Armoring Ephesians is a book full of discussion on what good works Ephesians is a book full of discussion on what good works

and Godly behavior are like. and Godly behavior are like. Eph 2:10 says “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus Eph 2:10 says “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus

to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”

Yet in the last chapter after describing all the ways a Christian is to do Yet in the last chapter after describing all the ways a Christian is to do good works , Paul closes by making a very interesting comment. good works , Paul closes by making a very interesting comment.

Read Eph 6:10-18Read Eph 6:10-18

Here we find the concept that the battle of good works is really a Here we find the concept that the battle of good works is really a spiritual one and to do well one must be protected with what has spiritual one and to do well one must be protected with what has become known as the Armor of God.become known as the Armor of God.

The Armory of God (Eph 6:10-18)

Belt of TruthBelt of Truth Breastplate of RighteousnessBreastplate of Righteousness Shoes of PeaceShoes of Peace Shield of FaithShield of Faith Helmet of SalvationHelmet of Salvation Sword of the Spirit Sword of the Spirit PrayerPrayer

The Missing Room

Churches have many rooms but I think the Churches have many rooms but I think the one that is most often missing is the Amory one that is most often missing is the Amory or as I call it, the War Roomor as I call it, the War Room

It is in this room where these verses from It is in this room where these verses from Eph are converted from figurative language Eph are converted from figurative language to specific actions to prepare Gods people to specific actions to prepare Gods people for battle and given a plan for battle.for battle and given a plan for battle.

The War Room Process Step 1Step 1 – – Helmet of SalvationHelmet of Salvation .. Make sure the prospective warrior is saved .. Make sure the prospective warrior is saved

and motives are correct. See Acts 19:13-16and motives are correct. See Acts 19:13-16 Step 2 – Step 2 – Belt of TruthBelt of Truth .. Make sure the prospective warrior knows what .. Make sure the prospective warrior knows what

truth is. (ie. That they know Gods Word) 2 Tim 3:16truth is. (ie. That they know Gods Word) 2 Tim 3:16 Step 3 – Step 3 – Breastplate of RighteousnessBreastplate of Righteousness.. Make sure prospective warrior is .. Make sure prospective warrior is

no longer chained to patterns of sin. (3 types of people from 1 Cor 2 & 3) no longer chained to patterns of sin. (3 types of people from 1 Cor 2 & 3) Step 4 – Step 4 – Shield of FaithShield of Faith .. Make sure the prospective warrior is not double .. Make sure the prospective warrior is not double

minded but sure of where his strength and protection come from. (James minded but sure of where his strength and protection come from. (James 1:5-7)1:5-7)

Step 5 – Step 5 – Shoes of PeaceShoes of Peace .. Make sure the prospective warrior has removed .. Make sure the prospective warrior has removed the roots of bitterness from their life. (Heb 12:12-15)the roots of bitterness from their life. (Heb 12:12-15)

Step 6 – Step 6 – Sword of SpiritSword of Spirit .. Make sure the prospective warrior has learned .. Make sure the prospective warrior has learned to listen to and be guided by the Spirit within them. 1 Cor 2:1to listen to and be guided by the Spirit within them. 1 Cor 2:1

Step 7 – Step 7 – Pray about everythingPray about everything .. Cover all deeds with Prayer .. Cover all deeds with Prayer

Step 1 - Helmet of Salvation

Goal Goal : To make sure the prospective warrior is saved and : To make sure the prospective warrior is saved and motives are correct. motives are correct.

What happens if you send a non Christian into battleWhat happens if you send a non Christian into battle Read Acts 19:13-16Read Acts 19:13-16

What are the proper motives for serving the LordWhat are the proper motives for serving the Lord Devotion to Christ .. 2 Cor 11:3Devotion to Christ .. 2 Cor 11:3

Concept of Headship Eph 4:15-16Concept of Headship Eph 4:15-16

Responsible Ministry Today, responsible people are often motivated by an attitude of ownership. Today, responsible people are often motivated by an attitude of ownership.

