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STUDY GUIDE

INDIANA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

ARMOR OF

DELIVERANCE

by DR. LESTER SUMRALL

Sumrall Publishing P. O. Box 12

South Bend, IN 46624

Please Note: This study guide is designed to be a companion to the audio/video teaching tape, Armor of Deliverance, by Dr. Lester Sumrall. It is a college workbook with space allowed for your personal notes. All scriptures, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Copyright © All Rights Reserved Reprinted August, 2004

ARMOR OF DELIVERANCE ISBN 0-937580-49-X

Printed by Sumrall Publishing P. O. Box 12

South Bend, Indiana 46624 www.sumrallpublishing.com

http://www.sumrallpublishing.com/

STUDY GUIDE


ARMOR OF DELIVERANCE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. THE HIGH BATTLE ................................................................................4

2. YOUR ARMOR AND THE ENEMY.......................................................8

3. HOLES IN YOUR ARMOR ...................................................................11

4. THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT ..............................................................15

5. THE HELMET OF SALVATION ..........................................................18

6. THE SHIELD OF FAITH........................................................................20

7. FEET SHOD WITH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE....................................23

8. BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ..............................................26

9. LOINS GIRT WITH TRUTH..................................................................29

10. THE SECRET OF TOTAL VICTORY...................................................32

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 1

THE HIGH BATTLE

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INTRODUCTION: The great apostle Paul was writing at his best when he described Christian warfare. In our minds we ask ourselves these questions:

1) Who started the fight? 2) Why do Christians need ARMOR for protection? 3) Should Christians engage in aggressive and offensive warfare or should

Christians only fight a defensive battle? 4) Is there mortal danger to life or limb for Christians? 5) Where does the Christian obtain his armor? 6) Who trains the Christian to use this armor?

READING: Ephesians 6:10-18, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. v. 11, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. v. 12, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. v. 13, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. v. 14, Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; v. 15, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; v. 16, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

The High Battle Lesson 1

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v. 17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: v. 18, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 1. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER

We must first realize that the Christian is a Homo sapiens who does two things: A. He or she renounces their relationship, kinship and subservience to the devil,

who is Satan.

John 8:36, If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The Greek words Aion, Oikoumene, and Cosmos all mean “the world.” The Christian breaks his servitude to the Aion, the Oikoumene, and the Cosmos, world systems which are ruled by Satan. He denounces the world, the flesh (carnality), and the devil.

B. He or she becomes a born-again believer, they know Jesus of Nazareth as The

Christ, the Son of the Living God. (Matthew 16:16)

They understand John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

C. He or she is not born again. They are a child of the living God.

The Bible says in I John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Homo sapiens confesses his sins to God and is totally forgiven. He is redeemed and needs the Christian armor.

2. WHO STARTED THE WAR?

The Bible describes who started the war in Genesis 3:2-4, And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: v. 3, But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. v. 4, And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: A. Mother Eve was overwhelmed by the deceptions of Satan and began the long

story of man’s rebellion against God. Thus, man had to be redeemed from a fallen state.


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B. When you change your inner man and your outer man to a superman, you discover that all the powers in this universe which are not subject to Christ as Lord become your enemy; not because you are an unusual person, but because you have become engaged in a cosmic and terrestrial battle which has raged since before the Garden of Eden and our species were created.

It is true that when a man or woman becomes allied with Christ, they discover conflict they never knew existed.

3. INDUCTED

After becoming a Christian you are not really a volunteer in the Christian army, but you are inducted and drafted as a soldier in the war against the devil. You discover that you are, by the fact of the new birth and new life in Christ, an enemy of rebellious Lucifer and his kingdom of demons.

