Intro.

1. Many reject Christ & Christianity due to a false sense of security!

2. We know we have an enemy who wants to destroy us! (1 Pet. 5:8)

3. 1 Pet. 5:9 - Steadfastly resist him! How? Eph. 6:10-17

I. THE CHRISTIAN'S STRENGTH COMES FROM CHRIST - 6:10; Phil. 4:13; Rom. 8:37 (through faith & obedience to Him).

A. What Do I Need The Strength To Overcome?

1. Sin & temptations - 1 Pet. 2:24; Heb. 4:14-16.

2. Trials of life - cf. Rom. 8:35-39.

a. Tribulation ("pressed down," affliction) - External presses.

b. Distress (narrowness of place; anxiety) - Internal stress.

c. Persecution (put to flight) - Threats, etc.

d. Famine, nakedness, peril (dangers), sword (death threats).

B. We Must Be Humble Enough To Accept His Strength! - 2 Cor. 12:7-10.

II. WHY WE MUST RELY UPON HIS STRENGTH FOR OUR SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING - 6:11-12.

A. Our Adversary Is The Devil - 1 Pet. 5:8; 2 Cor. 2:11.

B. Our Battleground Is In The Spiritual Realm - cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-4.

-(The battle ground is over our souls, & the effects are seen in how we live in the flesh! - cf. Rom. 6:12-14).

III. BE STRONG IN THE LORD BY PUTTING ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD - 6:13-17.

A. Each Christian Must Put On God's Armor.

1. You must be able to withstand when trials come- 6:13.

2. When worn, God's armor will protect us & assure our victory in Christ!

C. The Whole (entire) Armor Must Be Worn:

1. The girdle of truth (v. 14):

a. Trust in God & your salvation found there - Eph. 1:13.

b. Speak truth in love - Eph. 4:15.

c. Truth is in Jesus - Eph. 4:21.

d. Always speak truthfully - Eph. 4:25.

e. The fruit of the Spirit in your life - Eph. 5:9.

2. The breastplate of righteousness (v. 14):

a. Character of the "new man" - Eph. 4:17-24.

b. Holy living protects you against the devil!

3. Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (v. 15):

a. To walk in good works of God - Eph. 2:10.

b. To walk worthily of our calling - Eph. 4:1.

c. To not walk like the lost in the world - Eph. 4:17.

d. To walk in love - Eph. 5:1.

e. To walk as children of light - Eph. 5:8.

f. To walk carefully throughout life - Eph. 5:15.

4. The shield of faith (v. 16):

a. A faith which is lived & known - Eph. 1:15.

b. A faith which relies on God for salvation - Eph. 2:8.

c. A faith by which Christ dwells in our heart - Eph. 3:17.

d. A faith that is one (united) in Christ - Eph. 4:5, 13.

5. The helmet of salvation (v. 17):

a. Present reality - Eph. 2:5.

b. Future reward - Eph. 1:13.

6. The sword of the Spirit…the word of God - (v. 17):

a. Secures one's faith - Eph. 1:13.

b. The word of peace Jesus preached - Eph. 2:17-18.

c. Revealed, written & understandable - Eph. 3:3-5.

d. To be spoken in love - Eph. 4:15.

e. By it Christ sanctifies & cleanses His church - Eph. 5:26.

Conclusion

1. Will you stand in the strength & power of the Lord? Only if you put on His armor……Do it now!

2. There is no other protection & no other confidence of victory over sin except in the strength of His might! (Eph. 6:10)