DIGGING DEEP NO. 1060 November 19, 2024 THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER (PART 2) Ephesians 6: 13- 17.

1. The Equipment – Since we are fighting against enemies in the spirit world, we need special equipment both for offense and defense. God has provided the “whole armor” for us, and we dare not omit any part. Satan looks for that unguarded area where he can get a shot at us Ephe.4: 27. Apostle Paul admonished us to put on the armor, take the weapons, and withstand Satan, all of which we do by faith. Knowing that Christ has already conquered Satan, and that the spiritual armor and weapons are available; by faith we accept what God gives us and go out to meet the foe Rom.8: 31.

2. The girdle of truth – Ephe.6: 14a.Satan is a liarJh.8: 44, but the believer whose life is controlled by truth will defeat him. The girdle held the other parts of the armor together, and truth is the integrating force in the life of the victorious Christian. A man of integrity, with a clear conscience, can face the enemy without fear. The girdle also held the sword. Unless we practice the truth, we cannot use the Word of truth. Once a lie gets into the life of a believer, everything begins to fall apart. For over a year, King David lied about Bathsheba, and nothing went right. Psalms 32 and 51 tell of the price he paid. 
3. The breastplate of righteousness – Ephe.6: 14b.This piece of armor, made of metal plates or chains, covered the body from the neck to the waist, both front and back. It symbolizes the believer’s righteousness in Christ2Cor.5: 21 as well as his righteous life in Christ Ephe.4: 24. The life we live either fortifies us against Satan’s attacks or makes it easier for him to defeat us 2Cor.6: 1- 10. When Satan accuses the Christian, it is the righteousness of Christ that assures the believer of his salvation. But our positional righteousness in Christ without practical righteousness in the daily life, only gives Satan opportunity to attack us.
4. The shoes of the gospel – Ephe.6: 15.If we are to stand and withstand, then we need the shoes of the gospel. Because we have peace with God that comes from the gospelRom.5: 1, we need not fear the attack of Satan or men. We must be at peace with God and with each other if we are to defeat the Devil Jam.4: 1- 7. But the shoes have another meaning. We must be prepared each day to share the gospel of peace with a lost world. The most victorious Christian is a witnessing Christian. Satan has declared war, but you and I are ambassadors of peace 2Cor.5: 18- 21.
5. The shield of faith –The shield was large and covered with tough leather. As the soldier held it before him, it protected him from spears, arrows, and fiery darts. The edges of these shields were so constructed that an entire line of soldiers could interlock shields and march into the enemy like a solid wall. This suggests that we Christians are not in the battle alone. Faith is a defensive weapon that protects us from Satan’s fiery darts (Lies, blasphemous thoughts, hateful thoughts about others, doubts and burning desire for sin. If we do not by faith quench these darts; they will light a fire within and we will disobey God. We never know when Satan will shoot a dart at us, so we must always walk by faith and use the shield of faith.
6. The helmet of salvation – Ephe.6: 17.Satan wants to attack the mind, the way he defeated Eve2Cor.11: 1- 3. The helmet refers to the mind controlled by God. It is too bad that many Christians have the idea that intellect is not important, when in reality it plays a vital role in Christian growth, service, and victory. When God controls the mind, Satan cannot lead the believer astray. The Christian who studies the Bible and learns the meaning of Bible doctrines is not going to be led astray too easily Ephe.4: 21; 2Pet.3: 18.
7. The sword of the Spirit – Ephe.6: 17b.This sword is the offensive weapon God provides for us.Heb.4: 12 compares the Word of God to a sword, because it is sharp and is able to pierce the inner man just as a material sword pierces the body. A material sword pierces the body, but the Word of God pierces the heart. The more you use a physical sword, the duller it becomes, but using God’s Word only makes it sharper in our lives. A physical sword requires the hand of a soldier, but the sword of the Spirit has its own power; for it is living and powerful Heb.4: 12. A physical sword wounds to hurt and kill, while the sword of the Spirit wounds to heal and give life. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus used the sword of the Spirit and defeated the enemy. Three times Jesus said “It is written” Lk.4: 1- 13. It is important to note that Satan can also quote the word; but he does not quote it completely. Satan tries to use the word of God to confuse us, so it is important that we know every word that God has given us. The better you know the word of God, the easier it will be for you to detect Satan’s lies and reject his offers. In one sense, the whole armor of God is a picture of Jesus Christ. Christ is the Truth Jh.14: 6. He is our righteousness 2Cor.5: 21. He is our peace Ephe.2: 14. His faithfulness makes possible our faith Gal.2: 20. He is our salvation Lk.2: 30. Jesus is the Word of God Jh.1: 1, 14.

In Conclusion – We are never out of reach of Satan’s devices, so we must never be without the whole armor of God Rom.13: 14.