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160522AM Why No Peace SWS-20.docx
Why Do We as Believers Sometimes Lack
God’s Perfect Peace in Our Daily Lives?
Ephesians 6:1 51 The God of Peace wants us to follow the Prince of Peace, so that the fruit of the Spirit of Peace can keep us in perfect peace. That is the Gospel of Peace that we are to wear, firmly tied onto our feet as we walk through life.
A Peace-Protected Walk
Growing up one of the big events in the 1950’s was the big trip to the city dump on Saturdays. Dad would load up the trailer with all the trash, tree branches, and junk we had to get rid of. Off we went through the gate to the dump. There as dad pushed off the garbage where the dump director told him, we got to wander around and look for treasures. There were so many things to see at the dump; but the ground was littered with broken glass, twisted pieces of rusted metal, and all that garbage. Mom always said, “Be careful and make sure your shoes are on tight so you don’t cut your feet”. Life is like living at the dump. So much to do. So make sure your shoes are on tight.
What the God of Peace Wants to Do
He Wants to be with us. Romans 15: (NKJV) Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. He Wants to crush Satan. Romans 16:20 (NKJV) And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. He Wants to be with us. Philippians 4:9 (NKJV) The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. He Wants to Sanctify us. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He Wants to make us complete. (^1) 990103AM Armor- 3
Hebrews 13:20- 21 (NKJV) Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,^21 make you complete in every good work to do His will , working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Walk of Peace
As believers we are radically different from everyone around us who is not a follower of Christ, or at least we should be. Did you have a week of anxiety, fear, frustration, emptiness, purposelessness, impatience, and restlessness? Or, Did you have a week of peace, confidence, assurance, hope, boldness, and joyfulness detached from your circumstances? That is actually the simple question we each need to ask ourselves:
Do I Have The Peace Of God At Work In My Life?
Today we have come to the third piece of the armor God has given us each to wear: The Shoes of Peace. As we open to Ephesians 6:15 we are reminded that Rome’s legions marched across the rough, jagged, treacherous paths of the ancient world with a steady cadence. Their feet were protected by specially designed war gear, strapped on reinforced sandals with built in spikes for traction and stability in hand to hand combat. The Greek word the Spirit guided Paul to choose is hetoimasia , which speaks of “being ready for action”. When a Roman soldier went to war he knew he was ready to march, climb, and grapple and his feet would firmly stay beneath him. For us as believers the peace we have with God means we also are secure, firmly planted, ready for anything that comes our way. In Christ we have nothing to fear. We are to go through each day:
Firmly Planted in the Shoes of Peace (Eph. 6:15)
Simply stated being equipped with the “preparation of the Gospel of Peace” is when we live out what God did for us in salvation, on a daily basis. Here are the foundational truths of salvation: Because we know that God is no longer our enemy: He becomes our Heavenly Father and our Almighty Protector. Because we trust that God has already defeated our enemies: we no longer fear the devil and his power of death. Because we believe that God surrounds us with His Presence, His power, His wisdom, and His peace: we go through life in faith, trusting the goodness of our Almighty Father.
Each day we are confronted with choices. Just like you got up this morning and decided whether or not you would get ready and come over here to 855 South Drake. You are here because you decided to do that and acted upon it. This building is here. The believers gather. The services are prayerfully planned and practiced. But you can only get the benefit by deliberately choosing to come and be here. Each step of our spiritual life is the same. When God looks down at us He sees three areas that impact our lives. He wants to transform, control, and fill each of those three areas. Look at 1 Th. 5:23: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely ; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God here says we have three parts. Other Scriptures describe us as having two parts, but Paul here enlarges that to three. This gives us a simple explanation of the battle that goes on each day, and why we need to walk in the Spirit and wear our protective gear.
