SPIRITUAL SPIRITUAL WARFAREWARFARE

Sooner or later every believer Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a discovers that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground, and battleground, not a playground, and

that he faces an enemy much stronger that he faces an enemy much stronger than he is—apart from the Lord.than he is—apart from the Lord.

~ Warren Wiersbe ~~ Warren Wiersbe ~

• • we are soldiers of the Lord we are soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3–4)Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3–4)

Suffer hardship with me, Suffer hardship with me, as a as a good soldier (good soldier (stratiw¿thßstratiw¿thß) of ) of Christ Jesus.Christ Jesus. No soldier in No soldier in active service entangles active service entangles himself in the affairs of himself in the affairs of

everyday life, so that he may everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted please the one who enlisted

him as a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3–him as a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3–4).4).

• “• “fellow soldiers” are fellow soldiers” are comrades in arms comrades in arms

(Philippians 2:25; Philemon 2)(Philippians 2:25; Philemon 2)

But I thought it necessary to But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier (fellow soldier (sustratiw¿thnsustratiw¿thn)), , who is also your messenger who is also your messenger

and minister to my need and minister to my need (Philippians 2:25);(Philippians 2:25);

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our Jesus, and Timothy our

brother, to Philemon our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our worker, and to Apphia our

sister, and to Archippus sister, and to Archippus our our fellow soldier (fellow soldier (twˆ◊ twˆ◊

sustratiw¿thØsustratiw¿thØ )), and to the , and to the church in your house church in your house

(Philemon 1–2): (Philemon 1–2):

• • the enemy is Satan (1 Peter the enemy is Satan (1 Peter 5:8–9), fallen angels (Eph 6:12), 5:8–9), fallen angels (Eph 6:12),

and the people Satan uses to and the people Satan uses to accomplish his will (2 Tim 2:26)accomplish his will (2 Tim 2:26)

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking about like a roaring lion, seeking

someone to devour. But resist someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of that the same experiences of

suffering are being accomplished suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the by your brethren who are in the

world (1 Peter 5:8–9).world (1 Peter 5:8–9).

For our struggle is not For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against against the rulers, against

the powers, against the the powers, against the world forces of this world forces of this

darkness, against the darkness, against the spiritual forces of spiritual forces of

wickedness in the heavenly wickedness in the heavenly place (Ephesians 6:12).place (Ephesians 6:12).

And the Lord’s bond-servant And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness when wronged, with gentleness

correcting those who are in correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may opposition, if perhaps God may

grant them repentance leading to grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses they may come to their senses

and escape from the snare of the and escape from the snare of the devil, devil, having been held captive having been held captive by him to do his willby him to do his will (2 Timothy (2 Timothy

2:24–26).2:24–26).

• • when Satan attacks, when Satan attacks, we're all in the battle—we're all in the battle—whether we like it or notwhether we like it or not

• • offensively, our job is to offensively, our job is to tear down strongholds—tear down strongholds—

fortresses of the enemy in fortresses of the enemy in the souls of men with the the souls of men with the

spiritual weapons God has spiritual weapons God has provided (2 Cor 10:3–6)provided (2 Cor 10:3–6)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the weapons of our warfare are not of the

flesh, but divinely powerful for flesh, but divinely powerful for the the destruction of fortressesdestruction of fortresses. We are . We are

destroying speculationsdestroying speculations and every lofty and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge thing raised up against the knowledge

of God, and we are of God, and we are taking every taking every thought captivethought captive to the obedience of to the obedience of

Christ, and we are ready Christ, and we are ready to punish all to punish all disobediencedisobedience, whenever your obedience , whenever your obedience

is complete (2 Corinthians 10:3–6).is complete (2 Corinthians 10:3–6).

• • defensively, we are “to stand defensively, we are “to stand firm (firm (sthvnaisthvnai) against the ) against the

schemes of the devil” (Eph 6:11)schemes of the devil” (Eph 6:11)

• the verb • the verb histemihistemi ( (iºsthmiiºsthmi) is ) is often a military term meaning “to often a military term meaning “to

hold a watchpost” or “to…hold out hold a watchpost” or “to…hold out in a critical position on a in a critical position on a

battlefield”battlefield”

• • spiritual warfare is applying spiritual warfare is applying the great power of positional the great power of positional truth to experience—learning truth to experience—learning how to put on your armor and how to put on your armor and

use your spiritual weapons use your spiritual weapons effectively to fight against effectively to fight against Satan (Eph 6:11, 13, 14)Satan (Eph 6:11, 13, 14)

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the the strength of His might. Put on the

full armor of God, that you may be able full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of to stand firm against the schemes of

the devil. For our struggle is not the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against against flesh and blood, but against

the rulers, against the powers, against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, the world forces of this darkness,

against the spiritual forces of against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of Therefore, take up the full armor of

God, that you may be able to resist in God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done the evil day, and having done

everything, to stand firm (Ephesians everything, to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10–13).6:10–13).

• • we have both offensive we have both offensive ("for the right hand") and ("for the right hand") and defensive ("and the left") defensive ("and the left")

weapons (2 Cor 6:7)weapons (2 Cor 6:7)

giving no cause for offense in anything, giving no cause for offense in anything, in order that the ministry be not in order that the ministry be not

discredited, but in everything discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of commending ourselves as servants of

God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in

knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; word of truth, in the power of God; by by the weapons of righteousness for the the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the leftright hand and the left (2 Corinthians (2 Corinthians

6:3–7),6:3–7),

• • with our weapons we with our weapons we "fight the good fight” "fight the good fight”

(1 Tim 1:18; 2 Tim 4:7)(1 Tim 1:18; 2 Tim 4:7)

This command I entrust to This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in you, Timothy, my son, in

accordance with the accordance with the prophecies previously prophecies previously made concerning you, made concerning you, that by them you may that by them you may fight the good fight (1 fight the good fight (1

Timothy 1:18),Timothy 1:18),

I have fought the good I have fought the good fight,fight,

I have finished the I have finished the course,course,

I have kept the faithI have kept the faith(2 Timothy 4:7);(2 Timothy 4:7);

• • in spiritual warfare churches need a in spiritual warfare churches need a command center to send and receive vital command center to send and receive vital

communicationscommunications

• military vehicles are now equipped with • military vehicles are now equipped with computers and satellite positioning devises computers and satellite positioning devises

that relay coordinates to the command that relay coordinates to the command center; commanders can overlay these center; commanders can overlay these

positions on accurate satellite generated positions on accurate satellite generated maps and coordinate forces on the maps and coordinate forces on the

battlefield to outmaneuver the enemy—all battlefield to outmaneuver the enemy—all a result of good communicationsa result of good communications

