Eagle's Landing
Suit Up! 2018 is on the Way!
Ephesians 6:10-18
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.”
So, to attempt to live the Christian life without acknowledging the presence of our opposition is foolishness.
Why?
1. We cannot win this battle on our own.
Ephesians 6:10-11
“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.”
2. Our enemy does not fight fair.
2 Corinthians 11:3
“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
3. Our enemy is deceptive.
John 8:44
“...When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
4. Our enemy aims to destroy.
John 8:44
“...He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him…”
1 Peter 5:8–9
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
5. Our enemy only engages in sin.
1 John 3:8
“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.”
How do we prepare for this battle?
According to the instruction in this passage we must…
v.11-- “Put on”
v.13— “take up”
What are we to “put on” and “take up”?
The armor of God, all six pieces of armor, is essential to win the battle.
Essential Equipment
1. Belt of Truth—Satan is a liar and our heart can deceive us so it makes sense that the first equipment requirement is truth.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness—Positionally we are in Christ and it is His righteousness we wear however it is through the day living a godly life that we either make ourselves vulnerable or victorious in our battle with the Devil.
3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace—Gospel shoes give us grip in the most intense times of the battle.
4. Shield of Faith
5. Helmet of Salvation
1 Peter 1:13-16
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
6. The sword of the Spirit—This sword is the Word of God.
1. Tip the scales of information with the weight of listening, reading, studying the Word of God.
2. Study enough to be skilled in using God’s Word as a sword so that…
—it is readily available when you need to combat temptation.
—you are confident enough to properly use God’s Word in personal counsel for yourself and others.
3. Maintain gospel relationships in the local church where the Word of God is the central feature of life and activity.
—Constantly give priority to being taught God’s Word.
—Engage in conversation and ministry sharing the Word of God.
How do we put this armor on each day?
“Pray at all times”—put on each piece of the armor of God through prayer.
“in the Spirit”—guided by the very Spirit of God.
“keep alert”—don’t forget your are in a battle each day, showing up unprepared could be deadly.
“with all perseverance”— don’t let weariness in the war melt your resolve.
“make supplication for all the saints”—pray for one another.