PUTTING ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD
By Pastor Terry Somerville
VS 10 'be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might."
STRENGTH - comes from our union with Christ. We are like channels
that this flows through.
POWER - is the root word for dynamite. This is God's super human force
and majesty at work. Miracle working power not our own strength,
reason, intuition, ethics etc.
VS 11 " Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to
stand against the tricks of the devil."ARMOR - completeness, provisions of all that we need for
overcoming. Like the army providing all the soldiers need.
TRICKS of the devil. - His two main tactics are outright assault
and crafty deceit and tricks. He is the master of deception and
torment, luring us into giving him a place while appearing
peaceful. He successfully turns our own flesh into a weapon
against us by luring and enticing us with our own desires.
STAND - the purpose of the ARMOR That we will not falter but
hold our ground, then advance so that the gates of hell cannot
prevail (resist) us.
VS 12 - " For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
the principalities, against he powers, against the world rulers of
this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness
in the heavenly places,"
WRESTLE - hand to hand combat, not against flesh and blood
(people) But against unseen beings with personalities of evil
intent. These beings are a demonic army with various ranks,
ability an areas.RANKS OF WICKED SPIRITS
PRINCIPALITIES - "First ones". Their nature is to be rulers
of the realms of darkness and other wicked spirits. Often
discerned as a tall robed figure like "Darth Vader", having an air
of authority. Usually rules over an area or church etc. but do not
seem to fight in the battle directly.
POWERS - mighty forces of power that have effect in this world as
spiritual forces. Under the rule of principalities. Their nature is
to oppress, force, push like a current by spiritual pressure.
Often discerned as a cloud, a darkness, a heaviness over an area
large or small. Not often seen as a distinct object but more like
wind or fog. Particularly difficult to drive out except by prayer
and fasting. Can bring lingering disease etc.
WORLD RULERS - The most powerful rulers next to Satan. Strategies
to destroy whole nations are worked here. Governments ,social
trends, denominational church leadership, news media are the
focus of this demonic realm. Even Jesus spoke of Satan as "the
god of this world". When the church becomes a force to change
society again, we will have to deal with these spirits.
SPIRITUAL HOSTS OF WICKEDNESS IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES - This is
the myriad of wicked spirits every where in the heavenly places
(or the spiritual realm). The infantry, like a swarm of locust.
Their nature is of every sort of foul, unclean, wicked thing
imaginable. They cause their victim to feel their nature, be it
fear, lust, irritation, wicked thoughts, consuming passions,
driving desire, tiredness, resistance to the things of God by
causing disinterest, criticism, un forgiveness. etc. etc.
When discerned they appear as small gremlins of any
imaginable description which may repulse us or attract us!!
When discerned we may become very aware of where they are, or
receive only their name. Generally they are easily driven off.
Christian, these will daily assault you!!!
VS 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."
THE EVIL DAY - refers to days of judgement, a time of particular
peril or judgement. The present time since this is set in the
present tense.
THREE THINGS GOD ALLOWS SATAN
TO DO TO HIS PEOPLE
In spiritual warfare we MUST realize God allows and even uses
the enemy as His instrument. Thus in encountering the enemy God
may be using us to demonstrate His wisdom to the powers and
principalities. On the other hand, God may have sent the enemy to
deal with an unfaithful, even idolatrous people.SATAN IS ALLOWED TO TEMPT Jesus was tempted in the wilderness BY
SATAN HIMSELF (Luke 4) We are told to resist and flee from temptation.SATAN IS ALLOWED TO TEST US these trials ultimately sift out sin
and strengthen us in God. Peter was "sifted" by Satan, but Jesus
prayed that his faith would not fail and afterwards Peter was able
to restore his brethren.(Luke 22:31) Paul had a thorn in the
flesh a "messenger of Satan" that kept him from pride.(2 Cor.
