The Armor of God: How God Protects You

How God Protects His People
Number 6:23-26
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
v. 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains
Paul chained to Roman soldier while writing
Used what he saw to teach Christians
God has prepared armor for our spiritual battles
v. 12 our struggle is not against flesh and blood
rulers, powers, world forces of darkness,
spiritual forces of wickedness
v. 11 schemes of devil
we can’t win w/ our own power
Our mission: stability
v. 11 stand firm, v. 13 resist, stand firm, v. 14 stand firm
key to strength is full armor of God
I. Girded Loins With Truth
A. Eph 6:13-14
B. Soldier’s main garment was loose tunic
1. Belt used to cinch up to prevent any loose clothing before battle
2. Hold everything in - no impediments
C. Truth of God’s word should bind and hold everything in our lives - limiting factor
1. Eph 4:13-15
II. Breastplate of Righteousness
A. Eph 6:14
B. Soldier’s breastplate was thick leather or fabric w/ bone, metal, objects sewn on
1. Protected heart, lungs, vital organs
2. Ancients saw heart as seat of thoughts and bowels as seat of emotions
3. Satan attacks both - place evil thoughts and confuse emotions, pervert our loyalties
4. Undermine pure living w/ hate, greed, envy, lust, and other vices
5. Laugh at sin rather mourn it
C. Christian is protected by obedience
1. 1 Pe 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
2. Not deserving salvation, but submission to God’s will in faith, love, and gratitude
III. Feet Shod With Gospel
A. Eph 6:15
B. Roman caliga - half sandal/half boot - hard sole w/ hobnails, leather straps almost covering foot w/ ties up the ankle and calf
1. Allowed fording streams, climbing mountains, walking deserts
2. Good traction for stability to ground
C. Gospel foundation: God paid for your forgiveness
1. Don’t have to save yourself, you’re safe
2. Ro 8:33-35, 37 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35Who will separate us from the love of Christ? . . . 37But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
IV. Shield of Faith
A. Eph 6:16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
B. Romans used two - scutum is larger one
1. 2.5’ x 4.5’ - wood covered w/ leather or metal
2. Arrows w/ flaming pitch cloths extinguished by wet shields
C. Christians protected from all attacks by faith
1. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2. Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
V. Helmet of Salvation
A. Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
B. Soldier’s helmet usually metal or leather w/ metal added
1. To protect from broadswords and cavalry blows aimed at head
C. Salvation focuses on future glory of heaven
1. Ultimate vindication of Christ and reward of his followers - future hope
2. 1 Pe 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
VI. Sword of the Spirit
A. Eph 6:17
B. Roman sword - 18” long for hand to hand contact - offensive and defensive
C. Sword of spirit - word of God
1. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.