't say you've been transformed. It says be transformed. That means you need to keep renewing your mind. You need to keep, can I tell you something? The world, the world, when about 20 years ago I was doing a counselling course and they were talking about cognitive behavioural therapy, right? And the teachers were in awe of cognitive behavioural therapy and the discovery it was. And how the high hegions of the psychology and physiology and whateverologies are on there were celebrating the great discovery. Cognitive behavioural therapy has been in the Bible for nearly 3,000 years. And it says a man is as he thinketh. How you think really matters. You need to think like a child of God. You need to think according to the word of God. It's all part of wearing your armour. You have to transform your mind." (77 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We can be a bit lazy. Can we be honest about that? This takes effort. We're quite good at putting effort into a lot of things but when it comes to we're armoured in the word we're a wee bit lazy. So we have to use our armour. Another thing that happens when you've been brought up in a life like me I was I had so many insecurities in my life. I was so wounded and broken in my life. Made so many choices that just affirmed all that. And so when I come to church and I see people you know that way of your perception I see all these people and they've got university degrees and they're all got a different totally different way of life and rightly so these people have walked in God's paths and he says if you do what I ask you to do and walk according to my plans I'll be able to bless you. They were blessed but I didn't quite understand all that. And so I used to be riddled with insecurity and even outside of the church if I went anywhere I could not celebrate the success of other people because I was threatened by them. And then I read a wee scripture and it said in Proverbs Thieves Thieves are jealous of each other's loot but the godly firmly planted bear their own fruit. And I thought oh is that right? So I'm not jealous today because you know what? I'm bearing my own fruit. And if the devil comes to try and tempt me with anybody else and what they've got and what I haven't got I just go like that. I'm not receiving that." (112 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The enemy's most strategic plan is to make abiding in God our most neglected practice. The enemy will do anything to keep you out of the presence of God praying in the Spirit his next strategy is to keep us from obeying the first and great commandment Jesus to love the Lord your God with all your heart soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbour as yourself. You won't be able to do that without abiding that's where you get the deposits of love and power to walk that out and the enemy will do whatever he can to to make us neglect the practising the activity of abiding and praying spending time with God in prayer and in his word and if you will stand against him listen some people ask me how can I improve in my prayer life do you know what I say? Set your alarm your alarm get up 15 minutes early half an hour early and pray to God pray spirit led filled prayers and I can guarantee you that's what the enemy wants to do and so we need to stand against them using their armour holding up our shield of faith using the word of God." (103 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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