4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO DEFEND HIMSELF FROM HIS ENEMIES. In God’s boot camp, you are taught that your God provides the protective armor to the Christian soldier to win all the battles of life! I Peter 5:8, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

5. CHRIST IS THE GENERAL AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF. Our Commander declares that even “the gates of hell” cannot prevail, or withstand, his soldiers’ onslaught. Matthew 16:18, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The General demands his soldiers in Matthew 28:19, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: This means the war is unlimited in magnitude. It is global. Wherever the devil has deceived, bound, and enslaved humankind, we are to engage him in deadly conflict, to release all human persons from his lies, deceptions, and bondage. God has given the Christian armor for defensive and offensive warfare. The armor is for warfare and not for spiritual retirement. A. The sword is an instrument for both offensive and defensive fighting. With

sword in hand, the warrior can pursue the enemy or defend himself.


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B. The helmet is a defensive piece of armor to protect the body from projectiles. C. The shield is a defense to protect the body from projectiles. D. The feet, covered and protected, give the warrior speed and the ability to

cover rocky ground. E. The breastplate is used for defensive warfare to cover the vital organs of the

soldier. F. The loins girt meant a leather strap or belt used to hold the armor intact. It

afforded the warrior good movement and it served as a place to carry a sword or attach arrows.

The apostle James ensures the Christian warrior that with God’s armor he can: James 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Now that is the HIGH BATTLE and we, as the soldiers of the Army of God, are the winners!

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 2

YOUR ARMOR AND THE ENEMY

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INTRODUCTION: Man has had fabricated armor for his protection against his enemies since the beginning of time. Possibly, the first aggressive warfare between humans was the use of stones and sticks. In defense, man soon learned to use a shield make of wood to stop the stones. He built walls around his towns to protect them. China built, on it great northern border, a wall which became one of the wonders of the ancient world. It was a defense against the fierce Mongols of the north who came to conquer and spoil. READING: Ephesians 6:11, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (KJV) Ephesians 6;11, Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan. (LB) 1. THE ARMOR OF GOD

A. You must personally put on your own armor of God. B. No one can put it on for you. C. Your armor is designed for you. D. King Saul told David, “Use my armor.” It did not fit. He had not been trained

to use it. God had not told David to use it, so he refused the borrowed armor.

King Saul’s armor had been especially fabricated to his size. He was not only the king of the nation, he was the tallest man in Israel. Saul was king, yet he feared his enemy Goliath.

Your Armor and the Enemy Lesson 2

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I Samuel 17:38-40, And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. v. 39, And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. v. 40, And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

2. WHY? TO BE ABLE TO STAND

A. You do not have to fall. You can stand. B. Only God’s armor guarantees security. C. The Christian is not left defenseless. D. The Christian is not at the mercy of every wave of the sea, every wind that

blows, or any enemy who stands against him. E. Be ready to stand against the wiles of the devil. F. The natural man trusts in his strength to perform. During the Roman Empire,

in Paul’s day, the people could see the armor Paul spoke of on the Roman military. Soldiers were standing at the crossroads and marching through the marketplace. The people could see that the soldiers wore the armor of the empire. They wore the protection for aggressive warfare.

G. God’s people put their strength in God. Paul, at that moment, was possibly

chained to a special Roman officer. He could see all the empire-marked armor used by this conquering army.

3. THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT

A. Power is authority and energy. B. God’s power is might, strength, resources, and wisdom.

4. PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR.

A. Eve should have had on the armor. B. King Saul hung his armor on a wall. It was unused.

C. Some people have half of their armor on. D. Another person cannot put your armor on you.

Your Armor and the Enemy Lesson 2

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5. THE NEW ARMOR

If Paul were living today, he would not use the same words for armor as he did 2000 years ago.

A. Paul might say, “Put on a gas mask to stop the deadly gas of pornography.”

He might say, “And that mask of protection is the Word of God.” B. Paul might say, “Learn to use the fire power of the anti-tank gun for

knocking out the enemy armor, to stop the tidal wave of gambling which will impoverish a nation.

C. Paul could instruct by saying, “Put on your bulletproof vest for a

breastplate to stop the fiery darts of unbelief.” D. Paul might compare laser beams or radar tracking systems. He might

describe missiles aimed at targets which are located thousands of miles away or satellite sky spies seeking to know God’s secrets.

