Thursday, June 18, 2015

The Armor of God - 2015


 The Armor of God                June 13, 2015 

Anyone have a chance to read it.  What do you think. 

Why do we really need the Armor of God.  There is only one reason why, besides following the command of our Lord and Creator, Jesus.  The Apostle Peter tells us why. 

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 

We may not realize it, but we are presently engaged in warfare.  

Not a physical battle but a spiritual battle.

Are we equipped and prepared or are we a sitting duck. 

The Apostle Paul gives us a list of 7 things to prepare us for this warfare. 

Paul’s Armament List
 

1. Girded with Truth

2. Breastplate of Righteousness

3. Preparation of the Gospel

4. The Shield of Faith

5. The Helmet of Salvation

6. The Sword of the Spirit

7. The Heavy Artillery 

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.   

Be strong:  means, be made strong.  The passive voice would suggest that we cannot do it ourselves. 

It is God who strengthens us. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

We are strengthened, and thus become strong.  

Power of His might:  explains where our strength resides; 

These expressions are applied to Jesus, my Messiah. 

(11)  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  

“Put on” This wording of the Greek indicates that believers are responsible for putting on God’s full armor.   

We need to Be completely armed.   

Before the battle begins:  Do we really realize, that we are already on enemy turf. 

The whole armor of God is the believer's protection against evil and the Evil One.
Wiles of the devil are Satan's subtle tricks to defeat Christians in spiritual warfare
2Co 11:3 NKJV  But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

(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 hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  

1.   against principalities and

2.   against powers, – terms designate different rank of evil spirits

3.   against the rulers of the darkness of this age – ruler of this world

4.   against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places – dwelling place of these evil influences 

Our real battle is not with humans, but against ranks of (fallen) angels and demons that are working through them 

“Reality”  Let’s Re-examined what we mean. 

The Apostle Paul says there are four dimensions 

Ephesians 3:17-19 NKJV  that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  (18)  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— (19)  to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

Width - Breadth 

Nachmonides, 13th Century said there are 10 dimensions and only 4 are knowable 

Physic Scientists today says today there are at least 10 dimensions found, 4 are directly measurable and 6 dimensions can be found only by indirect means. 

The Scriptures provides us with two examples that stand out of just a glimpse of Unseen Warfare.  Star Wars? 

The first example of this Unseen Warfare:  turn to 2 Kings 6:8-17 

2 Kings 6:8-17 NKJV  Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, "My camp will be in such and such a place."  

(9)  And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, "Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there."   

(10)  Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice.   

(11)  Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, "Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?"  

(12)  And one of his servants said, "None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom."  

Is this the first record “bug of a bedroom” in the Scriptures? 

(13)  So he said, "Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him." And it was told him, saying, "Surely he is in Dothan." 

(14)  Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 

(15)  And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?"  

(16)  So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  (how many times we have heard this statement) 

(17)  And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 

What is around us today, protecting us in this worship? 

The second example, we find in 

Daniel 10  a Glimpse of the Dark Side 

Dan 10:1-21 NKJV  In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision.   

This was a vision. 

(2)  In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.   

The exiles had returned from Babylon and begun rebuilding the Temple.  Why was Daniel still here, because of his age:  over 80 years old. 

(3)  I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.   

(4)  Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris,  

Dates are important in the Scriptures.  When was this, 2 or 3 days after Unleavened Bread ended? 

(7)  And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.  

Is this similar to what the Apostle Paul went through 

(8)  Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength.   

(9)  Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.   

(10)  Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.   

(11)  And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.   

(12)  Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.  

(13)  But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.   

·      Does each nation have a prince? 

·      Satan prince?

·      They held up the messenger to Daniel? 

(14)  Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."   

(20)  Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come.   

Prince of Persia and prince of Greece.  This is just a glimpse into this spiritual warfare. 

What are we to do about it this spiritual warfare we are in.   

Yes, this is something we are to do.   

We know the Holy Spirit will guide us in all things. 

Now, back to Ephesians 6 

(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.   

Be completely armed and “to withstand or stand against”  

Paul’s Armament List 

Paul’s detailed description of the armor may stem from being chained to a Roman soldier while in prison awaiting trial  (Acts 28:16, 20).  

Acts 28:16 NKJV  Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.  

(20)  For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain." 

Actually, the Holy Spirit is consistent in His use of idioms throughout the Scriptures: these same elements are alluded to in the Old Testament. 

Isaiah 59:16-17 NKJV  He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no intercessor; Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him.  

(17)  For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak. 

Return to Ephesus  

(14)  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,   

“What is Truth?” Pilate said to Jesus.  

Truth is our most precious treasure to be coveted. Truth is the key to success, fulfillment, victory, or achieving any worthwhile goal.

The pursuit of truth is our greatest challenge in anything we do.
 

