Suit Up
Suit Up
Ephesians 6:10 – 20
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [b]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 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.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Ephesians chapters 1-2 Tells us who we are in Christ
- We are chosen. Eph 1:4, 1:11
- We were predestined for adoption. Eph 1:5
- We are redeemed through the blood of Christ. Eph 1:7
- We are marked/sealed with the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us. Eph 1:13
- We are made alive in Christ Eph 2:1, Eph 2:5 – Having been dead in our trespasses (sins)
- We are loved Eph 2:4
- We are saved by grace Eph 2:8
- We are Gods handiwork/workmanship. We’re His masterpiece Eph 2:10
Ephesians 3 – Helps us Understand and Embrace God’s Purpose for His People
- Embrace God’s Plan (Eph. 3:4–9)
- Embrace God’s wisdom: (Eph. 3:10–11).
- Understand and Embrace God’s Love (Eph. 3:16–19)
- Width, covers every part of your life.
- Length, It lasts forever and never runs out.
- Depth of God’s love reaches us when we are at our lowest point.
- Height of His love lifts us back to where he calls us to be.
Ephesians 4-5 Tells us how to Walk it Out
- Walk in humility – Eph 4:2
- Walk in unity – Eph 4:3-4, 4:15-16
- Walk in Love – Eph 5:1-2
- Walk in the light Eph 5:8-11
- Walk in Wisdom Eph 5:17
Six pieces of armor that help us in our walk with God (battle)
Belt of Truth – Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth – Truth keeps you grounded.
- Truth for the believer holds everything in place
- Without knowing the TRUTH, everything else for us as believers starts to slip.
Breastplate of righteousness – having put on the breastplate of righteousness – Guard your hearts
- Spiritually, your heart (your motives, identity, desires, and decisions) must be protected with the righteousness of God
- The enemy would love to wound our hearts so he can weaken our lives
Two sides to Righteousness
Righteousness that comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Our responsibility to live out the gift of Righteousness – 1 John 3:7 – Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace – Stay Locked In
- The gospel of peace is our spiritual grip – Without it, every attack from the enemy will cause you to slip.
- The word Gospel means – something that is absolutely true.
The peach of God is absolutely true based on
- Isaiah 26:3 which says – You will keep himin perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
- John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Peace Comes from the Gospel. It’s not determined by our circumstances
Shield of Faith – Ephesians 6:16 — above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. – Shut the Enemy down
- Paul says above all (NKJV) taking the shield of faith. This emphasizes the significance of our faith in our spiritual battle.
- 1 John 5:4,5 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
- Faith is a transformative power for the lives of believers.
- It creates a strength and resilience that comes from being rooted in a relationship with God.
- Faith helps us navigate the trials and tribulations of life because we know that our victory is already won
- Faith Sees Beyond What You Feel
- Feelings are real but not always true. Acknowledge what you feel but act on what you know.
- God’s word is real and true. Faith will anchor you in God’s truth when emotions are overwhelming. 2 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight.
- The shield of faith is strengthened by pressure. Pressure purifies our faith. 1 Peter 1:7 — that the genuineness of your faith, beingmuch more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
- Pressure builds spiritual muscles – James 1:3 — “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
- Faith is strengthened in community – When the roman soldiers came together with their shields they created a wall that couldn’t be easily broken. We’re stronger together
Helmet of Salvation – Ephesians 6:17a – And take the helmet of salvation – Guard your headspace.
- Since the enemy can’t control you, he will try to convince you
- Some of the lies of the enemy
- Salvation reminds us who we are and whose we are. Salvation isn’t just the moment you accept Jesus into your life. It’s a part of your identity. 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
- Use the helmet of salvation to
- protect your mind from the silent battles that no one else knows about
- to shut down the enemy’s attacks against your identity
- protect your thoughts from shame, comparison, insecurity and spiritual doubt
The Sword of the Spirit – Eph 6:17b – and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Use your weapon
- The word of God isn’t just for information. It’s a weapon – Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword.
- Jesus showed us how to use the sword – Matthew 4:1-11
- A sword only cuts when it’s used. The enemy cannot resist the word of God spoken in faith. 2 Cor 10:4-5
- Know your sword so you can effectively use it.
