Ephesians 6:10-19

In the movie the Enforcer,  Clint Eastwood uttered the line "Man's got to know his limitations."  Each person has things that plague them in the realm of sin.  Ephesians  6:10-19 is part of getting you ready to battle temptation.  There was a video game yrs ago for the Sega Genesis called E-Swat as you progressed thru the levels you picked up pieces of armor and a voice would say "armor up."  This armor in Ephesians is described as the full armor of God.  We can find phase one of battle preparation in James 4:7-8  "So humble yourselves before God.  Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.  Come close to God and he will come close to you.  Wash your hands you sinners; purify your hearts for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."  It's time for you and me to "Armor up." 

10.  "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."  Be strong in the Lord is a theme throughout the life of Joshua.  See Joshua 1:1-9.

11.  ""put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil."  Notice it said all the armor.  Think about a squire helping his knight suit up for battle and then forgetting the breastplate or helmet or sword.  Thanks squire you just painted a bull's-eye on your knight by leaving off a vital piece of armor. 

12.  ""For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world against mighty powers in this dark world , and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."  There is an unseen battle going on for the hearts and minds of us and those around us. 

13.  "Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will be standing firm."  Do you want to fight temptation admit to God you can't do it on your own. 

14.  "Stand your ground putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness."  Truth is found in God's word.  One of the things I often struggle with is Satan telling me I'm worthless and I can't do anything right.  I often have to dwell on who I am in Christ and the truth found in his word or I will believe the lies.  That's that belt of truth at work right there. 

15.  "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the good news so that you will be fully prepared."  When you surrender and humble yourself before God his peace reigns in you.

16.  "In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil."  You can't be strong and courageous without faith and a shield to defend you. 

17.  "Put on Salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by cleansing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."  The helmet of Salvation is an example of God changing your thoughts and making them new thru his word.  "Changing of the heart renewing of the mind it's the only possible solution." 

18.  "Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all the believers everywhere."  Marion and I watch this show weekly and the catchphrase is "No matter what happens don't stop singing!"  Well change that last word to praying.

19.  "And pray for me too ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the good news is for Jews and Gentiles alike."  I have a very hard time asking for prayer but like Paul I need it so for those who read this small bible study I need people praying for me. 

Armed and Dangerous by De Garmo and Key  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT0nLv9xGaI

Soldier of the Cross by De Garmo and Key https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w13_B3l3C4I

Be strong and courageous by Michael W. Smith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HOCFI7e3Nw'

The Battle belongs to the Lord by Petra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLZJZsRJIC0

Onward Christian Soldiers by Petra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plul1-_s1ak

Never stop praying

Anyway by Martina McBride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uLtyzRgmyI