6. THE ETERNAL ARMOR

In any period of time, the believer must have the armor of God for whatever warfare the devil presents.

7. PUT IT ALL ON.

In legendary Greek mythology, Achilles, the mighty warrior of the Trojan War had only one vulnerable spot, his heal. An arrow was shot and it pierced his heel and he died. Goliath thought he was mightily protected. A soldier carried his shield for him. He was loaded with armor. However, David’s stone, guided by the radar of heaven, made a deep impression on him. He never awoke. All comrades at arms must accept and use the total armor of heaven.

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 3

HOLES IN YOUR ARMOR

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INTRODUCTION: All human armor is vulnerable. It is always possible that there is a hole somewhere. When any nation in a generation feels they are invincible, an enemy seeks to find a way to destroy their power. READING: Ephesians 6:10-12, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. v. 11, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. v. 12, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 1. THE BABYLONIANS

The Babylonians had a mighty wall around Babylon and armored gates to stop their enemies, the Medes and Persians. The enemy diverted the River Euphrates and walked in on the river bed without using walls or gates. There was a hole in the empire’s armor. The might of Babylon was destroyed.

2. THE WALL OF CHINA

Imperial China built the world’s longest wall to keep back the wild men of the north. Her armor had a hole in it and China was humbled when the fierce Mongols of the north crossed that wall. It is one of the wonders of the ancient world. Today it is a tourist attraction.

Holes In Your Armor Lesson 3

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3. OUR MODERN WORLD Between World War I and World War II the French government built the great Maginot line facing Germany. They said it would hold back the Germans forever. When the Germans invaded, they came around through Belgium and Holland, and the great fortifications were no longer effective! There was a hole in the French armor.

4. ISLAND OF CORREGIDOR The Americans made the island of Corregidor in Manila Bay a bastion of power. The American military had their great gun emplacements pointing out to sea, but the Japanese came down the Bataan Peninsula and invaded from the rear.

5. THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL There was war between King Saul and the Philistines. Goliath, the Philistine giant, mocked and challenged Israel. Goliath weighed about 600 pounds and was 13 feet tall. A. Goliath had a helmet of brass which protected his head. It weighed 10 pounds. B. Goliath had a coat of mail covering his chest and vital parts. C. Goliath had greaves which protected his legs from all kinds of fighting. These

weighed 5000 shekels of brass. D. Goliath had a target of brass guarding the area between his shoulders. E. Goliath had a shield carried by his armor-bearer which deflected blows from

his body. His total suit of armor weighed about 278 pounds; but Goliath’s forehead was waiting for David’s stone. It made a deep impression. He was like a tank coming at David.

I Samuel 17:5-7, 49, And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. v. 6, And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. v. 7, And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. v. 49, And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.


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F. David rushed forward and with Goliath’s sword cut off his head. Goliath had a hole in his armor.

6. AN EGYPTIAN GIANT

Benaiah, with a wooden staff or long stick, plucked the spear out of his hand and slew the giant with it. The giant thought that he was totally protected.

I Chronicles 11:23, And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. The giant was an international bounty hunter, a hired killer. He stood 10 feet 5 inches tall, and his armor was formidable, but one of David’s mighty men who had slain two lion-like men of Moab, slew him. David’s warrior, Benaiah, had slain a lion in a pit on a snowy day! With a shepherd’s staff he overtook the Egyptian and with his own spear killed him. There was a hole in his armor.

7. A CRACK IN THE JOINT OF THE KING’S ARMOR

Wicked King Ahab, disguised as an ordinary soldier, was slain by accident when struck by a random arrow through a hole in his armor. I Kings 22:29-35, So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead. v. 30, And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle. v. 31, But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. v. 32, And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel. And they turned aside to fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out. v. 33, And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. v. 34, And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. v. 35, And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.