God Says Our Spiritual Life Is Central To Who We Are
When we are saved we get a new heart and a new spirit. So our old operating system is removed and we are a “new creation”. So the new part of us where God lives is our spirit. It is the new us. God says that He wants us to keep the new us, constantly full of the His Spirit. God says that His Spirit transforms our attitudes (emotions) as well as our actions. The problem is that we have an old enemy called our flesh that is not submitted to God. Our flesh is resistant to everything God wants and responsive to everything Satan wants. Right within me is a traitor that needs constant subduing.
That Is The Struggle Of The Christian Life
My flesh floats the world’s direction every day it is not crucified with Christ. Every attitude not crucified with Christ gets flesh-tainted, as does every action. Now comes the battle. Most often the battle between our flesh and God’s Spirit is seen in the storm-prone space between the new us, and the old flesh. That storm-prone place is in our our soul, or in our emotions, or in our attitudes. What does our emotional life look like when God’s Spirit is filling and controlling us? Here are a couple of lists: Gal. 5:16- 25 (NKJV) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.^17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.^18 But if you are led by the Spirit , you are not under the law.^19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,^20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,^21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.^22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,^23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.^24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.^25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.^26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Col. 3:12- 24 (NKJV) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;^13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.^14 But above all these things put on love , which is the bond of perfection.^15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts , to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.^16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.^17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.^18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.^19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.^20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.^21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.^22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.^23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,^24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Spirit Soul Body
My New Me, the Temple of God My Emotions & Attitudes My Old Me or Flesh Gal. 5:22ff But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self- control Spirit ruling bears Fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5:16 Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.^17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. Col. 3 : put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another My body ruling brings Works of the Flesh Gal. 5:19- 21 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,^20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,^21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like
Do I Have the Peace of God at work in My Life?
Being a Christian changes everything. Following Jesus transforms daily life. As believers we are radically different from everyone around us who is not a follower of Christ. Or at least we should be. How are you doing at walking through all the events, challenges, disasters, and duties of this past week? Does it appear to those around you that you are a follower of Christ? Did you have a week of anxiety, fear, frustration, emptiness, purposelessness, impatience,
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Thro’ Him who with us sideth: Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill: GOD’S TRUTH ABIDETH STILL, His kingdom is forever. Please turn to the Old Testament book of Isaiah chapter 48 for our Scripture reading. Stand as I read just 2 verses: Isaiah 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: (KJV) Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. (KJV)
Peace Is A Choice
Now to Ephesians 6. Armor for Paul was more than pictures from daily life of the nearly omnipresent Roman Legionnaires. Very literally, the “whole armor of God” he describes is a picture of Jesus Christ. In verses 14 - 17 is a list of the combat equipment that the Holy Spirit issues to every believer at the moment of salvation. By faith and obedient experience we find Christ is: WE WEAR HIS TRUTH that is the belt of truthfulness. WE WEAR HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS that is the breastplate we wear. WE WEAR HIS PEACE as the shoes of the gospel of peace. WE WEAR HIS FAITH as our shield of faith. WE WEAR HIS SALVATION as our helmet. WE WEAR HIS WORD as the sword of the Spirit when we are letting His Word dwell in us. So in the truest way, when we trusted Christ, we received Him as our armor. Paul told the Romans “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:14). By faith, put on the armor and trust God for the victory. Once and for all, we have put on the armor at the moment of salvation. But there must be a daily renewal.
What Are the Shoes Of Peace?
THE WAR AGAINST GOD IS OVER: Before we came to Christ we were at war with God. No matter what we may consciously have thought about God, our hearts were against Him. It was “while we were enemies” of God that “we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Rom. 5:10). When we received Christ as Savior and He imputed His righteousness to us, our battle
with God ended, and our peace with God began. Because he has made peace with God he can enjoy the peace of God (Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15). And because he has been given God’s peace he is called to share God’s peace. He is to have his very feet shod with “the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). THE WORK OF GOD BEGINS: PEACE is the internal serenity that only God can give. “Peace is love in repose, with no borrowing of tomorrows troubles today.”2 Troubles are not absent. Rather, God is present! “When the Holy Spirit is not grieved the dove of peace is able to alight on the heart.” Has peace become more and more a way of life for you this year?
