~~Watch the Video~~
The Armor of God 2
Worship: We Need a Word from the Lord
Scriptures:
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
- Ephesians 6: 10 - 18
- Ephesians 4:15
- Romans 2:5-8
- Ephesians 4:22-24
- Luke 2:14
- 1 Thessalonians 5:7-8
- Hebrews 4:12
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Acts 2:14
- John 3:34
- Matthew 4:4
- John 14:10
- Romans 12:2
- Romans 8:26-27
Introduction
What was the first computer program?
- Answer: Microsoft Word
- See John 1:1
It is the same word in English, but they are not related
What does the song “we need a Word from God” mean?
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
Paul does not mean that you are in hand to hand combat with a demon every day
paul’s analogy becomes the outline of living a Christian life
Outline:
- Introduction
- Traits of Wholeness
- The Book of Ephesians
- Review Armor of God Part 1
- The Sword of the Spirit
- Rhema Word
- Prayer
- How to Use The Armor
Traits of Wholeness
We are in our series called Seeking Wholeness
How can we be:
- Spiritually healthy
- Emotionally healthy
- Mentally healthy
Dealing with life’s current stresses and also being healed from experiences/wounds of the past
We’re not just supposed to have eternal life
- We’re supposed to have: joy, peace, patience, and self control here on earth
Learning not just what The Word instructs us to do, but learning how to implement it in our lives
Traits of Wholeness
- Authenticity
- Honesty
- Kindness
- Not seeking external approval / validation
- Living by values and principles
- Setting Boundaries
- Taking ownership of your responsibilities
- Living with purpose and passion
- Optimism
- Confidence
- Healthy relationships with others
- Not losing control of your emotions
- Free from addictions
- Addressing Conflict with truth and love
- Vulnerability
- Not critical or Judgemental
- Not jealous
- Genuinely applaud the success of others
- Forgive those who have wronged you in the past
- Know that you’re worthy of receiving love
- Not afraid to fail
- Able to manage irrational fear, worry, and anxiety
- Selfless encounters with others
- Not manipulating others trying to control their actions/reactions
- You care about how others feel
- Patient
- Don’t give into peer/social pressure
- Can communicate directly
- Don’t take responsibility for other people's emotions
- Take responsibility for your own emotions
- Slow to anger
- Ability to maturely express your wants, needs and desires
- Being led by the Spirit
We want to become aware of our issues and empowered to manage/fix them.
The Book of Ephesians
Ephesians 6: 10 - 18
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Ephesus had the first mega church outside of Jerusalem
- Scholars believe it had over 25K members
- Paul wrote 1 Timothy to tell him how to administer this church
2 Timothy was after persecution started and church fell down less than 100 members
Paul wrote this letter to encourage Gentile believers, and to make it clear that Jews and Gentiles have been brought together as part of one body in Christ. Paul is also concerned that his audience be made aware of the moral laws they may have been lax in following (or that they were unaware of).
—Bible Gateway blog
- Gentiles
- Morality
Story: Flex Your Faith shirt
- 3 bottles of wine
- “don’t judge me”
We associate Christianity with morality
Chapters 1 - 3 = identity
Chapter 4-6 = moral conduct
Paul is talking to non-believers. He needs to explain to them that Christians don’t behave the same way as they did in their pagan lifestyle.
Review Armor of God Part 1
Armor of God Intro (Hand Washing) ^
Ephesians 6: 10 - 18
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against [f]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having strapped on your feet 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. 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18[h]With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the [k]saints
Roman Armor
Belt of Truth
14Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Physical
Leg coverings were seen as crude items, something that was worn by the barbarians who lived beyond the borders of Roman civilization or as the leg protection of the very poor or old. Long pants, like long sleeves were seen as effeminate
The belt held the sword, a dagger, and protected the soldier’s “private area”.
Biblical Context
Ephesians 4:15
but speaking the truth[alētheia] in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ,
- “Truthfulness” vs “truth”
alétheia: truth
truth, but not merely truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness
- Reality
- Moral truth
- Divine truth
The Belt of Truth means that we should live a life of “truthfulness”.
I am the way the truth [alētheia]
Romans 2:5-8
5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who WILL REPAY EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: 7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; 8 but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation.
