Are You Ready for Battle (Lesson two)

A look a Christian Virtue

Ephesians 6:13-20 NASB

(13)  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

(14)  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,

(15)  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;

(16)  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

(17)  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

(18)  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

(19)  and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

(20)  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

We must put on the Armor of God in order to stand.  What is the armor going to allow us to do?  What does the belt of truth do?  A belt holds everything in place.  Truth is our foundation of faith that holds everything together.  What does the breastplate do?  It protects the soldier’s chest against the thrusts of the enemy.  Christ’s righteousness protects us against the blow of the Satan.  A soldier has to have on the proper shoes for the battle. 

Paul says to have on the Gospel of Peace.  We should always be ready to share the gospel with others.  The Roman Soldiers had shields covered in leather and soaked in oil or water to prevent fiery attacks.  Satan takes shots at believers.  The most important defense is faith.  The Helmet is very important, for a soldier a blow to the leg or arm is acceptable but a low to the head would be fatal.  For the Christian the salvation protects our thinking.  We have assurance in salvation, which protects us against doubt.  The Sword is our only offensive weapon.  It destroys the works of the enemy, sets prisoners free and tears down the strongholds of the devil. 

Paul told us to pray.  When, (always), How (with urgency in the power of the Spirit under His direction).  Who, (for all the Saints).  God has given us everything we need in order to be successful. 

Christian virtue requires us to be prepared for battle.