The Whole Armor of God, Part 15

This post wraps up my series, "The Whole Armor of God."

Conclusion

The passage dealing with the full amount of Paul’s writings on the armor of God is found in Ephesians 6:10-20. In it we find that we are to be strong in God’s ability, not in our own ability, and in it we find that we can utilize His power, and not our own power. This is why the armor is called God’s armor. It is not visible, yet we are told to wear it.

We are to stand against the devil. In most cases he cannot be seen. Yet we are to stand against him. He and his evil angels often come against us through other things.

Consider Job, God told Satan that all Job had was in his power (Job 1:12), but he was not to touch Job himself. Satan departed from God and the winds blew down the house Job’s children were in (Job 1:18, 19). The Chaldeans attacked Job’s camels and killed all his servants except for one (Job 1:17). The fire of God fell on Job’s sheep and his servants with all being burned up except for one (Job 1:16). Job’s donkeys were feeding and the Sabeans attacked and killed all Job’s servants except one and took the donkeys (Job 1:15).

A second time Satan came before God and was given permission to touch Job’s body but not kill him (Job 2:1-8). Job then came down with boils and felt miserable (Job 2:13).

From Job’s perspective he was being attacked by five different things but in reality there was just really just one: Satan. Mother Nature was against him for the wind blew down the house of his eldest son. Destructive wind is a natural occurring event. The fire of God, I do not take to be lightening, but rather something like napalm exploding in the air and falling to earth as fire. This is not, normally, a natural occurring event but requires the supernatural to accomplish it. The Sabeans and the Chaldeans are both two separate groups of people yet they acted in accord with the other events. After all Job’s possessions were gone he became sick as well. All appeared to be isolated events but really they were not. Satan orchestrated the events.

Paul writes that we do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). These are influencing much of the evil deeds we see in the world today. Our attack as Christians must be on these evil beings which are unseen.

Our attack is made through prayer, songs of praise to God, preaching and speaking the word of God, testifying to what God has done for us, and taking authority over Satan.

The armor of God enables us to stand against the attacks of Satan and to advance under fire.

1. The helmet of salvation is being saved by faith in Jesus Christ and knowing you are saved.

2. The breastplate of righteousness is the righteousness we receive by faith in Jesus as well as living a righteous life because we are righteous.

3. The belt of truth is knowledge of what truth is and loving the truth. This includes the word of God, The Lord Jesus Christ, and whatever else is true. As my Theology Professor used to say. “All truth is God’s truth”. Also, as my Philosophy Professor told me one day after class. “For an argument to be logical the assumptions on which the argument is based must be true. Otherwise the argument is illogical.”

4. The shoes of the armor are the preparation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This means that one is prepared to present the gospel. The gospel is:

A. That Jesus was conceived in the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit.
B. Jesus lived a sinless life and fulfilled all the law.
C. Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
D. Jesus took the sins of all humanity in His own body on the cross and received against Himself the wrath of God against those sins. Having been separated from His Father. When the process was complete Jesus said, “It is finished”.
E. Jesus was buried and rose from the grave the third day.
F. If a person believes this and repents of his sins by confessing to God that he a sinner; he is then forgiven and Jesus enters into his heart.

5. The shield of faith is the faith that a person has. This faith can be increased by reading, hearing, and meditating on the word of God and having fellowship with other believers. It shields us from the attacks of the enemy.

6. The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, the Holy Bible which is also known as Scripture, God’s Word, or “Thus saith the Lord”. This is what man is to live by (Deuteronomy 8:3).

We are to engage in prayer by making supplication for the saints and people in authority and for all men for God’s desire is for all men to be saved. Daniel prayed for twenty-one days before he received his answer. It was held up by the Prince of Persia. Daniel prayed until he received an answer from God.

We are to watch, be alert as to what is going on around us, and persevere in our prayer.

The Apostle Paul asked for prayer for himself which indicates that those servants of the Lord that have a great ministry need our prayers.

The Whole Armor of God, Part14D

Today I conclude my series of articles commenting on the concepts and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the Apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson, which I am currently teaching.

The power of His might.

As children of God our confidence is not self-confidence, but rather confidence in God. We trust that God is working in us, through us, and around us for our good. This is why the Psalmist can write, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ” (Psalm 27:1). Without our realizing it, God works through the children of God to perform what any particular individual child of God has faith in God to accomplish. It seems like when we are doing the tasks at hand, which we have to do, but in reality it is actually God supplying the strength and ability to accomplish any task.

We are given promises by God which allows us to become partakers of His divine power.

II Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The first promise of course is salvation.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

We have the promise that God will not leave us.

Hebrews 13:5c I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

We have the promise of cleansing and forgiveness if we sin after receiving Christ.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We can go to God with any care or problem that we have.

I Peter 5:5c, 6, 7 God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

We have healing of our bodies through Jesus Christ

I Peter 2:24c … by whose stripes ye were healed.

We have been given power and authority over demons and diseases.

Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Our names are written in heaven.

Luke 10:17-20 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

The apostolic authority extends to each believer to this day.

Matthew 28:18, 19, 20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

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One who is born-again becomes a part of the Body of Jesus Christ (His Church) and now has the right to exercise the power of God in Jesus' name. If yoU want to be a part of the Body of Christ, then you can do so by repenting of your sins and by inviting Him into your life. A sample prayer that you can use is, “Lord Jesus Christ forgive me of my sins and come into my heart.”

The Whole Armor of God, Part14C

Today I resume my series of articles commenting on the concepts and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the Apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson, which I am currently teaching.

“Being strong in the Lord” comes from the Spirit of God.

Peter, while in the upper room after the Passover meal, told Jesus that he would never deny Him even if he had to die with Him. Jesus replied that that very night, before the cock crowed, he would deny Him three times. This Peter did.

Matthew 26:33-35

Peter answered and said unto him, “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Peter said unto him, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” Likewise also said all the disciples.

Matthew 26:69-75

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Jesus told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from God.

Luke 24:49

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit filled the disciples. Then they spoke with boldness.

Acts 2:1-4

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:14-16

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Acts 4:8-13

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. \

The Spirit of God changed Peter from being afraid of being recognized as having been associated with Jesus to being a powerful witness for Jesus. The Holy Spirit can change you, also.

The Whole Armor of God, Part 14B

Today I continue my series of articles commenting on the concepts and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the Apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson, which I am currently teaching.





















Abram knew the right thing to do in a crisis for God was with him.

Abram had faith in God who had blessed him and had spoken to him in the past. One day he learned that his nephew had been taken captive by a confederation of kings. Nowhere is it recorded that he had to seek counsel of God on what he should do about the situation. He had 318 men trained for combat duty ready to engage any enemy. He had made a confederation with three others who I would think each had men under their command otherwise a confederation would have been meaningless. These went off to retrieve Lot, Abram’s nephew, and defeat the intruders. He then tithed the spoil, allowed those with him to take their share of the spoil, but refused to take any spoil for himself. You might remember that Abram is over 75 years old when he goes off to war. This attack by Abram, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre also prevented an attack on themselves in the future. The account is found in Genesis 14:1-24.

Genesis 14:1-7
And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim, And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness. And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.

Genesis 14:8-9
And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim; With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.

Genesis 14:10-12
And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

Genesis 14:13-16
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram. And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

Genesis 14:17-20
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Genesis 14:21-24
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

God worked through Abram and the people in his army to provide a victory. He was strong in God. In the same way, God also works through every believer often without us even realizing it.

If you desire God to work through you in the way he did Abram, then you can start today by receiving Jesus into your heart. You can pray to God confessing to Him that you are a sinner and then invite Jesus into your heart. A sample prayer is, “Lord Jesus Christ forgive me of my sins and come into my heart.”

The Whole Armor of God, Part 14A

Today I resume my series of articles commenting on the concepts and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the Apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson, which I am currently teaching.

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

“Being strong in the Lord” means relying on His power which obviously means to not be involved in occult practices, which are Satanic activities. These include, but are not limited to, such things as witchcraft, séances, Ouija boards, taro-cards, communication with the dead (necromancy), astrology, and other Satanic practices. We do not do God’s work with Satan’s power.

The Scriptures, which address some of these practices, are as follows:

Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 18:9-13 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

Isaiah 8:19, 20 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Daniel 2:27, 28a Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, show unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.

Though Daniel was the head wise man he did not rely on what the other wise men relied on for the ability to give counsel. He relied on God. As well did his three friends: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

King Saul on the other hand sought out a medium when he could no longer obtain an answer from God for his inquires on what to do. The account of it is recorded in I Samuel 28:3-19; 31:13, 14 and I Chronicles 10:13, 14.

I Samuel 28:3-19 1 Samuel 28:3-6 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

1 Samuel 28:7-9 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?

1 Samuel 28:10, 11 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.

1 Samuel 28:12-14 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

1 Samuel 28:15-19 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

I Samuel 31:3-6 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armour bearer, and all his men, that same day together.