12:7)
HE IS ALLOWED TO EXECUTE JUDGEMENT - An "evil spirit from God"
tormented Saul because of his sin.(1 Samuel 16:14) The adulterous
man in Corinth was to "be turned over to Satan for the destruction
of his body that his soul might be saved".(1 Cor.5:5)
THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
Putting on the ARMOR of God is really putting on the
fullness of Jesus over our life. Each part specifically protects
some area of life from attack. This is not just words to say, but
a life to live and a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our words of
faith establish it daily by "the blood of the lamb and the word of
their testimony". We notice also, that we cannot turn our back on
the devil and ignore him. There is no ARMOR for the back. This
overcoming life is moving forward only.
THE BELT OF TRUTH
The belt girds the loins which are the intimate areas of
reproduction and waste. The truth is Jesus who "sets us free"
Truth destroys spiritual falsehood and the waste of sin,lies and
deceit. If truth fails we will perish.
"Jesus is the way the truth and the life." (John 14:6)
"Jesus is the truth in all its fullness (John 1:14)
"Jesus is the word made flesh."( John 1: 14)
"Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John
8:32)
The Holy Spirit in us is the "Spirit of Truth" (John 16:13)
The devil is the accuser and the master liar. He will come
and attempt to deceive you about yourself, your sin and God. He
will use a lake of truth to hide an ounce of lies. It is
imperative to speak the truth. Psalm 119:72, 127, 162 Prov.23:23,
and stand on the truth. The focal centre of all truth is Jesus and
this will establish the truth.
PRAYER : Lord I know that Jesus is the truth and the truth has set
me free. I put on truth today in Jesus. May I clearly see truth today and act on it.
THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
The breastplate covers our vital organs, especially our
heart. All our righteousness is in Jesus, not in ourselves, so we
must always put on His righteousness. It is applied in the heart
by faith.
"With the heart man believes unto righteousness" (Rom. 10:10)Of The new covenant "..I will write my laws on their hearts "(Hebrews
8:10)
"Put on the new nature created in...true righteousness.(Eph 4:24)
"Having.. the righteousness of God that depends on faith."(Phil 3:9)
We become skilled in the word of righteousness. (Heb 5:13)
Fulfilled all righteousness. ( Matt. 3:15)
Righteousness of Christ is reckoned ours. (Romans 4:24)
Now we have the blood and righteous life of Jesus flowing in
our new heart. With our heart we set our affections on Jesus. The
devil will try to attack our righteousness with accusation and
turn our heart away from God. We dare not attempt to respond with
our own righteousness. But we respond with His
righteousness and new creation.
PRAYER: Lord I thank you that I am counted righteous in Christ
and there is now no condemnation. I will no longer struggle to
achieve my own righteousness. I will resist the accusations of the
devil by standing in Christs righteousness.
FEET SHOD WITH THE EQUIPMENT OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
This is "equipment" to protect the "feet" in our following
the Lord just as thongs protect the physical feet of a soldier on
the march. We walk with steps ordered by the Lord. The gospel is
the power that equips us. It's peace protects us from the sharp
stones on the road. Once again the direction, equipment and peace
is all Jesus.
"The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord" (Ps.37:23)
"Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be
established."(Prov.16:3
"He is our peace" (Eph 2:14)
"In everything by prayer and supplication make your requests known
to God. And the peace of God which passes understanding will keep
your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7)
"let the peace of God rule in our heart" (Colossians
3:15
He made peace with us by His blood and we are Justified in the sight of
God.(Romans 5:1)
" ..we should follow in His steps."(1 Peter 2:21)
The enemy in biblical times would make a captive walk painfully in bare
feet unable to run. The devil comes to steal our peace and get us
off the path. As we follow Jesus we have peace! It is an "umpire"
saying yes or no to us. In peace we can march great distances in
the Lord Jesus Christ. We will be prepared to go wherever He sends
us. In this peace we are never caught off guard. We are always
prepared or equipped in Christ.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus I put on the peace which I have in you. I
intend to walk this day in perfect peace as a I keep my mind on
you and obey you. Lead me in every decision and I will follow.
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
The shield is intended to extinguish the flaming darts
(arrows) of the enemy aimed at our body. The shield is not just
inflammable but extinguishes the arrows. The shield of faith
covers the other ARMOR, as well as remaining exposed areas.
