The title today refers to the strength we have in Christ Jesus during hard times. Of course , this scripture is found in the Book of Ephesians.. chapter 6, known for its listing of the weapons of our warfare. I love this chapter, because it covers everything we need when times get rough..
I would say that North Carolina has experienced one of the roughest calamities they could never imagine!. I am thinking of those families who lived up in the hollers of the Appalachians. I am sure they never imagined seeing their homes wash away beneath their feet. They never imagined a small stream that meandered along the winding road to become a raging torrent. No way could they ever have prepared for such a horrific storm to decimate their homes and whole communities! I am hearing that hundreds of families are unaccounted for.. some found in trees, others washed up under lifted roadways, or buried in feet of silt, mud, and debris! Horrible.
Now weeks following the storm, many good samaritans are going in and pushing new roads around the broken terrain.. and making new paths for cars and trucks to get to the many country roads that lead nowhere but to a high mountain dead ends.. but where communities actually had to be removed because the mountain, days after the storm, became a great land slide, further destroying people's properties! But with no insurance to help build back, the dream of being able to start over is very illusive.. but many of these folks are very prideful and do not even wish to ask for help when it is offered. Many do not have the means for rebuilding...and the government is telling them,"too bad" we're out of money! That is why it is so wonderful to hear of many volunteers who have not only taken supplies to their porch, if there is one... otherwise to their sad dwelling... ,and shared the hope of the gospel with them. These folks do need a jumpstart to their faith.. And to tell the truth, we, ourselves have no idea when we might see ourselves facing a similar situation in these dark days.
So what about Ephesians 6... that is where we find the Armor of God!
The Armor of God
6:10 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 Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Life is a battle. Stand Firm!
Like it or not, you’re life is a battle ground. There is an enemy who wants to take you down. God has given us everything we need in order to fight the spiritual battles we face. It is important to realize that we need to have ALL these weapons working together in order to be ready for battle. Paul said,
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… 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 6:11…13
1. The Belt of Truth
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth… Ephesians 6:14a
The belt is the part of the armor that holds everything together, being grounded in truth is what holds our lives together.
2. Body Armor of God’s Righteousness
“…and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14b
The body armor protects the vital organs. God’s body armor is what makes us secure. We can be safe because we rely on God’s righteousness. Also our pursuit of righteousness protect us by helping us avoid sin.
3. Peace That Comes From The Good News
“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Ephesians 6:15
Shoes are helpful for two things.
- Shoes are made for standing solidly. When we have an adequate understanding of the good news it will give us great peace knowing we are safe in Christ. We can stand firm in the peace he gives us.
- Shoes are also made for going places. Jesus gave us the command to go make disciples of all nations. It is possible that this verse could also be implying that we should be ready to go out and share the good news!
4. The Shield of Faith
“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Ephesians 6:16
The shield is effective for blocking attacks. Faith helps us block the devil’s attempts to bring us down. Having solid faith keeps us from doubt, worry, and fear. Faith allows us to have a good perspective when the battle is raging around us.
5. The Helmet of Salvation
Put on salvation as your helmet… Ephesians 6:17
The helmet protects the head, and without the head you are dead! The Salvation is our source of life. Understanding and trusting in the security of our salvation will give you great confidence and protection against attacks.
6. The Sword Of The Spirit, God’s Word
…and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
God’s Word is your sword. The more of God’s Word you have in your life the more ready you will be for spiritual battle. The Bible is your only offensive weapon in this list. Jesus used scripture to fight the temptation of the devil in the desert.
Bonus Weapon… PRAYER!
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18
Prayer protects us, because it keeps us connected to God. We should not only pray for ourselves but pray for believers everywhere. Prayer is also one way to pick up these other weapons.
Which of these weapons do you need to pick up today?