I Chronicles 10:13,14 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

This is written as an example for us lest we follow King Saul’s conduct (I Corinthians 10:6-12).
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (I Cor.10:6-12).

The Whole Armor of God, Part 12C

Today I continue my series of articles commenting on the concept and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson I am currently teaching. This week I post part three of a three-part discussion on Ephesians 6:18.

The Armor of God – Pray. Watch. Persevere.

The word “Perseverance” means progressing under difficulty.

Does life seem hard for you? Consider what some of the great men of the Bible have said.

Eliphaz, “Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7).

Job, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).

Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage (Genesis 47:9).

God told Adam, “Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:17b-19).

Jesus, who is God in flesh, did not escape difficulty. Isaiah prophesied, “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:1-4).

We all encounter difficulty. What is important is to keep going even when all seems hopeless.

There is a God who rules over the universe. Mankind is the most important part of His creation, For He created Man in His own image. He gave His only begotten Son to die for all mankind and be the propitiation for their sins, yes, even yours! He loves each one of us individually.

With life so difficult we must rely on God to help us.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:23-25).

“This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children , hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:6-19).

King David of Israel wrote, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)?

We must remember that it is not by our power and ability that things are accomplished but by God working in us, around us, and through us.

The Whole Armor of God, Part 12B

Today I continue my series of articles commenting on the concept and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson I am currently teaching. This week I post part two of a three-part discussion on Ephesians 6:18.

The Armor of God – Pray. Watch. Preserve.

Pray. Watch. Persevere. (Ephesians 6:18)

Watch means being attentive to what is going on around you and being alert to any danger and acting accordingly.

Paul writes to Timothy that he is to take heed as to his own conduct and the doctrine that he teaches. Doing this, he will save not only himself but also those that hear him (I Timothy 4:16). Timothy was further instructed to “study to show himself approved unto God: A workman that does not to be ashamed, correctly interpreting the word of God” (II timothy 2:15). This is good instruction for each of us today. Solomon wrote that we are to keep our heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). Our heart is where we do our thinking. We keep it by paying attention to what we are thinking about. If what we are thinking is contrary to the word of God we must stop what we are thinking and think on something else which does conforms to the word of God. King David wrote, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) David did not rely on his own ability to think correctly but on God’s strength and ability. David further asks God to check him out and to lead him. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm139:23, 24) Do you think you could pray God’s searching and leading for yourself?

Jesus told his disciples to watch and pray in order that they would not enter into temptation, when they were on the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38) Temptations come to us in many ways. It is in yielding to the temptations, that we sin. Jesus is implying that in being alert for temptations and by prayer we can successfully resist yielding to temptations. Yes, you can do it.

Angels said that Jesus would come back to earth the same way He left, and that was in a cloud. (Acts 1:9-11) This must be in reference to when Jesus comes for the believers because when He comes at Armageddon He will be riding a white horse. His coming will be quick, “In the twinkling of an eye.” (I Corinthians 15:51, 52) For this reason Jesus says be ready for when He comes. (Matthew 24:44). He further says, “For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:35, 36)

God spoke to Ezekiel and said, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.” (Ezekiel 3:17) I ask you, Is the Christian the watchman for their generation of lost people?

The Whole Armor of God, Part 12A

Today I continue my series of articles commenting on the concept and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson I am currently teaching. This week I start a three-part discussion on Ephesians 6:18.

The Armor of God – Pray. Watch. Preserve

Pray. Watch. Persevere. (Ephesians 6:18)

Prayer can be either addressed to another person, usually someone of a higher social status than one’s self, or to God. It is often an earnest request but need not be confined to requests. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians prayer is being addressed to God.

Watch, is to keep alert, awake, observant, and vigilant for the protection of something valuable.

Persevere, is to continue in the pursuit of something in spite of the difficulties encountered.\

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints…” (Ephesians 6:18).

People who are born again have as their Father, God the Father. They can go directly into His presence by prayer: Addressing Him as Father (Galatians 4:6). They are born of the Spirit (John 3:6) by the will of God and are adopted as His children (John 1:12-14; Galatians 4:5). The veil in the Temple, separating where God dwelt from the rest of the temple, has been torn in two. Indicating that the way to God is open for all to approach Him (Hebrews 9:3-8; Luke 23:45). It is in Jesus that we are accepted by God (Ephesians 1:6) and we are instructed to pray in Jesus name (Galatians 4:7; John 16:23, 24).