They take ownership for the tasks they are given and work hard on them. The They take ownership for the tasks they are given and work hard on them. The problem with this is that while ownership produces responsibility it also problem with this is that while ownership produces responsibility it also produces stress and worry when things go poorly and pride when things go produces stress and worry when things go poorly and pride when things go well. well.

For a Christian however there is an another attitude that produces For a Christian however there is an another attitude that produces responsibility, it is an attitude of simple obedience to God. Tasks undertaken responsibility, it is an attitude of simple obedience to God. Tasks undertaken with an attitude of obedience do not cause stress or inspire pride because the with an attitude of obedience do not cause stress or inspire pride because the person is not the "owner" of the outcome, God is. (1 Cor 2:4-5) Obedience person is not the "owner" of the outcome, God is. (1 Cor 2:4-5) Obedience also has the additional benefit in that it produces faith .. something extremely also has the additional benefit in that it produces faith .. something extremely valuable to God. (1 Peter 1:6-7)valuable to God. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Recognizing this, I submit that a large part of what we call "Christian Burn-Recognizing this, I submit that a large part of what we call "Christian Burn-out", comes from service directed by an attitude of ownership. Service out", comes from service directed by an attitude of ownership. Service directed by an attitude of obedience does not result in burn-out because God directed by an attitude of obedience does not result in burn-out because God does not overwork his children. (1 John 5:3)does not overwork his children. (1 John 5:3)

Step 2 - Belt of Truth

Goal: Make sure the prospective warrior knows what truth Goal: Make sure the prospective warrior knows what truth is. (ie. That they know Gods Word) is. (ie. That they know Gods Word)

Where do we find truth ?Where do we find truth ? 2 Tim 3:16 says the scriptures2 Tim 3:16 says the scriptures

What should we do with them – study ..What should we do with them – study .. 2 Tim 2:15 A workman for God correctly handles the 2 Tim 2:15 A workman for God correctly handles the

Word of GodWord of God

Step 3 – Breastplate of Righteousness..

Goal : Make sure prospective warrior is no longer chained Goal : Make sure prospective warrior is no longer chained to patterns of sin. to patterns of sin.

3 types of people from 1 Cor 2 & 33 types of people from 1 Cor 2 & 3 Natural man .. An unsaved man who is foolish and Natural man .. An unsaved man who is foolish and

unable to understand the things of Godunable to understand the things of God Spiritual Man .. A mature believer able to discern the Spiritual Man .. A mature believer able to discern the

things of God by the spiritthings of God by the spirit Fleshly man .. A believer who acts like a natural man, a Fleshly man .. A believer who acts like a natural man, a

babe in Christ full of jealousy, strife, greed or other babe in Christ full of jealousy, strife, greed or other world habitsworld habits

Which are you ?Which are you ?

Attacks on the Flesh

It is easy to attack one who is currently engaged in It is easy to attack one who is currently engaged in a pattern of sin. a pattern of sin. Compulsivity’sCompulsivity’s Dualistic ThinkingDualistic Thinking

If you have a sin pattern in your life, go fix it If you have a sin pattern in your life, go fix it first.first. If you don’t, your credibility and ministry is easy If you don’t, your credibility and ministry is easy to discredit bringing shame on the whole body.to discredit bringing shame on the whole body.

Attacks on Desires It is easy to attack someone when their basic life’s It is easy to attack someone when their basic life’s

desires are going unmet instead of being met God’s desires are going unmet instead of being met God’s way.way.

