Union Church of Christ

The Panoply of God's Armor

Ephesians 6:10-18

Introduction

1. Previous lesson dealt with the power that God makes available to his people for the war in which we are engaged.
2. Remember what is at stake - the control of your heart and life and where you spend eternity.
3. V. 10 - it is our duty to be strong in the Lord - not an optional thing.
4. In this lesson, consider the armor that we should wear in the fight.

Discussion

1. SINCERE - "Loins girt with Truth"
   1. "Am I sincere in the fight?"
   2. This refers to the state of the heart with respect to the truth - have I made it apart of my heart and life?
   3. Whether we are sincere will show when the battle begins.
      1. Judges 7:3
      2. Literally, girt "in" truth.
      3. Psalms 51:6
      4. Lips are not the only things that can lie - LIVES also lie!
2. SANCTIFIED - "Breastplate of Righteousness"
   1. "Am I living the kind of life that will enable me to engage in the fight?"
   2. Righteousness is devout and holy living.
      1. Romans 6:13
      2. Romans 14:17
   3. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
   4. When we do that which is right, we have the assurance of God's protection - both in this world and that to come.
3. SEEKING - "Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace"
   1. Am I prepared to fight?"
   2. Josephus - shoes were thickly studded with sharp nails - this gave a solid foundation and prepared the soldier for the fight.
   3. Romans 10:15
   4. Mark 16:15
   5. Must be ready - what are we ready for?
      1. Psalms 119:11
      2. 1 Peter 3:15
      3. Romans 13:14
4. SHIELDED - "Shield of Faith"
   1. "Am I able to defend against temptation?"
   2. Psalms 119:9
   3. 1 John 5:4
   4. Jude 3
5. SURE - "Helmet of Salvation"
   1. "Am I encouraged by hope of heaven after the fight?"
   2. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
   3. Psalms 27:1
   4. 1 John 5:13
   5. When the mind is filled with the thoughts of heaven, it serves as a defense against vain and evil thoughts.
      1. Philippians 4:8
      2. Matthew 12:34, 35
      3. Proverbs 4:23
      4. "I wasn't thinking when I did …" this is not true; "I wasn't thinking right."
   6. The more we think of heaven, the less likely we are to sin.
6. SCRIPTURAL - "Sword of the Spirit"
   1. Am I able to use the Christian's only offensive weapon?"
   2. Matthew 4 - Jesus being tempted by Satan.
   3. Hebrews 4:12
   4. Ephesians 4:15
7. SECRET WEAPON OF THE CHRISTIAN - "Prayer"
   1. Ephesians 6:18
   2. This is a weapon at the disposal of Christian's and no one else.
   3. John 9:31
   4. 1 Peter 3:12
   5. Note: 4 "alls" of prayer.

Conclusion

1. 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
2. Will you be able to say this with Paul?