Worship led by Sue Clarke and the Worship Team
SONG: All hail the Lamb 8
A few weeks ago, just when I was wondering whether today’s topic was the right one, Ken alluded to it twice in his talk.
Whenever anyone mentions the armour of God it takes me back to my Crusader days. When we became a Crusader we were presented with a badge in the shape of a shield. It depicted the armour of God.
Picture
The Crusader shield, or now Urban Saints as they’re known, depicts the armour of God and reminds us that we are in God’s army.
Ephesians 6 v10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour 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.
These verse remind us that, as Christians, we are in a spiritual battle every day and I know each and every one of us could give examples of how hard life is getting. The news reminds us that the world is in turmoil and, we know, from God’s word, that this is not going to get any easier before the end times.
When considering this topic-literally just before I went away, I turned my calendar over and this was the verse for October:
Lamentations3 v 22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
This really encouraged me as God promises we will not be consumed.
SONG: The steadfast love of the Lord 549
Picture of armour of God
The armour of God is an illustration in the Bible that reminds Christians about the reality of spiritual battle and describes the protection available to them.
Each piece of armour has a distinct purpose and means of defence against temptation and evil.
When Paul compares the armour of God with military gear, each piece represents a part of God’s strength that He extends to us when we become His children.
We are instructed to “put on” this armour, which implies that we do not automatically wear it all the time. Putting on the armour of God requires a decision on our part.
These pieces are described in Ephesians as follows: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes with the preparation of the gospel of peace (peace), shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit/word of God.
Paul begins his admonition with “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” This is the key to understanding the armour of God. All the pieces of the armour belong to God and come from Him. Truth; righteousness; the gospel; faith; and salvation—all are gifts of God to His people for their defence. All, except “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (verse 17), are defensive in nature. All are designed to help us “stand against the schemes of the devil” (verse 11).
The belt of truth is the first part of the armour listed because, without truth, we are lost, and the schemes of the devil will surely overpower us.
John 14 v6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and it is only through Him that we come to God. Therefore, truth is of the utmost importance in the life of a Christian. Without truth, the rest of the armour would be of no use to us, because we would not have the Spirit of truth.
John 15 v26
When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.
Picture of belt of a roman soldier
In referring to the whole armour of God, Paul invokes the image of a soldier ready for battle. The belt of a Roman soldier in Paul’s day was not a simple leather strap such as we wear today. It was a thick, heavy leather and metal band with a protective piece hanging down from the front of it. The belt held the soldier’s sword and other weapons. The belt of truth of the spiritual armour holds the sword of the Spirit, linking truth and the Word of God.
John 17 v17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
The word of God is truth!
Depending on the translation of Ephesians 6:14, we are to fasten the belt of truth around us (ISV), buckle the belt around our waists (NIV), gird our waists with truth (NKJV), or gird our loins with truth (NASB). No matter the wording, we are to actively lay hold of the truth and use it. The belt of truth is a crucial piece of defensive armour guarding our inmost being in the battle against the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Without an understanding of truth, we are left vulnerable to being “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming”. Just everyday current life?
Ephesians 4 v14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
The belt of truth protects us and prepares us for the battle that is part of every Christian’s life.
SONG: In heavenly armour 237
Picture of Breastplate of righteousness
A typical armed soldier wore a breastplate made of bronze or chain mail. It covered the vital organs, namely, the heart, and was fitted with loops or buckles that attached it to a thick belt. If the belt was loosened, the breastplate slipped right off.
The breastplate of righteousness refers to the righteousness purchased for us by Jesus at the cross.
2 Corinthians 5 v21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Satan strives to make us feel guilty and condemned, and he wants us to carry the reproach of shame and blame. Jesus provided us with righteousness (right standing with God) through our faith in Him.
At salvation, a “breastplate” is issued to each repentant sinner. It is specially designed by God to protect our heart and soul from evil and deception. Our own righteous acts are no match for Satan’s attacks.
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
The breastplate of righteousness has Christ’s name stamped on it, as though He said, “Your righteousness isn’t sufficient to protect you. Wear mine.”
SONG: O Lord the clouds are gathering 429
To put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must first have the belt of truth firmly in place. Without truth, our righteousness will be based upon our own attempts to impress God. This leads to legalism or self-condemnation
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Satan wants to separate us from fellowship with God. He wants us to shrink back in fear, but God invites us to boldly come to His throne and receive all the help we need for every situation in life. God helps us even though we make mistakes.
We see ourselves as “in Christ” and that, regardless of our failures, His righteousness has been credited to our account.
We put the breastplate of righteousness on by seeking God and His righteousness above everything else.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
We delight in His commands and desire for His ways to become our ways
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness.
