The Armor of God

Last week I talked about how we could stand up to our enemy using God’s power, the Holy Spirit’s counsel, and the armor of God. I want to talk about the armor today.

Eph 6:10-18 NLT

A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

13 Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared.   16 In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.   17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

It requires all the pieces. God will supply the armor; we have to put it on. This is a spiritual battle. Each piece has its own use in this battle:

·         Belt of Truth – Use God’s truth, not your own.

·         Body Armor – this is listed as a breastplate in most versions because we are to face our enemy to show him the righteousness of Jesus which cloaks in as a follower.

·         Shoes – we are to share what we know of Jesus by using our testimonies. Don’t go barefoot because that only helps the enemy keep you from helping others in Jesus’ name.

·         Shield – this is our faith and it can quench the fiery arrows Satan throws at you to make you doubt or even turn and run from what God has given you to do.

·         Helmet – it is your salvation and will help protect your mind from Satan’s lies.

·         Sword of the Spirit – your only weapon and this is the Word of God. You can’t use this if you are not studying your Bible daily.

We are part of an army. We can get help from fellow Christians. We are to be praying for all Christians to stand firm against the enemy. All of us have the same mission, to grow as a disciple of Christ and to share what we know with the world. Each of us has our own ministry field, big or small, where we are given opportunities to show who Jesus is by our actions and our words.

If you feel weak, run to God in prayer for the help you need. He may lead you to a verse or a person who will help you overcome. Go to an elder of your church for prayer if you feel the need. Be patient with yourself and never give up. If you turn to flee, Satan has a free shot at your back. We are to stand on the power of God and the Holy Spirit and pray for other Christians so they can do so, too. Do not let the enemy get a free shot.

Do whatever it takes to stay in all the armor of God and let His power direct you in refuting the enemy.

Satan’s Power Is Limited

Eph 2:1-3 NLT

Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. 2 You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like everyone else.

Satan is allowed to roam for now as prince of the air, but the end of the story has God throwing him into the lake of fire. Due to his time limit, he is going to try every trick in the book to convince people God doesn’t exist or at least doesn’t care because He is off sitting far away in heaven on His throne. He’ll attack Christians to get them confused on what God said like he did to Eve in the garden. Once Satan knows you are on his side you might feel left alone to your own devices and even think life is good. However, as soon as you start thinking about God, he’ll do his best to mess with you.

John 10:10-11 NKJV

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly

Jesus holds the keys to hell and will bind up Satan on the last day. In the meantime He is knocking at our door so He can come in. If we side with Him, we have all the power and tools we need to fight off the enemy and live a fuller life because we are in the light rather than the darkness. His death on the cross ensured this and since then those who follow Jesus have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them as a helper and counselor against the tricks and tactics of the devil.

1 Peter 5:8-11 NKJV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

God will use the sufferings caused by Satan to help us learn to persevere in our faith so we can stand firm with His power and the armor of God.

It’s a spiritual battle. If you do not let the Holy Spirit guide you and dwell with you as Jesus intended, you could be misguided by your own desires and what Satan will throw at you. You need to put on the armor of God and use the Word as your weapon. You need to be studying your Bible daily to know what it says about God, the devil and us. Satan knows the Bible and twisted it to tempt Jesus. If he will try that on Jesus three times, how much will he try it on us?

Stand firm with God. Know the attacks of Satan cannot steal an ounce of your faith. Only you can decide if you will stand as God says or let yourself fall due to doubt. If you fall, ask God for help so you learn from the experience and can return to the fight.

Accept Forgiveness

Both Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus. Peter did so by claiming he did not know Jesus, while Jesus stood condemned by the Jewish religious leaders. Judas betrayed Him by thinking of himself and what he could get out of helping the religious leaders. Both reacted with sorrow when Jesus was condemned.

Matt 26:69-75 NLT

Meanwhile, as Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, a servant girl came over and said to him, "You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean."

70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. "I don't know what you are talking about," he said.

71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth."

72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. "I don't even know the man," he said.

73 A little later some other bystanders came over to him and said, "You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent."

74 Peter said, "I swear by God, I don't know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went away, crying bitterly.

Matt 27:3-5 NLT

When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and other leaders. 4 "I have sinned," he declared, "for I have betrayed an innocent man."

