3. Eph 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 resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firtom. 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.

4. Spiritual Combat “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 “…we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh…” This is a spiritual war, we aren’t trying to win land or riches, we are trying to win souls for God’s kingdom. The fleshly side of things takes care of itself if we can win the spiritual war.

5. Spiritual Combat The devil is our enemy, not other people. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 “…they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” We are told to be soldiers but we are also told to be held to conduct that is free from bitterness and anger. We fight not to destroy but to build up. To persuade those that are opposed to God. Everyone must choose a side, this fight will include everyone.

6. The FULL Armor

7. “Girding your loins with Truth” Girding ones loins gives strength and stability. When you are girded with truth, everything else is held in place. 1 Corinthians 13:6 “…Love rejoices in truth;” Paul never lied about his past, even though it would have helped him in the physical realm. What kind of impact might you have when people know you, and know what kind of person you are, and how you have dealt with mistakes in your life?

8. “Having put on the Breastplate of Righteousness” Righteousness is the standard on our chest. It shows who we fight for. Is it glistening in the sun? Is righteousness in your life this obvious, or are you ashamed of the principles that you will boldly claim around other Christians? We must practice it, hone it, or it will become easily tarnished.

9. “Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” The Christian warrior must not leave their feet unprotected. If our feet are not protected, our steps will falter. What then does it mean to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace? ALWAYS be ready for a defense for the challenges presented us in our daily lives.

10. “…taking up the shield of faith…”

12. The shields were used together, not independently of one another. My shield of faith depends on yours, and vice versa. When my faith is weak, it is a weakness to everyone. Satan wont take it easy on the one Christian out by himself.

13. “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit…” The helmet protects your mind. It protects you from arguments against God that seem logical to others. Similar to the breastplate, the helmet shows who we represent. Do you wear your helmet like your proud of it? In the hands of a trained Christian, the sword of the Spirit can help guide those who are lost.