When God reveals an area of change to us, we obey and allow Him to work in us. At the point where we say “no” to God, we open a little crack in the armour where Satan’s arrows can get through.
Wearing Christ’s breastplate of righteousness creates in us a lifestyle of putting into practice what we believe in our hearts. As our lives become conformed to the image of Christ.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
There are several factors that can interfere with the effectiveness of our spiritual breastplate.
When we tolerate sin, refuse to forgive, rely on personal righteousness, or allow earthly concerns to crowd out time for an intimate relationship with God, we, in effect, take off the breastplate of righteousness, minimising its power to protect us. This can hinder our ability to stand firm and defeat the enemy in our lives.
We need to keep our breastplate securely fastened by this well known verse:
Hebrews 12 v2
keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
SONG: Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Verse 15 says, “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” The New Living Translation words it this way: “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” The gospel of peace is the message that Jesus gave to those who trust in Him
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.
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
SONG: How lovely on the mountains 192
Picture of footwear
The word readiness implies constant vigilance. A victorious soldier had to be prepared for battle. He had to have studied his enemy’s strategy, be confident in his own strategy, and have his feet firmly planted so that he could hold his ground when the attacks came. A soldier’s battle shoes were studded with nails or spikes, like cleats, to help him keep his balance in combat. He knew that, if he lost his footing and went down, it wouldn’t matter how great the rest of his armour was; the enemy had him. When we are ready with the gospel of peace, we live with the understanding that we are continually under attack from Satan.
2 Timothy 4 v2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
We must stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, regardless of how terrifying the circumstances may be.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
When Satan attacks with a missile of doubt, such as “If God really loved you, He wouldn’t have let this happen,” we dig our peace shoes into the turf of God’s Word and reply,
Romans 8 v28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
When Satan stabs from behind with “Remember what you did?” we dig in more deeply and reply
1 John 1 v9
It is written: If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
SONG: An army of ordinary people 20
In addition to standing our ground, shoes are also for moving. God expects us to go on the offensive and take the gospel of peace to others.
1 Peter 3 v15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Sharing our faith is one of the best ways to maintain our own sure footing. God knows that, when we are active in speaking of Him to others, we not only charge into Satan’s territory, but we dig our shoes more deeply into truth and will be much harder to dislodge. We are ready to stand firm in the gospel of peace.
SONG: Peace is flowing 458 - peace – love- faith
Picture of shield/shields
The Roman shield of the time was called a scutum. This type of shield was as large as a door and would cover the warrior entirely. Such a shield was not just defensive but could also be used to push opponents. When fighting as a group, a phalanx of soldiers could position their shields so as to form an enclosure around themselves, called a testudo (“tortoise”). This was especially helpful to protect against arrows launched from the walls of cities they were attacking. Shields, often made of wood and then covered in hide, when wet, could extinguish flaming arrows.
Clearly, a shield is vitally important to a soldier. It provides a blanket of protection. It is meant to be taken up in all circumstances. It is the first barrier against the enemy’s attack. Often, shields were painted with identifying marks.
As a Christian we have our shield of faith which is our protection blanket. It also identifies us as a foot soldier who serves the Commander of the Lord’s army.
Hebrews 11 v1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11 v6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
This last verse stresses the importance of faith: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Satan’s attacks can sometimes cause us to doubt God. Faith prompts us to believe God. We give in to temptation when we believe what it has to offer is better than what God has promised. Faith reminds us that, though fulfilment of God’s promise may not be readily visible to us, God is true to His Word. When Satan attempts to plague us with doubt or entice us with instant gratification, faith recognizes the deceptiveness of his tactics and quickly extinguishes the arrows. When Satan accuses us, faith chooses to believe that Jesus has redeemed us and that there is no more condemnation.
Romans 8 v1 +v34
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Faith is one of the greatest gifts and it is the means by which we receive grace and come into right relationship with God
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
It is because we have been justified through faith that we belong to God and have peace with Him. Faith is the doorway to hope in God.
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
SONG: And can it be 21
Because we have faith in God, our suffering need not faze us; in fact, we can persevere under it.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
These verses remind us that even in the midst of pain of suffering, we see God refining us. The things Satan attempts to use to discourage us can actually become tools in the hands of God.
We are called to endure knowing that our hope in Christ will not put us to shame.
All believers have this promise:
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
SONG: In the name of Jesus 818
The devil attacks us in a variety of ways: it could be with critical thoughts about people we know; it could be fear or worry. Replace these thoughts of criticism with thoughts of humility and love. Replace fear and worry with trust and confidence. We have to be aware when the devil is attacking us with these evil thoughts, so that we can resist the whispers and replace the wrong thoughts with good ones. We can always have the victory when we hold up the shield of faith against him.
