YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!
YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!
YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!
ARMOR OF GOD
WHAT IS IT?
As the saying goes, never bring a sword to a gun fight. This rule couldn't be more relevant when applied to spiritual warfare. The bible tells us that the enemy (satan) prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). John 10:10 says "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy;...". However the armor and weaponry we use to combat this enemy is not of this world (Ephesians 6:12). Let's compare this armor to the natural. Cops, soldiers and fire fighters don't have to think twice about suiting up in their protective gear when diving into combat or dire situations, it comes naturally. There's no hesitation or second guessing, this is because of their training and common sense for safety.
According to Bodyarmornews.com: To date, no one has died because of this (been shot wearing their body armor) and it’s not likely that the wearer will be incapacitated by it. Many law enforcement officers who have been shot in the armor have responded back, in the attempt to neutralize the threat. And, this is even before the use of the latest vest materials, which have been designed to reduce the effects of a blunt impact.
​
So why do we as Christians neglect to suit up? To keep it simple we can categorize the why's into 3 buckets.
​
1. We are simply too busy. In today's society its easy to get caught up in the flow of life. For most, the flow never stops and this is a dangerous place to be because the Lord calls us to "abide in Him" (1 john 2:6). With that said, we encourage you to slow down, make time with the Lord and suit up. Learn from Martha who found this out the hard way. Take a moment to read Luke 10:38-42.
​
2. We have become complacent. As unfortunate as it is, the truth is most westerners live a life of convenience. Look at today's technology, so much is automated for our convenience. less than 2 years ago you had to stand in line at your local Starbucks to order a cup of coffee. Now you can place your order from the car and skip the line! Ask a modern day high school student to travel to a foreign destination WITHOUT Siri's help. You can expect a priceless reaction. The point is, putting on the armor of God takes time and effort, added with the conveniences of our 1st world living makes it difficult to see the need for armor when naturally, it appears we are in peace time. This couldn't be further from the truth. See 1 Corinthians 16:13.
​
3. We don't know what we don't know. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;..." Very little needs to be said here. What we pour into Gods Scriptures is what we get out of It. Our prayer for you is that Gods Word burns inside like it did in the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:9). If we keep in perspective that this world is dark and the only light we have is God's Word (Psalms 119:105), then understanding His precepts will come easier.
​
What makes up the armor?
THE HELMET
and take up the helmet of salvation,...
Ephesians 6:17
supporting scriptures
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
Romans 12:2
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
​
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8
THE SWORD
"...and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God,"
Ephesians 6:17
supporting scriptures
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12
" All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16,17
​
"The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever."
Isaiah 40:8
THE BOOTS
"and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace."
Ephesians 6:15
supporting scriptures
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"
Matthew 28:19
​
"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,"
1 Peter 3:15
​
"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it."
Mark 8:35
THE BELT
"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,..."
Ephesians 6:14
supporting scriptures
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
"For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
Hebrews 5:13,14
​
"Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day."
Psalms 25:15
THE BREASTPLATE
"...and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,"
Ephesians 6:14
supporting scriptures
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
Psalms 51:10
"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim)"
Romans 10:8
​
"And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
2 Corinthians 3:3
THE SHIELD
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;"
Ephesians 6:16
supporting scriptures
"Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
James 4:7
​
"Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man."
Luke 21:34-36