• • get the phone number of your Sunday get the phone number of your Sunday School teacher, a mature believer, a deacon School teacher, a mature believer, a deacon you trust, or your pastor—and don’t hesitate you trust, or your pastor—and don’t hesitate to call anytime of the day or night if you feel to call anytime of the day or night if you feel

you’re under satanic attackyou’re under satanic attack

• they will immediately pray with you, meet • they will immediately pray with you, meet with you, and give you the doctrine you need with you, and give you the doctrine you need to stand firm against the enemy—so you’re to stand firm against the enemy—so you’re

not isolated and picked offnot isolated and picked off

DEFENSIVE DEFENSIVE WEAPONSWEAPONS

Ephesians 6:10–17Ephesians 6:10–17

The Full Armor of GodThe Full Armor of God

» Belt of Truth (Eph 6:14a)Belt of Truth (Eph 6:14a)» Breastplate of Righteousness (6:14b)Breastplate of Righteousness (6:14b)» Sandals of the Gospel of Peace (6:15)Sandals of the Gospel of Peace (6:15)» Shield of Faith (6:16)Shield of Faith (6:16)» Helmet of Salvation (6:17a)Helmet of Salvation (6:17a)» Sword of the Spirit (6:17b)Sword of the Spirit (6:17b)

• • the full armor of God the full armor of God consists of six pieces consists of six pieces of military equipment:of military equipment:

a belta belta breastplatea breastplatesandalssandalsa shielda shielda helmeta helmeta sworda sword

• • the full armor of God covers the full armor of God covers and protects the whole body:and protects the whole body:

beltbelt stomach, groinstomach, groinbreastplatebreastplate chestchestsandalssandals feetfeetshieldshield hand, arm, hand, arm,

chest, groin, chest, groin, legs, facelegs, face

helmethelmet headhead

• • this armor is listed in the order this armor is listed in the order a Roman infantryman would put a Roman infantryman would put

them onthem on

• he first put a belt on over his • he first put a belt on over his short tunic to keep the short tunic to keep the

breastplate and scabbard in breastplate and scabbard in placeplace

Belt of TruthBelt of TruthStand firm therefore, HAVING Stand firm therefore, HAVING

GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH…(Ephesians 6:14a TRUTH…(Ephesians 6:14a

NASB)NASB)

Stand firm then, with the belt Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your of truth buckled around your

waist… (6:14a NIV)waist… (6:14a NIV)

• • soldiers used wide leather belts soldiers used wide leather belts ((cingulumcingulum) studded with decorated ) studded with decorated metal plates to carry their aprons, metal plates to carry their aprons,

daggers, and swordsdaggers, and swords

• the apron consisted of a number of • the apron consisted of a number of leather thongs with riveted metal plates leather thongs with riveted metal plates and weighted with bronze terminals: it and weighted with bronze terminals: it swung between the legs and protected swung between the legs and protected

the stomach and private partsthe stomach and private parts

• “• “belt of truth” is a genitive of belt of truth” is a genitive of apposition in which A (belt) = B (truth)apposition in which A (belt) = B (truth)

• the “belt of truth” ( 6:14) held “the • the “belt of truth” ( 6:14) held “the sword of the Spirit, which is the sword of the Spirit, which is the

Word of God” (6:17)Word of God” (6:17)

• • truth protects us from one of truth protects us from one of Satan’s most powerful weaponsSatan’s most powerful weapons

——deception, lies, and false deception, lies, and false doctrinedoctrine (cf. Eve, Gen 3:1–6; 2 (cf. Eve, Gen 3:1–6; 2 Cor 11:3; 1 Tim 2:14; millennial Cor 11:3; 1 Tim 2:14; millennial

unbelievers, Rev 20:7–10)unbelievers, Rev 20:7–10)

• • the belt is defensive truth (you won’t the belt is defensive truth (you won’t be suckered by lies and false be suckered by lies and false

doctrine); the sword of the Spirit is doctrine); the sword of the Spirit is offensive truth (such as James 4:7: offensive truth (such as James 4:7:

“Resist the devil and he will flee from “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”)you.”)

• • with the belt of truth you with the belt of truth you can effectively fight “the can effectively fight “the

father of lies” (John 8:44) father of lies” (John 8:44) because you know what the because you know what the

truth istruth is

• • some of the positive gains some of the positive gains of revival will be lost to of revival will be lost to

satanic deception, lies, and satanic deception, lies, and false doctrine (e.g., heresy, false doctrine (e.g., heresy,

evolution, philosophy, occult, evolution, philosophy, occult, New Age Movement, cults, New Age Movement, cults,

religion)religion)

Breastplate of Breastplate of RighteousnessRighteousness

……having put on the breastplate having put on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians of righteousness (Ephesians

6:14b NASB)6:14b NASB)

……with the breastplate of with the breastplate of righteousness in place (6:14b righteousness in place (6:14b

NIV)NIV)

• • the breastplate (the breastplate (lorica segmentalorica segmenta) ) consisted of six or seven horizontal consisted of six or seven horizontal

overlapping strips attached on the inside by overlapping strips attached on the inside by leather strips to allow freedom of movementleather strips to allow freedom of movement

• the shoulders were covered with sets of • the shoulders were covered with sets of curved stripscurved strips

• it also had front and back plates• it also had front and back plates

• it could be taken apart or quickly put on as • it could be taken apart or quickly put on as a complete unit and laced up from the fronta complete unit and laced up from the front

• • parts of three breastplates have been parts of three breastplates have been found in a wooden box dating to 98–100 found in a wooden box dating to 98–100 A.D. in a Roman fort at Corbridge—the A.D. in a Roman fort at Corbridge—the

iron has rusted to its oxide but the leather iron has rusted to its oxide but the leather has survivedhas survived

• fragments of hinges, hooks, and buckles • fragments of hinges, hooks, and buckles are often found in forts in Roman Britainare often found in forts in Roman Britain

• a scarf was worn around the neck and • a scarf was worn around the neck and knotted at the front to prevent the metal knotted at the front to prevent the metal

plates from chafing the skinplates from chafing the skin

Bronze Statue of the Emperor HadrianBronze Statue of the Emperor Hadrian

• • the breastplate covered the body’s the breastplate covered the body’s most vital organs—the heart, lungs, most vital organs—the heart, lungs,

stomach, liver, and bowelsstomach, liver, and bowels

• a wound from an enemy’s sword, • a wound from an enemy’s sword, spear, or arrow in any one of these spear, or arrow in any one of these organs meant almost certain deathorgans meant almost certain death

• “• “breastplate of righteousness” is a breastplate of righteousness” is a genitive of apposition in which A genitive of apposition in which A (breastplate) = B (righteousness)(breastplate) = B (righteousness)

• righteousness is given a place of vital • righteousness is given a place of vital importance in the believer’s warfareimportance in the believer’s warfare

• righteousness is all that Satan is not; he • righteousness is all that Satan is not; he is unrighteous, wicked, evil, and full of is unrighteous, wicked, evil, and full of darkness (John 8:44; 13:2; 1 John 3:8)darkness (John 8:44; 13:2; 1 John 3:8)

• • the breastplate of righteousness is living a the breastplate of righteousness is living a righteous life (experiential righteousness)righteous life (experiential righteousness)

• experiential righteousness is imitating the • experiential righteousness is imitating the righteousness of God; that is, conformity to the righteousness of God; that is, conformity to the

righteous standards of God in your thoughts, words, righteous standards of God in your thoughts, words, and deeds:and deeds:

Little children, let no one deceive you; Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is the one who practices righteousness is

righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7);3:7);

not as Cain, who was of the not as Cain, who was of the evil one, and slew his brother. evil one, and slew his brother.