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8. HOLES IN THE CHRISTIAN ARMOR

A. A dull sword from not studying the Word B. A broken shield from loss of faith C. Unshod feet which are not equipped with strong footwear for moving swiftly

to preach the gospel D. Removed helmet of salvation, lost by philosophy and humanism

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 4

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

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INTRODUCTION: The Spirit and the Word are inseparable. The devil never wanted “the Word” translated so that all people could know “the Word.” READING: Ephesians 6:17, . . . And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 1. THE SWORD OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE WORD OF GOD.

A. The sword of the Spirit is the rhema, not logos. Our sword is the specific spoken word for each of our individual problems. We need to know God’s Word for each situation: for healing, for prosperity, for deliverance.

B. The Bible is the sword.

Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

2. THE SWORD

Shall we begin with the last piece of armor first? Historically, the sword has won many battles. The sword has created empires and destroyed nations. For millennia, it was man’s deadliest weapon. The sword is used out in front of the warrior. It can be used for aggressive warfare, and the sword can protect the total body.

3. SWORDS OF HISTORY

A. The sword of Eden

The Sword of the Spirit Lesson 4

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Genesis 3:24, So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

God sent Adam forth from the Garden of Eden. An angel with a sword protected the Garden.

B. Jehovah’s sword

God has a glittering sword. It was spoken of by Moses in his last words to the nations. Deuteronomy 32:39-41, See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. v. 40, For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever. v. 41, If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

C. God’s angel uses a sword. It helps in victory.

Joshua 5:13-14, And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? v. 14, And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

D. The sword of Jesus Christ

1) Revelation 1:16, And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of

his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

2) Revelation 2:12, And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

3) Revelation 2:16, Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

4) Revelation 19:15, And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

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E. The sword of Armageddon

1) Revelation 6:4, And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

2) Revelation 6:8, And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

F. Antichrist wounded by a sword

Revelation 13:14, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

G. The Word of God is a sword.

The sword of the Holy Ghost which Christians use is the Word of God.

1) It is not weak. 2) We win victories by using the Word. 3) Jesus destroyed the devil during His temptation by quoting the Word.

H. Your sword by the Spirit

1) Study the Word. 2) Learn the Word. 3) Use the Word for all our defenses. 4) Love the Word of God.

I. Martin Luther declared, “The just shall live by faith.

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 5

THE HELMET OF SALVATION

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INTRODUCTION: A. Man, in his warfare, soon realized that he must protect his head. Originally, the

helmet could have been a special piece of animal skin shaped over his head. B. Later the helmet was made of metal. C. Because of the vital importance of the human head, the helmet is one of the most

important pieces of armor. D. Not only at war, but in active games such as football, there is a helmet. It protects

against injury. E. In baseball, the batter at home plate wears a helmet. F. Fighter pilots wear helmets. G. Men on the battlefield wear helmets. Helmets have saved the lives of multitudes of

soldiers. READING: Ephesians 6:17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 1. THE HELMET OF SALVATION

A. We take the helmet of salvation.

Ephesians 6:17, And take the helmet of salvation, . . .

B. We put on the helmet.

I Thessalonians 5:8, But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

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2. REDEMPTION TO COVER THE MIND

The natural mind must be covered by God’s helmet of salvation. It must be renewed. Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. v. 2, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3. THE MIND IS VULNERABLE.

Solomon said in Proverbs 23:7, For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. 4. THE HELMET OF SALVATION

A. Begins with regeneration B. Continues with the Holy Spirit baptism C. Deepens by studying the Word D. Walking in the Spirit strengthens our spiritual growth.

5. BELIEVERS MUST ALWAYS WEAR GOD’S HELMET OF

SALVATION

A. Denominationalism is not the right helmet. B. Good works do not make a safe helmet. C. Philosophy is not the helmet of salvation. D. The protection of the mind is God’s plan of salvation.