Paul’s truthfulness is the opposite of righteousness
Application
Example: church scandals centered on a lie
When we are not being truthful we become vulnerable
If we live a life of lies we are always worried that we will be found out and we become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.
Breastplate of Righteousness
14Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Physical
Righteousness is represented as a breastplate which provides essential protection for the most vital organs.
- Heart
- Gut
- Liver
- Kidneys
Biblical Context
Dikaiosune
Right, fair, righteousness,
the condition of being acceptable to God
How Paul used in this letter
Ephesians 4:22-24
22 that, in reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Righteousness is related to putting on the new self
Application
This is not talking about Jesus’ righteousness
If you do not live holy… You invite the enemy
We guard our hearts by preserving right relationships
The enemies biggest concern is with our relationships with God
If you are not living in right relationships then the core of who you are is vulnerable to attacks from the enemy
Example: child who was disobedient
Sandals of the Gospel of Peace
15and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Physical
They were made of leather and strapped above the ankles
- They were sort of like boots
The differentiator of their boots were the spikes on the bottom. They drove nails through them and cut them off. This gave them stability.
This allows them to “stand firm“
Biblical Context
Who was the first one to announce that the Messiah was here on earth?
Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”
- “Good news” of peace
- On earth
“People whom He is pleased”
“Preparation” - A state of readiness
Application
My identity
Paul is talking about our identity
Peace (Shalom) = wholeness, well being, thriving
The gospel of peace refers to the good news of the restoration that is available to humanity because of what Christ did on the cross and the empty tomb
My main identity as a child of God
- Who Christ says I am
The enemy will come in and try to make you believe that your identity is in those things.
If you don’t recognize that your identity is based on something Jesus did for you The enemy will make you believe that you have to do something in order to gain God‘s approval.
If you are looking for your identity outside of Jesus… You are on slippery ground. You are not stable.
Identity in Christ
Shield of Faith
The spiritual armor to take
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.
Physical
“The shield Paul describes is not the small round one, but the large, oblong shield that could protect the whole body. In ancient warfare, these fiery darts were launched in great numbers at the beginning of an attack. The idea was not only to injure the enemy, but to shoot at him at all sides with a massive number of arrows, and thus to confuse and panic the enemy.”
Romans had contraptions and Bowman that would launch many arrows at the opposing army. This will take out a large percentage of the army.
The shield was like a mini door. It was 4 1/2 feet tall.
- It was big enough that you could fit behind it
- It was not good for hand to hand combat
The shield would be covered in leather. They could dip the shield in water therefore preventing it from catching on fire if fiery darts were thrown.
Biblical Context
Pistis = Faith, beliefs, trust, confidence, faithfulness, Fidelity
Application
The shield (faith) protects us against
- Distractions
- Doubt
- Temptations
- Unbelief
- Thoughts
- Feelings
- Imaginations
- Fears
- Lies
Fiery Darts (Arrows)
You aren’t effective if you doubt
- Gods love
- Gods promises
- Your salvation
the fiery darts will take us out before we even get to the battle
Testudo (Tortoise Formation)
Tortoise shelling
- Put all the shields together and move forward as a unit
Being in community
This is a picture of the type of community each of us are called to
In your fight for freedom you need… The armor of God and the people of God
Your associations can protect you or leave you vulnerable
Helmet of Salvation
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Physical
The helmet covers the head, The head covers the brain
Biblical Context
1 Thessalonians 5:7-8
7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
We have the hope of eternal life
Application
Example: movie tickets
- Purchased ahead of time
My future | my destination
This is about your thinking
The helmet of salvation protects us against
- Discouragement
- The desire to give up
giving us hope knowing that we will be saved.
Hope for a brighter future.
It is the assurance that God will triumph
Knowing you are Saved
Grace and the gospel
- You don’t earn your salvation
- Not based on your righteousness
- You don’t lose your salvation by sinning
There is a sense of hope and security when you know
- you will live eternally
You already have your ticket
- Purchased by Jesus
Ready to Fight
Paul has prepared
- My identity
- My moral behavior
- My relationship with God
- My future
Now we are ready to fight
The Sword of the Spirit
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word[rhema] of God
Everything else was getting us where we need to be in the battle
Physical
Roman Soldiers Weapons
- Javelin
- Dagger
- Sword (Gladius)
Why the Gladius Was the Perfect Weapon for the Roman Army
The sword is for close combat.