And for what reason did he And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were evil, and his brother’s

were righteous (1 John 3:12).were righteous (1 John 3:12).

• • a state of experiential righteousness is a state of experiential righteousness is produced by confession of sin:produced by confession of sin:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and and just to forgive us our sins, and

to cleanse us from all to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

• if you have been cleansed from all • if you have been cleansed from all unrighteousness, you’re in a state of unrighteousness, you’re in a state of

experiential righteousness (but not necessarily experiential righteousness (but not necessarily practicing righteousness, living a righteous life, practicing righteousness, living a righteous life,

or doing righteous deeds)or doing righteous deeds)

• • if the breastplate is imputed righteousness if the breastplate is imputed righteousness (at salvation), then every believer has his (at salvation), then every believer has his

breastplate on all the time (and doesn’t need breastplate on all the time (and doesn’t need to put it on); if the breastplate is ultimate to put it on); if the breastplate is ultimate

righteousness (resurrection body), then no righteousness (resurrection body), then no believer has received a breastplate yet (and believer has received a breastplate yet (and

can’t put it on)can’t put it on)

• since this verse is addressed to believers • since this verse is addressed to believers (not unbelievers), the breastplate must be (not unbelievers), the breastplate must be

experiential righteousnessexperiential righteousness

• • our knowledge of experiential our knowledge of experiential righteousness comes from the Scriptures:righteousness comes from the Scriptures:

All Scripture is inspired by God All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for and profitable for teaching, for

reproof, for correction, reproof, for correction, for for training in righteousnesstraining in righteousness; that ; that

the man of God may be the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every adequate, equipped for every

good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

• • many verses promise protection for many verses promise protection for living a righteous life—memorize living a righteous life—memorize them before going out to battle:them before going out to battle:

For it is Thou who dost bless For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O LORD,the righteous man, O LORD,Thou dost surround him with Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield (Psalm favor as with a shield (Psalm

5:12).5:12).

He brought me forth also into a broad place;He brought me forth also into a broad place;He rescued me, because He delighted in me. He rescued me, because He delighted in me. The LORD has rewarded me according to my The LORD has rewarded me according to my

righteousness; According to the cleanness of my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. hands He has recompensed me.

For I have kept the ways of the LORD,For I have kept the ways of the LORD,And have not wickedly departed from my God. And have not wickedly departed from my God.

For all His ordinances were before me,For all His ordinances were before me,And I did not put away His statutes from me. And I did not put away His statutes from me.

I was also blameless with Him,I was also blameless with Him,And I kept myself from my iniquity. And I kept myself from my iniquity.

Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness,to my righteousness,

According to the cleanness of my hands in His eyesAccording to the cleanness of my hands in His eyes(Psalm 18:19–24).(Psalm 18:19–24).

• • the breastplate of righteousness the breastplate of righteousness provides additional protection against provides additional protection against

Satan’s arrows (cf. the shield of faith in Satan’s arrows (cf. the shield of faith in

Ephesians 6:16)Ephesians 6:16)

• • the breastplate of the breastplate of righteousness protects us righteousness protects us against two devastating against two devastating

weapons of Satan—weapons of Satan—accusations and temptations to accusations and temptations to

sinsin

• • the Devil is called “the accuser (the Devil is called “the accuser (oJ kath/gwr) of our brethren” (Rev 12:10)) of our brethren” (Rev 12:10)

• he accused Job of serving God only to • he accused Job of serving God only to receive God’s blessings (Job 1:9–11; receive God’s blessings (Job 1:9–11;

2:4–5)2:4–5)

• he accused Joshua the high priest • he accused Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3:1–2)(Zechariah 3:1–2)

• • the name Satan (the name Satan (NDfDÚcAhNDfDÚcAh) means ) means “Adversary or Opposer’ and the noun “Adversary or Opposer’ and the noun

sitnahsitnah ( (hÎnVfIc)hÎnVfIc) refers to an accusation refers to an accusation (Ezra 4:6)(Ezra 4:6)

• Devil (• Devil (dia/boloßdia/boloß) means ) means “Slanderer”—he sullies your good name “Slanderer”—he sullies your good name

by making false accusations to Godby making false accusations to God

• • Satan cannot effectively Satan cannot effectively accuse a believer who is living a accuse a believer who is living a

righteous life (confessing his righteous life (confessing his sins, practicing righteousness, sins, practicing righteousness,

and doing righteous deeds)and doing righteous deeds)

• • a lack of experiential a lack of experiential righteousness in spiritual warfare righteousness in spiritual warfare

may be fatal: it’s going out to may be fatal: it’s going out to battle without a breastplate—battle without a breastplate—

leaving you exposed to enemy fireleaving you exposed to enemy fire

• you may be pierced through the • you may be pierced through the heart by an accusation from Satanheart by an accusation from Satan

• • to be pierced through the heart is a fatal spiritual to be pierced through the heart is a fatal spiritual wound; wound; e.g.,e.g., a pastor who is caught in adultery: he’s a pastor who is caught in adultery: he’s living an unrighteous life (without his breastplate), he living an unrighteous life (without his breastplate), he

gets caught and his sin is made known to all by gets caught and his sin is made known to all by Satan, he loses his credibility, loses his church, and Satan, he loses his credibility, loses his church, and

loses his ministry—and never pastors a church againloses his ministry—and never pastors a church again

• Satan kills him as a spiritual leader (Jimmy • Satan kills him as a spiritual leader (Jimmy Swaggart suffered a near fatal wound)Swaggart suffered a near fatal wound)

• to be wounded or killed spiritually is to be partially • to be wounded or killed spiritually is to be partially or totally neutralized in effectively using your spiritual or totally neutralized in effectively using your spiritual

gifts (healing is possible with the passage of time)gifts (healing is possible with the passage of time)

• • you have to be clean you have to be clean to go out to battleto go out to battle

• • some of the positive some of the positive gains of revival will be lost gains of revival will be lost

to unrighteous living to unrighteous living (temptation, sin, (temptation, sin,

disobedience, carnality, disobedience, carnality, failure to confess your failure to confess your

sins daily)sins daily)

Sandals of the Sandals of the Gospel of PeaceGospel of Peace

……having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF

PEACE (Ephesians 6:15)PEACE (Ephesians 6:15)