During the attack During the attack Desires are increasedDesires are increased offers of satisfaction from unethical sourcesoffers of satisfaction from unethical sources Sin formula Sin formula

(desires + lies) * cultivation = sin(desires + lies) * cultivation = sin Are you feeling ‘needy’ in some way. If so, go fix it Are you feeling ‘needy’ in some way. If so, go fix it

first. first. Learn the secret of Phil 4:12Learn the secret of Phil 4:12

Attacks on Finances .. It is easy to attack ones finances when - It is easy to attack ones finances when -

There is significant DebtThere is significant Debt Where Spending is not tracked and managed to a budgetWhere Spending is not tracked and managed to a budget Where people live beyond their meansWhere people live beyond their means Where one is not following Godly principles for handling Where one is not following Godly principles for handling

moneymoney

If you have one of these financial problems, Lets fix it If you have one of these financial problems, Lets fix it first.first. Begin TithingBegin Tithing Use a budget Use a budget Eliminate DebtEliminate Debt Check into Crown or Financial Peace MinistriesCheck into Crown or Financial Peace Ministries

Attacks on Time

It is easy to attack one who is overloaded in It is easy to attack one who is overloaded in life or in ministry.life or in ministry. Matt 10:28,29 cp. with 1 John 5:1-4 Matt 10:28,29 cp. with 1 John 5:1-4

If your schedule is too tight today, lets fix it If your schedule is too tight today, lets fix it first. Remember what a Sabbath was.first. Remember what a Sabbath was.

If your ministry schedule becomes to hectic, If your ministry schedule becomes to hectic, check to see what is motivating you. check to see what is motivating you.

Attacks on Health It is easy to attack one who It is easy to attack one who

Has poor eating patterns Has poor eating patterns Lacks sufficient exerciseLacks sufficient exerciseMishandles needed medicationMishandles needed medication

Remember that your body is the temple of Remember that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Do you treat it that way?the Holy Spirit. Do you treat it that way?Why or why not ?Why or why not ?

Step 4 – Shield of Faith Goal.. Make sure the prospective warrior is not double minded Goal.. Make sure the prospective warrior is not double minded

but sure of where his strength and protection come from. but sure of where his strength and protection come from. Read James 1:5-7Read James 1:5-7 What do you fear ?What do you fear ? Fear is rooted in your view of who you are ..Fear is rooted in your view of who you are .. Do you know who you are in Christ ?Do you know who you are in Christ ?

As part of the body of Christ you were chosen before time, your life will As part of the body of Christ you were chosen before time, your life will transcends distance, people, problems and time. You will not only transcends distance, people, problems and time. You will not only survive but it will be part of the fabric that supports life throughout the survive but it will be part of the fabric that supports life throughout the universe. In Christ we have been made totally acceptable to God , sealed universe. In Christ we have been made totally acceptable to God , sealed and empowered by Holy Spirit, adopted as a son or daughter by God and and empowered by Holy Spirit, adopted as a son or daughter by God and given an inheritance. We are citizens of heaven and are only temporarily given an inheritance. We are citizens of heaven and are only temporarily in this world. Today, we are already eternal beings and all of creation is in this world. Today, we are already eternal beings and all of creation is waiting eagerly for us to be revealed.waiting eagerly for us to be revealed.

Who you are in Christ ! Matt 5:13 I am the salt of the earth Matt 5:13 I am the salt of the earth Matt 5:14 I am the light of the world Matt 5:14 I am the light of the world John 1:12  I am a child of God John 1:12  I am a child of God John 15:1,5  I am part of a true vine, John 15:1,5  I am part of a true vine, John 15:15   I am Christ's friend.John 15:15   I am Christ's friend. John 15:16   I am chosen and appointed by Christ to John 15:16   I am chosen and appointed by Christ to

bear HIS fruit.bear HIS fruit. Rom 6:18    I am a slave of righteousness. Rom 6:18    I am a slave of righteousness.

Rom 6:22    I am enslaved to God. Rom 6:22    I am enslaved to God. Rom 8:14,15  I am a son of God Rom 8:14,15  I am a son of God Rom 8:17  I am a joint-heir with Christ Rom 8:17  I am a joint-heir with Christ 1Cor 3:16, 6:19  I am a temple (home) of God. 1Cor 3:16, 6:19  I am a temple (home) of God. 1Cor 6:17  I am joined (united) to the Lord 1Cor 6:17  I am joined (united) to the Lord 1Cor 12:27  I am a member of Christ's body. 1Cor 12:27  I am a member of Christ's body. 1Cor 5:17  I am a new creation. 11Cor 5:18,19    I am 1Cor 5:17  I am a new creation. 11Cor 5:18,19    I am

reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation. reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation. 11Cor 5:21 I am the righteousness of God. 11Cor 5:21 I am the righteousness of God.

