Ephesians 6:13-17 “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Pastor Kyle continues that there is an old saying that “it isn’t a matter of if a spiritual attack is going to come, but when a spiritual attack will come.” We have always had our fallen sin nature of the flesh, also the devil feeds us lies, deceives us and places many enticing temptations in front us which are sinful [containing sin, or consisting in sin; iniquitous; criminal; unholy; contrary to the laws of God], but today the rebellious God-rejecting world [a people laden with iniquity, with a morbid desire to burn in Hell] are attacking the people of God [and especially against children] with vengeance in their war against God. For they say “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will be like the Most High.”
Yet, the Lord has equipped is Christian soldiers and orders His children to “put on the full armor of God, the armor of light, so that when the dark day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm” for the power of God is right behind us supporting. And the day is now! It is a real test of your values, reliance and dedicated devotion to your heavenly Father and His Word [a diligent observance of our duty to God and His kingdom] with the peace of God.
Our spiritual protection [the energy and knowledge to stand] which the born-again Believer puts on daily and uses comes in the form of (1) the belt of truth. The Lord Jesus declares in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” To do truth is to practice what God commands in faithful obedience to God. (2) The breastplate of righteousness which protects their heart. No doubt, no guilt, just standing confident and unwavering in what is right in the eyes of the Lord. (3) protective shoes [ a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to dig in and hold tight during the fight, then walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it, in peace with God, a quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Being not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but showing all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, yet prepares for repentance.
(4) The Shield of Faith which fully persuades us of the truth of all God’s promises. Our enemy the devil is here called the wicked one. He endeavors to make us wicked, oppressed and depressed. His violent temptations by which the soul is set on fire of hell are called fiery darts. Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts. (5) The helmet of Salvation where a godly knowledge of our sure hope of salvation, well founded and well built, will both purify the soul and keep it from being defiled by Satan, and it will comfort the soul and keep it from being troubled and tormented by the world. For Romans 6:23 proclaims, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The devil would tempt us to despair; but good hope keeps us trusting in God, and rejoicing in Him.
(6) The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, in order to maintain within the spiritual warfare in which they are engaged and succeeding in it. Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Word of God is perfect for defending the faith and holding back the enemy. God commands and His army, led by the Holy Spirit, obeys His holy Word with the sword of the Spirit and fights the good battle. Link arms with others Christians because kingdom victories happen when we stand together as a unit united in unity of the Word and the Spirit. Warriors stand together strong for the victory.
Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” The Christian soldier is armed with fervent and persistent prayer. Prayer must buckle on all the other parts of our Christian armor. We must join prayer with all these graces, for our defense against these spiritual enemies, imploring help and assistance of God, as the case requires: and we must pray always. We must pray in the Spirit upon all occasions, and as often as our own and others’ necessities call us to it. There is power in prayer and prayer changes things. Pray that the enemies in this war on God see the light of truth, that the Holy Spirit touch their heart, that they realize their sin and repent, believe and are saved, because that is the plan of Salvation through the Gospel.
Christian, you do what you are, not are what you do. Use your God-given gifts. Evangelize the culture, defend the faith, spread the Gospel, advance and expand the kingdom of Heaven. But always be prepared in season and out for life’s battles. There is an enemy attacking sovereign God, His omnipotent reign and rule by His eternal Word of His creation, and His Believers. Ephesians 6:23-24 “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
In Christ, Brian
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