The Way of War: Spiritual Warfare – Remedies, part 2
Ephesians 6: The WAYS of WAR: Remedies, part 2
Rodney Hobbs
Ephesians 6:10-20
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Resisting requires the strength of God.
Resisting requires the resources of God.
Armor of God
It’s God’s armor
Exodus 15:3, Isaiah 11:5, 59:17, 52:7, 49:2
It’s all that we have and all that we are in the gospel.
It’s whole armor.
The armor must be put on.
“Putting on” is difficult work.
Remedy 1: The Belt of Truth.
Truth is foundational
The problem of no Truth. (Gen. 3:1-6)
Remedy 2: The Breastplate of Righteousness.
Protects what is vital.
Everyone wears a breastplate. Does yours prepare you for battle?
Genesis 3:7
Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
Christ gives a battle-tested breastplate.
Just as God provided covering for Adam and Eve, He provided a covering for us.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Christ’s righteousness readies you for war.
Putting on Christ’s Righteousness is hard work.
The daily disciple of gospel discovery.
The daily disciple of gospel preaching. (preaching to your self)
If you are not committed to these disciplines you will live far below your gospel privileges.
Applications / implications:
How thoroughly am I studying the Scriptures?
How thoroughly am I allowing the Scriptures to study me?
Arm yourself for the day of evil – it’s coming.
(All scripture from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)