Gal 3:26,28   I am a son of God and one in Christ.Gal 3:26,28   I am a son of God and one in Christ. Gal 4:6,7 I am a heir of God Gal 4:6,7 I am a heir of God Eph 1:1   I am a saint. Eph 1:1   I am a saint. Eph 2:10 I am God's workmanship Eph 2:10 I am God's workmanship Eph 2:19  I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's Eph 2:19  I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's

people in His family.people in His family.

Eph 3:1,4:1  I am a prisoner of Christ. Eph 3:1,4:1  I am a prisoner of Christ. Eph 4:24   I am righteous and holy.Eph 4:24   I am righteous and holy. Phil 3:20  I am a citizen of heaven and seated in Phil 3:20  I am a citizen of heaven and seated in

heaven right now. heaven right now. Col 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:4 I am an expression of the life of Christ Col 3:4 I am an expression of the life of Christ

because He is my life.because He is my life. Col 3:12 I am chosen of God. Holy and dearly Col 3:12 I am chosen of God. Holy and dearly

loved.loved. 1Thes 1:4  I am chosen and dearly loved by God. 1Thes 1:4  I am chosen and dearly loved by God. 1Thes 5:5  I am a son of light and not of darkness. 1Thes 5:5  I am a son of light and not of darkness. Heb 3;1 I am a holy brother, partaker of a heavenly Heb 3;1 I am a holy brother, partaker of a heavenly

calling. calling. Heb 3:14  I am a partaker of Christ...I share His life. Heb 3:14  I am a partaker of Christ...I share His life. 1Pet 2:5 I am one of God's living stones and am 1Pet 2:5 I am one of God's living stones and am

being built up(in Christ) as a spiritual house.being built up(in Christ) as a spiritual house. 1Pet 2:1  I am an alien and stranger to this world I 1Pet 2:1  I am an alien and stranger to this world I

temporarily live intemporarily live in 1Pet 5:8  I am an enemy of the devil.1Pet 5:8  I am an enemy of the devil. 1John 3:1,2   I am now a child of God. I will 1John 3:1,2   I am now a child of God. I will

resemble Christ when He returns.resemble Christ when He returns. 1John 5:18  I am born of God and the evil one (the 1John 5:18  I am born of God and the evil one (the

devil) cannot touch me. devil) cannot touch me.

Step 5 – Shoes of Peace

Make sure the prospective warrior has removed the roots Make sure the prospective warrior has removed the roots of bitterness from their life and is quick to peace. of bitterness from their life and is quick to peace.

Heb 12:12-15Heb 12:12-15 What is a “root of bitterness” ?What is a “root of bitterness” ? Why would it defile many?Why would it defile many? Key Message:Key Message:

Jealousy, harbored anger, incomplete forgiveness, and Jealousy, harbored anger, incomplete forgiveness, and many other roots of bitterness are exploited by Satan many other roots of bitterness are exploited by Satan when you go into battle. The resultant strife between when you go into battle. The resultant strife between warriors defiles as it destroys you effectiveness.warriors defiles as it destroys you effectiveness.

Attacks on Marriages & other Relationships

1 Cor 7 Pauls says a man cannot focus on 1 Cor 7 Pauls says a man cannot focus on ministry as well when married. ministry as well when married.

Marriages open for attack are often categorized Marriages open for attack are often categorized by by

Lack of alignment between partners on life missionLack of alignment between partners on life mission Lack of sensitivity by a partner to the others needs and Lack of sensitivity by a partner to the others needs and

the internal familythe internal family Lack of focus by one partner on the eternal & external Lack of focus by one partner on the eternal & external

family.family. If you have a distant or difficult marriage, lets fix it If you have a distant or difficult marriage, lets fix it firstfirst. .

