God's Provision: Defensive Weaponry

Ephesians 6:13b-17a

When Jesus died and rose again, He brought forgiveness of sins and new spiritual life. We really did receive more than we could ask or imagine. 

And as we come to the final section of Ephesians, the culmination of the whole letter, we’re shown what God has provided for our spiritual victory and joy and what we must do on our side. 

Remember, the enemy is coming against you at every turn to steal your joy, frustrate you, slow you down, and distract you.

Don’t forget, however, that our problem isn’t JUST the attack of the devil. The other foe we face is ourselves. Our pride, preferences, and traditions are often a big part of the problem. 

We must constantly live in submission to the Holy Spirit, and acknowledge that our own works, strength, and ability are never going to cut it. We need to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Two important details to remember when considering how to put on the armor that God has provided:

1. It’s the whole armor. You can’t pick and chose.

2. You must follow what precede this all through Ephesians. Verse 13b says having done all

Paul is reminding us that knowing, obeying, following everything up to this point - is absolutely required to stand firm. 

Everything we have has been provide by God (including salvation), but as we pursue sanctificaiton, we must make every effort (2  Peter 1:5 - …make every effort)

Our efforts don’t earn the armor. Our efforts are what God uses to bring us to a better understanding of all that He has provided. 

And even with God’s provision of His perfect weaponry, we’re still responsible to  “put it on”

For each piece of weaponry we’ll see:

1. The Truth

2. What it looks like

3. What we do to “put it on.”

The Belt of Truth

1. Right doctrine - accurate knowledge of spiritual things - knowledge based on the Bible

2. Living a changed life as a result of that knowledge.

3. Pursue Biblical truth - the great doctrines fo the Bible - more than hobbies, sports, etc. 

The Breastplate of Righteousness

1. Imputed Righteousness: the Righteousness that Christ provides for us in Salvation

2. The pursuit of Righteousness. Personal holiness. 1 Peter 1:15 - be holy in all your conduct

3. Train yourself to ask “is it holy?” To everything. In every action, attitude, and all of your words ask yourself is it holy?

The Gospel of Peace

1. A readiness, willingess, and eagerness to share the gospel of peace any time, any place. 

For most of us, this is a big struggle. 

2. Are you ready right now to share the gospel with someone?

3. What will you do need to do to be prepared, to be bettter prepared, or to generate opportunities?

The Shield of Faith

1. This large shield fully covers and protects you.

2. It is most effective in deflecting the attacks fo the enemy when you’re linked up with others: your church family.

3. Are you fully confident and trusting in God? Stop worrying because God is in control. Remind yourself of His absolute sovereignty in ALL things. And never forget His love for you. All of His actions toward you are based in His sacrificial love for you. The love seen in it’s clearest form on the cross. 

The Helmet of Salvation

1. This is the hope of heaven. The assurance of our salvation based on the teaching of the Bible (see the Belt of Truth again, and remember “whole armor”)

2. We can have absolute confidence in the final destination of our journey. 

3. Be comforted, and full of joy, reminding yourself that your salvation is absolutely secure. You have nothing to worry about or fear.

When we put on this armor daily, there is great joy even in the midst of situations that should be frustrating and defeating. 

2 Corinthians 4:8-9; 16-18 – We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed ¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

On your own, you’ll never withstand the attacks of the enemy, but you’re not meant to do it alone. God has not only saved you, but He has provided everything you need to live a successful, victorious, joyful Christian life.