……your feet shod with the your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace preparation of the gospel of peace

(6:15 KJV);(6:15 KJV);

• • soldiers wore an elaborate military soldiers wore an elaborate military boot called a boot called a caligacaliga

• they were heavy sandals with several • they were heavy sandals with several thicknesses of sole studded with thicknesses of sole studded with

hollow-headed hob-nailshollow-headed hob-nails

• the soles were three-quarters of an • the soles were three-quarters of an inch thickinch thick

• • eyewitness account:eyewitness account:

…he was wearing ordinary military …he was wearing ordinary military boots thickly studded with sharp boots thickly studded with sharp spikes, and as he ran across the spikes, and as he ran across the pavement he slipped and fell on pavement he slipped and fell on his back with a loud clang of his his back with a loud clang of his armor…(Josephus, armor…(Josephus, The Jewish The Jewish

War, War, 6.1.8.85)6.1.8.85)

• modern equivalents are baseball • modern equivalents are baseball or football cleats (shoes)or football cleats (shoes)

• • leather thongs continued half-way up the leather thongs continued half-way up the shin and were tied thereshin and were tied there

• in cold weather these sandals were stuffed • in cold weather these sandals were stuffed with wool or furwith wool or fur

• • sandals were defensive military sandals were defensive military equipmentequipment

• sandals protected a soldier’s feet from • sandals protected a soldier’s feet from stones, bugs, stickers, and the weather stones, bugs, stickers, and the weather while marching to battle and fighting on while marching to battle and fighting on

battlefieldsbattlefields

• sandals also provided sure footing, • sandals also provided sure footing, traction, and mobilitytraction, and mobility

• • traction and sure footing are traction and sure footing are imperative in hand-to-hand combat:imperative in hand-to-hand combat:when you’re fighting with swords, when you’re fighting with swords, your first slip is usually your lastyour first slip is usually your last

• in the Old Testament God • in the Old Testament God promises to protect the righteous promises to protect the righteous by keeping their feet from slippingby keeping their feet from slipping

• • a pilgrimage psalm:a pilgrimage psalm:

I will lift up my eyes to the I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall mountains; From whence shall

my help come?my help come?My help comes from the LORD,My help comes from the LORD,Who made heaven and earth.Who made heaven and earth.He will not allow your foot to He will not allow your foot to

slip;slip;He who keeps you will not He who keeps you will not slumber (Psalm 121:1–3).slumber (Psalm 121:1–3).

• • a wisdom psalm:a wisdom psalm:

The steps of a man are [firmly] established by The steps of a man are [firmly] established by the LORD;the LORD;

And He delights in his way. And He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled When he falls, he shall not be hurled

headlong;headlong;Because the LORD is the One who holds his Because the LORD is the One who holds his

hand. hand. I have been young, and now I am old;I have been young, and now I am old;

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,Or his descendants begging bread. Or his descendants begging bread.

All day long he is gracious and lends;All day long he is gracious and lends;And his descendants are a blessing (Psalm And his descendants are a blessing (Psalm

37:23–26). 37:23–26).

Depart from evil, and do good,Depart from evil, and do good,So you will abide forever. So you will abide forever. For the LORD loves justice,For the LORD loves justice,

And does not forsake His godly ones;And does not forsake His godly ones;They are preserved forever;They are preserved forever;

But the descendants of the wicked will But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off. be cut off.

The righteous will inherit the land,The righteous will inherit the land,And dwell in it forever (Psalm 37:27–And dwell in it forever (Psalm 37:27–

29).29).

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,And his tongue speaks justice. And his tongue speaks justice.

The law of his God is in his heart;The law of his God is in his heart;His steps do not slip.His steps do not slip.

The wicked spies upon the righteous,The wicked spies upon the righteous,And seeks to kill him. And seeks to kill him.

The LORD will not leave him in his hand,The LORD will not leave him in his hand,Or let him be condemned when he is judged. Or let him be condemned when he is judged.

Wait for the LORD, and keep His way,Wait for the LORD, and keep His way,And He will exalt you to inherit the land;And He will exalt you to inherit the land;

When the wicked are cut off,When the wicked are cut off,you will see it (Psalm 37:30–34).you will see it (Psalm 37:30–34).

• • a psalm of praise for deliverance a psalm of praise for deliverance from an enemy:from an enemy:

Praise our God, O peoples,Praise our God, O peoples,let the sound of his praise let the sound of his praise

be heard;be heard;he has preserved our liveshe has preserved our lives

and kept our feet from and kept our feet from slippingslipping (Psalm 66:8–9 NIV). (Psalm 66:8–9 NIV).

• • the sandals of the preparation of the sandals of the preparation of the gospel of peace are also the gospel of peace are also

defensive military gear—used in defensive military gear—used in spiritual warfarespiritual warfare

• these sandals carry your armor • these sandals carry your armor and weapons to battleand weapons to battle

and having shod YOUR FEET WITH and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATIONTHE PREPARATION ( (e˚toimasi÷a) ) OF OF

THE GOSPEL OF PEACE (6:15)THE GOSPEL OF PEACE (6:15)

• on our feet are “the preparation of the • on our feet are “the preparation of the gospel of peace”gospel of peace”

• God has provided what may be called “the • God has provided what may be called “the sandals of the preparation of the gospel of sandals of the preparation of the gospel of

peace”peace”

• • the implied “sandals of preparation” would be a the implied “sandals of preparation” would be a genitive of apposition in which A (sandals) = B genitive of apposition in which A (sandals) = B

(preparation)(preparation)

• other examples of a genitive of apposition are • other examples of a genitive of apposition are “the feast of unleavened bread” (Luke 22:1) and “the feast of unleavened bread” (Luke 22:1) and

“the sign of circumcision” (Romans 4:11)“the sign of circumcision” (Romans 4:11)

• your sandals (combat boots) are your • your sandals (combat boots) are your preparation of the gospel of peacepreparation of the gospel of peace

• • e˚toimasi÷a is used of the preparation of food is used of the preparation of food and drink for a banquet with the Egyptian king and drink for a banquet with the Egyptian king

Ptolemy II:Ptolemy II:

…the king ordered the finest apartments to be given them …the king ordered the finest apartments to be given them near the citadel, and thenear the citadel, and the preparationspreparations for the banquet to be for the banquet to be

made. The chief steward Nicanor summoned Dorotheus, who made. The chief steward Nicanor summoned Dorotheus, who was appointed in charge of these matters, and bade him was appointed in charge of these matters, and bade him

completecomplete preparationspreparations for each guest. “These,” he said, “are for each guest. “These,” he said, “are the king’s orders; some of them you still see now.” The the king’s orders; some of them you still see now.” The

number of prominent delegates corresponds to the number of number of prominent delegates corresponds to the number of cities, all having the same customs in matters of drink and cities, all having the same customs in matters of drink and

food and bedding. Allfood and bedding. All preparationspreparations were made in accordance were made in accordance with these customs, so that when they came in the presence with these customs, so that when they came in the presence of the kings they would have a happy visit, with no cause for of the kings they would have a happy visit, with no cause for

complaint (Letter of Aristeas 181–182).complaint (Letter of Aristeas 181–182).

