Spiritual Warfare – Part 15

If you haven’t yet read Part one of this study, please click here.

THE ARMOUR OF GOD

We have looked in some detail at the weapons of our warfare, let’s now look at the armour the Lord gives us for our protection.

• Read Ephesians 6:10-18

Note that twice in the first 3 verses Paul urges us to “put on the FULL armour”. He must have thought it was important. Spend some time reflecting on those 3 verses and the importance they might have in today’s society and particularly your own situation.

Also their relevance in the life of the church and the world.

Do we really understand that we have a spirit body which needs protection in the same way that our physical bodies do?

For spiritual warfare we need spiritual weapons and spiritual armour.

THE BELT OF TRUTH (Ephesians 6:14)

Why is it a belt and not a helmet or a sword?

• Read Psalm 15:1-3, Psalm 119:43 and John 14:6

Notice as you read the gospels how often Jesus says “I tell you the truth”.

• Read 1 Peter 1:22

Our obedience to the truth results in our personal purification. Can you imagine how that works?

Satan is referred to as the deceiver in Revelation 20:7-10.

His most well known deception was in Genesis 3 when Eve and then Adam succumbed to his temptations. Note the subtle way he distorts the word of God:

• Did God really say…..
• Surely you will not die….

Satan knew the word of God then, and he still knows it today, distorting it to deceive God’s people. The only way to fight him is using the genuine word of God. That’s what Jesus did during His temptation in the wilderness. (Luke 4:1-13)

Only by knowing the truth of God’s word and wearing like a belt can we stop satan hitting us right in the middle!

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (Ephesians 6:14)

Look back through this study and re read what was said about righteousness as a weapon of warfare. Remember Noah (Genesis 6: 8) and Abraham (Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, James 2:23).

The breastplate protects the most important organs in the body, is that relevant to this study?

Read James 5:16, (the second part) and ask yourself if you are righteous, and if your prayers are powerful and effective.

For the previous 4 chapters of his letter, James has been talking about his definition of a righteous person. It is worth taking time to read the whole book. (Only 5 chapters!) As you do so, list the qualities of a righteous person below.

• James 1:6-8
• James 1:19-20
• James 1:22
• James 1:26-27
• James 2:1
• James 2:14-17
• James 3:10
• James 3:18
• James 4:3
• James 4:7
• James 4:10
• James 4:11
• James 4:17
• James 5:8-9
• James 5:12

In the end, Jesus is the only way to righteousness for us.

• Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 & Galatians 2:21

BUT…… We have to remember to clothe ourselves in His righteousness in order to be effective for Him in this world.

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