Are You Wearing Jesus As Your Peace
Jesus was promised as the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), Like our Master, we His disciples are also to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.) and proclaimers of peace. When He sent out the seventy He commissioned them: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ And if a man of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him; but if not, it will return to you” (Luke 10:5–6). Jesus promised His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Peace flowed during the ministry of Jesus. There was a sweet cloud of peace that continually blessed those who believed in Him. Among His last words to His disciples were, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33). The ministry of the apostles and other preachers of the early church was characterized by “preaching peace through Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:36). God’s kingdom itself is characterized by “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). The God of peace (1 Cor. 14:33; Heb. 13:20) calls His people to peace (1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.). The ministry of the Holy Spirit is characterized by the giving of “love, joy, peace,” and the other spiritual fruit mentioned in Galatians 5: 22 – 23. God's Word teaches us: The Father is the source of peace, The Son is the giver of that peace, The Holy Spirit is the agent of that peace. One of the most beautiful fruits the Holy Spirit gives to those in whom He resides is the fruit of peace (Gal. 5:22). The God of peace sent the Prince of Peace who sends the Spirit of peace to give the fruit of peace. No wonder the Trinity is called Yahweh Shalom, “The Lord is Peace” (Judg. 6:24).
The Depths of Peace
Some of the earth’s most violent weather occurs on the seas. But the deeper one goes the more serene and tranquil the water becomes. Oceanographers report that the deepest parts of the
Isaiah 9:6- 7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV) Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee : because he trusteth in thee. (KJV) Isaiah 26:12 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. (KJV) Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. (KJV) Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (KJV) Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. (KJV) Isaiah 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: (KJV) Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. (KJV) Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (KJV) Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (KJV) Isaiah 59:8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. (KJV) Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (KJV) Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (KJV) Matthew 11:28- 29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (KJV) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (KJV)
Jesus Christ Had Perfect Peace
Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (KJV) Mark 5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (KJV)
Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. (KJV) Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. (KJV)
Jesus Christ Came With Gospel of Peace:
Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (KJV) Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (KJV) [...to men on whom His favor rests. (NIV)]
He Sent His Disciples Out With His Peace:
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (KJV) John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (KJV) John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (KJV) John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (KJV)
Apostle Paul Taught the Gosel brings Peace:
Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: (KJV) Romans 3:17 And the way of peace have they not known: (KJV) Romans 5 :1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (KJV) Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (KJV) Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (KJV)
- Breastplate of Righteousness (v.14b) The soldier's breastplate was a heavy piece of armor that completely surrounded the body. To the Christian soldier this means a pursuit of personal, daily righteousness. We learn confession and repentance of sin can only maintain this. Impurity will bring defeat , so say no to sin daily. we wear his RIGHTEOUSNESS as the guardian of our souls. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This armor is imputed righteousness. It is Jesus Christ, not ours but His righteousness.
