how to live a victorious christian life

Winning Battles in The Spiritual War

Dr. Bob Suggs

Battles • Bunker Hill • Attack on Canada • Siege of Boston • Battle of Trenton • Battle of Germantown • Valley Forge

Revolutionary War

2 Victorious Christian Life

(Ephesians 6:10-20) R.C. Suggs

• The ruler (prince) of this world is Satan, the father of evil (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11)

• Satan has declared war on God, His will, and all who follow Him

• We live in this fallen and wicked world

• Jesus, our forerunner, also experienced trials

• Trials bring about growth and maturity. (James 1:1-12) What Satan does for evil, God uses for good. (Consider both Job and Joseph)

• Also, we are fighting against our “selves.”(Rom. 7:15)



Understanding the passage



Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.



14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.



Paul was at the end of the letter. He carefully presented our place in Christ Jesus. He also put forward the basics of the Christian walk.

At this point he inserts; Finally, given… • all that God has done for you. • the glorious standing you have as a child of God. • His great plan of the ages that God has made you part

of. • the plan for Christian maturity and growth He gives to

you. • the conduct God calls every believer to live. • the filling of the Spirit and our walk in the Spirit. • all this, there is a battle to fight in the Christian life.



It is a spiritual thing!



DEVIL (Greek) "the accuser" or "the slanderer" (Job 1:6-11; 2:1-7; Revelation 12:10). In Hebrew Satan means "adversary." The two-fold designation marks the two-fold objects of his malice-the Gentiles and the Jews.

• There is only one Devil, many "demons― (KJV uses ―devils‖ 55 times) .

• He slanders God to man & man to God (Genesis 3; Zechariah 3:1). His misrepresentation of God as; arbitrary, selfish, and envious of human happiness. He is to be feared lest He should hurt [His creatures.] This falsehood runs through all pagan idolatries.

• Demons, "knowing ones,‖ are spirits who tremble before, but love not, God (James 2:19), incite [humans] to rebellion against Him [God] (Revelation 16:14). "Evil spirits" (Acts 19:13,15) recognize Christ the Son of God (Matthew 8:29; Luke 4:41) as absolute Lord over them, and their future Judge; and even flee before exorcism in His name (Mark 9:38). As "unclean" they can tempt man with unclean thoughts. They and their master Satan are at times allowed by God to afflict with bodily disease (Luke 13:16):



10

• Scripture teaches that in idolatry the demons are the real workers behind the idol. Compare 1 Corinthians 10:19-21; 1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 9:20. • Idolatry is part Satan's engines for holding dominion. • Our word "panic," from the idol Pan, represented as Satan is, with horns and cloven hoofs, shows the close connection there is between the idolater and Satan his master. (Fausset's Bible Dictionary)

Who‘s Our Enemy?

Victorious Christian Life (Ephesians 6:10-20) R.C. Suggs

• Isaiah 14:12-14 "How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. 13 For you said to yourself, 'I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God's stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.‗ NLT

11

Two O.T. passages that speak to who he is:


• Ezekiel 28:11-19 Then this further message came to me from the Lord: 12 "Son of man, sing this funeral song for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: "You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and exquisite in beauty. 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone — red carnelian, pale-green peridot, white moonstone, blue-green beryl, onyx, green jasper, blue lapis lazuli, turquoise, and emerald—all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. 14 I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire. 15 "You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. 16 Your rich commerce led you to violence, and you sinned. So I banished you in disgrace from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire.



17 Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So I threw you to the ground and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. 18 You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and your dishonest trade. So I brought fire out from within you, and it consumed you. I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. 19 All who knew you are appalled at your fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you will exist no more.― NLT



• He is an angel (fallen) created by God

• Given a position of responsibility

• intelligent, capable, and powerful,

• Beautiful

• proud and envious (of God)

• part of a war fought against God in heaven

• He is the enemy of God and therefore our enemy, too.

• He is not equal to God • He is not all-knowing,

(omniscient), all-powerful (omnipotent) and not able to be everywhere at once (omnipresent)

• He can‘t make us do anything (unless we agree)

• He is not to be trusted • ―He was/is not strong

enough‖ to win against God

• He isn‘t fair, just, merciful or righteous

• He ―leads the whole world astray‖

14

What he is:

What he isn‘t


Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

(1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT)

Even the very words of the devil disclose his plan, purpose, and activities. To the question from God, ―Where have you come from?‖ Satan answered, ―I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that‘s going on.‖ (Job 1:7 NLT)



Knowing the enemy’s character gives us insight into his world view, his frame of reference or where he’s coming from. Character determines methods.

• He is the father of lies (John 8:44)

• He is a deceiver (Matt. 24:24)

• He is subtle (2 Cor. 11:3)

• He is slanderous (Job 1:9-10)

• He is an accuser (Rev. 12:10)

• He is fierce (James 1:2)

• He is powerful (Eph. 6:12)



• He is proud (Isa. 14:13)

• He is an imitator (2 Cor. 11:14)

• He is wicked (1 John 3:12)

• He is the adversary (1 Tim. 5:14)



Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (Eph. 6:11 NLT)

Strategies (Greek, methodia ) denotes "craft, deceit,‖ "a cunning device, a wile," and is translated "wiles (of error)" as in We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. (Ephesians 4:14 NLT)

The enemy‘s strategies are lies, deception, and misinformation designed to divert our focus from the spiritual to the physical.