1) Clean thinking 2) Clean reading

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 6

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

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INTRODUCTION: You and I have a shield. We do not have mysticism related to it, but we do have the power of God related to the shield of faith. It is most exciting that Paul designated the shield as faith, not the sword.

READING: Ephesians 6:16, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

1. THE SHIELD OF PROTECTIVE WARFARE

The shield can stop the enemy’s darts, spears, swords, arrows, and projectiles.

2. THE SHIELD IS MOBILE.

A. You can move it up to protect the head. B. You can move it over the heart or down to the feet. C. The shield of faith is mobile. It can face any enemy.

3. THE CHRISTIAN’S MYSTERY SHIELD

A. The devil cannot see our shield (faith). B. Our shield of faith is like plexiglass. The devil sees his darts fall down, but he

does not know it is caused by our shield of faith.

4. WHAT IS OUR SHIELD OF FAITH? A. Faith is trust. B. Faith is knowledge of God.

The Shield of Faith Lesson 6

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C. Faith is the working of mighty miracles.

5. ABRAHAM HAD THE SHIELD OF FAITH. Hebrews 11:8-9, By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. v. 9, By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

6. MOSES HAD THE SHIELD OF FAITH. Moses brought over 2,000,000 slaves our of Egypt’s bondage.

7. ELIJAH HAD THE SHIELD OF FAITH. A. Elijah raised the dead. B. Elijah called fire from heaven and caused rain to fall.

8. JESUS WORE THE SHIELD OF FAITH. A. He raised the dead. B. He cast out devils. C. He healed the sick. D. He fed the multitudes by faith. E. He gave himself as a ransom.

9. PAUL WORE THE SHIELD OF FAITH. Whole nations became obedient to Christ through Paul’s faith. Romans 15:17-20, I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. v. 18, For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, v. 19, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. v. 20, Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

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10. JOSEPH HAD A SHIELD OF FAITH. Hebrews 11:22, By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

11. THE SHIELD OF FAITH CAN QUENCH FIERY DARTS. A. Lust falls before faith. B. Hate goes out and dies. C. Anger is stopped by faith in God. D. Lying is destroyed. E. Stealing is stopped.

12. YOUR PROTECTIVE SHIELD OF FAITH A. You have a protective shield to quench all the fiery darts. Its strength is

related to your trust and obedience to the Most High God. B. Your faith has to produce love, service, and trust toward God. C. Your faith is your shield to stop the devil. God wants you to stop the fiery

darts of the devil. D. Use your shield!

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 7

FEET SHOD WITH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

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INTRODUCTION: Your feet can be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. It is one of the six pieces of armor that are delivered to us by the Holy Spirit at the point of our conversion. We are to take that armor and go into God’s boot camp and learn how to use it. READING: Ephesians 6:15, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Isaiah 52:7, How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Romans 10:15, And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 1. TYPES OF FOOTWEAR

A. In the early centuries, footwear was made from animal skins. B. Then came iron shoes for battle. C. Sandals were worn. They gave firmness for the feet and prevented slipping. D. Warriors were shod to walk over rocks, rough roads and briers. Shoes gave

protection from snakes, low spears and arrows, and they gave mobility.

Feet Shod With the Gospel of Peace Lesson 7

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2. THE GOSPEL OF PEACE Everyone has just the kind of footgear that he needs for his job. When we are shod by the Holy Spirit to walk, then we have the right kind of footwear because God gives the gear. When God puts it on you, you are capable of going over any kind of territory there is because He determines what kind you will need and has it ready for you. Your feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. You are equipped to produce the gospel for the entire world and the ways to get it there.

3. THE PROPHETIC SHOES OF PEACE A. Genesis 3:15, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and

between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Jesus’ death at Calvary was the bruising of Satan’s head. His rising again was the total demolition of the devil’s empire. Jesus said, “I have the keys of death and hell on my girdle, and all power in heaven and earth is given unto me.” His resurrection means a lot more than some people think it means. Being shod with the gospel of peace was prophetic and is still prophetic. We are putting Satan down, walking over him with the footgear of the Holy Spirit, bringing peace to the world and walking through his territory, walking through his dominion making the way straight, the way for people to become righteous and good.

