The Armour of God — Kingdom Knight

ARMOUR OF GOD TOSIN AJUWON | OLUWASEYI FABUNMI | SEGUN OLANIYAN TAIWO OGUNTOKUN | DANIEL OGUNLOLU | OJO TOYOSI The Armour of God This Paper Is Presented at an Online E-Bible Study © 2018 The Kingdom Knights All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in Whole or Part Without Written Permission is Prohibited. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the KING JAMES VERSION. TOSIN AJUWON – THE WORD The theme for this bible study is the whole Armour of Christ? I'll be giving an introduction on the theme and I'll talk about one of the Armour which is "the truth" as we trust God for other teachers to take us through the rest Ephesians 6:10-13 [10]Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11]Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12]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. [13]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. Firstly it's important that we realize that the writer of this letter is Apostle Paul and the audience of the letter is the brethren or the church in Ephesus Ephesians 1:1 [1]Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Historically, it's recorded that this church was planted by Paul Acts 18:19. After which he spent space of two years to establish them teaching them the doctrine of Christ acts 19:1,8-10(acts 20:1,17,32-38) and Timothy later became the Pastor of the church after Paul left (1tim 1:3). So Paul sent this letter to the Ephesus assembly. From Eph. 1 Paul taught about their authority in Christ, blessings and position in Christ. Eph. 2 he taught about how that we're saved by Grace, not of works. Eph. 3 he taught about the mystery of the Christ, the gospel he received by revelations from God himself and the dispensation given to him to preach and teach which is Christ. Eph. 4 taught about our unity in the body of Christ, how important everyone is in the body, the gift of men he gave us for our edification or growth into Christ and also the new life we've received. Eph. 5 he taught about how they should conduct themselves; family relationships, while in church, conduct amidst brethren, unbelievers.. Mind you it's a summary I'm giving to help us understand better, bible originally is not written in chapters and verses the translators made it that way probably to aid in referencing. I had to do all that so we can stay attune to the thoughts of the writer. So we won't run out of context. Eph. 6 Bro. Paul continued on conduct in family, master and servants relationship. Then he went further to give a final note which sometimes usually carry a weight of importance. After he had exhausted teachings about our rights and privileges in Christ... He went further to give us key instructions. Ephesians 6:10 [10]*Finally*, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. So let's carefully consider this words. Note: Be strong in the Lord not in yourself. In the Lord. The Bible is actually written in Greek and Hebrew...... The New Testament is written in Greek while the Old Testament is written in Hebrew. That word strong in the original rendering is..... Endunamoo =to empower, to strengthen. Be empowered in the Lord. Eph. 6:10 (Amp) In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].The amplified bible renders it better. You see all of the strength and power is coming from your position in the Lord. What Paul is saying is that the way to be victorious is through God's ability because of our time let's just go further. Please you can always call my attention to anything if you don't het Ephesians 6:10-11 [10]Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11]Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. That word put on means to be endued or to wear as clothe. Whole armour =panoplan=from pas =all Hoplon =instrument ,weapons. Whole armour there talks about all the weapons or instruments..... Meanwhile it's of God not yours..... God gave us in Christ. Why do you have to so that you'll be able to stand against all the wiles of the devil?. Wiles= methodeia =trickery, scheme, deception. Some key things to note here. Devil is got no power, what he uses against God's children is deception. The devil has already been defeated when Jesus was nailed on the cross Colossians 2:14-15 [14]Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15]And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 14Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared [j]completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross. 15[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]. He was stripped of all his power Ephesians 6:12-14 [12]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. [13]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. [14]Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Ephesians 6:11-14 [11]Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12]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. [13]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. [14]Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 1. Who is the enemy? = The devil Eph. 6:12 What's is his tactics? Wiles =Methodeia =cunning arts, deceits, craft, trickery, it means to follow up or investigate by method and settled plan, to follow craftily to deceive tactics 2. Fiery darts =depicts attack launch by the devil....could refer to temptations, persecutions etc. 3. Our exhortation. Stand not less than four times does Paul exhort us to do this (Eph. 4:11, 13, 14). The believer is not told to attack but to withstand and resist him Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 4. Our equipment = The armour of God Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11 This armour are what to we use in standing against his deceits or wiles or trickery. Paul carefully take those pieces of armour worn by the Roman soldier and makes spiritual application to each one. Thus, A believer who is not putting on this armor have a high tendency of falling for this deceits. Our fights is a battle of against deceits 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 [3]For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4](For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5]Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 1. Our weapons are mighty through God 2. They're to pull down strongholds i.e. false imaginations, things that exalt itself above God's knowledge 3. For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5. [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), Genesis 3:1-5 (Amplified) [1]Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [2]And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: [3]But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [4]And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: [5]For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Examine that you'll see the devil tactics......deceit...... God already created them in His image.....they're gods Matthew 4:3-11 [3]And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. [4]But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. [5]Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, [6]And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. [7]Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. [8]Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; [9]And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. [10]Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. [11]Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Jesus too was tempted but he stood, he was fully armed!. He withstood him. The fight we're into is not too obtain something but to maintain what Jesus has obtained. Before I go further. What does to put in the whole armour? That word put on =enduo=to be endued, to be cloth with. Remember he is making a spiritual application of the soldier armour for war, so it will be figurative, the way a Christian do that is to take hold or take advantage, or to make use of the armour of God Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (Ephesians 6:14) First in the list of these articles of equipments mentioned is the girdle. Gird about means to to fasten one's belt all around. This belt was no mere adornment of soldiers but an essential part of the equipment. Belt passing round the loins and the end of breastplate (in later times supporting the sword). If you watch ancient war movies you should be familiar within this description. It was a special use in keeping other parts in place and in securing the proper soldierly attitude and freedom of movement. It seems like truth here is what holds other pieces of his armor together this it's of great importance Let examine quickly how Paul use the word truth in other places in the book of Ephesians Eph. 1:13 Word of truth =the gospel of your salvation (Message) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13) Eph. 4:15 = Truth in love = as a tool for growing up in all things unto Christ (a message, a doctrine (a teaching) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4: 25) This the truth was used earlier as a message which affect their conduct Ephesians 4:14-15,21-26 [14]That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [15]But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: [21]If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: [22]That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; [23]And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24]And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. [25]Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. [26]Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Jesus brought the reality which is the truth, we believed this truth and we stand established in the knowledge of the truth and it's evident in our walk, our attitude as a Christian who is in the battle line For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. - John 1:17 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. - John 16:13 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. - 1 Timothy 2:4 To have the belt of truth is to look to Jesus to lead the way, to have your eye focused on him. This truth depicts readiness. To overcoming this battle. The battle is spiritual, the battle of the mind, the devil pursuit idls to shift you from believing the truth, he wants to deceive you from the reality of the gospel. This truth can also refers truthfulness as the conducts of the believer,a believer whose life is tainted with deceits and falsehood forfeits the very thing which holds the pieces of the armour together And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. - Isaiah 11:5 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. - 2 Timothy 2:3-4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Thank you for your time