Without the shield we would have to duck and dodge the arrows
since the other ARMOR is only intended for hand to hand
combat, not the assault of artillery. Simply standing behind the
shield ensures we won't be hit. As we would expect, faith is
important to every other piece of ARMOR and establishes them. As
with every other piece of ARMOR, faith is also in Jesus.
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans
10:17) (Note: Jesus is the word )
Faith is a gift and a fruit of the Spirit and issues in works
(James 2:17)
Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. (1 John 5:4)
Faith enables us to receive what we ask from God (James 1 :5,6)
Faith works through love (1 John 3:23)
Faith does wondrous things (Matt 17:20)
Faith in Jesus Christ establishes us as who we are.
We are saved by faith in His blood. We have His new nature, His
righteousness, His resurrection power, His Spirit, His truth, His
leading, His love, His message, His provisions, etc. When a
flaming arrow comes faith extinguishes it by standing firm in all
that we are in Christ. We declare the word of God to the enemy
concerning us.
PRAYER: I take up Jesus my shield of faith between me and the evil
one. I am His child by faith. He is my every provision, I am
complete in Him.
THE HELMET OF SALVATION
The helmet protects our head from mortal blows. It is
primarily covering the mind of the believer. The mind has to do
with reason and wisdom. Salvation is rooted in the mind as we
believe in Christ, for "he who believes in him is not
condemned.(John 3:18)
'We have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor.2:16)
" to give knowledge of salvation to his people" (Luke 1:77)
"No other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be
saved.(Acts 4:12)
" My people perish for lack of knowledge"("
"I will put my law into their minds "(Hebrews 8:10)
"I of myself serve the law of God with my mind" (Rom.7:25)
"For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly
war. for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but have
divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments, and
every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every
thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Cor. 10:50)
"Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus" (Phil 2:5)
One of the devils main assaults is on our mind. He will
assault us with vain imaginations, deceptions, lies, arguments
and obstacles to the knowledge of God. In faith we give up worldly
ways and fleshly thinking and actively cast off thoughts that do
not conform to the image of Christ and the truth of Gods word.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts" (Is. 55:8)
'No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
Now we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit
which is from God, that we mights understand....." (1 Cor.2:12,13)
PRAYER : In the name of Jesus I put on the helmet of salvation.
Jesus alone is my salvation. In faith I cast down every thought
that does not conform to the knowledge of God, and I put on the
mind of Christ.
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT - THE WORD OF GOD
This is the only offensive part of the ARMOR, and the only
one we need to destroy the works of the enemy. It is the Spirit of
God empowering the word of God, wielded in our hands. Once again
this piece of the ARMOR is Jesus, the word of God, the one who
sends the Spirit.
"I am making my words in your mouth a fire" (Jer. 5:14)
"Is not my word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer which
breaks the rock in pieces" (Jer. 23:29)
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two
edged sword,piercing to the division of soul and spirit, joints
and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the
heart." (Heb. 4:120
"thy word is firmly fixed in the heavens" (Ps. 119:89)
"the word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14)
"the word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is,
the word of faith that we preach) (Rom. 10:8)
The full power of God is in the sword of the Spirit. With it
we can bind the work of the enemy, cut bonds, free captives and
tear down strongholds. We can only wield it in faith and
obedience. It is wielded within our relationship to Christ by
confession of the word of God against the enemy much as Jesus did
when Satan tempted Him.
PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT AND WATCHING
We are to keep alert, sober and watchful. We must persevere
in our prayers and draw near to God. Like a good soldiers we are
to be ready at all times and not unarmed or asleep.
"For the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone
to devour."(1 Peter 5:8)
"likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know
how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with
sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men
knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit
intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
(Romans 8:26-27)
"He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself" (1 Cor.14:4)
WE ARE COMMANDED TO PRAY:
1 Chron.16:11 Be diligent
Matt.7:7 Ask, seek knock
Matt.26:41 Watch and pray
1 Thess. 5:17 Pray continually
James 5:13 Pray in suffering
John 15:7 Pray - on authority of God's word