- Shoes of Peace (v.15). The sandal soles of the soldier were impregnated with heavy, spike-like hobnails, which gave him a good footing, and also kept him safe from stepping on sharp objects. If you injure a soldier's feet he's out of commission. To the Christian soldier this piece of armor is a call to both "readiness" and "peace of mind." If our hearts are not kept in peace by Christ, then anxiety will bring us defeat! we wear his Peace as the shoes to walk through life. Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
- Shield of Faith (v.16). To a Roman soldier, his shield was a portable metal-banded wall, which he hid behind in battle. It was 5 feet high, 3 feet wide and served as the deflector from the flaming darts of the enemy. Our Shield of faith extinguishes all the flaming missiles of the evil one. But doubt will bring defeat! We wear his Faith, as our shield is battle. Ephesians 2:8- 9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
- Helmet of Salvation (v.17a). A soldier never was far from his helmet. Nearly any object on the battlefield could immobilize a soldier if his head was unprotected. So to the Christian soldier the meaning of the helmet is assurance of salvation. A Christian who is not assured that he has salvation is just totally immobilized because he's unsure about everything. He's unsure about God's promises, His Word, His protection. He's unsure about his destiny, his purpose in life. Lack of assurance brings defeat! we wear his Salvation as our helmet. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Sword of the SPIRIT (v.17b). Quick and deadly was the sword of a soldier. Vital to any victory was the hand-to-hand combat, which ended in the defeat of the enemy. To the Christian soldier this victorious sword comes only through a personal command of the Scriptures. This is essential to effectiveness in battle. Neglecting the Word breeds weakness and will bring defeat in our lives. We wear his Word as the sword of the Spirit when we are letting His Word dwell in us. Colossians 3:16- 17 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. So in the truest way, when we trusted Christ, we received Him as our armor. Paul told the Romans “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:14). By faith, put on the armor and trust God for the victory. Once and for all, we have put on the armor at the moment of salvation. But there must be a daily renewal. When King David put off his armor and returned to his palace, he was in greater danger than when he was on the battlefield (2 Sam. 11). We are never out of reach of Satan’s devices, so we must never be without the whole armor of God.
Lets read our text this morning Ephesians 6:10- 17 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;16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Pray
The Armor God in Which We Stand
Simply stated, standing in all that Christ offers to us was summarized by Paul in Romans 13, as “putting on Christ” (v. 14) as our “armor of light” (v.12). What are those six pieces of armor?
1. Buckled up by the Belt of Truth (Eph. 6:14a):
Roman soldier had a think leather belt that held their gear in place and could cinch up their tunic for battle. Normal dress for a soldier was a large square of material with head and arm holes that draped loosely over the body. In any combat that looseness of the garment ended. No tangles were desired, and the belt held fast the cinched up tunic. Truth is to hold us up, hold us in, and protect us from falling. This belt of truth is much like the restraints we strap around us when we get into one of those dangerous, high speed twisting, turning rollercoaster rides at some amusement park. The belt and bars that hold us are designed to keep us safe no matter how fast the car spins, twists or drops. We are held in. Truth holds us in. This word (aletheia) means both the content of truth, and the truthfulness of our life. God wants both. He wants us to know the content of truth and live the integrity of truthfulness. Truth means we have the readiness to obey; we have the integrity of commitment to truth; and we are opposed to all deception, dishonesty. We have no loose ends of our life that dangle and trip us up. We are girded, belted, strapped in by truth.
- Knowing the truth saves us. (Jn. 8:32; 17:3)
- Eating the truth sanctifies us, which means it makes us useful to God. (Jn. 17:17)
- Surrendering to the truth transforms us (Rm. 12:1-2)
- Obeying the truth stabilizes us (2 Tim. 2:4; Heb. 12:1-2) Our lives are to be surrounded and held together by truth we know, believe, and practice.
