10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord (be empowered through your union with Him); draw strength from Him (that strength which His boundless might provides) 11 Put on God’s armor (the armor of heavy-armed soldier which God supplies), that you may be able successfully to stand up against (all) the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents), but against the despotisms (principalities), against the powers, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day (of danger) and having done all (the crisis demands), to stand (firmly in your place). 14 Stand therefore (hold your ground), having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the complete breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God. 15 And having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness and the readiness produces by the good news) of the gospel of peace. 16 Lift up over all the (covering) shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked (one). 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. 18. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all (manner of) prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
Ephesians 6:10-18
Q & A：
- What parts of the spiritual armor have you learned so far? Why is it important to learn about spiritual armor? Share some situations that require the use of spiritual armor. Describe your understanding of how the world system operates and how it differs from the Kingdom of God. (Eph 6:10-12; 1John 5:19)
- Share what you have learned about the belt of truth. How should we make use of the belt of truth as believers in our daily life? How does the breastplate of righteousness connect to your new identity in Christ? Explain how we can use the breastplate of righteousness as a powerful spiritual weapon in prayer and in our lives. (Eph 6:13-14; John 1:14; John14:6; James 5:16b)
- What is your understanding of righteousness? How do you obtain righteousness through the works of Jesus Christ? Describe the difference between righteousness and holiness or perfection. Share the importance of righteousness to a Christian. (2 Cor 5:17, 21; Rom 5:17-19; Heb 8:12; Rom 10:9-10)
Summary：
This week’s sermon focused on using our spiritual armor as believers. Throughout the sermon, we gained a good understanding of our position in Christ, which gave us a new identity in the new creation. It reminds us that God loves us unconditionally and gives righteousness as a free gift to protect and strengthen us against the enemy. Christ has taken our place and dealt with all our problems! Therefore, we have no fear and should immediately put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness to stand firm in His words and His righteousness. This sermon encourages us to learn and view ourselves through God, fully trust, and rest in Christ.