• • preparation is getting preparation is getting things ready in advance things ready in advance

for usefor use

• • the phrase “the preparation of the the phrase “the preparation of the gospel” is a genitive of reference and may gospel” is a genitive of reference and may

be translated ‘the preparation with be translated ‘the preparation with reference to the gospel’reference to the gospel’

• the preparation is done in the area of the • the preparation is done in the area of the gospel: defensively, it’s learning how the gospel: defensively, it’s learning how the gospel protects you from false gospels; gospel protects you from false gospels;

and offensively, it’s learning how the and offensively, it’s learning how the gospel brings peace between God and gospel brings peace between God and

men (reconciliation) and peace between men (reconciliation) and peace between believers and unbelievers (evangelism)believers and unbelievers (evangelism)

• “• “the preparation of the gospel of peace” is the preparation of the gospel of peace” is getting ready for spiritual combat by studying, getting ready for spiritual combat by studying,

learning, and understanding the gospellearning, and understanding the gospel

• the preparation is the work you do in learning • the preparation is the work you do in learning about the gospelabout the gospel

• this preparation comes through personal • this preparation comes through personal Bible study, preaching, teaching, and Bible study, preaching, teaching, and

meditationmeditation

• this preparation (understanding of the gospel) • this preparation (understanding of the gospel) is put on like military sandals before going out is put on like military sandals before going out

to battleto battle

• • defensively, the preparation of the gospel of defensively, the preparation of the gospel of peace peace protects you fromprotects you from false gospelsfalse gospels—another —another

favorite weapon of Satan:favorite weapon of Satan:

But I am afraid, lest as the serpent But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to simplicity and purity of devotion to

Christ. For if one comes and preaches Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not another Jesus whom we have not

preached, or you receive a different preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or spirit which you have not received, or a a

different gospeldifferent gospel which you have not which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully (2 accepted, you bear this beautifully (2

Corinthians 11:3–4).Corinthians 11:3–4).

I am amazed that you are so quickly I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the deserting Him who called you by the

grace of Christ, for grace of Christ, for a different gospela different gospel; ; which is really not another; only there which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and are some who are disturbing you, and

want to distort the gospel of Christ. But want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from even though we, or an angel from

heaven, should preach to you heaven, should preach to you a gospel a gospel contrary to that which we have contrary to that which we have

preachedpreached to you, let him be accursed. to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you now, if any man is preaching to you a a

gospel contrary to that which you gospel contrary to that which you receivedreceived, let him be accursed (Galatians , let him be accursed (Galatians

1:6–9 ).1:6–9 ).

• • there are many false gospels:there are many false gospels:

(1) salvation by good works: pagans, (1) salvation by good works: pagans, neo-orthodoxy, Judaism, most neo-orthodoxy, Judaism, most

religionsreligions

(2) faith plus good works: believe and (2) faith plus good works: believe and be baptized, repent and believe, be baptized, repent and believe,

believe and surrender by giving Christ believe and surrender by giving Christ control of your life (lordship salvation control of your life (lordship salvation

adds obedience to faith)adds obedience to faith)

• • faith-plus gospelsfaith-plus gospels say faith in Jesus Christ is say faith in Jesus Christ is necessary, but is not enough—works are also necessary, but is not enough—works are also

needed to make it to heavenneeded to make it to heaven

• these faith-plus gospels are endless: faith plus • these faith-plus gospels are endless: faith plus baptism, repentance, surrender, obedience, baptism, repentance, surrender, obedience, faithful living, church membership, personal faithful living, church membership, personal

sacrifice, penances and masses (Roman sacrifice, penances and masses (Roman Catholicism)Catholicism)

• salvation is conditioned solely on faith over • salvation is conditioned solely on faith over 200 times in the New Testament200 times in the New Testament

• • false invitations:false invitations:

• “Give your heart to Christ”—salvation is • “Give your heart to Christ”—salvation is not my gift to God, but his gift to me.not my gift to God, but his gift to me.

Variations of this false invitation are “Give Variations of this false invitation are “Give your life to God,” “Give your heart to Christ,” your life to God,” “Give your heart to Christ,”

“Surrender all,” “Put your all on the altar,” “Surrender all,” “Put your all on the altar,” and “Ask Jesus to come into your heart.”and “Ask Jesus to come into your heart.”

• “Forsaking all your sins”—this means that • “Forsaking all your sins”—this means that the sinner must promise to live perfectly the sinner must promise to live perfectly

from now onfrom now on

• “• “God be merciful to me a sinner, and save God be merciful to me a sinner, and save me for Jesus’ sake”—an incomplete me for Jesus’ sake”—an incomplete

invitationinvitation

• “Surrender all”—the full surrender of • “Surrender all”—the full surrender of Jesus Christ on Calvary saves us, not our Jesus Christ on Calvary saves us, not our

full surrender to himfull surrender to him

• “Make Jesus your Lord” or “Make Jesus • “Make Jesus your Lord” or “Make Jesus the Lord of your life”—promising to obey the the Lord of your life”—promising to obey the

rest of your life is worksrest of your life is works

• • if you understand the if you understand the gospel, you will not fall gospel, you will not fall victim to false gospelsvictim to false gospels

• • the gospel is also a powerful offensive the gospel is also a powerful offensive weapon to turn people weapon to turn people “from these vain “from these vain

things to a living God” (Acts things to a living God” (Acts 14:15).14:15).

For I am not ashamed of the For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for gospel, for it is the power of God it is the power of God

for salvationfor salvation to everyone who to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also believes, to the Jew first and also

to the Greek (Romans 1:16).to the Greek (Romans 1:16).

• • the phrase “the gospel of peace” is a the phrase “the gospel of peace” is a genitive of the product in which B (peace) genitive of the product in which B (peace) is the product of A (the gospel): the gospel is the product of A (the gospel): the gospel

of peace provides peace with God:of peace provides peace with God:

Therefore having been justified Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God by faith, we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1),(Romans 5:1),

• • when you successfully use the gospel when you successfully use the gospel against an unbelieving enemy you make against an unbelieving enemy you make peace between him, yourself, and God—peace between him, yourself, and God—

effectively defeating, disarming, and taking effectively defeating, disarming, and taking captive one of Satan’s warriorscaptive one of Satan’s warriors

• • what seems to be an incongruity is what seems to be an incongruity is really a paradox: weapons of peace really a paradox: weapons of peace

are used to make warare used to make war

• a good soldier seeks peace • a good soldier seeks peace through conquestthrough conquest

• use the gospel to invade the • use the gospel to invade the Kingdom of DarknessKingdom of Darkness

• • here is another paradox:here is another paradox:

And the God of peace will soon And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet crush Satan under your feet

(Romans 16:20b).(Romans 16:20b).