Faith is a protective barrier between us and the schemes of Satan. When we believe God and take Him at His word, we remain grounded in truth, the lies of the enemy lose their power, and we become overcomers. In that way, faith is our shield.
SONG: Before the throne 1187
Picture of helmet
When a soldier suited up for battle, the helmet was the last piece of armour to go on. It was the final act of readiness in preparation for combat. A helmet was vital for survival, protecting the brain, the command station for the rest of the body. If the head was badly damaged, the rest of the armour would be of little use.
The assurance of salvation is our impenetrable defence against anything the enemy throws at us.
Matthew 10 v28
Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell”.
The idea in this verse is that, as we prepare for Satan’s attacks, we must grab that helmet and buckle it on tightly. Salvation is not limited to a one-time act of the past or even a future hope.
God’s salvation is an ongoing, eternal state that His children enjoy in the present. It is daily protection and deliverance from our sin nature and Satan’s schemes.
Romans 8 v2
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
1 Corinthians 1 v18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Because of the power of the cross, our enemy no longer has any hold on us. He knows that, but he also knows that most of God’s children do not know that—or, at least, they do not live as if they know. We must learn to keep our helmets buckled so that his fiery missiles do not lodge in our thoughts and set us on fire.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Through this helmet of salvation, we can destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.
SONG: All I once held dear 646
Slide with 1-5 headings
How do we keep this helmet fastened and functioning:
1. Renew our minds. Our minds are battlefields. The outcomes of those battles determine the course of our lives.
Romans 12 v1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
These verses instruct us to renew our minds by allowing the truth of God’s Word to wipe out anything contrary to it. Old ideas, opinions, and worldviews must be replaced. We must allow God’s truth to continually wash away the world’s filth, lies, and confusion from our minds and adopt God’s perspective.
2. Reject doubts that arise from circumstances. Human beings are sensory creatures. What we cannot fathom with our five senses, we tend to disregard. If we allow them to, circumstances may convince us that God does not really love us or that His Word is not true. It is impossible to have faith and doubt at the same time. God rewards our faith. With the helmet of salvation firmly in place, we can choose to believe what appears impossible.
Hebrews 11 v6
and without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
3. Keep an eternal perspective. When life crashes in around us, we must remember to look up. Our salvation is the most precious gift we have received. Keeping our eyes on that can help us weather life’s storms.
4. Remember that victory is already accomplished.
Romans 6 v11
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
When we consider ourselves “dead to sin but alive to God” we eliminate many of the opportunities Satan uses to entrap us.
2 Corinthians 5 v17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!
By embracing this verse we effectively cut off many avenues of failure.
5. Find all our hope in Him.
Psalm 73 v25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Our helmet is most effective when we treasure what it represents. The salvation Jesus purchased for us cannot share the place of importance in our hearts with earthly things.
As we wear the helmet of salvation every day, our minds become more insulated against the suggestions, desires, and traps the enemy lays for us. We choose to guard our minds from excessive worldly influence and instead think on things that honour Christ. In doing so, we wear our salvation as a protective helmet that will “guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” Picture of sword and bible
Sword
Verse 17 interprets the sword of the Spirit as the Word of God. While all the other pieces of spiritual armour are for defence, the sword of the Spirit allows us to take the offence. The sword analogy speaks of the holiness and power of the Word of God. There is no greater spiritual weapon. In Jesus’ temptations in the desert, the Word of God was always His overpowering response to Satan. What a blessing that the same Word is available to us!
The passage we’re thinking about today continues. As a church, I feel this next verse is important:
Ephesians 6 v18
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.
In this verse, we are told to pray in the Spirit (that is, with the mind of Christ, with His heart and His priorities) in addition to wearing the full armour of God. We cannot neglect prayer, as it is the means by which we draw spiritual strength from God. Without prayer, without reliance upon God, our efforts at spiritual warfare are empty and futile. The full armour of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—are the tools God has given us, through which we can be spiritually victorious. Satan is a defeated enemy.
Song: We rest on Thee 587
Prayer Time
Please continue to remember:
- Jan and Peter in their daily struggles
- Sally and Malcolm, still struggling in their early months of grieving
- Young Mums Gemma and Julie as they fight their illnesses
- Margaret Pardoe, for complete healing after her shoulder replacement operation
- Connie – for complete healing following scans last week
- Chris gives thanks for answered prayer – Anu’s son has now got a place in the school of his first choice.
NOTICES
Next week the speaker at our service at 10.15am will be Rev. Martin Shorey (HBC).