"What do we care?" they retorted. "That's your problem." 5 Then Judas threw the money onto the floor of the Temple and went out and hanged himself.

Judas left no chance for forgiveness. He could not live with himself.

Peter on the other hand went back to fishing thinking he could not live up to what Jesus expected. He loved Jesus, which made his denial sting worse. Jesus showed up in his life again to see if Peter would accept forgiveness and believe in what God said of him. Peter would be the rock of the church.

Note the interaction of Jesus with Peter once they know it is Jesus risen from the dead.

John 21:15-17 NLT

After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."

"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.

16 Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."

"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.

17 Once more he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you."

Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.

Peter denied three times. Jesus asked him three times if Peter loved Him. This hurt Peter, but he understood why. From that point on we see Peter as the rock Jesus confessed him to be.

It does not matter what you did. It only matters how you respond to God when He shows up in your life. What do you think your life could be like if you let God forgive you and accept what He says about you?

Trials Are Temporary

John 16:33 NLT

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." 

Jesus never promised an easy life here on earth, but He provided us a way to overcome because He already had. If we follow His instructions we will know how to overcome. We can’t do this on our own power so He sent the Holy Spirit to help and God’s grace to empower us. We have our part to do in conjunction with all the help and power God wants to shower on us. All we have to do is be willing to follow the instructions and He will help us overcome. If done His way, it will glorify Him and people will know it was God’s power and not yours that did it.

Eccl 3:1-8 NLT

There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.

2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.

4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

6 A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away.

7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.

8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

Our trials and tribulations only last for a season, they are not forever. We also have an unchanging forever God to help us through the rough times and to keep us on track during the good. We slide off God’s grid faster when life is going along fine. That’s when we should hold on tighter so we are ready when the next trial comes along.

In this world you cannot control everything so you don’t know when you might wind up ill, laid off, in the middle of a natural disaster, etc. Walking with Jesus will be an adventure and a fulfilling one if you hang on tight through every season.

Rom 8:28 NLT

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

God showed His amazing and unwarranted love for us when He sent His only Son to provide us forgiveness, salvation and the empowerment we need to live according to His purpose. He will not leave us here as orphans. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us as our counselor and helper. There is no reason not to return the love He showed us and we do that by following His commandments and instructions. Then all things work out for our good despite the dark times of life.

My relationship with Him is the most important thing in life. Let God take the lead in your life. You will never regret it. I haven’t and I’ve seen more trials and tribulations after accepting Jesus than before. I’m not letting go and I hope you grab onto Him to never let go.

By the Power of the Holy Spirit

We can’t earn God’s grace and love. He is already offering them as a gift. We must accept the gifts offered. Once we have them then we can do whatever God entrusts us to do. So the first thing we have to do is open the door.

Rev 3:20 NLT

"Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends

Jesus is not only our Lord and Savior, He wants to be our friend. He wants to empower us to live the life God intended all along. Due to this, before He rose into heaven, He assured all His followers that the Holy Spirit would be sent to help them.

Acts 1:4-5 NLT

In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he told them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before.  5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Spirit is our helper and counselor if we let Him. Through Him we will have the power to do what God wants instead of what our flesh wants. We will do the works of the Spirit and even mightier ones than Jesus if we simply believe. What we accomplish is only measured by our faith. It is God’s power we should be using. Even Jesus, born as a man, gained the power needed for His ministry by receiving the Holy Spirit.

Matt 3:16-17 NLT

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him."

Jesus had the Holy Spirit helping Him and was able to please His Father. This shows us a great deal about God’s love and how He handles relationships. He is a relational God and wants everyone in His family. Not only are you a child of God, you are also a friend and are given the ability to do great things in the family.

We should be doing our works here on earth to magnify God and not ourselves. There is nothing for us to earn from doing this. We already have the prize and we should be letting the world know they can have it, too. We should be listening to our Helper, the Holy Spirit. He is there to help us discern the world and to help us portray who God really is.

John 14:15-19 NLT

"If you love me, obey my commandments.  16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you.  17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.  18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans — I will come to you.

Let God guide you through the Holy Spirit and the Word to see great things happen in the world around you. It is not by your power so do not be afraid even if His requests seem impossible. Step out and receive everything He has for you. The journey will be amazing.

