Like any other Kingdom; God’s Kingdom also has a military force – Individuals who make a conscious decision to fight for Gods purpose. These are people he refers to as good and faithful servants. The interesting thing about Gods force is that every one in the kingdom is called to participate in the ongoing war against the kingdom of darkness. You; yes you are called to fight for Gods kingdom. The devil is against you and all you treasure, his mission is to destroy, kill and steal (from) you and your family. You therefore need to stand up and fight using the triumphant principles of God.
We will tactfully and strategically unearth Basic qualities of this Soldier (His Armour); according to the this text. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints"Ephesians 6:15 -18
We will tactfully and strategically unearth Basic qualities of this Soldier (His Armour); according to the this text. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints"Ephesians 6:15 -18
I need you to have a picture of a roman knight/soldier in his armour and the bold names of all his garments (armour): -
· Helmet: of SALVATION
· Breastplate: of RIGHTEOSNESS
· Belt: of TRUTH
· Boots: MOBILE GOSPEL
· Sword – WORD OF GOD
· Helmet: of SALVATION
· Breastplate: of RIGHTEOSNESS
· Belt: of TRUTH
· Boots: MOBILE GOSPEL
· Sword – WORD OF GOD
Please note: you are required to put on the WHOLE armour and not just part of the armour. The main purpose for this whole armour is so that you may be able to Stand (Attack, Frustrate, Offend the enemy) and Withstand (Protect or Defend yourself against the enemy) – ‘having done all, to stand’.
Salvation - Helmet
Today I would like to focus on a very important part of this soldiers gear, and that is the Helmet. The Bible compares the Helmet to Salvation. Firstly let’s look at what the helmet does. Its main duty is to protect the Head: the part of the human body that houses the Central Nervous System; The power station for all physical functions.
With that understanding God says: Salvation is our Helmet. Salvation protects the power station for all spiritual functions.
What is Salvation?
- Thesaurus defines it as: Deliverance, Rescue, Recovery, Escape .e.t.c.
- It is being rescued from a life of sin, which leads to death – …For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:1-23)
- The process of welcoming Christ into your life as the Lord and Saviour of your verve; because of what he did in Calvary.
How do we then attain Salvation?
I would like to extract an answer from my previous memo:
“’Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly and the burden I give you is light’.
Matthew 11:28-30
With that understanding God says: Salvation is our Helmet. Salvation protects the power station for all spiritual functions.
What is Salvation?
- Thesaurus defines it as: Deliverance, Rescue, Recovery, Escape .e.t.c.
- It is being rescued from a life of sin, which leads to death – …For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:1-23)
- The process of welcoming Christ into your life as the Lord and Saviour of your verve; because of what he did in Calvary.
How do we then attain Salvation?
I would like to extract an answer from my previous memo:
“’Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly and the burden I give you is light’.
Matthew 11:28-30
Step 1: SalvationIf you have already accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, you have already completed this step, if you are still searching you might be right at the door.
But know this: You will not find peace from anyone or anything else. Sure you may have a temporary peace of mind if you are financially secure or if you think you have found that perfect relationship. But when the bottom falls out – what happens then? Only Christ can guarantee you unending peace.
Step 2: Exchanging Yokes
A yoke is a heavy wooden harness that is placed on the neck of one or more oxen in order to help pull a wagon or other piece of equipment. It enables a farmer to direct the oxen. Shifting the analogy to humans – our “yoke” may be the weight of guilt or the burden of keeping Gods commands and trying to please him through our own good works. Jesus wants you to exchange that load for his lighter load (Note: It is also a load but lighter) – Gods grace. You can rest in knowing that you need not to work to gain Gods favour; you need only to accept his Son.
Step 3: Let Jesus Lead
This is undoubtedly one of the hardest parts of this promise. That is because we want to be in control (especially Men). But God says we can give him the reins so that he can “teach” us.
Are you ready and willing to leave all your abilities, your future and your problems in Gods hands? Then - and only then - will you experience Gods promised “rest” for your soul.”
We can attain Salvation by following the above stipulated points.
We live in a very cruel epoch and I see no way out, I see no true rest/peace but in the Lord. I choose to run to the Lord and I urge you to do the same. Stop and evaluate your life – Question your way of doing things does it truly quench your thirst?
Salvation is the 1st step to a fruitful and mutually beneficial walk/relationship with God. In this case; it is the Helmet which we use to protect our spiritual Central nervous system.
Make a conscious decision to put on the Helmet of Salvation.
