“DRESSED TO KILL”
What the Bible says about spiritual warfare.
Text: Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8
POINT: It is a decided fact that the devil is real, demons are real, and the spiritual world truly exists.
- The devil is strategic; he is a planner.
- The devil is spiritual. “Spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
I. The Belt of Truth. (v. 14a)
1. Truth is ESSENTIAL.
Truth is the essential centerpiece of the Christian’s armor.
The Bible continually speaks of the indispensable nature of the truth.
Proverbs 23:23; 1 Corinthians 13:6
2. Truth is PRACTICAL.
We are to be known as truth-tellers. John 8:44
POINT: When we tell lies, any lie we are imitating and acting on behalf of the prince of darkness.
POINT: People who are apt to lie, apt to stretch the truth, embellish the truth, gossip will struggle in what they believe.
3. Truth is UNCHANGING.
Immutable =”not subject to change” or “changeless.”
Hebrews 13:8; Hebrews 1:11-12
All truth is God’s truth. Truth is immutable because God is immutable.
POINT: Unchanging means “cannot be improved or perfected.” We often use this word in a negative sense speaking of an incorrigible criminal who cannot be rehabilitated. Matthew 24:35
4. Truth is OBJECTIVE.
To say that truth is essential, practical and unchanging is to say that truth is absolute-it is objective. It is verifiable. John 8:32; Genesis 3:4-5
If we are to stand firm in spiritual warfare, we must be immersed in objective truth – the Word of God. The sword of the Spirit is not only an offensive weapon. It is also a defensive weapon as well. (It is written)
II. The Breastplate of Righteousness (v. 14b)
1. Understanding the Breastplate of Righteousness.
Its purpose was to defend a soldier from arrows, spears, or swords thrust to the vital organs…., namely the heart.
Proverbs 4:23
- This does not refer to self-righteousness.
- This does not refer to imputed righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21
- This does refer to practical righteousness.
“The breastplate of righteousness” means living a life of holiness and obedience to God.
Ephesians 4:22-27; Colossians 3:9-14; Philippians 3:9-12
2. Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness
- Applying practical righteousness means living in a minute by minute obedience to the Father. 1 Peter 1:15-16
- Applying practical righteousness means joyful living. 1 John 1:4
- Applying practical righteousness means bearing fruit. John 15:5
- Applying practical righteousness brings rewards. Colossians 2:18
- Applying practical righteousness brings glory to God. Titus 2:10
- Applying practical righteousness defeats the devil.
III. The Shoes of Peace (v. 15)
A. Understanding the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
They were boot/sandals (caliga).”Preparation”=readiness. Romans 5:1
B. Applying the Peace of God In Spiritual Warfare
Like imputed righteousness, we receive peace with God the moment we are born again.
We are now at peace with God and can rest in that peace.
Philippians 4:6-7