• We can see his deception proclaimed in the following verse: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood… • Here are two of the devil‘s most effective tactics in this

passage—(2 defensive distractions) 1) that there is no war, and

2) 2) that our warfare is against physical enemies



Strategies For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (v. 12) We are not warring or wrestling against humans (flesh and blood)

wrestling: Greek: ―pale,‖ ("to sway, vibrate"), wrestling was seen as a contest between two people in which each tries to throw the other. The contest is decided when one holds his adversary down with his hands around his neck. It is a real war, and Paul states its existence as a matter of fact.

• It is not a flesh and blood war, in part, because our enemy isn‘t flesh and blood (he is spirit)

We have wrongly focused our attention and efforts on the physical/human side. We spend ourselves fighting battles that are not where we are called to fight.

• Paul‘s idea here is the same when he says, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV



If the devil can‘t convince us that there is no war, he will divert our attention toward physical battles.

So many Christians are caught up in ―flesh and blood‖ living/conflicts. Energy spent in the ―flesh‖ wastes energy and resources that could be waged against Satan. Four categories of ―Christians against…‖

Note: We must think Christianly! • Christian against Christians

• Christian against non-Christians

• Christian against world religions (Acts 19:10-37)

• Christian against social injustice



David Jeremiah‘s story of the lion‘s approach to capturing its prey illustrates the devil‘s pursuit of us.

The story told by naturalist Craig Childs. ◦ Mountain lions (puma) known to take down animals 6, 7,

and 8 times their size.

Their method: creep close, attack from behind, rush quickly to hit the animal, clamp onto the spine at the base of the prey‘s skull, and snap the spine. (The top vertebrae are the target)

Mountain lions have stalked people for miles. Mountain lions generally kill their prey quickly and efficiently. They do not have long endurance, and do not make long chases. (Conservation Commission of Missouri, 2011)



Childs says, ―If a mountain lion approaches me, I hold firm to my ground and I do not even intimate that I will back off.

• If I run, it is certain I will have a mountain lion all over me. . . .

• The lion begins to move to my left, and I turn, keeping my face on it, my knife at my right side. My stare is about the only defense I have.‖ The lion does the same thing, trying to provoke him to run.

• Finally, the standoff ends. The lion turns and walks away, defeated by a man who knew what and what not to do in his presence. Craig B. Larson, ed., Preaching Today.com; source: Craig Childs, The Animal Dialogues (New York: Little,

Brown and Co., 2007); as seen in The Week (2-8-08), 40-41.



• It is a spiritual battle (not human) that we find ourselves in, (though it might be in the political, physical, philosophical or emotional realm in how it manifests itself)

• If Satan can get me (thinking and/or feeling) in the ―flesh‖, he has me at his advantage

• for my flesh is very weak. • In fact, the moment I get into the ―flesh‖, I‘m compromised.

• Our only hope for victory is to keep the battle in the realm of the spirit.

• In the realm of the spirit, I have the decided advantage, and strange as that might seem. • According to God‘s plan, I have the victory.

• Keep in mind: We can conclude that if our warfare is spiritual, then fleshly weapons are of no value. I need spiritual weapons to fight spiritual battles. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV



God is our strength

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

◦ God is strength and power

His strength and power are far superior to every other

His creative power

His resurrection power

His sovereign power

◦ When we have a relationship with Him, He becomes our strength



Be Strong!

What does it mean to be strong? ◦ Physically

◦ Intellectually

◦ Emotionally

◦ Spiritually





"BE STRONG IN THE LORD.―

In chapter three Paul prays for the Ephesians and other believers that they might be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the ―inner man.‖

• The word translated ―might‖ in the Greek is dunamai which is the same root word translated ―power‖ in Acts 1:8 where Jesus said, "You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you.―

• His prayer was that they might know the power of the Holy Spirit working in their lives, doing for them what they could not do for themselves.

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Note that the Apostle Paul is not just saying Be strong. • On many occasions we say to people.

• you need to be strong or tough • you can‘t be weak, now • you have to be a ―man‖ about this situation (man-up)

• The passage says, Be strong in the Lord. • Many of us are weak in ourselves, but our strength comes from the Lord. •And others of us are strong in ourselves, but weak in the Lord. • Paul declared that he would glory in his

weaknesses that the power of God might be revealed in Him. For when he was weak, Paul said, Then was he strong.

Joshua 1:6, 7, 9 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.‖

The repeated commandment was to be strong and courageous and then the key to his strength and courage was given. For the Lord thy God is with you where ever you go.


10 So take this seriously. The LORD has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.‖ 20 Then David continued, ―Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don‘t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished correctly.

1. Again, the courage and the strength was to come from the realization that the Lord was with him.

2. David said, He will not fail you or forsake you. 3. David was well aware of the help and strength that

God gave to those who trusted in Him. Remember Goliath. In Psalm 138:3 David said, In the day that I cried to You, You answered me and strengthened me with strength in my soul.