4. Shielded by the Missile Defense of Faith (Eph. 6:16):
Paul defines which of the Roman shields he was talking about wit the word thureos. This was the battle field, 30 - inch-wide and 60 - inch-high piece of wood, leather and metal that made a defensive wall that kept arrows, spears, and rocks from harming the soldiers. Often enemies added a pitch soaked cloth, wrapped around their arrows and ignited as it was shot. Without this shield the impact would not just deeply wound and burn the soldier, but the flaming splatters of fiercely burning pitch would light on fire anything they landed on. The thureos shield deflected or extinguished each arrow. Often at the end of battles the Roman soldier’s shields looked like smoking porcupines as their shields bristled with all the extinguished arrows of their enemies. Each day we walk through life Satan’s dark realm has well placed archers, arrows ignited and ready to shoot. Impure thoughts are a flaming arrow that the shield of faith can extinguish. So are the flaming darts of anger, pride, fear, despair, covetousness, jealousy, and every other well aimed fleshly temptation. If Satan’s team lands an arrow (as we saw in his attack on Eve in the Garden) the impact and splatter of his fiercely burning pitch can ignite within our minds doubts about God’s goodness, distrust about God’s plan, and disobedience to God’s Word. Satan wins if he can make this flaming dart start a wedge between us as believers, or between us, and our Father. Only the shield of faith, (holding onto the truth of God and acting upon it even when it is unseen), can extinguish these flaming arrows. Take up the shield today, because without that shield, it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
5. Surrounded by the Assuring Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians
6:17a):
Soldiers couldn’t survive long in the dangers of war without that helmet. The waves of enemy missiles flying, and the long battle swords swinging, would soon wound or kill them. Roman helmets were made of metal to protect and leather to cushion. Often the sides extended down for face protection. A head wound took a soldier out of battle. Paul explains that again Satan’s goal is to attack the secure reality of our eternal life. Our assurance of salvation, when shaken, debilitates our trust in God and sidelines us from battle. Much like the 36 to 48 - inch-long, double edged battle sword called in Greek the rhomphaia (that word is found in Rev. 1:16, 2:12, 6:8), Satan’s realm is swinging the razor sharp doubled edged sword of doubt and discouragement. Doubting God’s goodness often comes when we look at our struggles with our health, finances, and relationships, and question why God isn’t doing a better job at helping us. That opens the way for a flood of further doubts leading to discouragement and despair about how we could even be saved as we think of all our sins, failures, weaknesses, and struggles. As the words to that 1863 hymn entitled, In Christ Alone, reminds us:
When Satan tempts me to despair And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look and see Him there Who made an end of all my sin. Because the sinless Savior died My sinful soul is counted free. For God the just is satisfied To look on Him and pardon me. Behold Him there the risen Lamb, My perfect spotless righteousness, The great unchangeable I AM, The King of glory and of grace, One in Himself I cannot die. My soul is purchased by His blood, My life is hid with Christ on high, With Christ my Savior and my God! The helmet of salvation is a firm confidence in our Heavenly Father’s character and power. This helmet is not getting saved, because Paul is telling believers to put it on. The first element of salvation is defined by doctrine of justification, which is trusting in the finished work of Christ, already accomplished on the cross for us (2 Cor. 5:21). Justification ignites the second element of salvation, which is sanctification. God wants to make each of His children useful for His plan and uses His Word and trials, under the guidance of Spirit of God to shape us more and more into likeness to Christ (1 Th. 5:23). The final element of salvation is yet future, our conformity to Christ forever is finally accomplished when we are glorified fully like Him forever as 1 John 3:2 reminds us. So secure assurance is based on a past event we trust called justification, a present work in our lives we see called sanctification, and a future completion we hope for called glorification. Salvation’s helmet has three aspects: past, present, and future. We know our sins are forever gone, we see our sinful ways presently being sanctified away, and we await the end of the struggles as we become like Him when we see Him as He is. We know the ultimate victory is ours.
6. Armed by the Ultimate Weapon of God’s Sword (Ephesians 6:17b):
The up close war tool of the Roman soldier was not the 3 - 4 foot battle sword called the rhomphaia, it was the lethal, hand-to-hand sword called in Greek, machaira. Just 16 - 18 inches long, and always at his side, the sword of the Legionnaire was his supreme battle tool. He could deflect an attacker thrusts, and inflict precise mortal wounds. Romans were unmatched in their skills in hand-to-hand combat. As believers our sword is “of the Spirit”, a weapon originated and energized by the Spirit of God, for us to wield in spiritual warfare. No enemy can stand against the Word of God; and God's Word is the sword. When we hold firm to what God says, He cuts down all our enemies. Like the Roman sword, this sword of the Spirit is both defensive and offensive. In