B. It is prophetic that missionaries go with their feet shod with the gospel of

peace.

4. SHOD WITH VICTORY A. We are shod with victory when we come walking through, not defeat or

confusion.

Deuteronomy 11:24, Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.

B. We are supposed to walk on top of our enemies in our victories. Your enemies

belong under your feet.

I Kings 5:3, Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.

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5. SHOD WITH PEACE BY JEHOVAH

We are shod with peace by Jehovah and nobody can stop us. Psalm 40:2, He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

6. SHOD WITH PERMANENCE

We are victorious and we are not going to be moved. Psalm 66:9, Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.

7. SHOD WITH VICTORY

Our feet are on the forward march, not heavy and dragging. Psalm 91:13, Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 8

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

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INTRODUCTION: This piece of armor, the breastplate, of the Christian soldier is called “righteousness.” It is not just necessary, it is imperative. The breastplate covers the vital parts, especially the heart. This piece of armor sets us apart. Only the Christian soldier can have this protection because of his relationship with God. It is called righteousness or holiness, goodness or uprightness and it comes only with a right relationship with God. We must keep our breastplate on at all times for protection from Satan and the world. Satan can never touch the righteousness of God. READING: Ephesians 6:14, Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

1. THE BREASTPLATE COVERS THE VITAL PARTS.

A. God’s righteousness must cover the heart. B. The Bible says lying, thieving, and adultery come out of the heart. It needs

protection! C. Satan cannot touch a heart covered with righteousness.

2. RIGHT LIVING IS IMPERATIVE.

A. Right living cannot be separated from righteousness. B. Evil cannot prevail against the power of righteousness. C. It is impossible to please God without righteousness.

1) Every day is precious to God, not just Sunday. 2) Every day must become precious to us.

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D. The armor must be taken care of.

1) There can be no cracks or the enemy can destroy you. 2) You cannot be covered by sin. 3) You cannot be covered by rebellion.

3. KINGDOM RIGHTEOUSNESS

Romans 14:17, The kingdom of God is . . . righteousness . . .

A. God’s righteousness is Jesus’ blood shed on the altar of Calvary. B. Our righteousness is as filthy rags until we put on the righteousness of Jesus

our Savior—the breastplate. C. When you are covered by the righteousness of God you do not have to

struggle to live right.

1) Jesus’ blood can cover our desires. 2) The breastplate can cover our emotions.

D. Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but

righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. E. We are free to be changed inside because we are protected by a righteousness

beyond ourselves. 4. FAITH IS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

I Thessalonians 5:8, But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

A. Faith and love are counted as righteousness. B. We must have faith to believe in God and His righteousness. C. Love accompanies righteousness. It cannot follow or accompany sin.

5. THE PROPHET ISAIAH

Isaiah 59:17, For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

A. Isaiah proclaimed that the coming Christ would have the armor. B. It was fulfilled. Christ wore the armor and defeated Satan. C. Because Christ was a winner, we are winners.

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6. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER IS VICTORIOUS THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS.

A. We must first put on the armor. B. Righteousness is impregnable. C. Through the righteousness of Christ in us we are victorious.

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 9

LOINS GIRT WITH TRUTH

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INTRODUCTION: We have been naming the pieces of our armor that are strong; the helmet that protects your head, the breastplate that keeps the devil from getting to your heart, and the shoes that you are shod with. Now, how do we unify this whole suit of armor? Gird your loins. The belt that holds everything together is named “truth.” The strength of your loins determines your ability to run. Whether you can or cannot stand up is the power of your loins. The truth is powerful and protective. READING: Ephesians 6:14, Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 1. TRUTH IS THE THRUST OF POWER FOR GROWTH IN GOD.

A. Truth is eternal—it continues forever.

1) Untruth and lies die. 2) Hitler’s empire perished, leaving only the horror of the holocaust.