God's Grace Is Empowerment

2 Cor 12:9 NKJV

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

The grace we receive upon accepting Jesus is not only for our salvation and forgiveness of sins. It is our power source. It will shine through our weaknesses to show the world who Jesus really is. It will allow us to do what the world thinks impossible. We can do greater things than Jesus did if we let this power flow through us.

2 Peter 3:18 NKJV

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Our level of empowering grace is only as large as we believe it to be. If we keep working to know Jesus better, we will allow more of God’s ability to flow through us and into the world. It will allow us to do miracles, overcome obstacles, and live a truly free life that can only be attributed to God. We must let it grow in us and flow into the world for all to see. Without it the church looks weak or worse, it will compromise to make itself fit in the world.

Acts 4:33 NKJV

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

The first century church did so well because it understood that God’s grace empowered them to do the will of God in all things. They did great miracles, inspired great faith, and brought many into reconciliation with God. They discipled the followers so they could grow in the truth. This understanding flowed through the world like a wild fire changing many people and places. It is still happening where grace is allowed to have its power.

John 1:17 NKJV

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

We received this grace and truth through Jesus. Without the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross we would not have this great power to work with God and become part of His family again as we always were meant to be. Anyone that truly repents of how they lived and shows love to Jesus by obeying His commandments will receive this power through grace. It is a gift that we cannot earn. It is the gift that keeps us glued to Jesus and thus able to perform great things in His name. On our own we would fall far short of the mark and make the world wonder why anyone bothers with Christianity.

Let the world see the power of God if you are a Christian. Let Him teach you the truth so that you may walk freely in His grace. Don’t think you can’t do it until you are strong enough or perfect enough. Latch onto the gift of grace and let it empower you to do what God is asking. He is not expecting us to do this alone. Even if you only see small results now, keep working to learn more and let it build your faith. After all, we can grow into this if we let Him lead us.

Ask God for help in letting His grace empower you for whatever thing He has asked you to do, great or small. The world will know those that truly walk with Jesus even if we feel like we are stumbling in our attempts. If your heart is in the right place, you will see miracles and inspire others to want to know Jesus, too. You will have the power to stand firm as the world disagrees because you know God’s grace empowers you.

Repent!

Matthew 3:1-2 NKJV

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

Matthew 4:17 NKJV

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 

Once John the Baptist was in prison and was no longer the one that came before talking of repentance, Jesus started telling people to repent. It must come first and foremost. If you don’t realize you have sinned against God and what that means, you have no way of truly turning from your ways to God’s ways.  

If a Christian is trying to say you only need to say a little prayer and you are good with God, be wary. You need to confess your sins and truly want to learn His ways in order for His grace to empower you to do so. It has to be a two way relationship between you and Jesus for this to happen.

Matthew 11:20 NLT

Then Jesus began to denounce the cities where he had done most of his miracles, because they hadn't turned from their sins and turned to God.

These unrepentant cities were in trouble. Bad things would come if they did not do a true turning from their ways to God’s way. There is no reconciliation with God without first repenting. You can tell the truly repentant because they will change their lifestyle with some things evident immediately. I know when I figured this out I changed a lot of things in the first few months as I learned with some good discipleship. I keep finding things to work on, but I equate this to peeling an onion one layer at a time. You get rid of the obvious and once that is gone new things are revealed to learn and work on. It’s a journey worth taking as you get closer to God with each step that strips your old self away. In the end we are to be like Jesus.

If we are accepting of Jesus, God already sees us as He sees Jesus. Do not let that turn into an excuse to keep some of your sins. Repent immediately to God when you realize you are not walking correctly with Him. This is how we show our love to Him, by obeying and admitting when we didn’t. This will show the world the truth. Staying unrepentant will show them a lie if you keep confessing to follow Christ. So be ready for someone to point out a flaw. We all have them. Take it as a loving warning from God no matter whom or what makes you realize it.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NLT

We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. 5 With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ.

We are to teach the world how to repent and be reconciled with God by using His tools, not our own. We use His Word, counsel and wisdom to fight against the ideas of the world. It is not a carnal fight, but a spiritual one.

If you are a Christian who hasn’t fully repented, do so now! If you are a Christian not teaching the need for repentance to others, start doing so now! Anyone not professing to be a Christian, I pray that God will send you the person that shows you how to properly repent and become a child of God. I encourage all to repent because God loves us all and is thankfully giving us more time on earth to realize it. Don’t let your time run out.