1. Understanding Our Armor CORE TEXT // EPHESIANS SIX (10-17)

2. What’s The Context? Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus Burgeoning church – with issues Tail end of the Ephesian Letter Great, Illustrative Language (Easy to understand, relatable and relevant)

3. The Belt of Truth [Verse 14]

4. The Belt of Truth What is a belt of truth? Paul makes a clear parallel to being bound together (again, unity theme) Together in the knowledge of God’s love and plan for us (through Jesus Christ) Knowledge and Truth will bear out lies Genesis 3:1-6 “A half-truth is the most cowardly of lies.” – Mark Twain

5. The Belt of Truth (cont.) Prepare Yourself Our knowledge of truth must stand ready to refute false statements and biblical fallacies 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32

6. The Breastplate of Righteousness [Verse 14]

7. Breastplate of Righteousness Warriors for Christ Battles fought daily with Satan's incessant attacks Satan’s Relentless Assault Never ceasing Seeks out weakness Will not relent Anticipate his attacks and maintain righteousness by keeping sin from our hearts. Christ also states, “ but I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” Matthew 5:44

8. Shoes of Peace [Verse 15]

9. Shoes of Peace What is the Peace Paul talks about? 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7 Concept of letting Peace anchor our demeanor and provide us comfort

10. Shoes of Peace (cont.) But Why Shoes? Tone …Over-arching Theme to Govern our Christian Attitudes The Barrier is Broken! Get to Steppin’ … How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 Traction … When the Road Turns Slippery

11. The Shield of Faith [Verse 16]

12. The Shield of Faith The battle shield of Faith is undoubtedly our most important defensive weapon Not fixed, but a mobile asset to defend our weaknesses OUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR DEFENSE AGAINST SATAN, AND CENTRAL TO OUR LOYAL OBEDIENCE TO THE FATHER.

13. The Shield of Faith (cont.) Genesis 22:1-18  Abraham’s Test A father who experienced the same love and emotion as we feel Zero doubt Faithfully carried out God’s commandment His Unwavering Faith Shielded One of the Most Powerful Emotions (Fear/Doubt) May We All Carry Shields as Strong as Abraham’s

14. The Helmet of Salvation [Verse 17]

15. Helmet of Salvation Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice – His Defeat Over Sin and Death “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24

16. Helmet of Salvation (cont.) A case for physical salvation…Reality TV NY Med We are dying – each one of us… …but our sins have been transplanted

17. Helmet of Salvation (cont.) Let God anchor our thoughts and decision-making Paul and Silas’ Wise Decision (Acts 16:25-34) Righteous choice Impacted a lost soul Provided an entry point to reaching a lost family

18. The Sword of the Spirit [Verse 17]

19. The Sword of the Spirit “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 Represents our offense against sin, lies and temptation

20. The Sword of the Spirit (cont.) Consider the sequence of responses as Christ was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11) #1 – Satan tempts… Jesus quotes scripture #2 – Satan tempts, manipulates scripture… Jesus quotes scripture (little heavy) #3 – Satan insults… Jesus quotes scripture (a lot heavy)

21. How’s Your Armor Looking?