Protective Clothing• We need protection• From ourselves• From other people• From God• From the effect of sin• To live in victory

• From Satan’s influence/attacks

Ephesians 6:10-20 (Phillips)

“In conclusion be strong – not in yourselves but in the Lord, in the power of his boundless resource. Put on God’s complete armour so that you can successfully resist all the devil’s methods of attack. For our fight is not against any physical enemy: it is against organisations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil..”

Ephesians 6:10-20 (Phillips)

“Therefore you must wear the whole armour of God that you may be able to resist evil in its day of power, and that even when you have fought to a standstill you may still stand your ground.Take your stand then with truth as your belt, righteousness your breastplate, the Gospel of peace firmly on your feet, salvation as your helmet and in your hand the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Above all be sure you take faith as your shield, for it can quench every burning missile the enemy hurls at you.”

Ephesians 6:10-20 (Phillips)

“Pray at all times with every kind of spiritual prayer, keeping alert and persistent as you pray for all Christ’s men and women.And pray for me, too, that I may be able to speak freely here to make known the secret of that Gospel for which I am, so to speak, an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may speak out about it as my plain and obvious duty.”

Get Protection

The Battle• Not “flesh and blood”• “Principalities and powers”• Hierarchy of evil• Rulers | Authorities | Powers | Forces

• Disobedience to God• Cherish sin in our hearts (Psalm 66:18)• Hypocrisy (Isaiah 29:13)• Husbands and wives (1Peter 3:7)• Motives (James 4:3)• Not living by faith in confidence (Hebrews

11:6 & 4:16)

The Battle• Don’t be complacent• Schemes• “Methodeia” – strategies• Underhand tactics – subversive warfare

• Satan’s primary weapons• Pride | Unbelief | Fear• Tactics: Accusation (Revelation 12:10) |

Deception (John 8:44)• We have the victory• 1John 4:4 – the one in us is greater• Ephesians 6:10 – be strong in the Lord• Jeremiah 17:7 – confidence in the Lord

“Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” – v.11

Put on the FULL armour

Belt ofTruth

Helmet of salvation

Sword of the Spirit

Breastplate of

Righteousness

Shield of Faith

Shoes of peace

Truth | Righteousness | Peace

Belt ofTruth

Helmet of salvation

Sword of the Spirit

Breastplate of

Righteousness

Shield of Faith

Shoes of peace

• Belt of Truth• Are we authentic in our faith?• Does what we profess line up?• Are we loyal and sincere?• Is there any hypocrisy?

• Breastplate of Righteousness• Where is our treasure?• What controls our spending and

time?• Is my heart fully in favour of

God?• Shoes of Peace• “Fitted with the readiness that

comes from the gospel of peace”

• Are we taking our stand? • Are we holding our position?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” – Matthew 6:21

Faith | Salvation

Belt ofTruth

Helmet of salvation

Sword of the Spirit

Breastplate of

Righteousness

Shield of Faith

Shoes of peace

• Shield of Faith• Faith often grows in times of

crisis• Faith in God not ourselves• Are we allowing a wedge to

develop between us and God?• What temptations am I allowing

to grow?

“Without faith it is impossible to please God…must believe He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him” – Hebrews 11:6

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” – 1Corinthians 10:13

Faith | Salvation

Belt ofTruth

Helmet of salvation

Sword of the Spirit

Breastplate of

Righteousness

Shield of Faith

Shoes of peace

• Shield of Faith• Faith often grows in times of

crisis• Faith in God not ourselves• Are we allowing a wedge to

develop between us and God?• What temptations am I allowing

to grow?• Helmet of Salvation• Are we too close to worldly

values/culture?• What influence does public

opinion have?• Are we distinctive enough?

“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould but let God remould your minds from within…” – Romans 12:2 (Phillips)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” – Romans 12:2 (NIVUK)

Sword of the Spirit – God’s Word

Belt ofTruth

Helmet of salvation

Sword of the Spirit

Breastplate of

Righteousness

Shield of Faith

Shoes of peace

• Sword of the Spirit• Confidence comes when we read

God’s Word and believe it• How often do we read the Bible?• How much do we remember?• What verses can we recall?• When was the last time we

quoted Scripture to someone?• How do we respond when

tempted?• What promises are we standing

on?

“living and active and sharper than any two -edged sword…” – Hebrews 4:12

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” – 2Timothy 3:16-17 (NIVUK)