“...loins girt about with truth”: 

The Roman belt was 6-8 in wide; all the body armor and weapons were attached to it. 

Definition of truth: “when the Word and Deed become one.” The ultimate truth is the fulfillment of God’s promises in The Messiah.  Jesus said He is the truth.  

John 14:6 NKJV  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 

It was prophesied of Christ that righteousness should be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 

Isaiah 11:5 NKJV  Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. 

“...having on the breastplate of righteousness”:  

The most important stewardship we have, is our heart! 

Roman breastplate: Bronze, backed with leather. The breastplate secured the vitals.  

The breastplate covered the heart (Rom 6:13; 14:17; Isa 59:17; James 4:7).  

Romans 14:17 NKJV  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

We know the breast-plate was over the lungs and heart. If Christ's righteousness is over our hearts they can hardly suffer harm.  

A blow through the breastplate usually means death. 

(15)  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;   

“...feet shod with the preparation of the gospel”:  

Isaiah 52:7 NKJV  How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" 

A Roman soldier’s feet were shod with hard, studded Shoes, (often of brass or the like), were part of the military armor. The use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and obstructions. 

1 Samuel 17:6 NKJV  And he (Goliath) had bronze armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders. 

And when we are fighting with swords, our first slip is usually our last!
Preparation is required to success in anything we do. 

As a Christian, we should be ready to go to defend and spread the gospel. 

(16)  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.   

“...taking the shield of faith”:  

Roman shield was 4 ft. x 2 ½ ft., overlaid with linen and leather, to absorb fiery arrows.  

The structure of the shield was essential. The time to plug any holes was before the battle. 

Flaming arrows could not penetrate the fireproof shield of the ancient Roman soldier, nor can the assaults of Satan penetrate to the believer who places his or her faith in God. 

Taking care of the shield was the key to proper maintenance.
 

The faith that fully trusts in God and never doubts, is the best of all defenses.  

Faith will quench, stop, put out all the doubts, whisperings and evil suggestions of the wicked one.  

1 Peter 5:9 NKJV  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 

Rom 10:17 NKJV  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

(17)  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;   

“...take the helmet of salvation”:  

The helmet provided protection for the head and also made him look taller and more impressive.

The Believer knows ultimate victory is sure. His assurance is a critical blessing. 

One of the most important aspects of our defense against Satan’s most vicious attacks is our firm faith in Our Lord and Creator, Jesus our Messiah with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

“...and the sword of the Spirit”: 

The Roman sword: only 24 in. long, sharpened on both sides. With this sword sharpened on both sides, the Romans achieved victories.  

However, the sword required special training and extensive practice! 

The more typical sword of that day was longer, sharpened on only one edge.  It had to be used with the arm in a chopping motion.  

With the doubly sharpened short sword, the Roman legionnaire could duck, catch his enemy off balance, and thrust or cut from any position, winning the engagement at close quarters. 

Same way with the Word of God.  The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the believer's armor, which actually requires us to know the Word of God.  

Hebrew 4:12 NKJV  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

Christ employed this Sword three times when tempted by the devil (Mt 4:1-11).  

Being hid in the heart (Ps 119:11),  

Psalms 119:11 NKJV  Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

God’s Word will protect us from sin. 

The Heavy Artillery - Prayer 

One of the most important factors in a military engagement is proper ground support: 

·      interdiction - To prohibit or forbid someone to do something, which is Satan and his demons.

·      flanking fire - fire delivered on an enemy flank (side) from a position to the side of that enemy

·      direct assaults – ask for protections for Christians being killed in Middle East.

·      long distance 

This goes beyond personal armor, this is a major offensive weapon not from us personally, but from our God and Creator.  We have to ask in faith.  

Now the focus is on the heavy artillery—with action-at-a-distance—prayer! 

(18)  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 

Praying always”: we are spiritual members of the Body and praying for all the people of God. 

As with any supporting fire, coordination is vital! We all need to be supported by others in Prayer. 

Prayer should be continual, not hit or miss: Like reliable soldiers, we are to be praying in all persistence. 

Prayer should be public and private, deliberate or spontaneous, praise or thanksgiving. 

We covered why we need The Armor of God, because Satan is out to draw us away from the Lord Creator. 

Remember, the Apostle Paul said there are 7 things we are to do to 

Paul’s Armament List 

1. Girded with Truth

2. Breastplate of Righteousness

3. Preparation of the Gospel

4. The Shield of Faith

5. The Helmet of Salvation

6. The Sword of the Spirit

7. The Heavy Artillery 

What are we to do?  I believe James answers this to the point. 

James 4:7 NKJV  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

This is what we are to do in our lives (submit to God and that is so hard to do in certain circumstances) and watch Satan and the demons flee from us, if we submit to God. 

 

 

 

 

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