Staying Dressed For Battle (The Full Armor of God)

One of the most powerful books that I have read was Charles Stanley's "When the Enemy Strikes." As a Christian, each day is a daily battle between good and evil. This book made me realize that in my Spiritual walk with Christ, I must not underestimate the power of enemy and how he works. The truth is that we have a real enemy which is the devil, who has the goal to destroy our lives, to separate us from our love ones, to destroy our relationship with other believers, and ulitamtely to separate us from God's purposes and God's presence. The enemy's main goal is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The devil is powerful, yes he is! But we dont need to fear, because the good news is: GOD is more powerful. As the enemy strikes, God takes action in greater strength and greater authority. Our role is to open ourselves to receiving all of God's power at work on our behalf for He is always on the winning side. God's desire for us is to experience full and satisfying life on earth and in heaven.

As you seek God in your life through Christ, ask him to:

1. Help you identify the enemy's attack

2. Free you from snares that have entangled you

3. Help you discern as fully as possible the nature of situation

4. Help you understand and see as He sees and understands

5. Help you make godly judgements and right choices

6. Make very clear to you what is good and evil.

(The only source of truth is His Word)

It is also important that we must be aware of the enemy's fiery darts which he uses to attack the people of God: FEAR, GUILT, LUST, ANGER, PRIDE, and any ungodly thoughts.

As the enemy throws these flaming arrows, we must refuse to allow them to lodge in us. Never dwell or fantasize about them and never allow them to be a stronghold in your life. To be able to do this, we must focus our mind on what Jesus did on the cross, that He died for us and that His love is the reason why we are alive in Him today. Be quick to say no to every temptation.

The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

1.Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14) - Truth must be the filter for all perceptions, ideas and dreams (Proclaiming that we have the word of God. We must be intentional about what we choose to see, hear and take into our lives. It is a committment with God; You stand for the truth without compromise.
2.Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) - Our heart's desire must be to live in a way that is pleasing and honoring to  God. Ask God to create in you a clean heart.

• Righeousness: Stand in the position "I am in Christ, Christ is in me by the power of Holy Spirit"

3.Shoes of Preparation of  the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15) - We are to stand firm, grounded in the fact that we have the peace  of God is our hearts.

• Gospel of peace: good news of Jesus' provision for our peace wiith God.

"Take Up" Armor

1.  Shield of Faith - Our defense to every flaming arrows of the enemy. As the enemy fires thoughts in our minds, our faith quenches those thoughts.

2.  Helmet of Salvation (Eph 6:17) - To take the helmet of salvation means to remind ourselves that JESUS is our Lord and Savior. It reminds us that we were once sinners and that by His grace, we are no longer in bondage of sin. Never doubt or question your salvation.

3.  The Sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) - This is the word of God.

• Sword is geared for both defense and offense ( 2 sides); The sword of the Spirit defends us against the devl and actively forcing the devil to retreat from us.
• The Holy Spirit is the One who reminds us of the Scrptures (John 16:13-14)
• Word of God is very powerful,  it is a weapon that puts the devil on the run; it pushes back the forces od darkness that may seem overwhelming.

How does this work?

• Discipline your mind to memorize these verses; repeat them to yourself frequently.
• When temptation comes your way, respond immediately by saying ALOUD God's word / verse from your arsenal of Scriptures. (Hebrews 4:12)

As Christians, We are soldiers for Christ! :)

"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3)