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Isaiah 35:4 Say to those with fearful hearts, ―Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.‖

Isaiah 40:28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood?

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.


Pieces of Armor Spiritual Equivalents

Girdle or belt ……………………………… Truth

Breastplate ………………………………. Righteousness

Shoes ……………………………………….. Peace

Shield ………………………………………… Faith

Helmet ……………………………………….. Salvation

Sword ………………………………………… Word of God

Prayer ………………………………………… Prayer



We stand only when we have on the all of the armor that God has given us in Jesus Christ.

• Each piece of this symbolic armor addresses a specific aspect of the Christian life. And, when we are living according to these spiritual aspects, we are enabled to stand against spiritual attack from the enemy.

• This passage was written while Paul was in the custody of Roman soldiers. It is easy to see how God used his situation to teach him this truth about being equipped for spiritual warfare.

• There seems, in this list, to be some logic to the order in which the soldier would put on the pieces of armor.


Roman Soldier and his armor

Helmet

Shield

Shoes

Breastplate

Sword

Belt



the belt of truth buckled around your waist (v. 14)

The Physical Belt • Strictly, the belt is not part of the armor, but before the armor

can be put on, the garments underneath must be gathered together.

• Concerning a soldier:

• His belt . . . was no mere adornment of the soldier, but an essential part of his equipment . . . it was of special use in keeping other parts of the armor in place.

• The first thing he had to do was get his garments up and out of the way so he wouldn't trip on them.

• When a soldier sat down to relax, he took off his belt.

• Putting on the belt prepares you for action, it frees your movements, and it put him in a battle frame of mind. The same idea is communicated by Jesus in Luke 12:35-36.

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The Spiritual ―Belt‖

• The belt of truth is God's truth = His Word = that keeps us from tripping and falling!

• The belt of truth involves truth in two places; in our minds and in our hearts. (The Living Word Library)

In our minds

• 1 Peter 1:13-18 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest [your] hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, [as] in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you [is] holy, you also be holy in all [your] conduct, 16 6 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work,

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conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay [here] in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, [like] silver or gold, from your aimless conduct [received] by tradition from your fathers, (NKJV) 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (NKJV)

• Truth in the mind means having clarity of sound doctrine. What do you believe? Are you aware of what Christ has done for you? Does the mental knowledge of Christ victory on the cross translate into godly living in your life? • Truth in our heart makes us sincere and teachable before God. Truth in the mind helps to strengthen our wills to serve the Lord.


In the heart 1 Corinthians 5:8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth. NLT

2 Corinthians 1:12 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. NLT

These verses describe truth and how it relates to our hearts. This kind of truth should influence our whole attitude.


• Holding hatred and bitterness against our brothers and sisters in the faith puts a big dent in our armor, leaving us open to demonic attack.

• Our prayers of faith will be ineffective if we do not wear the belt of truth.

Truth is like a guard. It keeps us on the straight and narrow. Is your heart right before God?

These two, a sincere heart and a determined will combine to give us a firm girdle that keeps us rooted and grounded in Christ. Truth in our hearts is sincerity.

• A heart full of God‘s word and love for others is a heart full of truth. • Truth in my mind applies my will in serving the Lord.


It is acting on what we know is true. Truth is not a mental perception of the truth but rather an embracing and living of the truth.

Truth in our hearts means serving God with the right motives, and loving and serving our brothers and sisters in Christ with sincerity.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13 KJV)

• The belt of truth puts on the Biblical beliefs of the Christians as a whole - what other passages call the faith. Many people believe that the church will never go forward until it takes off this belt of truth, but that is completely wrong.


It is a foundation you live on all the time, your understanding of and confidence in the basic doctrines of the faith.

The Roman soldier wore a breastplate that covered his front from the neck to just below his waist. Without such protection, a well-placed arrow or sword could cause the soldier to suffer a life threatening injury. Our modern day police and military personnel increasingly protect themselves with bullet-proof vests and other armor to protect their vital organs from potentially disastrous blows. Is it any wonder that our loving God has provided the Christian with a breastplate of righteousness.

It is critical that we understand that when we put on the armor of God we are putting on Jesus Christ.



The Breastplate represents three types of righteousness:

First, the Breastplate symbolizes the righteousness of Christ. The Breastplate of Righteousness indicates that we are protected by the righteousness of Christ • For those who believe in Christ and receive His sacrifice in our place, He has given us His righteousness. Because of the finished work of Christ, God no longer holds our sins against us [Instead, God sees us as His righteous, redeemed children.] Christ became righteous for us [He chose to live a sinless, obedient life] so that He might earn a righteous standing before the Father.


Once He earned a righteous standing, He could impute it to those whose sins He carried to the cross.

