Our Whole Armor, 9of9

~ 2 Strategies & 2 Principles of Prayer from “The Whole Armor of God” ~

Fundamental Lesson  ~  The Christian must put on the whole armor of God if he/she is to be prepared for spiritual victory.  In the previous post we looked at four tactics and in this final post we consider two strategies to enable God’s power to work through you and two principles of prayer from this passage. 

Strategy #1 (armor up)  ~  “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness [His righteousness], and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace [offering to others the peace you have]; above all, taking the shield of faith [trust in God alone] with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation [protect your thinking], and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God [How well do you know the Word of God?]” (Ephesians 6:14-17).  Armor is useless unless you put it on, so armor up for the war you are in. 

Strategy #2 (pray in the Spirit)  ~  “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18a).  We are to pray always—but always in the Spirit.  Prayer is the battle cry of the Christian. 

Principle #1 (pray with alertness and perseverance)  ~  “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful [alert] to this end with all perseverance and supplication [petitions, requests] for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).  In other words, we are to be alert like a military guard on duty.  Several sub-points are clear; 1) prayer is a form of worship (“in the Spirit”), 2) we are to be bold with our requests (“supplication” mentioned twice in this short verse), 3) it is a spiritual discipline with the mind of Christ—His heart and His priorities (“in the Spirit”), and 4) prayer is not me-centered but God-centered and His kingdom-centered (“for all the saints”). 

Principle #2 (pray specifically for boldness in witnessing)  ~  Paul’s final comment in this passage is a request, “for me [Paul], that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20).  Twice in this single short passage the Apostle Paul asks that his fellow Christians pray that he might have boldness in witnessing.  The first time is in reference to having freedom and wisdom in choosing the right words.  The second relates to being fearless regardless of consequences. 

Summary  ~  Paul concludes his description of the “Whole Armor of God” with an emphasis on prayer.  You may have complete and capable armor, but if you not fighting the war in constant communion with your commander, you are heading for failure.

don’t miss this  ~  1) A good soldier will not be negligent in his prayer life.  Prayer is the means by which we draw spiritual strength from God.  Without reliance upon God, our efforts at spiritual warfare are empty and futile. 

2) God has given the equipment and everything we need to succeed for Him.  “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). 

a final word  ~  “And that about wraps it up.  God is strong, and he wants you strong.  So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials.  And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.  This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours.  This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

“Be prepared.  You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.  Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.  Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words.  Learn how to apply them.  You'll need them throughout your life.  God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.  In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.  Pray hard and long.  Pray for your brothers and sisters.  Keep your eyes open.  Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out” (Ephesians 6:10-18, The Message). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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Our Whole Armor, 8of9

~ 4 Tactics from “The Whole Armor of God” ~

In this series of posts we have considered six pieces of armor at the Christian’s disposal for spiritual warfare.  Three are considered primarily defensive (“breastplate of righteousness,” “shield of faith,” and “helmet of salvation”),  and we have offensive equipment (“shoes of peace,” “sword of the Spirit,” and “belt of truth”).  The sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) is the primary offensive weapon. 

Fundamental Lesson  ~  The Christian must put on the whole armor of God if he/she is to be prepared for spiritual victory.  In this post we will consider four tactics, and in the final post we will look at two strategies and two principles of prayer from this passage. 

Paul’s Conclusion  ~  After providing us with these word pictures of the Christian tools for warfare, the Apostle Paul reminds his readers of the power of prayer.  “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” (Ephesians 6:18, niv).  Successful  soldiers know that they must keep in constant communication with their leaders.  If the message from the Commander in Chief is distorted or lost, the battle will end in defeat.  Our Supreme Leader has given clear orders in His written Word and He gives us specific directions while in the trenches of warfare through His Spirit.  Our enemy hates it when we apply the Word of God and/or pray. 

Tactic #1 (Reliance) ~  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).  Rely on His strength, His power, and His might.  Part of the strength that comes from God is the ability to be controlled by His Spirit.  “Be filled [controlled] with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18b).  Also, we have the power of prayer.  “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18a).  When the Christian learns to habitually rely on God’s strength rather than his own, victory is assured. 

Tactic #2  (Equip) ~  “Put on the whole armor of God…  Take up the whole armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:11a, 13a).  To win spiritual battles we must take up all of the available armor including all the defensive armor (6:13-16) and especially the primary offensive weapon which is the Word of God (6:17). 

Tactic #3 (Acknowledge)  ~  “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).  Acknowledge who the enemy of Christ and Christians is.  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him” (1 Peter 5:8-9a).  To be successful we must recognize, understand, and acknowledge that we are in a spiritual battle. 

Tactic #4 (Defend)  ~  “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” (Ephesians 6:13).  When we are wearing the whole armor of God, we able to stand firm, defend, and not give up ground to the enemy.  

don’t miss this  ~  When you Rely on Him, Equip yourself for battle, Acknowledge your enemy, and Defend your territory, you have the winning formula (R+ E+A+D = spiritual victory).  READ the Word of God regularly! 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website.  
If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

 

Our Whole Armor, 7of9

~ Sword Of The Spirit ~

“And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). 

This is the Christian soldier’s primary offensive weapon—not the only offensive weapon, as we have previously seen.  The Word of God is your sword.  How well do you know the written Word of God?  “The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). 

Once again we should model the behavior of our Savior.  When Satan tempted the Messiah three times in the desert, He replied each time by quoting the written Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11).  While we know Satan’s tactics are continual, we also know that the Word of God has not changed; therefore, we have confidence that the Word of God will provide victory over the temptations of Satan.  Read the Scriptures, ingest the Scriptures, study the Scriptures, memorize the Scriptures, understand the principles of Scripture, internalize the Word, and you will be prepared for Christian warfare.  All of God’s Word is truth (Psalm 119:60 and John 17:17).  There is no power on earth, or in the universe which can successfully stand against the Word of God.  

It is called the “Sword of the Spirit” because the Word of God does not penetrate without the Spirit of God at work.  It is the indwelling Spirit living within the individual Christian that brings to mind the appropriate passage of Scripture.  It is the Spirit that guides the Christian who is in communion with God.  Without the power of the Spirit of God we can do nothing—but He uses our knowledge of the Word of God to lead our response and attacks on the enemy.  Sometimes He gives clear and loud directions, but other times He uses His “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12 nkjv) or “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12, niv) to guide us. 

don’t miss this  ~  (1) The weapon used by Christ against the temptations of Satan was the written Word of God.  What a great blessing we have at our disposal, the same weapon which the Messiah used against Satan!   Our primary offensive weapon is the Word of God.  How well do know the “Written Word of God”? 

(2)  Soldiers of that era had two swords attached to their belt of truth—both were offensive weapons.  There is a tendency to think of a large sword, but they also carried a small dagger-like sword which was often the critical difference in battle.  Both swords were vital for success in close combat.  Both were readily available, ready for use at all times.  Jesus Christ is the living Word (John 1:1-4, 14).  Our knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Spirit of God within us is vital for spiritual success in spiritual battles.  How well do you know the “Living Word of God”? 

additional comment:   A previous Abundant Life Now post was directly related to the heart of America (“Follow Me” posted on June 29, 2010).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website.  
If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).