Prayer is talking with God just as you would another person. Remember, God is a person with His own sovereign free will to do as He chooses. God hears whatever we ask according to His will and will grant us our petition (I John 5:14). We are told to cast all of our care and anxieties upon Him and to go before Him with our petitions in thanksgiving (I Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6). The Apostle Paul writes, that not being thankful to God and not glorifying Him as God has turned thankless people’s hearts away from the truth about God (Romans 1:21).

We have a High Priest in heaven who has compassion for us and who has been temped in every way, yet without sin. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace; that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16). God is listening for the cry of the righteous and ready to help (Psalms 34:15). He is also listening for the sinner to repent and ask forgiveness of sins (Luke 15:4-7; Luke 18:14, 15).

Prayer is to be in faith without doubting (James 1:5-7). Doubt causes faith to be canceled. This is what happened to Peter when he went to Jesus walking on the water. Once he doubted he began to sink (Matthew 14:25-32). Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” When you pray, “Believe that you receive your request and you will have it.” (Mark 11:22-24). “Whatsoever you say, not doubting in your heart, you shall have.” (Mark 11:23). This means that you need to be careful what you say. Your words can either promote life or they can destroy life. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:” (Proverbs 18:21a).

If you are suffering from some illness or something else: then pray (James 5:13a). If you are happy: then sing Psalms (James 5:13b). Singing to God is a form of prayer. There are instances in the Holy Bible where God acted in response to singing. Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail is one instance. There was an earthquake (Acts 16:25-34). Another was when Jehoshaphat and Judah fought against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir. When Judah began to sing praises to God the Lord caused their enemies to fight each other and annihilate themselves.

Prayer for the sick offered in faith will cause the sick to be healed. If they have sinned it will be forgiven (James 5:15). The prayer of righteous people can accomplish much (James 5:16). God wants us to pay for all men: especially that they are saved (I Timothy 2:1-4). We are to pray that God will send workers to lost sinners to win them to Christ (Luke 10:2).

Importunity is important in prayer. It means to keep up it until the desired results arrive. “And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, ‘There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?’” (Luke 18:1-7).

We are not to pray for appearances sake. Don’t just do it to impress others. “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:5, 6).

We are not to use vain repetitions when we pray. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” (Matthew 6:7, 8)

Jesus gave us a sample prayer to follow. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13).

The Whole Armor of God, Part 11

Today I continue my series of articles commenting on the concept and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson I am currently teaching

The Armor of God – Sword of the Spirit

6. The Word of God, Scripture: Having the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Knowledge about God can be gleaned from the observation of nature. His power is shown by His ability to create the stars and the vastness of the universe. The complexity of the cell shows His concern for minute details and causing things to work together properly. The Apostle Paul points this out in his letter to the Romans in the New Testament, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18-20). This is general revelation, which informs man that God is real but not how to be right with Him.

The word of God is a special revelation from God to mankind about God and His view on things. His view on reality is the only correct position since He is the creator. It tells what God has done in the past and His reaction to what man has done. It (the Holy Bible) has in it the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

A. Scripture is Inspired by God and is Profitable - “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (II Timothy 3:16, 17).”

B. Scripture is Alive, Active, and Sharp - “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).”

C. Scripture is Pure - “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it (Psalm 119:140).” “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times Psalm 12:6).”

D. Scripture is Truth - “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17.” “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth (Psalm 119:142).”

E. Scripture is Perfect - “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul (Psalm 19:7a).”

F. Scripture is Sure - “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7b).”

G. Scripture is Settled - “Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89).”

H. Scripture is Enduring - “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you (I Peter 1:23-25).”

I. Scripture is a Lamp - “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).”

J. Scripture Cannot Be Broken - “The scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35b).”

K. Scripture Will Accomplish God’s Purpose - “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Isaiah 55:10, 11).”

L. Scripture is More Desirable than Gold - “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold (Psalm 19:10a).”

M. Scripture Provides Warning - “Moreover by them is thy servant warned (Psalm 19:11a).”

N. Obedience to Scripture is Rewarded - “In keeping of them there is great reward (Psalm 19:11b).”

O. Know the scriptures - “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11).”

P. Think on the Scriptures - “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish (Psalm 1:1-6).”

Q. Obey Scripture - “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14).”

R. Live by Scripture - “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live (Deuteronomy 8:3).”

“When the tempter came to him (Jesus), he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:3, 4).”

S. Speak the Word of God Faithfully - “The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD (Jeremiah23:28).”

T. God’s Word is like Fire and a Hammer - “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces (Jeremiah 23:29)?”

U. Obedience to God’s Word Demonstrates Love for Jesus - “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me (John 14:23, 24).”