This is a “take up” weapon
We use it as needed
But we have to know how to use it
Biblical Context
Hebrews 4:12
For the word [logos] of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The Bible
Validity of the Bible
If you question that Bible is
- Correct
- True
- Written by God
- Applicable (today)
You will be reluctant to use it
Trained in Usage
Think of a soldier or a gladiator in training, practicing sword thrusts and moves and positions. Now, he must practice them ahead of time and if he is a superior fighter and has a great fighting instinct, at the time of battle he will instantly recall which thrust, which position suits the precise moment. He will never be able to use the thrust in the fight if he has not first practiced it; but he still needs to make the move at the moment.
What would happen if we put you out on the battlefield with a sword against trained soldiers?
You have to know how to use the Bible
You have to study it before the battle starts
- We have to have practiced
You can’t just have a Bible
- On your bookshelf
- In your car
- On the table
- In your phone
You have to be using it, and you have to train on how to use it.
You need to
- Read it
- Understand it
- Meditate on it
- Memorize it
Bible Study Tips
Practice Makes Permanent
https://youtube.com/shorts/LRZZ_VngYAs?feature=share
Original Language
- Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic
- Concordance
- How word was used elsewhere
- In this book
- In bible
- By author
Context
- Cultural meaning
- Feeding your enemy
- Heaping coals on your enemy’s head
- Who was written to and why
- Jews
- Gentiles
- Pastoral advice
- Addressing a problem
- Example: work advice
Blacksmith vs Soldier
Who is more knowledgeable about swords…a blacksmith or a soldier?
- A blacksmith
If a blacksmith and a soldier fought, who would win?
- The soldier
Practical atheism
- Relationships
- Choosing job
- Where to live
- Voting
What to Use it For
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.
- Teaching
- Rebuke
- Correction
- Equipping
Turn to it when
- You have a problem
- You need advice
- You need an answer
When a problem comes… Where do you turn for advice?
When someone asks for advice… Where do you turn for answers?
When you have a problem at work… Do you turn to the word or to your experience?
What advice do you use on how to attract a mate?
What advice do you use for relationships?
The Bible is the Mind of God
Rhema Word
Why do some people worship Bill Gates?
- Because he created The Word
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
rhēma
that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word
“Rhema” not “logos”
Logos = written word
Rhema = spoken word
Rhema is a Specific Word (not a collection)
Usually real-time
Acts 2:14
But Peter, taking his stand with the other eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, know this, and pay attention to my words [rhema].
John 3:34
“For He whom God sent speaks the words [rhema] of God; for He does not give the Spirit sparingly.
Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON
EVERY WORD [rhema] THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
“Comes out” - not past tense
John 14:10
“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak [rhema] on My own, but the Father, as He remains in Me, does His works.
The concept of rhema is that it is something that is given to you “real time”…in the moment you need it.
Jesus said He only speaks what The Father speaks
- Jesus spoke words from the Bible
- Jesus also spoke words that weren’t in the Bible
It should be translated “a word from God”
What the word of God is
The answer which would most commonly and almost unthinkingly be given is, I suppose, the Scriptures; but while this is on the whole true, it is to be noted that the expression employed here properly means a word spoken, and not the written record. Both in the Old and in the New Testaments the word of God means more than the Bible; it is the authentic utterance of His will in all shapes and applying to all the facts of His creation.
,,,
But, further, the expression designates the specific messages which prophets and others received. These are not in the Old Testament spoken of as a unity: they are individual words rather than a word. Each of them is a manifestation of the divine will and purpose; many of them are commandments; some of them are warnings; and all, in some measure, reveal the divine nature.
–MacLaren’s Exposition of Ephesians (Sword of the Spirit)
The term rhema of God refers to a specific utterance from God
- Not a collection of sayings
- That’s why it’s “as needed”
The rhema word of God is a specific communication from the Holy Spirit about a specific situation
Example: I’m afraid to do something
- Not Genesis - Revelation
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- God has not given me the spirit of fear
A word in season
The Holy Spirit
Paul explicitly says “sword of the Spirit”. This means The Holy Spirit.