The Apostle Paul said it this way in Philippians 3:9: I once

thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. NLT

The enemy is an accuser, and will accuse Believers before the Father (Rev. 12:10)

Christ‘s righteousness protects us from these accusations made by the enemy, as he also accused Job. (Job 1:9-11)


However, we are not left to our own personal/human defenses. But, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ ; He is our lawyer and He pleads our case. (1

John 2:1)

When the Father looks at us, He doesn‘t see our sins. Rather, He sees the righteousness that has been imparted to us by Christ. And, we are found acceptable through faith in Christ.

o This is an issue of position. Christ‘s work has put us in right standing before the Father. This is true even though I may continue to be weak and sinful. However, our spiritual positioning cannot and must not become an excuse for continuing to sin. When we continue in sin we give the devil a ―foothold‖ (Eph 4:27). He will use it against us.

o Now when the enemy accuses me through reminding me of my past sins and weaknesses, I can stand as a forgiven child of God, rapped in the righteousness of Christ.


Second, the Breastplate symbolizes the righteousness of my life in Christ.

The Breastplate of righteousness indicates that we are in the act of “putting on” practical (or doing) righteousness, and not resting in our position before the Father.

• ―It is our responsibility to put on the breastplate of Christ‘s righteousness in a practical sense; to resist the devil.‖ (David Jeremiah) (See James 4:7)

Scripture reinforces this truth that we must pursue righteousness. (1 Tim. 6:11; 1 John 3:10 and Eph. 4:24) Along with our positional righteousness, we must have practical righteousness of a life that is set-aside for the glory of God. To paraphrase Thomas Merton, ―our enemy is best resisted not when he seeks to enter our hearts, but rather when we resist him at his first knock at the gates.‖


• ―And while we will not become perfectly righteous in this life, our responsibility is to be continually living on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10) (David Jeremiah)

We can see the enemy‘s strategy in this area when we refuse to witness about Jesus Christ because of our own lives I should tell others about Christ because He has told me to, and because He is perfect… not me.

Third, the Breastplate symbolizes a life that continues to seek a consistent, righteous walk before God.

The Breastplate of righteousness indicates that the believer is pursuing a consistent, righteous walk before the Lord. The believer will not accept a situational or occasional

righteousness that depends on who might see or hear of their behavior. We must realize that the very moment we remove our breastplate is the time at which the enemy will attack.


Though many believers fail to keep their armor (breastplate) on at all times, we should not be deceived by the enemy‘s strategy of making us think that it will not matter if we don‘t put on this piece of the armor. It will matter, and he will use the opportunity.

Preparing to put on your shoes of peace

Can you imagine any soldier going into battle without an effective pair of footwear?

We can‘t travel very far (in our culture) without some footwear to protect our sensitive feet

And, for those of us who have had foot problems; the thought of going without comfortable and protective shoes simply isn‘t an option.

As shoes are the foundation upon which we stand, so peace must provide a secure foundation upon which the Christian can stand.

It must also be true that the shoes are the foundation upon which a soldier stands, even in the midst of a war.



We read the Bible (truth) and embrace Christ as Savior and Lord (righteousness) and receive peace with God as a result. (David Jeremiah p. 61)

There is an implication that we haven‘t always had peace We are called to receive or put on peace We are told that before coming to Christ we were ―enemies‖ of God (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21; James 4:4)

Why is peace so important to our success in Christ? Because we aren‘t struggling against flesh

The battlefield in this spiritual war is not a physical one, but in our minds For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (2 Corinthians 10:3 NIV) When we fail to realize the location of the warfare, we open ourselves to attacks and defeat


When we fail to put on peace, we end-up putting on: worry, anxiety, envy, hatred, unrest, confusion, frustration, resentment, depression and we also fail to receive the peace that Christ has obtained for us What is it that we need in a world filled with anxiety, fear and depression? A settled, content, peaceful mind and heart (The peace of God)

Our Lord brings peace to all who trust in Him. And, He urges us to trust Him for a peace that the world can‘t give or understand.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have

overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV)


Is peace really required?

Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. (Luke 21:26 NIV)

With the increased hardship and instability in our world, peace is more than an acceptable option for us. We will need it. David Jeremiah sees five key reasons for having the shoes of the gospel of peace.

Gratitude

Reason

Fruitfulness

Our testimony for Christ

Preparedness


Read : Matthew 6:25-33 Gratitude - Our Lord teaches us in Matt. 6:25 that we can‘t enjoy the blessings of God and manifest an attitude of gratitude when we are worried about the cares of life.

We have much to be thankful for every day We will miss God‘s many blessings when we are focused on what we don‘t have Though we would never say the words, when we are overtaken by worry, etc. we are saying, ―God, you can‘t be trusted.‖

Reason – Speaking of the birds, the Lord asks in verse 26, … Are you not much more valuable than they? Jesus appeals to our reason and logic in this question. If God would take such care to provide for the birds who don‘t inherit eternal life, then won‘t He care for us? Our answer to Jesus‘ question should be quick and repentant. ―Yes, you have placed in us your image and likeness; you have sent your son for us; forgive our unbelief.‖


Fruitfulness - In verse 27, Jesus adds, Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? What‘s the message? When we are preoccupied by the worries of life and use great energy on that focus, we cannot be productive for the Lord. Time, opportunities , and blessings will pass us as we focus on what we cannot change by our worrying. In addition, the energy that we waste on our worrying can work against us through our bodies and emotions. And, without the peace of God we unwittingly open ourselves to more attacks .

