The Purpose Of The Armor Of God

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, May 30, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

THE PURPOSE OF THE ARMOR OF GOD
By Michael D. O’Neal                   Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                    Albany, Georgia

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Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Text: Ephesians 6:13

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Introduction: I’ve been preaching to you all year about the fact that we Christians are in a spiritual war. You are not fighting to go to heaven; that was settled by Christ when He went to the cross for you and settled by you when you accepted His sacrifice to take you to heaven. Heaven is secure for the believer the moment he trusts Christ as Savior.

However, there is a battle once you are saved, for your growth in the Lord, for your holiness, and for your influence upon others.

The devil and his spiritual armies are against you. However, God has provided “the whole armor of God.” This morning I want to talk to you about how important this armor is and why God provided it. The title of the message is

THE PURPOSE OF THE ARMOR OF GOD

Why did God provide the armor listed in today’s scripture reading?

I. THE ARMOR OF GOD HELPS THE BELIEVER TO DEFEND HIMSELF

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

A. An adversary is examining you
     1. “… walketh about, seeking whom …”

B. An attack is expected
     1. “… he may DEVOUR.”
     2. An attack upon your faithfulness
     3. Upon your marriage
     4. Your holiness
     5. Your health
     6. Your children

C. An alertness is encouraged
     1. “Be sober, be vigilant …”

II. THE ARMOR OF GOD HELPS THE BELIEVER TO DECLARE HIS POSITION

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

The armor is to help you stand, that is to “hold the fort” or maintain a position.

To declare your position on something today is referred to by the expression, “take a stand” for something.

A. In service
     1. Faithfulness to church (Hebrews 10:25)
     2. Tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10)

B. In separation
     1. Drinking
     2. Dancing
     3. Movies
     4. Gambling (including lottery)

C. In scripture truth and doctrine
     1. Even if you’re accused of being too critical and too narrow-minded (Some of these “open minds” should be shut down for repairs!)

III. THE ARMOR OF GOD HELPS THE BELIEVER TO DEFEAT HIS FOE

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

A. You are in trouble without it
     1. Satan is stronger than any man, without the Lord

B. You can triumph with it
     1. It is GOD’S armor!

C. You must take it
     1. Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
     2. The Second Amendment to the Constitution gives you the right to keep and to bear arms. It doesn’t do you any good, however, if you don’t take and bear the arms.
     3. Likewise the Christian is given the armor of God, but you must TAKE it on a daily basis.

D. You must try it
     1. David didn’t use Saul’s armor because he hadn’t proved (or tried, tested) it

IV. THE ARMOR OF GOD HELPS THE BELIEVER TO DEPEND ON THE LORD

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

A. You see the problem of your own ability
     1. John 15:5b “… without me ye can do nothing.”

B. You see the profit of God’s armor
     1. WITH it you’re safe!
     2. WITH it you’re secure!
     3. WITH it you’re strong!

C. You see the power that is available
     1. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
     2. You CAN win through HIM!
     3. You CAN be victorious through HIM!
     4. Rely on the Lord, resist the devil, and run Satan off! Amen!

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