Protective Clothing

• We need protection
• From ourselves
• From other people
• From God
• From the effect of sin
• To live in victory
• From Satan’s influence/attacks
Ephesians 6:10-20 (Phillips)
“In conclusion be strong – not in yourselves but
in the Lord, in the power of his boundless
resource. Put on God’s complete armour so that
you can successfully resist all the devil’s
methods of attack. For our fight is not against
any physical enemy: it is against organisations
and powers that are spiritual. We are up against
the unseen power that controls this dark world,
and spiritual agents from the very headquarters
of evil..”
Ephesians 6:10-20 (Phillips)
“Therefore you must wear the whole armour of
God that you may be able to resist evil in its day
of power, and that even when you have fought to
a standstill you may still stand your ground.
Take your stand then with truth as your belt,
righteousness your breastplate, the Gospel of
peace firmly on your feet, salvation as your
helmet and in your hand the sword of the Spirit,
the Word of God. Above all be sure you take faith
as your shield, for it can quench every burning
missile the enemy hurls at you.”
Ephesians 6:10-20 (Phillips)
“Pray at all times with every kind of spiritual
prayer, keeping alert and persistent as you pray
for all Christ’s men and women.
And pray for me, too, that I may be able to speak
freely here to make known the secret of that
Gospel for which I am, so to speak, an
ambassador in chains. Pray that I may speak out
about it as my plain and obvious duty.”
Get Protection
The Battle
• Not “flesh and blood”
• “Principalities and powers”
• Hierarchy of evil
• Rulers | Authorities | Powers | Forces
• Disobedience to God
• Cherish sin in our hearts (Psalm 66:18)
• Hypocrisy (Isaiah 29:13)
• Husbands and wives (1Peter 3:7)
• Motives (James 4:3)
• Not living by faith in confidence (Hebrews 11:6 &
4:16)
The Battle
• Don’t be complacent
• Schemes
• “Methodeia” – strategies
• Underhand tactics – subversive warfare
• Satan’s primary weapons
• Pride | Unbelief | Fear
• Tactics: Accusation (Revelation 12:10) | Deception
(John 8:44)
• We have the victory
• 1John 4:4 – the one in us is greater
• Ephesians 6:10 – be strong in the Lord
• Jeremiah 17:7 – confidence in the Lord
“Put on the full armour of God, so that you
can take your stand against the devil’s
Put on the FULL armour
Helmet of
salvation

Breastplate of
Shield of Sword of the
Righteousnes
Faith Spirit
s

Belt of
Truth

Shoes of
peace
 Helmet of

Truth | Righteousness | Peace

salvation

Shield of Breastplate of Sword of

Faith Righteousness the Spirit

• Belt of Truth Belt of

• Are we authentic in our faith?

Truth

• Does what we profess line up? Shoes of

peace

• Are we loyal and sincere?

• Is there any hypocrisy? “For where
• Breastplate of Righteousness your
• Where is our treasure? treasure is,
there your
• What controls our spending and heart will be
time? also” –
• Is my heart fully in favour of God? Matthew 6:21

• Shoes of Peace
• “Fitted with the readiness that comes
from the gospel of peace”
• Are we taking our stand?
• Are we holding our position?
 Helmet of

Faith | Salvation
salvation

Shield of Breastplate of Sword of

Faith Righteousness the Spirit

• Shield of Faith Belt of

• Faith often grows in times of crisis

Truth

• Faith in God not ourselves Shoes of

peace

• Are we allowing a wedge to develop “Without

between us and God? faith it is
• What temptations am I allowing to impossible
grow? to please
God…must
believe He
exists and
rewards
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is those who
common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will earnestly
not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. seek Him” –
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a Hebrews 11:6
way out so that you can endure it” – 1Corinthians
10:13
 Helmet of

Faith | Salvation
salvation

Shield of Breastplate of Sword of

Faith Righteousness the Spirit

• Shield of Faith Belt of

• Faith often grows in times of crisis

Truth

• Faith in God not ourselves Shoes of

peace

• Are we allowing a wedge to develop

“Don’t let the
between us and God? world around
• What temptations am I allowing to you squeeze
grow? you into its
• Helmet of Salvation own mould
but let God
• Are we too close to worldly remould
values/culture? your minds
“Do• notWhat influence doesofpublic opinion from
conform to the pattern this world, but be
have? within…” –
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then Romans 12:2
you•willAre
be able
we to test and approve
distinctive what God’s will
enough? (Phillips)
is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” – Romans
12:2 (NIVUK)
 Sword of the Spirit – God’s Word
Helmet of
salvation

Shield of Breastplate of Sword of

Faith Righteousness the Spirit

• Sword of the Spirit Belt of

• Confidence comes when we read God’s

Truth

Word and believe it Shoes of

peace

• How often do we read the Bible?

“living and
• How much do we remember? active and
• What verses can we recall? sharper than
• When was the last time we quoted any two-
Scripture to someone? edged
sword…” –
• How do we respond when tempted? Hebrews 4:12
• What promises are we standing on?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the servant of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work” –
2Timothy 3:16-17 (NIVUK)