Our Testimony for Christ – Scripture doesn‘t say that a

person who worries; becomes anxious or depressed is not a Christian. However, this passage implies (v. 32) that such a person is acting as one who doesn‘t know God (unbelievers in NLT). When we behave like an unbeliever, we raise questions about: (1) whether we are truly His, and (2) whether God is able to provide for His own.


Unprepared - So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matt.

6:34 NLT) Here, the Lord teaches us a couple of lessons:

Everyday of our lives will have concerns, issues, problems that will sufficiently occupy us for that day.

When we carry worries from today into tomorrow or import worries from tomorrow into today we end up carrying more worries than God ever intended for our ―fallen‖ nature to carry.

We can conclude that if we carry the increasing ―heap‖ of worries into subsequent days, then we will be unprepared/less capable in dealing with that days‘ worries.

Note that our Lord is not teaching us that we ought not to plan and

prepare for tomorrow.

But, as we have seen, worrying about things to take place in the future will not do us any good. In fact, it very well may do harm to

us; emotionally and physically

How do we get this peace that will protect us from Satan‘s attacks? Receive Christ – Since Jesus Christ is our connection with the

God of peace. When we enter into a relationship with Christ we put on Christ and put on His peace as well. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NLT) Also see: 1 Cor. 14:33; Phil.

4:9. 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Thess. 3:16; Heb. 13:20)

Abide (meditate) in Him – ―As with all relationships, it takes time and communication for them to grow as they should.‖ (D. Jeremiah, p. 65). You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) Stay in close fellowship with the Lord. That fellowship promises us peace.

Live a righteous life – When we allow the Spirit of God to fill us and work in us, we will bear the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 2:20)



Memorize the Word of Peace – Several biblical principles can be helpful in this area:

The Bible teaches us to hide God‘s, word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalms 119:11 NLT)

We are also taught to, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

The example of Jesus is that He responded to the spiritual attack from Satan by quoting ―portions‖ of Scripture that He had memorized. If it is peace that you lack, then commit yourself to memorize Scripture that promises the peace that passes all understanding. We can conclude that it was the Word of God (rhema and not the logos) that rendered Satan powerless (Matt. 4:1-11).

Let peace guide your life – Col. 3:15 reads: And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. (Colossians 3:15 NLT). Allow the Lord of peace to determine your decision and set the course for your life.

The Shield of Faith – ―Of all the elements of the armor of God, faith is the most fundamental and important.‖ (D. Jeremiah, p. 71)

The shield seems to be one of the most practical pieces of the armor with which to defend and protect ourselves. Our Christian lives are lived by faith - The life I live in the body,

I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Indeed, we live by faith - We live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

While the shield was the largest part of the armor for the soldier, so faith is to occupy the largest place in our spiritual defense.

Consider King Ahab‘s death (1 King 22:34)

Ahab apparently didn‘t use a shield

Satan also looks for openings between our pieces of armor

The shield is not optional



The Purpose of the Shield of Faith - … with which you can

extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. NIV (v.16 NLT)

Fiery arrows could have been dipped in poison or Covered with pitch and set on fire

these arrows could kill even if the person didn‘t die right away for the Christian, we can imagine attacks both: internal and external

The Roman soldier would interlock their shields in order to protect each other from attacks

we are to protect the vulnerable among us • If the one (the vulnerable) is taken, it impacts the whole • No room for ―lone rangers.‖

The Potential of the Shield of Faith – Paul encourages us in verse 16 when he uses the words, all. … you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. NIV

God has provided for our every need Satan‘s goal is to discredit God (His faithfulness and ability) We can experience victory through faith in God


The Protection of the Shield of Faith – To best understand

how the shield protects, we should look to the nature of the fiery darts that the enemy uses.

The good example of the enemy‘s (fiery-dart) weapons used in an attack is in the Garden of Eden. Doubt: was the first dirt fired at Adam and Eve. Satan

asked, Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden? (v. 1 NLT)

Satan‘s goal was, and remains, to get humans to doubt God‘s

integrity. when Eve responded by quoting God‘s statement, the enemy use the second dirt

Denial: was the second dirt used by the enemy in his attack of Adam and Eve. He responded to Eve with these words, You will not surely die, (v. 4) This statement contradicts what had told the

couple. His strategy is to raise doubt first, then to follow it with denial. He finishes his attack with the next and final dirt, deception.


Deception: Satan says, For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. (v. 5 NIV)

Understand the direction in which he wants to take Adam and

Eve. If God has spoken ―untruths,‖ therefore He can‘t be the God of integrity. I will be inclined to doubt the integrity/reliability of God, when I should be resting in Him, and once I doubt God‘s integrity, I will be less inclined to trust Him in the same way, again. ―If we stop believing who God is and what He has said, we have little reason to persevere in the Christian life.‖ (D. Jeremiah)

• This whole foundation rests on our faith • Noah and opposition, yet he believed in the God who called him to build the ark when there had never been a flood before in history.