V. Obedience to God’s Word is Wise while Disobedience is Foolish - “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it (Matthew 7:24-27).”

W. Scripture Provides Understanding - “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way (Psalm 119:104).”

X. Scripture is of no Private Interpretation - “Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Peter 1:20, 21).”

Y. Scripture is to be Preached - “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (II Timothy 4:2).”

Z. Scripture is Given as Examples - “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come (I Corinthians 10:6-11).”

AA. What is Revealed is for Us and Our Children - “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).”

BB. Do Not Add to Scripture - “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. ‘ Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar (Proverbs 30:5, 6).”

CC. Scripture Makes One Wise Unto Salvation - “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (II timothy 3:15).”

DD. Scripture Cleanses - “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:25,26).”

EE. God’s Word Is Likened to Seed - “And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold (Matthew 13:3-8).”

The sword which is the word of God is the offensive weapon God has given to believers. It is also a defensive weapon to ward off the cuts of the enemy. You, as a believer, need to memorize scripture to have it to use whenever it is needed. You may not have time to look it up in the Bible. If you are saved, then God will bring it to your memory. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).”

If you want to get saved you can repent of your sins and invite Jesus into your heart. A simple prayer is, “Lord Jesus Christ forgive me of my evil and come into my heart.”

The Whole Armor of God, Part 10

Today I continue my series of articles commenting on the concept and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson I am currently teaching.

The Armor of God – Helmet of Salvation

5. Salvation : Having the helmet of salvation. (Ephesians 6:17)

The Apostle Paul writes that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a). Death for the unbeliever lands one in hell followed by the judgment of God which is Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment. If the person’s name is not found written in the Book of Life then they are thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented endlessly. This is the second death. The Lake of Fire is God’s eternal judgment on the wicked. From this one must be saved or they will perish in it.

God sent His Son into the world to redeem mankind from eternal punishment (Psalms 2:7). Jesus was born sinless (John 14:30), lived sinless (Hebrews 4:15), and allowed Himself to be crucified (Luke 24:26) and cursed of God (Galatians 3:13). He took the sins of the whole world in His own body on the cross (I Peter 2:24) and received against Himself the wrath of God for those sins (Matthew 27:46).

When a person believes In Jesus they then have the righteousness of Jesus attributed to them (II Corinthians 5:21).

A. Being Saved - Having the helmet of salvation would include that person having been saved. One needs to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 3:16) “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:8-10) “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13)

B. Know You Are Saved - Someone who knows they are saved believes the gospel of Jesus Christ. “The Spirit of God within a person bears witness with the person that they are the children of God.” (Romans 8:16)

C. Assurance of Salvation - Having been saved from the wrath of God; a person who is saved has the assurance of salvation. ‘And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (I John 5:11-12) “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (I John 5:13)

D. Knowing that Salvation is by Faith Alone - What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:1-5) “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;” Romans 9:30-32

E. Gift of God - God gave blood to make atonement for peoples souls. (Leviticus 17:11). The sins of the people were covered by the blood of sheep and cattle but the blood of those animal sacrifices could not take away sin. (Hebrews 10:1-4, 11) Finally, Jesus gave His blood on the cross. His blood takes away the sins of the believer. (Hebrews 9:14; 10:12-14). No other person can give to God a ransom for anyone else’s soul (Psalm 49:6-9). The gift from God is eternal life (Romans 6:23). “Those who have eternal life are saved. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

F. Faith Allows God’s Grace - “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16)

G. Saved from Wrath - “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:9)

H. Justified - “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

I. Sanctified - To be set apart from the rest of humanity as holy, free from sin and morally right for God’s purpose. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:10-14)

J. Forgiven - When a person is saved their sins are forgiven. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7) “And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.” ( Matthew 9:2-7)

K. Prayer - A person that is saved has usually prayed for salvation. “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)

L. Our Own Righteousness Is Useless - “Someone who is saved is not depending on their own goodness for salvation. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

M. In Christ - Noah was in the ark when the flood of water came on the earth and was safe. (Genesis 7:23) Those who are saved are in Christ and safe when the judgement of God comes on the wicked. (Romans 8:1). “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:5) “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:29-32)

N. Hope of Glory - Those who are saved have a glorious hope. (Colossians 1:27). They will receive new bodies like that of Jesus after His resurrection. (I Corinthians 15: 51-54). The saved will reign with Jesus one thousand years on earth. (Revelation 20:6). The saved will live in the new heaven and new earth and have the New Jerusalem as their home and dwell with God forever. (Revelation 21:1, 2).

Do you have the helmet of Salvation?