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The following notes are from BCoop’s third message in the “Make War” series at NewSpring Church’s student ministry, Fuse*. Great stuff!

In Ephesians 6, there are seven major components of the armor of God that all of God’s people possess. Christians too often fail to actually pull this stuff from the armory and walk in what God has given us:

• Belt of Truth – What traditionally hangs on the belt? The sword. Multiple times in scripture God’s word, the Bible, is compared to a sword. The sword/God’s word, is truth. Christians have to hold onto truth with all we have rather than believe the lies of the enemy.

• Breastplate of Righteousness – As Christians, we have taken on the righteousness of God if we have Jesus in us. It’s not what you do or don’t do, but what Jesus DID for you on the cross. A breastplate covers/protects the heart. God’s righteousness covers our own hearts. He sees the heart of Christ when looking at you.

• Helmet of Salvation – The enemy wants you to doubt your salvation. We have to take those thoughts captive and make them submit to God. We have to remember what Christ did for us every single day. If we, for one second, forget the sacrifice made for us to make us right with God, we stop living for the sake of the gospel and begin living for ourselves. Never forget what Christ has done for you!

• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Everywhere you go, leave a wake of peace. Unity, humility and peace should follow the Christian wherever he or she goes. You take the gospel with you everywhere you go. The message of Jesus brings peace to those that receive that gospel.

• Sword of the Spirit – You have to have your sword with you everywhere you go. The warrior doesn’t go to battle without his sword; the Christian doesn’t go into battle without the word of God. It’s not about bringing your Bible with you every single place you go, but it’s about having the word of God in you everywhere you go. You have to put God’s word in your heart so you can fight the lies of the enemy with the promises of God.

• Shield of Faith – How do you block an enemy? With a shield. “Faith is present action in future promises” (@kalebcarlwhite). We have to step into action NOW based on God’s word. We should be doing things that don’t make sense unless heaven and hell are real. We have to live in such a way that demands an explanation. When’s the last time you took action steps in light of God’s future promises?

• Prayer – We can’t forget this part. It’s what ties all of it together. Christians are all in this war together, and we need each other. We have to pray for one another continually.

11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Romans 13:11-14

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm.14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:10-20