Possession of the Shield of Faith – How do we get this kind of

faith? First, I have to pick up the shield myself (it is a gift of God, but we have to put on that gift in order to use it)

The word of God referred to in Eph. 6:17 is not the Bible (logos), but those teachings contained in the Bible (Rhema)

• The Bible (logos) is the armory, and • The sayings from within the Bible are the (Rhema), the specific word of God used to defeat the enemy

When we exercise faith in the area of our vulnerability that Satan has attacked and defend ourselves by faith in a particular truth of God, we are using the shield of faith.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word (Rhema)of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

The answer to gaining and maintaining a shield that is big enough and strong enough to quench the fiery darts of the enemy is to memorize Scripture which speaks to the areas of weakness in your armor.


When attacks come in those areas, we have the rhema of God

to quench (or shield us from) all of the fiery darts of the enemy. To hold up the shield of faith, we must know what we believe

With the shield in place, we will be able to defeat the enemy and stop/avoid the influence of:

• worry • anger • envy • lust • discouragement • etc.

And, as our faith in the Lord becomes stronger, we will enjoy Christ-like victory over our enemy and over the areas of vulnerability in our lives

• Take courage, my friends, the loving God has provided for our victories over the enemy and over sin. • ―Faith is saying, Yes, I believe Christ is the truth. HE is my righteousness. He is my peace.‖ (Ray Stedman)

Our enemy was never able to defeat the Lord, not even once! And, he will not be able to defeat us in the Lord as long as we are:

clothed in Christ,

wearing His full armor, and

dependent on Him, we will be able to stand


Two principles incorporated in the idea of the shield of faith. (D. Jeremiah)

1. Focusing on the source of your faith

a) Our faith must not be in ―our faith.‖ Rather, our faith must be in the integrity, reliability, and promises of our Almighty God. As Hebrews reminds us, Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

b) Consider this, our faith is only as good as the one in whom we place that faith.

c) It is God who has promised, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)

d) Another fact to keep in mind is that to be victorious in our spiritual walk, we only need faith the size of a mustard seed. (Luke 17:6)



2. Build up the Strength of your Faith a) Spiritual maturity doesn‘t just happen

i. it isn‘t a ―years of service‖ award ii. not given as a ―certificate of participation‖ iii. Can‘t be gained through family connections

b) If you desire spiritual maturity, you must earn it! i. you must put Christ on every day ii. you must trust Him when it is easy and when it is hard iii. and, you must be willing to give up something of value to

you i. To grow our faith we must realize that we will be

tempted and tested. ii. Being tempted and tested exercise our faith iii. With every testing by God we are given the

opportunity to grow iv. biblical examples: (How did these people build up their

faith?) 1) Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Daniel, Esther,

Nehemiah, Mary and Joseph, etc. 2) Their faith was exercised and tested!

The Helmet of Salvation – Since the primary site in this spiritual battle is in the mind, the protection of our minds and the cultivation of a Christian thought process in general is critical to our victory. Satan is crafty and cunning. He has been studying human

weaknesses for thousands of years. He knows how to set snares and traps for the unwise and unwary. (D. Jeremiah)

It is the wisdom of God that protects our minds and thinking.

It is very common for Satan to question our salvation

The Six Truths of the Helmet of Salvation

1. The Helmet of Salvation is personified in Jesus Christ

Apostle Paul says of Christ that He is the power and wisdom of God. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24-25 NLT)

• When we put on the helmet of salvation, we are putting on the wisdom of Christ



2. The Helmet of Salvation is a Prerequisite to Any Kind of Ministry Putting on the helmet of salvation is not optional for the Christian, and particularly for the Christian leader.

The Lord‘s wisdom has been proven to be appropriate and right in life on planet earth. Christ demonstrated the power that the Father has given us through Jesus. God‘s wisdom and power are just what we need.

3. The Helmet of Salvation is a the Power of God in Our Lives Two kinds of wisdom: (Wisdom of God, and Wisdom of man) What ever is done for God can only be accomplished with God‘s wisdom

• Paul told the Corinthians that he hadn‘t used human reason and clever speech to influence them. I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NLT)


• Paul went with the helmet of salvation in place, protecting his mind. The power of God flows through the wisdom of His Spirit and it is delivered through the Christian mind.

4. The Helmet of Salvation is Produced by Reading God‘s Word See how Paul knits together the Word of God and

wisdom. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15-16 NLT)

God says of His Word, … I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. (Isaiah 55:11

NLT)

Now that is the kind of wisdom I want guiding me! (But, leaving that wisdom in the Bible which is on

the shelf cannot protect my mind and thinking)


5. The Helmet of Salvation is Possible Through Prayer One of my favorite passages in Scripture is found in

James 1:15, If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke

you for asking. (James 1:5-6 NLT)

Don‘t be deceived by what seems like an easy answer: ―how do I get wisdom?‖ The answer is to pray and ask for it, but there is more to it than that.

We must also seek wisdom (it won‘t fall from the sky); we must also work to achieve it through study; and we must apply the truth from God‘s Word in our daily lives.

Note that James placed the responsibility on my shoulders to ask God, and not go to another person for that wisdom.

The helmet of salvation is God‘s wisdom through Jesus our Lord. Every Christian (without regard to gender, age, and maturity) can receive what is needed just by asking.


