I. Christians must fight an ongoing battle with the world, the flesh and the devil. A. Paul prescribes proper equipment for this battle. EPH 6:10-18; 1TH 5:8. B. All of the equipment is needed. The partially equipped warrior is likely to be overcome. 1. The lack of a defensive piece provides a target for the enemy to exploit. 2. Not having a true sword, or not being convinced that the true sword is true, leaves one...
V. “...and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” EPH 6:14. A. breastplate: A piece of armour for protecting the breast. B. righteousness: Justice, uprightness, rectitude; conformity of life to the requirements of the divine or moral law; virtue, integrity. C. That which protects the breast also protects the heart. 1. The heart of man is subject to emotional affectation and is a deceiver, and so is a poor determiner o...
VI. “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” (EPH 6:15). ct/w ROM 3:15-17. A. Our attention is now turned to the first portion of Christian armour that covers an active part of the body in forwarding the warfare: the feet. 1. With truth and righteousness going before, the saint is directed to the gospel. 2. The feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Truth and righteousness...
VIII. “And take the helmet of salvation...” (EPH 6:17). A. This is another piece of armour God Himself as Messiah puts on. ISA 59:17. B. helmet: A defensive cover for the head; a piece of armour, usually made of, or strengthened with metal; which covers the head wholly or in part. C. The helmet protects the head, which implies guarding our thoughts. 1. If our thoughts are rooted in ignorance, we are liable to oppose Christ instead ...
IX. “...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (EPH 6:17). A. Our attention is finally turned to the lone offensive piece of Christian armour: the sword of the Spirit, the Scripture. 1. The focus of Paul’s words is on the defensive nature of Christian warfare: “...that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day...” (v. 13). 2. It is a maxim that the best defense is a good offense. A weapon of offense ...