If you don’t you will just end up divorced and if your If you don’t you will just end up divorced and if your marriage is just ok .. Take time to strengthen it.marriage is just ok .. Take time to strengthen it.

Step 6 – Sword of Spirit Goal:Goal: To make sure the prospective warrior has learned to listen to and be To make sure the prospective warrior has learned to listen to and be

guided by the Holy Spirit within them. guided by the Holy Spirit within them. 1 Cor 2:11 Cor 2:1

Key Message:Key Message: It is clear from these passages that the It is clear from these passages that the Holy Spirit's work is very broad. He works in many areas yet Holy Spirit's work is very broad. He works in many areas yet all of them have something in common. They are focused all of them have something in common. They are focused on bringing people to Christ and supporting them once they on bringing people to Christ and supporting them once they have come. In his book Knowing God, JI Packer suggests; have come. In his book Knowing God, JI Packer suggests; Were it not for the Holy Spirit, there would be no followers of Were it not for the Holy Spirit, there would be no followers of

Christ save those who met Him personally. John 16:7- Christ save those who met Him personally. John 16:7- Were it not for the Holy Spirit, there would be no scripture, no Were it not for the Holy Spirit, there would be no scripture, no

gospel. 2 Tim 3:16 gospel. 2 Tim 3:16 Were it not for the Holy Spirit, none would believe. There would Were it not for the Holy Spirit, none would believe. There would

be no faith. John 6:65 be no faith. John 6:65

Have you learned to listen to the Spirit?Have you learned to listen to the Spirit?

The Spirit ; ... gives birth to spirit ... gives birth to spirit [[ ... speaks words of God ... speaks words of God ... teaches all things... teaches all things ... reminds us of Christ's teaching ... reminds us of Christ's teaching ... tells of what's to come ... tells of what's to come ... guides in truth ... guides in truth ... speaks not of his own ... speaks not of his own ... brings glory to Christ ... brings glory to Christ ... teaches & reminds ... teaches & reminds ... testifies about Christ ... testifies about Christ ... makes witnesses ... makes witnesses ... speaks the word of God ... speaks the word of God ... gives wisdom ... gives wisdom ... strengthens & encourages ... strengthens & encourages ... gives son ship ... gives son ship ... saves us from the 2nd death ... saves us from the 2nd death ... gives hidden manna, white... gives hidden manna, white stone and new namestone and new name ]]

• ... testifies we are Gods children • ... searches all things • ... know thoughts of God • ... helps understand God’s gifts• ... expresses spiritual truths • ... given for the common good • ... gives message of wisdom • ... gives message of knowledge• ... praises God • ... seals us • ... guarantees what is to come • …enables belief & testifying • ... leads • ... Sanctifies • ... gives power, love & discipline • ... enlightens • ... gives right to eat from the tree

of life • ... saves us from the 2nd death

The Gospel Advances across Jerusalem with PowerActs 4:1- 6:7

The Message (4:33)Jesus is alive!

2. M

iracle

s

3. Salvation

7. P

raye

r

8. Strengthening

6. Rejoicing 5. Rescue 4. Persecution

1. Preaching10. Care9. Unity/Respect

The “Process”

The Power (4:31) the Holy Spirit

The Results• Disciples 4:4• Unity 4:32• Respect 5:13• Church grows 5:14

The Players (4:13)Peter & John

Step 7 – Effective Prayer Support 1.   1.     When the obedient prayWhen the obedient pray....

remember prayers offered by the remember prayers offered by the righteous righteous (believers living inside of Gods will (believers living inside of Gods will James 5:16) are powerful and effective James 5:16) are powerful and effective

2.   2.   When we ask according to Gods WillWhen we ask according to Gods Will (James 5:14, Matt 6:10, 1 John 5:14) when we pray in areas that we know God (James 5:14, Matt 6:10, 1 John 5:14) when we pray in areas that we know God

wants, answers to prayers are much more likely. wants, answers to prayers are much more likely. 3.  3.    When we ask in UnityWhen we ask in Unity (agreement with others) (agreement with others)