B. Jesus said, “I am truth.”

John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

C. Jesus holds all things together.

Colossians 1:17, And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

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2. THE TOTAL WORD OF GOD

A. Our fellowship with God is based on truth. 1) We must know the truth. 2) We must understand the truth. 3) We must teach the truth.

B. The devil has been a liar from the beginning. 1) He has known only lies. 2) Lying is his native language.

C. It is written that we are “girt about with truth” – not with lies. 1) Lies will not prevail. 2) Cults will not prevail. 3) Truth stands whether or not we choose to believe it.

D. The truth of God must be what motivates you. 1) Truth must be planted firmly inside of you. 2) Sometimes a child can clear up your misinterpretations, because they are

closer to the truth.

3. GOD REQUIRES TRUTH.

Psalm 51:6, Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

A. God demands from us:

1) Sincerity 2) Honesty

B. Without truth we are helpless. 1) The Bible says that the pure in heart shall see God. 2) Because truth does not change, it is reliable.

C. We are to take on the characteristics of our Creator, God, Who is all truth.

4. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT GIRDLES

A. Because it is an important piece of equipment, it is mentioned frequently.

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1) The bloody girdle

I Kings 2:5, Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.

2) Elijah’s girdle

II Kings 1:8, And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.

3) The righteous girdle

Isaiah 11:5, And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

4) Girded and prepared

Luke 12:35, Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 5) God gives a girdle of strength.

Psalm 18:32, It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

6) David girds with a sword.

I Samuel 25:13, And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

7) The girdle for the battle

II Samuel 22:40, For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.

B. Protection of a soldier’s loins is imperative. Truth to a Christian is imperative.

It is the ingredient which holds our witness in place. If we are always truthful there is no cause for anyone to doubt us or our testimony.

STUDY GUIDE



Lesson 10

THE SECRET OF TOTAL VICTORY

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INTRODUCTION: The secret of total victory is that we pray with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. We must never quit. By continually praying, we can achieve that victory. READING: Ephesians 6:18, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; II Timothy 2:1, Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 1. THE POWER OF PRAYERS

A. God wants us to “pray with power.” B. Power comes only through the Holy Spirit of God Himself. C. Pray as the Spirit of God moves you to pray. D. Do not simply recite prayers that are meaningless to you. They would lack

power. E. Instead, let the Spirit show you how to pray with power and authority for your

own problems and needs. 2. THE CHRISTIAN’S SECRET WEAPON

A. Prayer is the Christian’s secret weapon. B. It is a secret weapon because the devil cannot understand it. C. The Bible says, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.” D. Christians must be alert to the devil’s devices.

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3. CONSISTENCY OF PRAYER

A. Perseverance

1) We must never give up the fight against Satan. 2) Persistence in prayer brings us in line with all the resources of Heaven. 3) Perseverance means enduring to the end of the battle.

B. Supplication

1) Supplication is the enduring power that can reach into God’s resources. 2) It implies a humble attitude. 3) Supplication is pleading on behalf of a person or request. 4) It is repeated until there is an answer.

4. THE VICTORIOUS SOLDIER OF CHRIST

A. Soldier, put your armor down. B. At the rapture of the Church and the transfiguration of the Body of Christ, we

will never need armor again. C. Our adversary, the devil, is forever defeated.

Revelation 19:20, And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, . . . These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 20:14, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

D. We will not need the helmet of salvation. Our salvation will be complete. E. We will not need the sword of the Spirit. We will be living with the Eternal

Word, the Lord Jesus. F. We will not need the breastplate of righteousness. We will be in the presence

of Righteousness forever. G. We will not need the shield of Faith because there will be no fiery darts from

the evil one. He has been defeated! H. It is the total and final victory, and we win! All rebellion is consumed!

What a day! What a celebration! Millions of angels are rejoicing! Millions of the redeemed are shouting “Hosanna” to the Lord Jesus, the Captain of our salvation!

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