• the aggressor in the angelic conflict is • the aggressor in the angelic conflict is clearly Satan, not Godclearly Satan, not God

• • all were at peace when Satan rebelled; and all all were at peace when Satan rebelled; and all will be at peace again when Satan is will be at peace again when Satan is

incarcerated for a thousand years in the Abyss incarcerated for a thousand years in the Abyss and forever in the Lake of Fireand forever in the Lake of Fire

• the title “the God of peace” occurs five times in • the title “the God of peace” occurs five times in the New Testament (Rom 5:33; 16:20; Phil 4:9; the New Testament (Rom 5:33; 16:20; Phil 4:9;

1 Thess 5:23; Heb 13:20)1 Thess 5:23; Heb 13:20)

• God wants peace and provides peace of mind • God wants peace and provides peace of mind (fruit of the Spirit) and peace with Him (fruit of the Spirit) and peace with Him

(propitiation and reconciliation) in the midst of (propitiation and reconciliation) in the midst of war—and ultimately peace on earth (millennial war—and ultimately peace on earth (millennial

Kingdom and the new earth)Kingdom and the new earth)

• • your understanding of the your understanding of the gospel is your sure footing in gospel is your sure footing in

spiritual warfarespiritual warfare

• you can’t use your Sword • you can’t use your Sword (Word of God) effectively (Word of God) effectively

without sandals (the gospel)without sandals (the gospel)

APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

• • did you know there is an interesting story did you know there is an interesting story behind the Greek word for 'gospel'?behind the Greek word for 'gospel'?

euangelion euangelion means 'good news'means 'good news'euangelizo euangelizo means 'bring or announce means 'bring or announce

good news'good news'euangelistes euangelistes means 'a bringer of good means 'a bringer of good

tidings' or 'an evangelist'tidings' or 'an evangelist'

• the word • the word gospelgospel ( (euangelioneuangelion)) is closely is closely linked with victory in battlelinked with victory in battle

• • originally it referred to the good news of a originally it referred to the good news of a decisive victory in battle:decisive victory in battle:

• a city• a city--state's army is at war in the fieldstate's army is at war in the field• the people anxiously await news of the • the people anxiously await news of the

outcomeoutcome• victory means they will remain free and • victory means they will remain free and

enjoy the spoils; defeat means certain death enjoy the spoils; defeat means certain death and slaveryand slavery

• suddenly a messenger arrives from the • suddenly a messenger arrives from the battlefield—on a ship, on horseback, or as a battlefield—on a ship, on horseback, or as a

swift runnerswift runner

• • he has a broad smile on his facehe has a broad smile on his face• his spear is decked with laurel• his spear is decked with laurel

• his head is crowned• his head is crowned• he swings a palm branch over his • he swings a palm branch over his

head with his left handhead with his left hand• he raises his right hand in greeting• he raises his right hand in greeting

• he cries out with a loud voice • he cries out with a loud voice "Chaire…"Chaire…nikomen"nikomen" which means "Rejoice…we are which means "Rejoice…we are

victorious!"victorious!"

• • joy fills the city—pandemonium breaks outjoy fills the city—pandemonium breaks out—everyone is ecstatic, shouting, hugging —everyone is ecstatic, shouting, hugging

each other, and celebratingeach other, and celebrating• the city offers good news sacrifices • the city offers good news sacrifices

((euangeliaeuangelia) to its gods) to its gods• garlands are put on their temples• garlands are put on their temples

• an • an agonagon (assembly met to see games) is (assembly met to see games) is heldheld

• the victor is honored with a wreath• the victor is honored with a wreath

• • the messenger—the one bringing the good the messenger—the one bringing the good news—is just as ecstatic as the people in the news—is just as ecstatic as the people in the city—the ones he tells the good news to (so city—the ones he tells the good news to (so we should be happy and excited to tell the we should be happy and excited to tell the

good news to others)good news to others)

• the people often rewarded the messenger • the people often rewarded the messenger for bringing the good news (his good news for bringing the good news (his good news

brings relief to the recipients; therefore he is brings relief to the recipients; therefore he is rewarded)—so we are rewarded for rewarded)—so we are rewarded for

proclaiming the good newsproclaiming the good news

• • euangelioneuangelion (good news) is (good news) is often combined with often combined with soteriasoteria

(salvation) because victory over (salvation) because victory over enemies is the salvation of the enemies is the salvation of the city (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1–3)city (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1–3)

• • the word came to be used of any kind of the word came to be used of any kind of message that was good news and brought joy message that was good news and brought joy

to the hearersto the hearers

• news about the birth of a son• news about the birth of a son• news of an approaching wedding• news of an approaching wedding

• news of winning an election (political)• news of winning an election (political)• news of a popular general becoming • news of a popular general becoming

emperor (the cities of the east rejoiced when emperor (the cities of the east rejoiced when they heard about Vespasian's accession to they heard about Vespasian's accession to

the throne, Josephus, the throne, Josephus, War War 4.618)4.618)

• • the gospel is good news from God the gospel is good news from God to men:to men:

"Christ died for our sins…"Christ died for our sins…was buried, and…was raised was buried, and…was raised

on the third day…” (1 on the third day…” (1 Corinthians 15:1Corinthians 15:1––8)8)

• • the gospel is the good news of victory over the gospel is the good news of victory over death and Satan:death and Satan:

Since then the children share in Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself flesh and blood, He Himself

likewise also partook of the same, likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might that through death He might

render powerless him who had the render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil power of death, that is, the devil

(Hebrews 2:14); (Hebrews 2:14);

The Son of God appeared for this The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil (1 John the works of the devil (1 John

3:8b).3:8b).

But when this perishable will have put But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal on the imperishable, and this mortal

will have put on immortality, then will will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. “O “Death is swallowed up in victory. “O death, where is your victory? O death, death, where is your victory? O death,

where is your sting?” The sting of where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the death is sin, and the power of sin is the

law; but thanks be to God, who gives law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus us the victory through our Lord Jesus

Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).