Matt 18:19 .. What is it about being in unity about something that makes God open Matt 18:19 .. What is it about being in unity about something that makes God open to prayer so he uses the word "anything". Is it possible that when we discuss our to prayer so he uses the word "anything". Is it possible that when we discuss our needs and look for Gods will in a situation, we can be more objective about our needs and look for Gods will in a situation, we can be more objective about our motives and more certain by seeing the Holy Spirits influence across a group.motives and more certain by seeing the Holy Spirits influence across a group.

4.   4.   When we ask in FaithWhen we ask in Faith (believing what we ask will be done) Matt 21:21-22, James 5:15 (believing what we ask will be done) Matt 21:21-22, James 5:15

5.   5.   When we pray SpecificallyWhen we pray Specifically.. .. A specific prayer in much more likely to be offered from a right motive. It can be A specific prayer in much more likely to be offered from a right motive. It can be

clearly answered by God and you can clearly see the result. And with clear visibility clearly answered by God and you can clearly see the result. And with clear visibility of Gods answers you will begin to be more quick sighted of how to pray according of Gods answers you will begin to be more quick sighted of how to pray according Gods willGods will

General Prayers

Problems with general prayers Problems with general prayers There are problems with broad prayers. ( See God will has 2 types - There are problems with broad prayers. ( See God will has 2 types -

directed and permitted and broad prayers are likely to cross lots of Gods directed and permitted and broad prayers are likely to cross lots of Gods directed will as well as the prayers of others. (when we generalize in directed will as well as the prayers of others. (when we generalize in prayer, we may express our desires for a situation but God may have a lot prayer, we may express our desires for a situation but God may have a lot more going on there than you know. (like sanctification or judgement for more going on there than you know. (like sanctification or judgement for example) example)

General prayers may come from "indifference" a lack of involvement or General prayers may come from "indifference" a lack of involvement or stake. Are you taking your prayer seriously enough. What are your stake. Are you taking your prayer seriously enough. What are your motives - just to pray in front of your friends, Jesus said those who like to motives - just to pray in front of your friends, Jesus said those who like to pray to hear themselves heard were hypocrites. (Matt 6:5-6)pray to hear themselves heard were hypocrites. (Matt 6:5-6)

A general prayer may be difficult for you to see the answer or easy to A general prayer may be difficult for you to see the answer or easy to write off as someone else prayer.write off as someone else prayer.

Specific Prayers But a specific prayer is the prayer of the "involved". A prayer of the But a specific prayer is the prayer of the "involved". A prayer of the

"earnest". Lets look at some examples"earnest". Lets look at some examples James 5:13-15 Prayer is to be used for in the details of lifeJames 5:13-15 Prayer is to be used for in the details of life John 17 (Jesus specific prayer - lots of detail) - not just for current John 17 (Jesus specific prayer - lots of detail) - not just for current

disciples but future ones, in the world yet protected.disciples but future ones, in the world yet protected. In Col 4:12 Epaphrus was always "wrestling" in prayer .. describe the In Col 4:12 Epaphrus was always "wrestling" in prayer .. describe the

analogy - Wrestling - involved in close contact with the struggleanalogy - Wrestling - involved in close contact with the struggle

Key MessageKey Message : A specific prayer in much more likely to be offered from a : A specific prayer in much more likely to be offered from a right motive. It can be clearly answered by God and you can clearly see the right motive. It can be clearly answered by God and you can clearly see the result. And with clear visibility of Gods answers you will begin to be more result. And with clear visibility of Gods answers you will begin to be more quick sighted of how to pray according Gods will, this will build your faith quick sighted of how to pray according Gods will, this will build your faith and as faith increases so will Yes answers and before you know it - an and as faith increases so will Yes answers and before you know it - an abundance of answered pray building up your life.abundance of answered pray building up your life.