Hello, friend. Welcome back to Authorized Sword Ministries.

We're so glad you're here again.

Where We've Been

In Lesson One, we heard God's order to Joshua: "Be strong and of a good courage." And we learned where courage comes from. "The LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Today is Lesson Two. It's called "The Whole Armour of God." You know how much your gear matters. Today we'll look at the gear God gives every believer.

Our Key Verses

Here are our key verses. Ephesians 6:10-11.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." — Ephesians 6:10-11 (KJV)

Paul wrote this letter as a prisoner. He called himself "an ambassador in bonds." And the book of Acts tells us that when Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he lived "with a soldier that kept him." So Paul knew exactly what a soldier's armour looked like. He used it to teach us about a different kind of fight.

Know Your Enemy

Every good mission starts with knowing who you're up against.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." — Ephesians 6:12-13 (KJV)

Paul is talking about a spiritual battle. The enemy here isn't a person. It's the devil and his "wiles," his tricks and schemes. Temptation. Discouragement. Lies that tell you God has forgotten you, or that you're too far gone.

Those battles can't be won with physical weapons:

"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)" — 2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)

Notice also the word "whole." Not part of the armour. All of it. No one goes out half-equipped.

The Armour, Piece by Piece

Here's the full list:

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" — Ephesians 6:14-17 (KJV)

Let's walk through it.

The belt of truth. A soldier's belt held everything else in place. Truth does the same. Know God's truth, and be a person who tells the truth.

The breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate protected the heart. Believers are made right with God through Jesus Christ, and then we live right. A clean conscience guards your heart.

Feet shod with the gospel of peace. A soldier needs good footing. Our footing is the good news that we have peace with God through Jesus. That keeps us steady, and ready to share it.

The shield of faith. Ancient armies shot flaming arrows. Faith, trusting God and His promises, puts out the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation.

The helmet of salvation. The helmet protects the head. Knowing you're saved and secure in Christ guards your mind against the enemy's lies.

The sword of the Spirit. This is the only weapon on the list for striking back. And Paul tells us what it is. "The word of God." When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He answered the devil three times with Scripture. "It is written." Learn the Word, and you'll have a sword in your hand.

Stay in Communication

And then Paul adds one more thing:

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" — Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)

You know how important it is to keep communication open with command. Prayer is your line to headquarters. "Praying always." On watch, on the move, in the rack at night. And notice, "for all saints." Pray for the believers beside you, too.

A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ

Paul once wrote to a young man named Timothy:

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." — 2 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)

You already know about enduring hardness. You've trained for it. God can use that same grit and discipline in your walk with Him.

Do You Have the Armour?

Friend, the armour of God belongs to those who belong to God. The helmet is salvation, and salvation is a gift. If you've never trusted Jesus Christ, start there. Admit you're a sinner, believe that Christ died for your sins and rose again, and put your trust in Him alone. Then put on the whole armour, one piece at a time, every day.

Next Time

In Lesson Three, we'll look at God's care and presence in dangerous places, from Psalm 91.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." — Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)

A Prayer

Before we go, let's pray together.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this friend who is listening right now, and for their service.

Make them strong in You, and in the power of Your might. Help them to put on the whole armour of God every day. Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and Your Word.

Keep them in prayer, and help them to stand.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Thank you for spending this time with us.

We'll see you in Lesson Three.

From all of us at Authorized Sword Ministries, God bless you.