• • names of the gospel:names of the gospel:

“the gospel of God” is the good news from God the “the gospel of God” is the good news from God the Father (Mark 1:14; Romans 1:1)Father (Mark 1:14; Romans 1:1)

“the gospel of Jesus Christ” is the good news about “the gospel of Jesus Christ” is the good news about Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1)Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1)

“the gospel of his Son” is the good news about God’s “the gospel of his Son” is the good news about God’s Son (Romans 1:9)Son (Romans 1:9)

““the gospel of the kingdom” is the the gospel of the kingdom” is the good news about the coming Kingdom good news about the coming Kingdom

of God (Matthew 4:23)of God (Matthew 4:23)

“the gospel of the grace of God” is the “the gospel of the grace of God” is the good news about God’s saving grace good news about God’s saving grace

(Acts 20:24)(Acts 20:24)

“the gospel of your salvation” is the “the gospel of your salvation” is the good news that produces salvation good news that produces salvation

(Ephesians 1:13)(Ephesians 1:13)

• “• “the gospel of peace” is the the gospel of peace” is the good news that produces good news that produces

peace between God and men peace between God and men (Ephesians 6:15)(Ephesians 6:15)

• • preaching the gospel:preaching the gospel: the gospel is  the gospel is preached in different geographical preached in different geographical

areasareas

Jesus was going about in all Jesus was going about in all Galilee, teaching in their Galilee, teaching in their

synagogues, and proclaiming the synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew gospel of the kingdom (Matthew

4:23)4:23)

• • spreading the gospel:spreading the gospel: the gospel the gospel travels by foottravels by foot

But Philip found himself at Azotus; But Philip found himself at Azotus; and as he passed through he kept and as he passed through he kept

preaching thepreaching the gospel to all the gospel to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea cities, until he came to Caesarea

(Acts 8:40).(Acts 8:40).

• • demand of the gospel:demand of the gospel: the gospel the gospel demands faith (Mark 1:15; Acts 15:7)demands faith (Mark 1:15; Acts 15:7)

• • enemies of the gospel: enemies of the gospel: the Jews the Jews (Romans 11:28) and Satan (2 Cor 4:4)(Romans 11:28) and Satan (2 Cor 4:4)

• • first offensive objective of preaching the first offensive objective of preaching the gospel:gospel: “preach the gospel to you in “preach the gospel to you in

order that you should turn from these order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God” (Acts vain things to a living God” (Acts

14:15)14:15)

• • second offensive objective of preaching second offensive objective of preaching the gospel:the gospel: to make disciples (Acts 14:21) to make disciples (Acts 14:21)

• • power of the gospel: power of the gospel: it isit is

the power of God for the power of God for salvation to every one who salvation to every one who

believes (Romans 1:16)believes (Romans 1:16)

Shield of FaithShield of Faith

In addition to all this, take up In addition to all this, take up the shield (the shield (qureo/ßqureo/ß) of faith ) of faith

with which you can extinguish with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the all the flaming arrows of the

evil one (Ephesians 6:16 NIV).evil one (Ephesians 6:16 NIV).

• • their legs were bare; protection was their legs were bare; protection was sacrificed for mobilitysacrificed for mobility

• they carried a large shield (• they carried a large shield (scutumscutum) curved ) curved to fit the bodyto fit the body

• shields were made of a kind of plywood • shields were made of a kind of plywood (thin sheets of wood, glued together so that (thin sheets of wood, glued together so that

the grain of each piece was at right-angles to the grain of each piece was at right-angles to its neighbor)its neighbor)

• • the edges were trimmed with bronze or wrought the edges were trimmed with bronze or wrought ironiron

• the outside surface was covered with leather, on • the outside surface was covered with leather, on which was fastened gilded or silvered decoration, which was fastened gilded or silvered decoration,

probably in bronzeprobably in bronze

• the center was hollowed out on the inside for the • the center was hollowed out on the inside for the hand-grip and protected by a metal boss (a finely hand-grip and protected by a metal boss (a finely decorated bronze boss from the river Tyne in the decorated bronze boss from the river Tyne in the

British Museum bears the inscription of its owner—British Museum bears the inscription of its owner—Junius Dubitatus of the century of Julius Magnus of Junius Dubitatus of the century of Julius Magnus of

VIII VIII AugustaAugusta))

• • the curve of the shield helped deflect the curve of the shield helped deflect blowsblows

• these shields were about two feet wide • these shields were about two feet wide and four feet longand four feet long

• it looked like a door (the word • it looked like a door (the word qureo/ßqureo/ß ‘shield’ is a derivative of ‘shield’ is a derivative of qu/raqu/ra ‘door’) ‘door’)

• it was used to deflect swords, spears, • it was used to deflect swords, spears, and volleys of arrowsand volleys of arrows

• • swords were short range weapons; swords were short range weapons; spears were medium range weapons; and spears were medium range weapons; and

arrows were the long range weapons of arrows were the long range weapons of the ancient worldthe ancient world

• soldiers turned sideways on one knee, • soldiers turned sideways on one knee, raised their shields above their heads, and raised their shields above their heads, and held their ground (were steadfast) against held their ground (were steadfast) against a volley of arrows, then advanced toward a volley of arrows, then advanced toward

the enemythe enemy

• • the shield was the only the shield was the only maneuverable armor: it could be maneuverable armor: it could be moved to protect exposed body moved to protect exposed body parts (feet, legs, neck, face) and parts (feet, legs, neck, face) and give added protection wherever give added protection wherever

neededneeded

• “• “shield of faith” is a genitive of shield of faith” is a genitive of apposition in which A (shield) = B (faith)apposition in which A (shield) = B (faith)

• faith is maneuverable:• faith is maneuverable: it not only it not only protects against fear, doubts, worries, protects against fear, doubts, worries, and discouragementand discouragement, but also , but also helps helps protect against deception, lies, and protect against deception, lies, and

false doctrine (belt and apron), false doctrine (belt and apron), accusations and temptations accusations and temptations

(breastplate), false gospels (sandals), (breastplate), false gospels (sandals), and the fear of death (helmet)and the fear of death (helmet)

• • our faith in God’s character and our faith in God’s character and Word can protect us from all of Word can protect us from all of

Satan’s weapons (arrows)Satan’s weapons (arrows)

• note the effectiveness of this • note the effectiveness of this shield: faith can neutralize shield: faith can neutralize

(extinguish) (extinguish) everyevery fear, doubt, or fear, doubt, or discouragement (arrows) that Satan discouragement (arrows) that Satan

shoots at usshoots at us

APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

FAITHFAITH

Faith is the assurance of Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the things hoped for, the

conviction of things not conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)seen (Hebrews 11:1)

””Faith enables the Faith enables the believing soul to treat the believing soul to treat the future as present and the future as present and the

invisible as seen.”invisible as seen.”

