COMPLETE PROTECTION (2)
Much of our consideration on this important topic we will take from Ephesians 6. Paul begins this teaching by saying “Be strong in the Lord” v.10. There is no protection or strength outside of the Lord Jesus Christ. So often we try and fight battles ourselves and fail every time, we must get the revelation without HIM we can do nothing. Paul goes on in v.10 and tells us how we can be strong, “In the power of His might”. As we live under the Lordship of Jesus we can draw on the boundless resource that He provides through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. In Ephesians 3.20 Paul reminds us of the power that works within us that is why we can declare “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” Phil.4.13. Let this be our daily confession without Christ and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit I can do nothing.
Before we come to v.11 let me remind you that our biggest problem is NOT the devil it is ourselves and our sinful depraved nature. That is why we have to reaffirm Christ’s Lordship DAILY as it is only as we lay on the altar of surrender Rom.12.1 that our old nature is rendered powerless, we know from much experience that when we are not walking in surrender that our old nature quickly manifests itself and we often fall.
So how can we be strong ? v.11 and Paul repeats himself in v.13 he considers this the key factor in learning to protect ourselves. We MUST put on the WHOLE armour of God. So many believers go through their lives without knowing that we have total protection provided for us. This to me continues to emphasise the essential aspect of Bosko discipleship that not only encourages believers to read, study & mediate in the Word of God but also have a Mentor who walks with them until the message has captivated their heart. As Paul used the word WHOLE armour he is clearly suggesting anything less than the 7 pieces of armour we are not fully protected and will not be successful to stand up against all the wicked strategies of the enemy. Some Christians hear that when they were born again they inherited a complete set of armour, but were not told how to PUT IT ON!!!!!This again reaffirms the place of a sound Bible teacher to tell us how to do it. There are some teachers who go around and suggest we sit on our bed each morning and say “I put on this piece of armour” And go through the list. It means so much more than that. I think there are some very important steps we need to take.
- We need to recognise there is a set of armour available to us
- We need to realise the reality (the truth) of what each piece of armour means
- We need to then realise which piece we need to use
- We need to know how to use the piece of armour
- We need to put it on and start to use it.
I really want you to CATCH this truth so that you will begin to enjoy your Christian life more than you ever have.
