The Full Armor of God

Greetings everyone. As you might have noticed my post is being posted on Monday. The reason, complete Spiritual exhaustion... What an amazing God I serve. The Spirit was moving all day and continued well into the night. Tonight's sermon was on the Full Armor of God. Our scripture reading was Ephesians 6:10-18. Once again, new faces were in the congregation and the Holy Spirit was present. Paul is telling us in this passage that we are involved in a Spiritual battle with Satan and the principalities of this world. It is not a battle of the flesh but rather the Spirit (Vs. 12). Conventional weapons can not stop Satan and his minions. How then are we to prepare ourselves for this battle?
By putting on the Full Armor of God. The Belt of Truth (Vs. 14) is suppose to be wrapped around us. Satan is the father of lies (Jn. 8:44) and God considers a lying tongue an abomination (Pr. 6:16-17). The belt of Truth, through Jesus Christ, is for our sanctification and deliverance. It benefits us and those we witness to.
The Breastplate of Righteousness (Vs. 14). In day's of old, a breastplate was used to protect the vital organs of the soldier. Our breastplate is the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, not the works we do. It comes from Faith in Jesus and protects our hearts and inner most being from Satan's attacks.
The Shoes of Peace (Vs. 15) indicates that we will be moving forward into Satan's territory. Many times in war, obstacles are place in the way of advancing troops, mines, trip wires, I.E.D.'s etc. Satan is no different. Peace in Jesus through the gospel allows us to move forward into Satan's territory.
The Shield of Faith (Vs.16) protects us from Satan's "Flaming Arrows", a direct attack from Satan. He will try to convince us that God is not faithful. Our Faith in Jesus is like a shield to Satan's attacks (Heb. 12:2).
The Helmet of Salvation (Vs. 17). Protection for our minds. Our way of thinking needs protection. Salvation through Jesus Christ gives us discernment of truth (Acts 9:18). Spiritual deception occurs without the Helmet of Salvation.
The Sword of the Spirit (Vs. 17). God's Word, our Bible, our only offensive weapon in the full armor. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, Jesus went to scripture, God's Word, when answering him. Our sword.
Finally, verse 17 tells us to Pray in the Spirit on all occasions. After putting on your Full Armor of God we need to pray. When you pray do it with the mind of Christ, His heart, and His priorities in mind. We cannot neglect prayer, it is how we draw Spiritual strength from God. Without the Armor of God and prayer our attempts are fruitless. The Full Armor of God ... Truth, Righteousness, The Gospel, Faith, Salvation, The Word of God, and Prayer .... Everything we need to do battle in this Spiritual world. I pray that you will put on the Full Armor of God every day. When you are saying your morning prayers ask God to protect you with the Full Armor of God ....
Our service came to an end with an anointing. We gathered around a parishioner and laid hands on him asking the Lord to be with him and the doctors in an upcoming surgery. Phil, our prayers are with you and we know that our God is the great healer and will protect you. Be Blessed. Till next week, I wish everyone a blessed and peaceful week.