Clothed for Battle: Putting on the Armor of God
Brothers and sisters, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a passage that speaks to the very heart of our spiritual lives – Ephesians 6:10-18, the powerful depiction of the Armor of God.
• The Roman Soldier
• Present in the empire (1 Cor. 9:7)
• Known personally by Paul (Acts 28:16)
• Used to teach us lessons about fighting the devil (Eph. 6:10-18)
The Christian Is A Soldier
• 1. “Soldier” (Phil. 2:25; 2 Tim. 2:3-4; Phile. 2)
• 2. “Fight” (1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7)
• 3. “War” and “warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18)
• 4. “Weapons” (2 Cor. 10:3-4)
• 5. “Armor” (Rom. 13:12; 2 Cor. 6:7; Eph. 6:11, 13)
The Whole Armor of God
• Strength comes from being “in the Lord” and “his might” (v. 10)
• The battle is spiritual in nature (v. 11-12)
• The day is evil (v. 13)
• A stand can be taken (v. 11, 13, 14)
The Whole Armor of God
• The armor centers around God’s word, not the social or recreational (v. 14-17)
• The armor is both defensive / protective (girdle, breastplate, shield, helmet) and offensive / deadly (shoes, sword)
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1. The Need for the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-11)
Paul begins with a stirring call: "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." Why this urgent plea? Because we are engaged in a battle, a spiritual conflict that rages unseen, yet its effects are profoundly real. We are not merely facing the challenges of daily life; we are contending with forces that seek to steal our joy, derail our faith, and ultimately, separate us from God. We are weak in ourselves, but in the Lord, we find strength. We need His armor, not our own, to stand firm.
2. Our Struggle is Not Against Flesh and Blood (Ephesians 6:12)
"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." This is a crucial truth. Our battles are not primarily with people. While we may experience conflict and hurt from others, the root of these struggles often lies in the spiritual realm. Satan and his forces work through deception, temptation, and manipulation to undermine God's work. Recognizing this reality helps us to extend grace and understanding to those who may be acting out of spiritual darkness.
3. The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14a)
"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth." The belt holds everything together. It is the foundation upon which the rest of the armor rests. In our spiritual battle, the truth of God’s Word is our anchor. In a world awash with lies and deception, we must cling to the unshakeable truth of the Gospel. It is the truth that sets us free, guides our decisions, and empowers us to discern right from wrong.
4. The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b)
"And having put on the breastplate of righteousness." The breastplate protects the vital organs, the heart. This righteousness is not our own; it is the imputed righteousness of Christ, received by faith. It guards our hearts from the accusations of the enemy, who seeks to fill us with guilt and shame. When we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, we can stand before God blameless.
5. The Shoes of Preparation of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)
"And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." Shoes provide stability and mobility. We are called to be ambassadors of peace, ready to share the Gospel wherever we go. Our readiness comes from knowing and living the Gospel, allowing it to guide our steps and equip us to share the good news of reconciliation with God.
6. The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one." The shield of faith protects us from the fiery attacks of the enemy. Doubt, fear, and temptation are like flaming arrows aimed at our hearts. But faith in God's promises, in His love, and in His power, can extinguish these attacks. We must actively lift our shield, trusting in God’s faithfulness.
7. The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17a)
"And take the helmet of salvation." The helmet protects the head, the seat of our thoughts and minds. Salvation is not just a one-time event; it is a continual process of renewal. The helmet of salvation guards our minds from the enemy’s lies, reminding us of our identity in Christ and the hope we have in Him.
8. The Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God (Ephesians 6:17b)
"And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The sword is our offensive weapon. It is the Word of God, living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. When tempted, we can wield the Word of God against the enemy’s lies, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. We must know the Scriptures, meditate on them, and apply them to our lives.
9. The Importance of Prayer and Watchfulness (Ephesians 6:18)
"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." Prayer is our lifeline to God. It is through prayer that we draw strength, receive guidance, and intercede for others. We must be watchful, alert to the enemy’s tactics, and persistent in prayer. We are not alone in this battle; we are part of a body of believers, and we must pray for one another.
10. Enduring to Victory (Ephesians 6:13)
"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." Victory is assured in Christ. But we must endure, we must stand firm, we must put on the whole armor of God. The battle may be fierce, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Let us clothe ourselves in His strength, wield His Word, and stand firm in faith, knowing that in Christ, we are more than conquerors.
- Sermon on Ephesians 1: The Riches of Our Inheritance
- Sermon on Discernment in the Christian Life
- Sermon on Consistency in the Christian Life
Conclusion
- Put off the devil before putting on God (Rom. 13:12)
- The point of attack (battle ground) is the mind (2 Cor. 10:3-6)
- Put on God’s armor each day (Eph. 6:10-18)
- Remember, you have “fellow-soldiers” in battle (Eph. 2:25; Philemon 2)
- Don’t get entangled in the world (2 Tim. 2:3-4)
- Remember, the fight is a “good fight” (1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7) and the war is a “good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18)
- Now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2)!
May God grant us the grace to put on His armor, to stand firm in the face of adversity, and to experience the victory that is ours in Jesus Christ. Amen.