6. The Helmet of Salvation Is the Promise of Hope – The helmet of salvation is a picture of the promise of eternal hope (D. Jeremiah) But let us who live in the

light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT)

How does the helmet of salvation give us hope? It reminds us that this spiritual warfare is temporary,

and that there is a day coming when we can rest from this struggle and receive the eternal inheritance.

We are reminded of God‘s promise in His Word that Christ has been victorious and the devil will be defeated.

We also know that Satan‘s goal is to get us to curse God or even to doubt His Word. But, in Christ we can stand!

To the question, ―will we be able to hold on and be victorious in the future?‖ The helmet reminds us that in Christ, we will be victorious.

Seen from this perspective, death is not an enemy to be avoided, but a blessing


But, how do we wear the helmet and use it? We must realize and appreciate the fact that ideas make a difference.

Christians must be prepared (appropriately equipped)

to fight in their hearts and minds against the ideas and schemes of the devil.

• We are appropriately equipped when we hidden God‘s Word in our hearts (minds), use the wisdom that come from above which produces Christian thinking. • such thinking is what the world needs, but often doesn‘t want. Having on the helmet of salvation is, in part, thinking Christianly.

We who are prepared must be sensitive to those around us who are without their helmets

The helmet of salvation can defend us in a hostile world

It is important to remember that Satan is first and foremost the enemy of God and His will, plans, followers.


The devil sought to eliminate Jesus (by breaking His

ancestral line or killing Him) at several points in His life. He thought he had been successful when Christ was crucified. We became the devil‘s enemy when we sided with Christ. Satan and the world will, therefore, be hostile to us

• Having the helmet on means that we understand the difference between the world and God‘s standards. • Having the helmet on means that when we are questioned about the truth we serve, we will be given the words to defend ourselves (Matthew 10:18-20). • Having the helmet on means that… if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. (1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT)

The Helmet of Salvation is useful for demolishing

strongholds of the mind and heart. (1 Corinthians 10:4-5)


The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Remember that the field of battle in this spiritual warfare

is the mind. Be aware of the fact that we have been affected (in many ways) by the world‘s thinking, and to the degree that those thoughts and ideas continue to be at work in us, we

need to take action against them. • In fact, Satan has been using these ―worldly‖

thoughts and ideas to build: (1) fortresses and (2) footholds into our lives. … and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:27 NIV)

• As a result, he can gain access to our lives whenever

he wants through these structures or doorways.


It is important that we note what the Spirit of God teaches us in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

• Our weapons are from God • Our weapons are spiritual in nature (not worldly or human in origin) • Since our weapons come from God they are equipped with His wisdom and power • This weapons and pieces of armor are effective in destroying the world‘s/Satan‘s thinking • The weapons and armor provided by God are sufficient (nothing else is needed) to demolish every thought and idea that comes against God • Our weapons are so effective that they can demolish existing strongholds and fortresses. • We are to be proactive in attacking these existing strongholds using the weapons that God has provided. Start with current problem areas. • Finally, implied in these verses is that we must take care not to allow any fortress or stronghold to be constructed in our lives. Give Satan no opportunity.


The Sword of the Spirit - … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17 NIV)

What does Paul mean by the word of God? Two Greek terms are translated, word of God

logos - refers to the total inspired Word of God [the Bible] and to Jesus, who is the living Word (John 1:1).

rhema - refers to a word that is spoken and means “an utterance.” A rhema is a verse of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention with application to a current situation or need for direction.

An easy way to view the difference between these two words when considering the armor of God is that the Bible is the logos and specific passages of Scripture are the rhema. Or, the logos (Bible) is the armory and the rhema are the specific weapons contained in the armory. Think of the rhema as a short dagger (not a long sword) used in close combat… used to swiftly kill an enemy The term, rhema is used in Eph 6:17

Let‘s look at the passage of Scripture that tells the story of Jesus‘ temptation, and see the difference clear.


The Three Temptations of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)

Note several things about the on-set of the temptations

• The temptation takes place just after the Father affirms His identification with and support of Jesus • Satan separates Jesus from others • Jesus had been fasting for 40 days prior to being tempted • Notice also that God‘s Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness • The temptations were consistent with what Satan uses to tempt mankind (1 John 2:16 KJV)

o lust of the flesh

o lust of the eyes o pride of life

• Note the implications in the words used by Satan each time

First temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-4)

• Satan was saying, ―if you truly are the Son of God, exercise your power and create the bread that you deserve.‖ Or ―act independently of the father.‖ • Remember that Jesus had come to do the Father‘s will, not His own. (John 6:38)


• Jesus responded to this first temptation to step out on His

own and not look to God‘s provision by saying, It is written, 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word [rhema] that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4

NIV) See Deuteronomy 8:3

• Notice that Jesus did not quote the entire Bible, but used a verse which fit the specific situation (it spoke to His immediate need). Note also that He did not speak in generalities, but specifically addressed the immediate situation. • Jesus‘ response to the first temptation is a model for how He confronted the other temptations. This model should become a patter or model for us to use when we are attacked.

Second Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:5-7)

• Pressing forward in his goal, Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the Jerusalem temple (probably 500 feet above the Kidron Valley). • Once again to paraphrase what Satan, ―if you really are the Son of God, throw yourself down from this great height and you won‘t be harmed.‖ Satan‘s temptation seems to imply that if Jesus jumped and was unhurt, many would believe.


