The Armor of God For we do not

The Armor of God For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers , against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph. 6: 12 (NKJV)

The Armor of God II Corin. 10: 3 -5 (NKJV) 3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4. For the weapons of our warfare not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 5. casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Armor of God Eph. 6: 11 -Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil

Armor Of God What is the purpose of our armor?

Armor of God • There is a warfare raging right now between the armies of God and the armies of Satan. Although the warfare takes place in the supernatural realm, the natural realm is certainly affected. Eph. 6: 12 -13 (NKJV) 12. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that your may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand

In what ways does the enemy fight against us?

Armor of God Spiritual battles-They can manifest in our daily lives through many ways which can include: relational conflict, temptation to sin, persecution, financial pressures, illness. The enemy desires to sift us as wheat and have us turn from God in fear or frustration instead of drawing near to God and waiting on Him. In times as these, spiritual armor becomes critical to our survival.

The Armor of God • Belt of truth • Eph. 6: 14 -”Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth • Why is the belt of truth important?

Armor of God Historical Background-A soldier’s belt, was not just for adornment, it is also an essential piece of military equipment. The tough leather strips and small brass plates were for extra protection. It clung closely to the soldiers, wrapping around their loins to shield some of the most vulnerable areas of the body.

The Armor of God • • • The belt of truth keeps our balance and is our stabilizer. If the first thing mentioned regarding our armor. Jesus defined Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14: 6). He also defined the Word of God as truth: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17: 17). In a world that drifts without absolutes, these words are an anchor! Jesus Christ and the Bible (the Word of God) represent absolute truth! Loins girt about-means to be prepared as a good soldier. Be firmly established in the Word of God. (John 17: 17) God’s word is truth and is therefore a true foundation to all the other pieces of spiritual armor. (John 8: 31 -32) Just as the soldier’s belt allowed freedom of movement, you are kept free from the enemies attacks with lies, unbelief and doubt by abiding in God’s truth.

The Armor of God • The Breastplate of Righteousness • Eph. 6: 14 b- having the breastplate of righteousness • Why is the Breastplate important?

The Armor of God • Historical Background: The Breast Plate- A soldier’s protection for his chest and abdominal areas and it afforded critical protection from powerful blows. • The breastplate protects a vital spiritual organ “the heart”. Prov. 4: 23 -Keep your heart will all diligence; for out of it are spring the issues of life. • God wants our whole heart, for the heart sets the course for our lives. Luke 6: 45

Armor of God • The heart can be deceitful. Ps. 78: 57 & Jer. 17: 9 • It is with the heart a person believes and confesses salvation. (Rom 10: 8 -10) • The Breastplate of righteousness is a gift obtained by faith (Rom. 3: 21 -23) • Guard your heart the enemy desires to bring up your past to accuse you. Once you repent God forgives of your wrong, no matter what the enemy says.

The Armor of God • Sandals/Feet of Peace • Eph. 6: 15: And having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace • Why were the sandals important?

The Armor of God • Historical Background: No soldier can go to far without proper shoes. Even with all his other weapons, a barefoot soldiers would become immobilized by the rough terrain. • In bible times, the breaking of a soldier’s shoes was a metaphor for weakness or defeat-meaning his effectiveness depended largely on his shoes. (Is. 5: 27). • Learn to walk in your own shoes, and stop comparing your life situations with others.

The Armor of God • Sandals/Feet for God’s peace • Be at peace with God (Is. 57: 20 -21) • Be at peace with yourself-Stand fast in God’s peace, let is rule in your heart (Col. 3: 15) • Be at peace with others and share God’s peace (Is. 52: 7)—bring good tidings to others • Nothing can mess up your day more than waking up mad or angry. Choose to be happy.

The Armor of God • Shield of Faith • Eph. 6: 16 -Above all taking the shield of faith which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (the enemy) • Why is the shield important?

The Armor of God Historical Background: The Roman shield, was made from bonded wood strips and covered with leather. It was semi-circular so that any missiles thrown at the soldier he would be able to deflected to one side. The shield had a metal projection in the center which was used to stun or wind the enemy, easing the soldier’s ability to strike with his sword. The shield was a defensive tool and an offensive weapon.

The Armor of God • Shield of Faith-The Romans shields were also drenched in water before going into to battle to make the fiery darts of the enemy ineffective. • Have the Shield of Faith is “taking on God’s Word for every situations” without seeing the visible evidence (Heb. 11: 1) • We will all go through hard times, our shield of faith will deflect the attack of the enemy with our belief that God will supply our needs.

The Armor of God • Helmet of Salvation • Eph. 6: 17 a-And take the helmet of salvation • Why is it important?

The Armor of God • Historical Background: A Roman Soldier’s helmet, protected a soldier’s skull and neck from enemy blows and falling debris. The helmet included two hinged side pieces to protect the cheekbones and jaw. • The Helmet of Salvation-Guards the mind (Thess. 5: 8). Whatever is good, think on it. • As a man or woman thinketh so is he or she. The enemy tries to destroy our hope.

The Armor of God • Helmet of Salvation • Hope deferred makes the heart sick. • The enemy tries to come against our expectations. • He wants us to be vulnerable to think that things can’t change in our favor. (Rom. 15: 13) • Don’t give up; Don’t give out; Don’t give in

The Armor of God The Sword of the Spirit • Eph. 6: 17 b- And the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God • Why is the sword (the Word of God) important?

The Armor of God • Historical Background: The Roman sword was crafted of iron and then the red-hot sword was coated by coal dust, forming a hard carbon coating on the blade. • The sword was used offensively-to attack and defensively- to deflect the enemy’s blows

The Armor of God • The Sword of the Spirit • God’s Word, our sword of the Spirit is able to cut down the strongholds of Satan. • Don’t fail the wield your sword. • Don’t let His word be a decorative piece in your home. Read it and apply it. • Let God’s word be hid in your heart that you may not sin against Him.

The Armor of God Prayer Eph. 6: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication to all saints.

The Armor of God • Prayer-Is our greatest weapon of Spiritual warfare • Prayer is an offensive and defensive weapon • There are no limitations with prayer. It is not limited by time, distance or place. • With it we can assail the enemy’s strongholds anywhere and at any time. • Continue to pray without ceasing. Destroy the strongholds of the enemy.

The Armor of God • If you belong to the Kingdom of God, you are a prime target for the attacks of the world, your own flesh and the devil. • Satan has been defeated by Jesus and we have to continue to use our armor to keep him under our feet. • Give the devil no place in your life. • The Holy Spirit our “Helper” will guide us into all truth and righteousness. He will help us fight this spiritual battle.