Breastplate – Righteousness
What is Righteousness?
Thesaurus defines it using the following words: Virtue, Decency, Rectitude, Uprightness .e.t.c.
I always defined righteousness as: Right-Standing with God.
Therefore, putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness means being in ‘good terms’ with GOD, Because of this - the Breastplate (Righteousness) comes right after the Helmet (Salvation). To be more explicit; Righteousness means being sold out to GOD and indirectly maintaining good relations with man.
Biologically the Breast segment covers the heart. It protects the heart from being easily reached by any foreign objects. The Heart is what I’d like to call: The Emotional Centre of a human being. The very character of a human being is written in this huge conscious organism. Shifting this understanding to my point; The righteousness of Christ implanted in us, fortifies the heart against the attacks of Satan. The Breastplate protects your heart from being influenced by the enemy for his benefit.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight
Proverbs 11:20:
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bonesProverbs 14:30
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.Proverbs 14:33-34
Righteousness is the 2nd phase of your walk with GOD: Maintaining the relationship. That very action serves as a Protector of the Heart.
Make a conscious decision to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness
But know this: You will not find peace from anyone or anything else. Sure you may have a temporary peace of mind if you are financially secure or if you think you have found that perfect relationship. But when the bottom falls out – what happens then? Only Christ can guarantee you unending peace.
Step 2: Exchanging Yokes
A yoke is a heavy wooden harness that is placed on the neck of one or more oxen in order to help pull a wagon or other piece of equipment. It enables a farmer to direct the oxen. Shifting the analogy to humans – our “yoke” may be the weight of guilt or the burden of keeping Gods commands and trying to please him through our own good works. Jesus wants you to exchange that load for his lighter load (Note: It is also a load but lighter) – Gods grace. You can rest in knowing that you need not to work to gain Gods favour; you need only to accept his Son.
Step 3: Let Jesus Lead
This is undoubtedly one of the hardest parts of this promise. That is because we want to be in control (especially Men). But God says we can give him the reins so that he can “teach” us.
Are you ready and willing to leave all your abilities, your future and your problems in Gods hands? Then - and only then - will you experience Gods promised “rest” for your soul.”
We can attain Salvation by following the above stipulated points.
We live in a very cruel epoch and I see no way out, I see no true rest/peace but in the Lord. I choose to run to the Lord and I urge you to do the same. Stop and evaluate your life – Question your way of doing things does it truly quench your thirst?
Salvation is the 1st step to a fruitful and mutually beneficial walk/relationship with God. In this case; it is the Helmet which we use to protect our spiritual Central nervous system.
Make a conscious decision to put on the Helmet of Salvation.
Breastplate – Righteousness
What is Righteousness?
Thesaurus defines it using the following words: Virtue, Decency, Rectitude, Uprightness .e.t.c.
I always defined righteousness as: Right-Standing with God.
Therefore, putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness means being in ‘good terms’ with GOD, Because of this - the Breastplate (Righteousness) comes right after the Helmet (Salvation). To be more explicit; Righteousness means being sold out to GOD and indirectly maintaining good relations with man.
Biologically the Breast segment covers the heart. It protects the heart from being easily reached by any foreign objects. The Heart is what I’d like to call: The Emotional Centre of a human being. The very character of a human being is written in this huge conscious organism. Shifting this understanding to my point; The righteousness of Christ implanted in us, fortifies the heart against the attacks of Satan. The Breastplate protects your heart from being influenced by the enemy for his benefit.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight
Proverbs 11:20:
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bonesProverbs 14:30
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.Proverbs 14:33-34
Righteousness is the 2nd phase of your walk with GOD: Maintaining the relationship. That very action serves as a Protector of the Heart.
Make a conscious decision to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness
Belt – Truth
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32
If truth were a Road it would be called “God’s Word Blvd”.
If truth were an African black male, his Full Name would be “Spoken-Word” of God.
…
…
The point I am trying to make is: Truth cannot be separated from the Sovereign (Absolute) Word of God. The Truth of any matter is God’s Word.
Makes Sense?
Now, Substitute the word ‘Truth’ with ‘Gods Word’ in the above transcript: “…and ye shall know God’s Word and God’s Word shall make you free.”
It is the knowledge of God that can free anyone from any breed of bondage; and this knowledge is invested in his word. Actually God’s Word is Jesus Himself (GOD). This means if I proceed reading His Word (The Holy Bible); I will strengthen my relationship with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Read the below verse carefully: -In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
If truth were a Road it would be called “God’s Word Blvd”.