The ‘of’ here does not indicate apposition, as in the ‘shield of faith,’ or ‘the helmet of salvation,’ nor is it the ‘of’ of possession, so that the meaning is to be taken as being the sword which the Spirit wields, but it is the ‘of’ expressing origin, as in the ‘armor of God’; it is the sword which the Spirit supplies.
- The “word” is from The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is how God communicates with us today.
“Led by the Spirit” - does not mean following what the Bible says
The Holy Spirit
- Convicts us
- Prompts us
- Reveals scripture truths
- Gives us peace
Conviction vs Condemnation
Is the conviction moving you towards following Jesus?
- Is there an obvious solution/action?
- Condemnation just make you feel shameful
Hearing From God
The Good Old Days
We often think “man God used to speak all the time, but not anymore”
There were millions of Israelites.
- Just Moses
- They just had the sense to follow the guy who God was speaking to
So it was a 1 in a million chance that God would speak to you.
The enemy is most afraid of people who can hear from God
What did all the patriarchs have in common?
- They could hear from God
- You’ll notice that most of the rest of the world wasn’t hearing from God back then
God Speaks Today
Example: give money to a beggar
- The Holy Spirit can prompt you to give money to a beggar
- This isn’t because you read in the scripture that God wants you to give
- It is a “real time” prompting of the Holy Spirit
- This is a “word from God”
This is not just a passive word from God…it’s active
How God Speaks Today
God communicates with us through:
- Bible
- Prayer
- Audible Voice
- Pastors / teachers
- Prophetic words
- Tongues / Interpretations
- Dreams / Visions
- Peace
- Unusual circumstances / coincidences
- Fleece
- Opening / Closing doors
- Bringing things to your memory
- Inspired thoughts
- Prompting of the Holy Spirit / Conviction
- Draw your Attention to something
- Nature / creation
- Worship / music
- Emotions
- Writing
- Angels
Story: take the job at HP
Source: http://unchaineddisciples.blogspot.com/2020/05/how-to-know-god-is-speaking-part-6.html
Closed Door
https://youtube.com/shorts/j0Brrbj3AFQ?feature=share
How to Hear From God
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove [discover] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
- We discover our purpose when we renew our mind
- Good | acceptable | perfect
Separate from the world
Wielding the Sword of the Spirit
When you are being attacked, a rhema from God is what you need to fight the enemy
When God speaks to you, it is for a specific situation.
obedience is better than sacrifice
- Refers to obedience to a rhema word from God
- Not the law/scriptures
Once you begin to know God, God begins to speak to you personally
When you are in a battle with the enemy, you need a Rhema word from God.
- When He does, it’s a sword in your hands.
- You’ll know exactly what to do or say in that moment.
Prayer
18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,
This is a continuation of the thought about “sword of the Spirit”
Prayer is how we get the “Word from God”
The Holy Spirit Helps us Pray
Romans 8:26-27
26In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
How to Use The Armor
Use:
- False doctrine
- Recite memory verse for encouragement
- Worldly priorities
- Ultimate authority
Example: Lorrain - told not saved
Example: Jesus in the Wilderness
The oldest tactic that Satan use was to get you and I to question the word of God
References
The armor of god
Tony Evans
David Guzik Commentary on Ephesians 6
The importance of each part of the armor of God
Just the Bible
Overcoming distraction from the enemy
Priscilla Shirer
The armor of God | Pastor Ryan Dermont
Christ fellowship church
Breastplate of Righteousness
Walking the Text
sandals of the gospel
Walking the text
Shield of Faith
Walking to Texas
The armor of God: the sword of the spirit
Grace to you
Armor of God: Sword of the Spirit
Walking the text
Armor of God: sword of the spirit with Pastor Alan Nolan
Cornerstone fellowship
MacLaren's Expositions
EPHESIANS - ‘THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT’
Extra
Tony Evans
Pepper example
Tactics Were Important
Heel traps
Story: 2 nails intertwined
- Romans
- Soldier would be out
- They’d yell
- Reduced army by 50%
They would get you out of the battle before the battle even started
Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- Those who are lost… Or unable to see the truth
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 4:6
Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!”
- The Holy Spirit keeps us connected to God
John 16:7-11
7“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8“And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
“Stop looking at him/her with lust” is a rhema word
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