ARMOR OF GOD Ambassadors - Week 3 4/20/2024 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV Full armor - πανοπλία (panoplia) a complete set of defensive and offensive armor (weapons), i.e. everything needed to wage successful warfare; (figuratively) the full resources the Lord gives to the believer so they can successfully wage spiritual warfare Girded your lions- περιζωσάμενοι τὴν ὀσφὺν ὑμῶν (perizōsamenoi tēn osphyn hymōn) fasten covering and protection over your reproductive area (waist, hip, and generative area). Truth - ἀληθείᾳ (alētheia) truth, but not merely truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness, universally what is true in any matter under consideration Breastplate of righteousness - θώρακα τῆς δικαιοσύνης (thōraka tēs dikaiosynēs) protects the heart and its emotions (desires) as they bear on our decisions.what is deemed right by the Lord, what is approved in His eyes Readiness - ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasia) the act of preparing, foundation, firm footing, readiness of the mind Faith - πίστις (pistis) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God. Fidelity to God. Salvation - σωτήριος (sótérios) bringing salvation, one who embodies the free gift of God Sword of the Spirit -μάχαιρα τοῦ Πνεύματος (machaira tou Pneumatos) the sword with which the Spirit subdues the impulses to sin and proves its own power and efficacy. The sword belongs to the Holy Spirit who indwells us and thus helps us wield the powerful word of God. Offensive weapon meant to stab, strike, and kill. Getting Dressed for Battle (Life) Begins with Truth (cover yourself) • What I believe in, say, do, stand upon matters • God desires us to hold tightly to truth so we can share and reproduce that truth in the lives of others. Heart must be covered (Breastplate) • “Love the Lord with all your heart” - passion is critical • Live in such a way that your words/deeds are deemed right by God • You are approved by God therefore live as one whose life demonstrates that truth Be Ready to Share (Feet) • How can someone hear the word of God unless someone first tells them . . . how blessed are the feet of those who bring good news • We have been given a mission to bring the gospel of peace • Having spent time mentally and spiritually preparing yourself to speak/act Attacks will come so be ready (Shield of Faith) • Just as truth disarms a lie, faith destroys the attacks of Satan • Come what may my hope is in you Lord • Faith made real through action is a shield against the enemy Guard your mind (Helmet of Salvation) • Emphasize the direct application of God's salvation in your life • The heart can only be moved to passion when it knows what it is fighting for • “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” and “For I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.” Now fight back (Sword of the Spirit) • The Holy Spirit speaking and living through us is an unstoppable weapon • Spiritual forces must obey, lose authority, and are destroyed by the sword • God indwells, God empowers, God arms, and God helps you wield Pray - Never underestimate the power of prayer • Keep yourself in God’s presence throughout the day • Listen to His leading and the awareness that comes by abiding in the Sprit • Find God’s will and align yourself with it - success is guaranteed • If you fail - get back up and pray “Forgetting what lies behind I press forward to what lies ahead.”