Ephesians 6:10-15 NKJV 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; What is the armor of God? If you notice, the parts of the body that the armor covers are all decision-making parts. The breastplate of righteousness covers our heart and internal organs. It protects them from sickness and disease. Also, it protects the heart from evil desires and influences. Luke 6:45 NKJV says, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. So if you guard your heart from evil influences (by wearing the breastplate of righteousness) you can control your mouth (what you say). Prov. 4:23 NKJV Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. And Matt. 15:18 NKJV says, But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. Gird your waist with the belt of truth. Your waist is an important part of the body. The waist supports your upper body, so it can turn in whatever direction you want to face. With your waist, you bend and turn your upper body. Why is this important? The belt of truth will gird your waist so that you will only want to turn in the direction that leads to Jesus. Jesus says, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6). Jesus is your belt of truth and He will guide and direct your path. We all know how the feet can either get you in trouble or lead you out. Ps 1:1 NKJV says Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. Everywhere you go, you should leave footprints of peace. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Ps 23:3). God wants us to be able to walk in peace as our Savior Jesus Christ did. Isaiah 52:7 NKJV says, How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" God provided us with armor that will help us stand against the wiles of the enemy, not fall victim to them. So is it our fault, if we fall into the enemy's traps? Mostly. God commands us to always be prepared. We should never be caught without our armor! I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! Next week, will be the conclusion of the Whole Armor of God. God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray |
| Whole Armor of God, Pt. 2 Aug. 18, 2004 |