If truth were an African black male, his Full Name would be “Spoken-Word” of God.
…
…
The point I am trying to make is: Truth cannot be separated from the Sovereign (Absolute) Word of God. The Truth of any matter is God’s Word.
Makes Sense?
Now, Substitute the word ‘Truth’ with ‘Gods Word’ in the above transcript: “…and ye shall know God’s Word and God’s Word shall make you free.”
It is the knowledge of God that can free anyone from any breed of bondage; and this knowledge is invested in his word. Actually God’s Word is Jesus Himself (GOD). This means if I proceed reading His Word (The Holy Bible); I will strengthen my relationship with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Read the below verse carefully: -In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
The very word used to create the heavens later manifested as Christ (See Verses 14). God’s Word is Christ.
Let us Recap before I proceed: The Truth is God’s Word but God’s Word is Christ. Therefore our main text (John 8:32) now suggests that Christ will set you free.
This is true because in John 10:10 Jesus says: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”Makes Sense?
The 2nd Dimension to this topic (Warfare):
As a soldier you ought to gird your loins with the Belt which is called Truth.
Physically loins are the reproductive part of the human body. God is therefore saying Your Tools of Reproduction should be fixed firmly by truth.
To gird your loins with Truth means - To maintain a healthy sexual life
God’s standards are really high but also guaranteed to get the anticipated results.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.John 3:21:
The only way to God is through the Truth. You can never experience God’s prescience until you step into the truth. Doing the Truth is leaving according to the Truth (Gods Word > Christ).
Practical Proverbs: -
The many great truths we cling to depend greatly on your point of view.-- Author Unknown
"Lying makes a problem part of the future; truth makes a problem part of the past."-- Rick Pitino
When in doubt, tell the truth. -- Mark Twain
And my personal favourite
The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousand fold.-- Aristotle
The very word used to create the heavens later manifested as Christ (See Verses 14). God’s Word is Christ.
Let us Recap before I proceed: The Truth is God’s Word but God’s Word is Christ. Therefore our main text (John 8:32) now suggests that Christ will set you free.
This is true because in John 10:10 Jesus says: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”Makes Sense?
The 2nd Dimension to this topic (Warfare):
As a soldier you ought to gird your loins with the Belt which is called Truth.
Physically loins are the reproductive part of the human body. God is therefore saying Your Tools of Reproduction should be fixed firmly by truth.
To gird your loins with Truth means - To maintain a healthy sexual life
God’s standards are really high but also guaranteed to get the anticipated results.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.John 3:21:
The only way to God is through the Truth. You can never experience God’s prescience until you step into the truth. Doing the Truth is leaving according to the Truth (Gods Word > Christ).
Practical Proverbs: -
The many great truths we cling to depend greatly on your point of view.-- Author Unknown
"Lying makes a problem part of the future; truth makes a problem part of the past."-- Rick Pitino
When in doubt, tell the truth. -- Mark Twain
And my personal favourite
The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousand fold.-- Aristotle
Boots – Mobile Gospel
The boots on this on this soldiers armour speak of the Mobility of the Gospel. When Jesus ascended into heaven he said the following:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:19-20
This decree from the Lord is fondly known as the Great Commission. Jesus was saying: “that which I imparted in you; go out and impart it to others”. Last week we established that Jesus came that we might have life (in abundance); sharing the Truth (Gospel) about Christ is to make it possible for others to have ‘life in abundance’ as well.
The Gospel gains momentum only when those who’ve experienced the Truth, make a decision to obey (the great commission) and never cease speaking unto others.
What does this have to do with Spiritual Warfare? – You might ask!
When a Saint preaches the Gospel, he is like a Soldier who puts on his War Boots for the purpose of running effectively on the battlefield.
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace!
Gird your boots and Run with the vision!
The boots on this on this soldiers armour speak of the Mobility of the Gospel. When Jesus ascended into heaven he said the following:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:19-20
This decree from the Lord is fondly known as the Great Commission. Jesus was saying: “that which I imparted in you; go out and impart it to others”. Last week we established that Jesus came that we might have life (in abundance); sharing the Truth (Gospel) about Christ is to make it possible for others to have ‘life in abundance’ as well.
The Gospel gains momentum only when those who’ve experienced the Truth, make a decision to obey (the great commission) and never cease speaking unto others.
What does this have to do with Spiritual Warfare? – You might ask!
