THE CHRISTIAN ARSENAL (5)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Why is it important to protect yourself with the "Full Armor of God"?
a) Christians today are taking the ideas and practices of our culture and forming their Christian beliefs around them. We are being taught by society to be "tolerant" of anti-Bible actions and practices. We must hold firm to Christ's teachings and commandments. Be sure your "Belt of Truth" if firmly buckled around your waist. Read in the book of Colossians how easy it is for the culture of the day to infiltrate the Churches teaching and water down the truth. In this day of moral and philosophical relativism, when many people hold to the idea that "what's true for you may not be true for me", we need to remember that there is only One Truth. The Word of God is our only standard for the Truth. Take your stand on The Truth!
b) See the purpose of each part of the armor below:
Ephesians 6:10-17
1. Why is it important to protect yourself with the "Full Armor of God"?a) Christians today are taking the ideas and practices of our culture and forming their Christian beliefs around them. We are being taught by society to be "tolerant" of anti-Bible actions and practices. We must hold firm to Christ's teachings and commandments. Be sure your "Belt of Truth" if firmly buckled around your waist. Read in the book of Colossians how easy it is for the culture of the day to infiltrate the Churches teaching and water down the truth. In this day of moral and philosophical relativism, when many people hold to the idea that "what's true for you may not be true for me", we need to remember that there is only One Truth. The Word of God is our only standard for the Truth. Take your stand on The Truth!
b) See the purpose of each part of the armor below:
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
c) When Paul was writing this particular passage he was thinking of a Roman soldier dressed in armor. If anyone had first hand knowledge of Roman weaponry it was Paul because of his frequent imprisonments. He had viewed many Roman soldiers fully equipped from head to toe. For those persons who lived in that time, they would understand the image of that soldier preparing for battle. The rise of the Roman Empire was due to the well-equipped Roman Soldier who was trained in strategy, weaponry, defense, and understanding the enemy. Using the Roman Soldier's armor as a visual example, the Apostle Paul describes the Armor of God in the Book of Ephesians as both a defense and an offensive weapon.
d) He describes six pieces of armor (combat gear):
i) Two were considered offensive weapons: shoes and sword.
ii) Three were considered defensive weapons: breastplate, shield, and helmet.
iii) One was considered neutral: loin belt (girdle).
2. Helmet of Salvation
a) Practical Military Purpose
i) The Romans had the best helmet of the ancient world. Many other nations used helmets of cloth wrappings, animal hides or bones, or hooves, etc. The Roman helmet had chinstrap, visor, and came down to cover the back and sides of the neck. Officers' helmets had a ridge on top on which was mounted plumage or some sort of brush, depending on the rank.
b) Spiritual Warfare Application
i) The parts of the Roman helmet were: a lining of leather, softened for comfort and good fit; the helmet itself which was a bronze cast for the soldier, or iron alloy for officers; a metal crest for the plume; and a chinstrap. The highest ranking officers had gold and silver alloy helmets for parade dress.
ii) A well-designed helmet will protect you from various angles of attack.
iii) The greatest battlefield is in our minds. This is the area that the enemy wants to attack the most. One key area he wants to damage is our assurance of salvation. Paul gave some good advice in Philippians 4:8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. We must be on guard on what we let run free in our minds. Satan is very subtle in these areas. He has blinded the world and he will do the same to the unsuspecting or careless Christian. We must have a clear mind to be discerning in all situations. This comes by immersing yourself in God's word and prayer.
The End ...
c) When Paul was writing this particular passage he was thinking of a Roman soldier dressed in armor. If anyone had first hand knowledge of Roman weaponry it was Paul because of his frequent imprisonments. He had viewed many Roman soldiers fully equipped from head to toe. For those persons who lived in that time, they would understand the image of that soldier preparing for battle. The rise of the Roman Empire was due to the well-equipped Roman Soldier who was trained in strategy, weaponry, defense, and understanding the enemy. Using the Roman Soldier's armor as a visual example, the Apostle Paul describes the Armor of God in the Book of Ephesians as both a defense and an offensive weapon.
d) He describes six pieces of armor (combat gear):
i) Two were considered offensive weapons: shoes and sword.
ii) Three were considered defensive weapons: breastplate, shield, and helmet.
iii) One was considered neutral: loin belt (girdle).
2. Helmet of Salvation
a) Practical Military Purpose
i) The Romans had the best helmet of the ancient world. Many other nations used helmets of cloth wrappings, animal hides or bones, or hooves, etc. The Roman helmet had chinstrap, visor, and came down to cover the back and sides of the neck. Officers' helmets had a ridge on top on which was mounted plumage or some sort of brush, depending on the rank.
b) Spiritual Warfare Application
i) The parts of the Roman helmet were: a lining of leather, softened for comfort and good fit; the helmet itself which was a bronze cast for the soldier, or iron alloy for officers; a metal crest for the plume; and a chinstrap. The highest ranking officers had gold and silver alloy helmets for parade dress.
ii) A well-designed helmet will protect you from various angles of attack.
iii) The greatest battlefield is in our minds. This is the area that the enemy wants to attack the most. One key area he wants to damage is our assurance of salvation. Paul gave some good advice in Philippians 4:8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. We must be on guard on what we let run free in our minds. Satan is very subtle in these areas. He has blinded the world and he will do the same to the unsuspecting or careless Christian. We must have a clear mind to be discerning in all situations. This comes by immersing yourself in God's word and prayer.
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