• Note that Jesus didn‘t pull a long sword and fight back by

trying to maim his enemy with many blows. Rather, Jesus took another dagger of Scripture and drove it home. • Jesus responded in verse seven, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test. This time Jesus‘ dagger was taken from Deuteronomy 6:16. • Satan‘s goal was to have Jesus respond to this temptation appealing to a ―lust of the eyes.‖ Jesus would be seen to be what he claimed in the eyes of the others. • Notice that Satan was quite capable of using Scripture and did so in this temptation. (Psalm 91:11-12; Matt. 4:6) Though he knows the Bible, he will misuse it when it suits his purposes. We must know the Bible to know when it is being used incorrectly. • Jesus understood that it was alright to believe in miracles, but not to schedule one when it seemed convenient.

Third Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:8-11)

• Satan‘s goal in this third temptation was for Jesus to give in to human pride. Showing Jesus the kingdoms of the world, he offered them to Jesus on the condition, "if you will bow down and worship me.‖ (v. 9) •Satan had the right to make the offer (1 John 5:19)


• Jesus, once again, went to the armory and took a sword to

use in response to this temptation. He said, Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. (See Deuteronomy 6:13)

• After this third temptation, Satan left Jesus and angels came to minister to Him. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NIV) • Each time the rhema of God was sufficient to stop Satan, and ultimately to drive him away. • Because of who He was, you might think that Satan would use a strategy uniquely designed to the Son of God, but he used a method that was/is designed to pull down humans since the Garden of Eden. • When we memorize the Bible, particularly those passages that address our needs, the Holy Spirit will be at the ready to bring those passages [the rhema] back to us in critical situations.


… And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

Prayer is one of the weapons in God‘s armory.

The sword and prayer are the only offensive weapons God gives ―In the spiritual life, the power to engage and be victorious over the enemy comes through prayer — for our self and for all the saints.‖ (D. Jeremiah)

Prayer has been a key to spiritual victory throughout the Bible. A soldier must stay in contact with headquarters at all times. Christians, both leaders and laity, fail to pray as we should Since prayer is listed with other key weapons should motivated us to pray more.

Persistence of the Warrior‘s Prayer – Paul agrees with Jesus that we ought to persist in prayer for others and ourselves. (Luke 18:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

We must know that God wants us to come to Him in prayer He always listens He wants to answer our prayers He has the power to deliver our requests


We can rightly conclude that Satan doesn‘t want to see us in continual communication with our Lord.

• Satan will deny, deceive, disrupt, derail, discourage, depress — in order to keep us from remaining persistent in praying • Curiously, it is just when we feel least like praying that we must need to pray

God wants us to be persistent soldiers who never give up (Luke 11:5-8)

When should we pray and under what circumstances? We should pray on all occasions — can there be any time when it is inappropriate to move into God‘s presence? No! We should be ready to pray in all places — prayer is not to be restricted to the church or the prayer closet. We should go to God in prayer whether we are in riches or poverty — the riches we have came from God and the hard times have been permitted by Him.

Prerequisites of the Warrior‘s Prayer Faith: Faith is a complete trust, confidence and reliance in

God.


James 1:6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. NLT

Clean Heart Psalm 66:18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. NLT James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV) A Humble Heart: It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory." 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (NIV) Easton's Bible Dictionary.

Wholeheartedness Jeremiah 29:13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. NLT Psalm 119:2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. NLT (Also see Psalm 119:10, 58; Jeremiah 3:10)


Obedience 1 John 3:21-22 Dear friends, if we don't feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that please him. (NLT) John 15:10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. (Also see Proverbs 15:8, 28:9; Acts 17:30; 20:21; 1 John 3:23-24)

Hearing the Poor/Needy Proverbs 21:13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. (NLT)

Persistence Luke 18:1 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. (NLT) ―Now, if a selfish judge finally meets the needs of a poor widow, how much more will the loving Heavenly Father meet the needs of His own children when they cry to Him? This parable is not urging us to ‗pester God‘ until He acts; it is saying that we do not need to ‗pester‘ Him because He is ready and willing to answer our prayers.‖ Wiersbe's Expository

Outlines on the New Testament.

http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/p/newlivingtransl.htm


In Jesus‘ Name John 16:24 You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. NLT

It is because of Christ that we have assess to the Father It is Christ who secured for us the right to be called children of God It is the Christ who intercedes for us before the Father And, it is in His name that we have come to know salvation

The Purpose of the Warrior‘s Prayer And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. (Ephesians 6:19 NLT)

Much of our praying is to be for others (intercessory) When we pray for others, we can be sure that our needs will be prayed for

Paul asks for prayers that he might be bold in preaching the Word of God. Ephesians 6:18

The emphasis on praying for others can be seen in verse 18 Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere (all the saints KJV).


Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (Ephesians 6:13 NLT)

Put on the whole armor of God and the Lord promises victory. It is critical that we bathe our thinking and acting in prayer. Even the armor should be prayed over, asking for the Lord‘s wisdom, strength, and power.

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