When a Saint preaches the Gospel, he is like a Soldier who puts on his War Boots for the purpose of running effectively on the battlefield.
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace!
Gird your boots and Run with the vision!
Sword of the Spirit – the word of God
The Sword is a weapon .i.e. an instrument used to bring harm (an eventually accession) to the enemy. In Spiritual Warfare this sword is the word of God. God’s word is loosely defined as God’s character.
How so?
Getting to know God’s character is having the sword of the spirit. The only way to know God is firstly through His Word. The more you study the Word of God is the more you make your sword sharper for warfare. A Christian who does not read God’s Word is like a knight with a blunt sword. He will forever be on the defensive because his weapon is not lethal enough to compare to the enemies let alone surpass it. You can only defend yourself for so long…
In warfare – only the strong (spiritually) survive and the only way to get strong is to train and eat the correct diet. This diet is prescribed in the Word of God.
Please revise John 1:1 (from ‘The Belt of Truth’), you will see that the word of God is Jesus Himself, this therefore suggests that spending time in the Word is spending time with Jesus – Interesting!
Soldier! Rise up and sharpen your Sword of the Spirit by beginning to read God’s Word frequently and earnestly.
You’ve got an appointment with the Captain of the army – Jesus!
CONCLUSION/ SYNOPSIS
“The best defence is offence” - You most probably heard that before, well it’s true. An ordinary enemy won’t be sympathetic or even empathic if and when you choose to put down your armour but instead he’ll capitalize on a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to frustrate you - That’s even more true in spiritual war-fare. Satan is out to get you, irrespective of whether or not you are an active threat to his domain. Staying inert makes you a defenceless target.
“What does Satan have against me?”… You may ask.
To put it in overt terms: It is nothing personal… Satan is against what you can become and not necessarily what you are. You have the potential to become what God created you to be and that is; An agent for enforcing God’s government on earth (unto man). That sounds like a huge task, but God in his wisdom pre-made it possible and trust me you’ll find it easier than a lot of things we embark in as man. True peace/rest is in doing what you have been born to do.
WHY? Because you were created for that purpose, God’s reason for creating you was for that one multi faceted purpose (It is however your journey to discover your specific area of expertise as an Agent).
The bible actually warns us to be Proactive by attacking first (Stand therefore…).
In this series I’ve learnt the following points that I’d love to highlight: -
- Remaining Inert is any warrior’s downfall
- Time spent in the Word is time spent equipping ourselves for war
- Each and every item in this soldiers armour is integral for his victory
- Spiritual warfare means doing what God has created you to do.
- The enemies #1 strategy in warfare is to instil fear.
- Man is composed of not only the physical/natural being but also a spiritual self that also demands attention
Recommendation:
In his book Understanding the Power and Purpose of Prayer, Dr Myles Munroe reveals a different perspective of the Whole Armour of God .i.e. Prayer
“The best defence is offence” - You most probably heard that before, well it’s true. An ordinary enemy won’t be sympathetic or even empathic if and when you choose to put down your armour but instead he’ll capitalize on a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to frustrate you - That’s even more true in spiritual war-fare. Satan is out to get you, irrespective of whether or not you are an active threat to his domain. Staying inert makes you a defenceless target.
“What does Satan have against me?”… You may ask.
To put it in overt terms: It is nothing personal… Satan is against what you can become and not necessarily what you are. You have the potential to become what God created you to be and that is; An agent for enforcing God’s government on earth (unto man). That sounds like a huge task, but God in his wisdom pre-made it possible and trust me you’ll find it easier than a lot of things we embark in as man. True peace/rest is in doing what you have been born to do.
WHY? Because you were created for that purpose, God’s reason for creating you was for that one multi faceted purpose (It is however your journey to discover your specific area of expertise as an Agent).
The bible actually warns us to be Proactive by attacking first (Stand therefore…).
In this series I’ve learnt the following points that I’d love to highlight: -
- Remaining Inert is any warrior’s downfall
- Time spent in the Word is time spent equipping ourselves for war
- Each and every item in this soldiers armour is integral for his victory
- Spiritual warfare means doing what God has created you to do.
- The enemies #1 strategy in warfare is to instil fear.
- Man is composed of not only the physical/natural being but also a spiritual self that also demands attention
Recommendation:
In his book Understanding the Power and Purpose of Prayer, Dr Myles Munroe reveals a different perspective of the Whole Armour of God .i.e. Prayer
Wow, what an inspirational and amazing words put together. Great job. Hope to see more of your work.
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