Put on the Gospel Armor Ephesians 6:14-18 Studies in Ephesians Put on the Gospel Armor Ephesians 6:14-18

Ephesians 6:10-13 We are in a spiritual war Against the spiritual forces of wickedness We must put on the whole armor of God 2 Timothy 3:17, 2:21

Waist girded with truth Ephesians 6:14-18 Waist girded with truth A protective belt that supported garments and provided protection.

Waist girded with truth Ephesians 6:14-18 Waist girded with truth Girded – tightened up around the waist. Prepared for battle Our “girdle” is truth John 17:17, 8:31-32 1 Thessalonians 2:12 More than knowing, it is confidence. I KNOW the truth!

Breastplate of righteousness Ephesians 6:14-18 Breastplate of righteousness Breastplate protected the vital organs, neck and torso.

Breastplate of righteousness Ephesians 6:14-18 Breastplate of righteousness Our breastplate of righteousness One who is satisfying God’s demands. Upright in behavior. Living a faithful life Our success with others begins with our own godly lives – Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:15-16

Feet shod with preparation of Gospel of Peace Ephesians 6:14-18 Feet shod with preparation of Gospel of Peace The right shoes are imperative for effective combat. Properly fitted

Feet shod with preparation of Gospel of Peace Ephesians 6:14-18 Feet shod with preparation of Gospel of Peace The gospel is the good news of salvation. Romans 1:16, Ephesians 1:13, 3:6 A gospel of peace – Romans 5:1 – with God Ephesians 2:14 – with one another Matthew 5:9 – be peacemakers

Feet shod with preparation of Gospel of Peace Ephesians 6:14-18 Feet shod with preparation of Gospel of Peace Christians are to be prepared – 2 Timothy 2:21, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 3:15 Romans 10:15

Ephesians 6:14-18 The Shield of faith A larger shield (4 feet by 2 ½ feet). Used to protect while advancing. Could be used in formations.

Ephesians 6:14-18 The Shield of faith Faith is believing and trusting God. 2 Peter 1:5, Hebrews 11:6 Our victory that overcomes the world – 1 John 5:4 1 Peter 5:8-9 – resist him, steadfast in the faith

The Helmet of Salvation Ephesians 6:14-18 The Helmet of Salvation A crucial piece of our armor. It protects the brain from trauma. Why do soldiers sacrifice?

The Helmet of Salvation Ephesians 6:14-18 The Helmet of Salvation Salvation – our helmet of salvation! Our protection – Matthew 10:28, 1 Peter 3:13-14 Our hope – 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Keeps us from quitting – Philippians 3:12-14, Hebrews 6:19

The Helmet of Salvation Ephesians 6:14-18 The Helmet of Salvation NOTE: If we are to survive spiritually, we need to protect the mind – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Ephesians 6:14-18 Sword of the Spirit The sword, the offensive weapon. Here a short sword (i.e. a dagger) - used in hand to hand combat

Ephesians 6:14-18 Sword of the Spirit The word of God sharper than a two-edged sword – Hebrews 4:12 We use it for defense – cf. Matthew 4:3, 7, 10 We need to go on offense too – 1 Timothy 6:12

Ephesians 6:14-18 Sword of the Spirit To be effective, we need to be familiar with it and use it effectively

Ephesians 6:14-18 Praying always Communication so important to any battle plan! We need God on our side and must follow His direction (More in our next lesson)

Taking our armor seriously Ephesians 6:14-18 Taking our armor seriously Generally accepted that Rome’s fall was internal. Corruption, arrogance and laziness. This was reflected in the Roman army in its later years. We must NEVER relax, become lazy and arrogant! Keep fighting!

Are you wearing the armor of God properly?