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DRESSED FOR SUCCESS!
Ephesians 6:10-24
Recently, I read an article which lists the Top 10 countries where Christians are facing
persecution (relevantmagazine.com [Sept. 29, 2015]) (read the list). Conclusion: It’s time to get
your armor on! In our text, Paul ends his letter to the Ephesian church with a strong
exhortation to put on the “whole armor” of God! Given the status of our nation and
the world, it is imperative that we also take seriously Paul’s exhortation!
(v.10) The Greek word for the phrase “be strong” denotes a position (in place, time, or
state); a relationship of rest, (in, on or by an intermediate). Regardless of the place,
time, or state you find yourself in, our intermediate or mediator – Christ – is there to
strengthen us! Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! The Greek word
(v.10) for “power” is kratos: “great vigor, dominion and strength.” How is this
acquired? (ttt) 1:15-17 By the “spirit of wisdom and revelation,” through the
“knowledge” of Christ; as we come to understand the hope, riches, and power we have
in Christ! (ttt) (1:18, 19).
However, in order to live according to the “power of His might,” we must dress for
success! (v.11-14a). God’s armor provides two advantages for the believer – spiritual
leverage and stability. 1) Spiritual Leverage. (v.12) The Greek word for “wrestle” is
pale; from pallo: “to throw.” Wrestling is the art of out-maneuvering your opponent.
By the armor of God, we are able to “throw off,” (out-maneuver) – escape – the
schemes of the flesh and the devil! 2) Spiritual Stability. So we can “stand!” (v.11b,
13b, 14a). Our position must be established upon promise, power, presence, and
praise!
(ttt) 2 Chronicles 20 – King Jehoshaphat (Judah) faced three invading armies, Moab, Ammon, and Mt. Seir.
Judah (Israel) took a stand, relying upon God’s promises (v.14, 15); power (v.17a);
presence (v.17b, 18); and praise (v.21, 22).The lesson: When you feel weak, stressed,
fearful, or confused, facing overwhelming odds, check your stance! What are you
standing (relying/resting) upon? Your feelings or circumstances! If we (believers) will
stand today, it must be according to God’s promise, power, presence, and praise! But
we must put on the whole, not half, of the armor of God! What does the “whole armor
of God” consist of? (v.14b-20). The imagery Paul uses here is that of a Roman soldier.
(v.14, 15) Waist girded with truth. Truth is the core of our living! Fitness expert tell us it is
important to have a strong core – a strong core strengthens the back, andimproves flexibility, mobility, balance,
and breathing. A
weak core – carnality and compromise – will demobilize one’s witness
and faith! “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 God desires truth
at our core! Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know
wisdom. Psalm 51:6 Breastplate of righteousness protects the vital organs of the body;
spiritually, this speaks of integrity. (Gen.30:33) Laban/Jacob – “My righteousness will answer
for me in time to come…” If righteousness in Christ is your breastplate (vital to your daily
living), you will never have to defend yourself; the fruit of your life will answer for you!
Jesus said, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:20
Feet shod with the gospel. Feet shod – like putting on a pair of shoes – with the gospel.
In other words, wherever we go, we take the good news of the gospel! Evangelism
should not be relegated to a few. In fact, we are all charged with the Great Commission
– to go and share the message of the gospel! How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him
who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation,
The gospel is not some complex message! Simply
share your story and God will use it for His glory! And they overcame him by the blood of the
Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11
(v.16, 17) “Above all!” Shield of faith. Why is this “above all?” Because apart from
faith, truth, righteousness, and the gospel can be neutralized: merely information
without activation in our lives! The shield quenches the fiery darts of the devil! Not a
large lance, but a dart; death by a thousand cuts – a constant bombardment of
doubtful, fearful, accusatory, menacing thoughts. Faith – in God’s word, His thoughts
toward us – is the means by which we can quench these darts! For I know the thoughts that I
think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
(v.17a) Helmet of salvation. In the NFL, a lot of research and technology has gone into
the design of football helmets, due to the danger of concussions associated with the
game. The helmet (covenant) of salvation is protection – mentally, against the lies of
the enemy! Satan knows an unprotected mind is an opportunity for him to distort our
thinking in regard to our living, hope, identity, and purpose in Christ! (ttt) Titus 2:1114. The protective helmet (knowledge) of salvation affects the mind in four ways: 1)
governs our behavior (v.12); provides us with 2) “blessed hope” (v.13); 3) “identity”
(v.14b); and 4) “purpose” (v.14bb). Solution: Keep your helmet on!
(v.17b) Sword of the Spirit – The word of God! Paul here is referring to the Roman
short sword, used for close-in fighting! We are to engage our culture with total
confidence in the “word of God!” For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 His word
will never return void! (Isaiah 55:11). A
sword-less saint is a defeated saint! God wants you to be armed and dangerous!
Therefore, Colossians 3:16 says, “let His word dwell within you richly!”
Lastly: Prayer – (v.18-20). The Greek word for “praying” can also be translated as
“worship.” Prayer is an act of worship! Prayer and supplication (petitions) “in the
Spirit” – not in the flesh! God will meet our needs and not our greed! …casting all your cares
upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Paul understood the power of prayer (v.19, 20). He
ends his letter with a benediction of peace, love, faith, and grace (v.21-24) – four
allies which accompany the whole armor of God!
CONCLUSION: The church is equipped to move forward, because forward is the
direction of faith – never backward. In Christ, even if we should fall, we fall forward!
Notice: God’s armor is offensive; there isn’t any protective plate for the buttocks of
unbelief! If we are dressed for success, we can always move forward in Christ. I press
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14