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 THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GODOUTLINEI.THE CHRISTIAN WARFAREII.THE BELT OF TRUTHIII.THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESSIV.THE SHOES OF THE GOSPELV.THE SHIELD OF FAITHVI.THE HELMET OF SALVATIONVII.THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT18
 
Lesson 1
THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GODThe Christian WarfareEphesians 6:10-20INTRODUCTION
: The Christian life is a battle. To be a Christian, to walk worthy of thevocation with which we are called, is no easy task. It demands constant vigilance and spiritualstrength. There are spirits of evil hovering about us, trying to obscure and pervert the truth, to blind us to the effects of sin, to entangle us in subtle temptations and to fill our minds withdoubts and fears. If we had to fight those enemies alone, without the proper equipment and helpof God, we might well despair.The devil is real, as are the “principalities and powers” at his command. But theChristian will, if he desires, be thoroughly equipped to meet these foes with the armor whichGod provides.
I.OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH (Ephesians 6:10)
If Paul had merely said, “Be strong”, the command would have been meaningless. Theaddition of “in the Lord, and the power of His might” gives us confidence. Human resources arenot enough. If we enter the conflict trusting our own strength, disaster will follow. As thesongwriter expressed it, “The arm of flesh will fail you, you dare not trust your own”. If werecognize that Christ is “the Captain of our Salvation”, victory is assured (Hebrews 2:10). Thesoldier fights with greater confidence when he is led by a commander who has always beensuccessful. To be “strong in the Lord” you must remember “the power of His might”. In other words, look at Him and realize all the reserves of strength and power that are in Him (Matthew28:18).
II.OUR ENEMIES (Ephesians 6:11b, 12)
Intelligence is a vital part of all military operations. An army must know about theenemy’s strategy and strength. Paul leaves us no doubt about our spiritual enemies: 
A.They are not flesh and blood
. Our struggle is not with human beings. Man supplies problems certainly, but they are the mere symptoms of the disease, the real cause isdeeper.
B.They are spiritual powers
. What is the ultimate cause of our troubles? It is the deviland his unseen forces and powers. The forces arrayed against us have three maincharacteristics
1)They are powerful
. Note especially the terms, “principalities”, “powers” and“rulers”. These titles draw our attention to the power and authority they wield(Ephesians 2:2).
2)They are wicked
. Our spiritual enemies use their power destructively rather thanconstructively. They are the world-wide rulers of this present darkness.19
 
Lesson 1 (cont’d)
3)They are cunning
. Paul speaks of “the wiles of the devil” (2 Corinthians 2:11;11:13-15). Sometimes he roars like a lion, but more often is as subtle as a serpent (1Peter 5:8; Genesis 3:1)
III.OUR EQUIPMENT (Ephesians 6:11a, 13)
How can we expect to stand against the assaults of such enemies? Only the power of God and the proper spiritual equipment can defend and deliver us from the devil. In time of war, the Defense Department constantly surveys its equipment. So must we. We are told to“take” (it’s a gift from God) the armor and “put it on” (human responsibility). Why do we needit? In order to “stand”. Otherwise we are devoid of protection and are sure to fall. Theequipment that is at our disposal is all spiritual (Ephesians 6:14-17). Spiritual enemies requirespiritual weapons to combat (2 Corinthians 10:3, 4).
CONCLUSION
: Paul has no doubt about the outcome. He knows the devil is a defeated foe.Are you sufficiently convinced that you are on the winning side?1. The Christian life is not a battle and it is an easy task. True or False2. Does God provide equipment for us to meet our enemies?3. The phrase, “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might” gives us what? And is thatimportant to you? Why?4. What two things does Paul tell us about our enemies?5. What is the ultimate cause of our troubles?6. What three things does Paul say about these spiritual powers?7. Sometimes the devil roars like a ____, but more often is as ____ as a _____.8. How can we expect to stand against the assaults of such enemies?9. What is the human responsibility concerning this armor?10. Why do we need this armor?11. What will happen if we don’t take this gift (armor) from God?12. Do you see that we need spiritual weapons to combat a spiritual enemy?13. Are you on the winning side? If so, praise God who gave us the victory.20
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