#581 A Practical Look at the Armor of God
2 Corinthians 10:4 We walk and live in human nature, but we don’t battle according to the human fallen nature: For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh—our weapons are not fallen and according to the human way of doing things—But powerful through God, able to demolish strongholds.
So how do we know if we are using fleshly weapons? Here are a few questions that may help:
Am I defending myself with human tendencies, with my own efforts, according to my own reasoning? Am I using control or some form of manipulation? Are my thoughts and actions motivated by fear, anger, selfish ambition, or any other habit of the flesh? Colossians 3:8-9
We have POWERFUL weapons of spiritual protection, referred to as the armor of righteousness in 2 Corinthian 6:7 and also referred to as the armor of light in Romans 13:12 This spiritual protection is of coarse WAY more powerful than any of our own efforts, or fear based attempts to control things in life! “Finally, be strong IN THE LORD, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11; Psalm 18:34-36
What each piece of armor can mean to us, Ephesians 6:14-17. These points are helpful in my own spiritual life, and are presented as suggestions, and you may have other thoughts! Please share!
Gird your loins with truth: A focus on what is True, about God, what is honest, not letting our own way of thinking interfere, Psalm 51:6, 19:14, Proverbs 29:18: Without a vision a people become unruly…Leeser
*I am focused on what I KNOW about God and Christ, and not what if’s. Romans 8:28 “FOR WE KNOW…!”
Breastplate of righteousness: Loving to do and think what is right, which protects our affections and what we are attached to. *“I delight to do Thy will…” Psalm 40:8 *It is a great privilege to apply His principles and leading in order to do His will, Proverbs 3:5-6.
Sandals of the preparation of the Gospel of peace: Focus on the Gospel of Peace creating readiness and preparing us, making it possible to walk on rough terrain of experience. *I walk forward in Kingdom hope of healing of every human heart. Romans 8:17-21, 22 It is powerful to pray this on behalf of any person related to our current spiritual battle. (Similar to hinds feet—spiritual ability to navigate rough terrain in life. Psalm 18:33)
Shield of faith: Trust in His faithfulness which neutralizes the fiery-destructive thoughts that are intended by Satan to intensify and inflame natural passions and emotions. Knowing we are protected by conviction and reliance on the character and promises of God in Christ, Psalm 91:4b. The thought of walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death may result in fiery-fearful darts of thought, but the Truth of His Faithfulness is *“You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Helmet of salvation: Thoughts that are riveted on the truth that we are being forgiven, sanctified and delivered. *I am forgiven Psalm 103:11-14 *I am being delivered through this Psalm 34:17; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Sword of the spirit: An offensive spiritual weapon which focuses on the Word of God and claiming the promises. *I will find the promise He leads me to and claim them in prayer. Matthew 4:4, 7, 10!!!
This armor is a provision of His Love, Wisdom and Power! “....we are contending against a great Adversary and wily foe....we are not sufficient of ourselves to conquer.... our only hope is in abiding in the Lord's love, by seeking to do those things which are pleasing to him and heeding the counsel of his Word and the leadings of his providence.” R4311
2 Corinthians 10:4 We walk and live in human nature, but we don’t battle according to the human fallen nature: For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh—our weapons are not fallen and according to the human way of doing things—But powerful through God, able to demolish strongholds.
So how do we know if we are using fleshly weapons? Here are a few questions that may help:
Am I defending myself with human tendencies, with my own efforts, according to my own reasoning? Am I using control or some form of manipulation? Are my thoughts and actions motivated by fear, anger, selfish ambition, or any other habit of the flesh? Colossians 3:8-9
We have POWERFUL weapons of spiritual protection, referred to as the armor of righteousness in 2 Corinthian 6:7 and also referred to as the armor of light in Romans 13:12 This spiritual protection is of coarse WAY more powerful than any of our own efforts, or fear based attempts to control things in life! “Finally, be strong IN THE LORD, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11; Psalm 18:34-36
What each piece of armor can mean to us, Ephesians 6:14-17. These points are helpful in my own spiritual life, and are presented as suggestions, and you may have other thoughts! Please share!
Gird your loins with truth: A focus on what is True, about God, what is honest, not letting our own way of thinking interfere, Psalm 51:6, 19:14, Proverbs 29:18: Without a vision a people become unruly…Leeser
*I am focused on what I KNOW about God and Christ, and not what if’s. Romans 8:28 “FOR WE KNOW…!”
Breastplate of righteousness: Loving to do and think what is right, which protects our affections and what we are attached to. *“I delight to do Thy will…” Psalm 40:8 *It is a great privilege to apply His principles and leading in order to do His will, Proverbs 3:5-6.
Sandals of the preparation of the Gospel of peace: Focus on the Gospel of Peace creating readiness and preparing us, making it possible to walk on rough terrain of experience. *I walk forward in Kingdom hope of healing of every human heart. Romans 8:17-21, 22 It is powerful to pray this on behalf of any person related to our current spiritual battle. (Similar to hinds feet—spiritual ability to navigate rough terrain in life. Psalm 18:33)
Shield of faith: Trust in His faithfulness which neutralizes the fiery-destructive thoughts that are intended by Satan to intensify and inflame natural passions and emotions. Knowing we are protected by conviction and reliance on the character and promises of God in Christ, Psalm 91:4b. The thought of walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death may result in fiery-fearful darts of thought, but the Truth of His Faithfulness is *“You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Helmet of salvation: Thoughts that are riveted on the truth that we are being forgiven, sanctified and delivered. *I am forgiven Psalm 103:11-14 *I am being delivered through this Psalm 34:17; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Sword of the spirit: An offensive spiritual weapon which focuses on the Word of God and claiming the promises. *I will find the promise He leads me to and claim them in prayer. Matthew 4:4, 7, 10!!!
This armor is a provision of His Love, Wisdom and Power! “....we are contending against a great Adversary and wily foe....we are not sufficient of ourselves to conquer.... our only hope is in abiding in the Lord's love, by seeking to do those things which are pleasing to him and heeding the counsel of his Word and the leadings of his providence.” R4311
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