The Growing Christian and His Battle With The Enemy – Part 2

The Armor of God equips us to stand against all of the attacks of the enemy and to bear fruit for God’s glory in this life.

Summary

The normal Christian life is one of constant conflict, of constant victory and a constant fellowship with Jesus.  Because we are constantly in conflict, God commands us to take up the whole armor of God so that we can also enjoy victory in conflict and maintain fellowship with Jesus.  Pastor David Joiner teaches us how to apply the armor of God to our lives and inspires us to live boldy for the glory of God.

Outline

1. The shield of faith – we are constantly and relentlessly under attack.
   1. The type of shield at the time referred to in this passage was a large shield to hide behind.
   2. The fiery darts probably refer to the combustible arrows.
   3. God wants us to know that we can never let our guard down. We need to always be spiritually in a place to help those in need.
   4. Faith can overcome every attack of the enemy.
   5. Pride, envy, fear, lust, pride, etc. are some of the darts that are shot at us. We can be protected from them all.
   6. One of the ways to protect ourselves is to pray for ourselves, our family and others.
   7. The power of faith can move mountains.
2. The helmet of salvation – protects our head from the inroads of the enemy.
   1. The enemy wants to keep us out of the Word of God because it renews our mind.
   2. God’s Word transforms us by changing the way we think.
   3. God wants us to know how good, pleasing and perfect His will is.
   4. God wants us to be able to go into the marketplace and make a difference.
   5. The Holy Spirit works through the Word to renew our minds.
   6. The Holy Spirit educates us and directs us (often redirecting us).
   7. We put the Word into our heart and the Holy Spirit brings it to remembrance.
   8. We need to be totally dedicated to the Lord and His will.
   9. We can completely trust the Lord.
   10. Most importantly, we need assurance of salvation.
   11. God wants us to infiltrate all the world with His Kingdom.
   12. We can always pray.
3. The sword of the Spirit
   1. We are helpless without the word of God.
   2. Jesus used the word against the devil when He was tempted.
   3. We are children of the living God.
   4. Jesus died for us.
   5. The word is our weapon for keeping a clean life – Jesus is the word.
4. Commands for the saints:
   1. Be strong in the Lord.
   2. Be strong in His power – we will not overcome without the Holy Spirit.
   3. Put on the whole armor of God.
   4. We need to have a life of prayer.
5. Blessings of God’s armor:
   1. Ability to stand against the enemy.
   2. Ability to withstand all attacks.