The Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-17

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. {flesh...: Gr. blood and flesh} {spiritual...: or, wicked spirits} {high: or, heavenly} 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. {having...: or, having overcome all} 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Ephesians 6:10-17 Cont.

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Key Points to Consider:

• Paul had a lifelong contact with the Roman Army • The Roman army was at its peak during the Christian era.

• Roman soldiers delivered/saved his life many times

• The Praetorian guard represents everything that was famous in Roman history

Key Points to Consider:

• Paul wrote the epistle of Ephesians during the time

of house arrest in Rome, while he was guarded by the Praetorian guard.

• He wrote 2 Timothy during his second imprisonment.

Key Points to Consider:

• Paul used many Roman military metaphors in his writings:

•In Galatians 6:17, he speaks about bearing the “mark” for the Lord Jesus. In history, the mark was placed on the back of the left hand of a Roman soldier who had finished basic training.

Key Points to Consider:

• Paul used many Roman military metaphors in his writings continued:

• He used military terms in 2 Timothy 2,3,4.

•Roman military drill is the background of the terminology in Galatians 5:25, 1 Thessalonians, and Colossians 2:5.

Key Points to Consider:

• Paul used many Roman military metaphors in his writings continued:

• Speaks of the resurrection in terms of a military parade, “battalions” of believers “passing in review” first those dead then those who are “alive and dead”.

•Trumpets giving commands, mounting of the guard, etc.

Key Points to Consider:

• Paul used many Roman military metaphors in his writings continued:

• Other references of : “who is the enemy, where is the enemy, strength weaknesses, and even the terrain is like where the battles are fought.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• Finally…Now let’s get down to the final planning for the attack.

• Paul is trying to prepare the Christians to go on the offense against unseen forces, the forces of Satan.

• Be Strong…it is the present passive imperative of (endunamoo), a reference to inner strength and mortal courage.

So Let’s Get to the Text

•2 Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:• 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) {through God: or, to God}• 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; {imaginations: or, reasonings}• 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• We are to walk in the Lord, in Power (inner power), of His Might (endowed power) the source of everything is in Him!

• Now we look at overall text that we concentrate on so much and probably know it by heart

So Let’s Get to the Text

• Put on means for us to physically and mentally pick it up (on purpose). We have to purposely do things in the Kingdom of God!

• The whole armor, not just parts we are familiar with or think is best for us.

Key Points to Consider:

• Three types of armies: The hastati “javelin”, less experienced soldiers

The princeps, more advanced but young & vigorous

The triarii, the veterans, soldiers who could move into any area of combat

Key Points to Consider:

• shares words of being able…the ability given to you

• To stand…readiness. The first thing that is taught of a soldier, stance and balance.

• Identifying the enemy…the devil

•In other words, putting on our spiritual military equipment so that you have the ability to stand the ranks, face to face with the strategies of the devil.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• Lets look at verse 12. It identifies our foe, not flesh and blood but principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places.

• Because our battle is not face to face with human beings but by contrast, in confrontation with demon rulers, military commanders of Satan, world-rulers of darkness, and spirits of evil in the heavenlies.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• Verse 13 basically states that because of this, continually take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to take your position in combat, and when finished that you remain standing.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• Verse 14 categorizes the Christian’s armor

• The standing in this verse refers to stand in military rank. Means “hold”.

• Having the loins girt about…to put around. The Roman soldiers had a very wide belt to hold a lot of equipment and loops.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• The truth is the inner truth, the belt of a Christian.

• The breastplate is the protection for the upper torso, front and back.

• Of righteousness is the basic protection of any believer.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• Feet shod…many soldiers did not care about their feet. In every battle, every small part is important to victory.

• Preparation and gospel of peace…we are ready at any time to minister or preach the gospel. The key principle of witnessing for Christ is that you do it in your own environment.

Key Points to Consider:

Notes on Personal Witnessing:

• Witnessing for Christ is the responsibility of every believer.• Effectiveness depends on clarity.• Dynamics depends on the believer’s mental attitude. • One has to be ready and not ashamed.• There is a reward for witnessing and expectation.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• Above all…in addition to all..the following equipment is greater.

• The shield of faith…The Roman were known for their shields.

• Quench the fiery darts…to break or chop off, to eliminate the fire arrows. Greatest fear of hitting the body.

So Let’s Get to the Text

• The helmet of salvation, something that is placed around the head, appropriate mindset. Some say the soul which is said to be saved is in the head so it is appropriate for us to think about the helmet represents salvation.

• Sword of the Spirit…macaira sword, the most effective for battle at this time and since. (it does not take much to bring a fatal blow to the enemy)

So Let’s Get to the Text

• Of the Spirit, the Word of God. Always ready for defense or attack.

Key Points to Consider:

• Maturity and the ability to do God’s work comes through years of study of God’s Word and practice using doctrinal principles.

Key Points to Consider:

Let’s consider 2 Timothy 2:15:

• Study..to be industrious, eager, to be diligent, preparing.• to show yourself..concentrate, represent yourself well.• approved..to pass the exam, emphasis on success• workman..any task for the Lord is never too small• Needeth not to be ashamed..never to be ashamed

of your station in life or with the Lord.

Key Points to Consider:

Let’s consider 2 Timothy 2:15:

• Rightly dividing the word of truth..to cut straight, to line out a straight path, using biblical principles and avoiding those who bring a wrong message.