We are in the midst of battle: but have we forgotten that the battle has already been won? In this episode, Jeff walks us through Ephesians 6:10-17, where St. Paul invites us to “put on the armor of God”, that we may walk in the victory Christ has gained for us.
Snippet from the Show
Stand firm, and hold your ground.
Shownotes
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Christ Gained the Victory: Now, we must act like it.
We are in the midst of battle: whether it’s world politics, domestic politics or the battles in our families, workplaces, or relationships.
The good news is that we have weapons for our warfare: the clothing that Jesus has given us to fight the battle that we are in right now.
How do we respond when we find ourselves in a battle? By first recognizing that it is a battle, and know that you are equipped with a heavenly outfit to fight in the battle!
Paul stated that he was a prisoner at the time he wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians (see Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; 6:20). Ephesians may have been written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, around A.D. 60–62.
We have times where we get so discouraged because we forget that the battle has already been won. Jesus has defeated the grave, and he has defeated the enemy.
We have God-issued battle attire!
“Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17)
We don’t fight our battles with our bare hands or our wit and cleverness. Jesus is giving us the outfit and the weapons so that we can withstand the test of the enemy.
Why we need “the armor”:
A. To be endued with the Lord’s strength. (Ephesians 6:10)
B. To prevail and be steadfast against Satan. (Ephesians 6:11)
C. To contend, not with each other, but with “rulers of darkness.” (Eph 6:12; Ezek 28:12-15)
D. To do battle with entrenched evil on earth. (Ephesians 6:13)
Three Imperatives in the Midst of Battle (Ephesians 6:10-14)
A. “Be Strong”: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power …” (Ephesians 6:10)
B. “Put on the armor of God …” (Ephesians 6:11a)
C. “Stand …” – “… so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Our God-Issued Battle Attire:
The Belt of Truth
Protects: Inward parts, will, mind, loins.
Taken from Isaiah 11:5 where it describes the “Branch,” the Davidic deliverer, who has righteousness as a belt and truth as a sash. This speaks of keeping faith in the covenant promises.
“Girding” in the ancient world was associated with tying up long robes and designating readiness for action.
The person who does not gird themselves is too relaxed and not ready for warfare. They are pursuing a life of pleasure. When they need to fight, they are sloppy and taken off guard.
We have to give up this relaxed state, and we have to be willing to go to war for our families and to fight for our grandchildren.
Psalms 91:4: “He will shelter you with his pinions, and under his wings you may take refuge; his faithfulness is a protecting shield.”
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Protects: Heart, Torso
We are to put on the breastplate of righteousness to reflect the righteous character of God in our actions.
Psalms 132:9: Your priests will be clothed with justice; your faithful will shout for joy.
Is there sin in your life right now, venial or mortal? Be fair to yourself, be fair to your family and get right with God so that you can fight the good fight.
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Meet Your Host: Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is passionate about helping people understand Scripture and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Though he was born Catholic, Jeff went to Bible school and served as a protestant minister for twelve years before reverting to the Catholic Faith. Jeff then received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Since then, he has become a leading Catholic evangelist and author.
Jeff created The Bible Timeline learning system, which revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for millions of Catholics. Since its introduction, Jeff has developed The Great Adventure series of Bible studies to help people better understand Sacred Scripture and its meaning for their lives.
The reading today is the armor of God….not an accident as I am begging my sister to get help with her addiction. A demon for sure. Please pray for her. Her name is Rachel.