Ephesians 6:10-13 (NKJV)

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For 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. 13 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.

You’ll Need A Jacket!

Ephesians 6:10-13

You’ll Need A Jacket

• Did you ever have your mom say this to you as you walked out the door?

• The reason we need a jacket is to protect us from the elements

• As Christians, we too need protection from the elements that are all around us in the world

Admonition From Paul

• Be strong in the Lord

• Don’t be weak in the Lord

• How would you characterize someone who is strong in the Lord?

• That’s how we ought to describe ourselves!

Whole Armor of God

• Whole armor

• Must be the proper armor (of God)

• Wiles of the devil (tricks)

Satan’s Devices

• Angel of light – II Cor. 11:14

• Roaring lion – I Pet. 5:8

• Like our enemy in war on terror has been described

• He will use every trick in the book

Our Wrestling Match…

• Much like in wrestling, it’s one on one, us vs. devil

• No one can fight the battle for us

• We don’t physically wrestle, but rather against Satan and his powers

• It’s a spiritual fight we are in

Our Armor

• One of God’s many resources

• He gives it to us so that we might be able to stand

• What he gives us is sufficient

• II Cor. 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for thee”

Our Armor

• Girded waist with truth

• Belt holds everything on & together

• Truth will unify us – Jn. 17

Our Armor

• Breastplate of righteousness

• Protects the heart & organs

• Righteousness will protect our hearts

• I Jn. 2:29; 3:7

Our Armor

• Feet – preparation of gospel of peace

• Need good footing to stand firm

• Phil. 4:7

• Preparation!!

Our Armor

• Shield of faith

• 4 ft x 2 & ½ ft

• Faith is our main defense

• Grow our faith through study (Rom. 10:17)

Our Armor

• Helmet of salvation

• Protects Christian life

• Gen. 3:15

• If worn, gives us life eternal

Our Armor

• Sword of spirit

• Offensive & Defensive Weapon

• Heb. 4:12

• Lk. 21:15

Extras

• Prayer is necessary – I Thess. 5:17

• Weapon does us no good if we don’t know how to use it

• Watchful – Be sober

• Perseverance – No great war was won in a day