~ J. Oswald Sanders ~~ J. Oswald Sanders ~

• • faith is possible in only two faith is possible in only two areas:areas:

(1) what is invisible or unseen (1) what is invisible or unseen ("things not seen"), and("things not seen"), and

(2) what is future ("things hoped (2) what is future ("things hoped for")for")

• • faith isfaith is

(1) believing the invisible world is (1) believing the invisible world is just the way the Bible says it is just the way the Bible says it is (angels, demons, Satan, Jesus, (angels, demons, Satan, Jesus,

God, heaven, hell), andGod, heaven, hell), and

(2) believing God will keep all of his (2) believing God will keep all of his promises; that is, give us in the promises; that is, give us in the

future what we hope for now future what we hope for now (resurrection, rewards)(resurrection, rewards)

APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

DOUBTSDOUBTS

• • to doubt is to be to doubt is to be uncertain about somethinguncertain about something

• • doubts take place in our hearts:doubts take place in our hearts:

And He said to them, And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise and why do doubts arise

in your hearts? (Luke in your hearts? (Luke 24:38)24:38)

• • the word used for doubts (the word used for doubts (diakrino,diakrino, diakri/nwdiakri/nw) means to take issue with ) means to take issue with

something, to argue or dispute with someone something, to argue or dispute with someone over something, or to be at odds with yourselfover something, or to be at odds with yourself

• it's used (1) of the Jews in Jerusalem who • it's used (1) of the Jews in Jerusalem who argued with Peter over his ministry to the argued with Peter over his ministry to the

Gentiles (Acts 11:2–4), and (2) of the Gentiles (Acts 11:2–4), and (2) of the archangel Michael's dispute with Satan over archangel Michael's dispute with Satan over

the body of Moses (Jude 9)the body of Moses (Jude 9)

• • to doubt is to argue silently with to doubt is to argue silently with yourself:yourself:

One moment you say, "God will keep One moment you say, "God will keep His promise!" and the very next His promise!" and the very next

moment you say, "No, He won't keep moment you say, "No, He won't keep His promise! It's hopeless. It's too His promise! It's hopeless. It's too

difficult—even for God!"difficult—even for God!"

• • "yet, with respect to the promise of "yet, with respect to the promise of God, he [Abraham] did not waver in God, he [Abraham] did not waver in

unbelief, but was strong in faith" unbelief, but was strong in faith" (Romans 4:20 NASB).(Romans 4:20 NASB). A better translation A better translation

of "he did not waver in unbelief" is ‘he did of "he did not waver in unbelief" is ‘he did not dispute with himself in unbelief (not dispute with himself in unbelief (ouj ouj

diekridiekri÷÷qh thØv aÓpistiqh thØv aÓpisti÷÷aˆaˆ).’).’

• Abraham did not allow doubts to linger in • Abraham did not allow doubts to linger in his mind as he contemplated his impossible his mind as he contemplated his impossible situation (having a child in their old age). A situation (having a child in their old age). A great faith never has doubts about God's great faith never has doubts about God's

ability to keep his promises.ability to keep his promises.

• • doubting is being double-minded doubting is being double-minded ((di/yucoßdi/yucoß) (James 1:8a)) (James 1:8a)

• your mind is so filled with • your mind is so filled with uncertainty and indecision that you uncertainty and indecision that you cannot make a choice between the cannot make a choice between the

alternatives with which you are facedalternatives with which you are faced

• doubts make you doubts make you spiritually unstable—spiritually unstable—

vacillating and unreliable:vacillating and unreliable:

…unstable …unstable ((aÓkata¿statoßaÓkata¿statoß) in all ) in all

his ways (James 1:8b)his ways (James 1:8b)

• • doubts take away your joy and peace doubts take away your joy and peace of mind: like waves blown by storm-of mind: like waves blown by storm-

winds, so is a heart filled with doubts—winds, so is a heart filled with doubts—not calm and peaceful but billowing, not calm and peaceful but billowing,

churning, agitated:churning, agitated:

……the one who doubts is like the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and the surf of the sea driven and

tossed by the wind (James tossed by the wind (James 1:6b).1:6b).

• • doubt is sin: doubt is sin: “…whatever is not “…whatever is not from faith is sin”from faith is sin” (Romans (Romans

14:23)14:23)

• doubts must be confessed to • doubts must be confessed to restore fellowship with God and faith restore fellowship with God and faith must be restored to effectively enter must be restored to effectively enter

the fight again the fight again

• confession is not enough: it restores • confession is not enough: it restores fellowship but not couragefellowship but not courage

• • doubts weaken our faith and spiritual doubts weaken our faith and spiritual power (Matthew 14:31; Romans 4:20)power (Matthew 14:31; Romans 4:20)

• Peter walked on water until he became • Peter walked on water until he became afraid and began doubting. He started to afraid and began doubting. He started to

sink when he started doubting.sink when he started doubting.

• do you think Satan increased the wind • do you think Satan increased the wind to create fear and doubts in Peter to to create fear and doubts in Peter to

cause him to fail this test of faith and to cause him to fail this test of faith and to make Jesus look bad?make Jesus look bad?

• • doubts shut down your prayer life:doubts shut down your prayer life:

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men ask of God, who gives to all men

generously and without reproach, and it generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let driven and tossed by the wind. For let

not that man expect that he will receive not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-anything from the Lord, being a double-

minded man, unstable in all his ways minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5–8).(James 1:5–8).

• • the sin of doubt puts you out of the sin of doubt puts you out of fellowship with God and “the Lord fellowship with God and “the Lord

will not hear” your prayers will not hear” your prayers (Psalm 66:18)(Psalm 66:18)

• you lose your heavy artillery, • you lose your heavy artillery, your most formidable spiritual your most formidable spiritual

weapon—prayerweapon—prayer

• • fear causes doubts (Matthew 14:28–32)fear causes doubts (Matthew 14:28–32)

And Peter answered Him and said, And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come “Lord, if it is You, command me to come

to You on the water.” And He said, to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat,

and walked on the water and came and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he But seeing the wind, he

became afraid, and beginning to sink, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And And

immediately Jesus stretched out His immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to hand and took hold of him, and said to him, him, “O you of little faith, why did you “O you of little faith, why did you

doubt?”doubt?” And when they got into the And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped.boat, the wind stopped.

• • Satan uses the weapon of fear to create doubts in Satan uses the weapon of fear to create doubts in believers to weaken their faith and defeat them believers to weaken their faith and defeat them

spiritually—by making them powerless to do spiritually—by making them powerless to do supernatural feats of power (miracles)supernatural feats of power (miracles)

• if doubts penetrate your shield (loss of faith) and • if doubts penetrate your shield (loss of faith) and breastplate (loss of experiential righteousness breastplate (loss of experiential righteousness caused by the sin of doubt), you’re neutralized caused by the sin of doubt), you’re neutralized

spiritually: you no longer have the faith to continue spiritually: you no longer have the faith to continue fighting or to do the impossible because you’re fighting or to do the impossible because you’re

cowering with fear and doubtscowering with fear and doubts

• Satan has effectively won; he has put you out of • Satan has effectively won; he has put you out of this spiritual battlethis spiritual battle

• • the shield of faith is our the shield of faith is our protection against the flaming protection against the flaming

arrows of doubt (Ephesians 6:16)arrows of doubt (Ephesians 6:16)

• causing fear and doubts are two • causing fear and doubts are two of Satan’s favorite weaponsof Satan’s favorite weapons

• • when you have doubts, claim these when you have doubts, claim these promises by faith:promises by faith:

With men this is impossible, but With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26 = Mark 10:27 = (Matthew 19:26 = Mark 10:27 =

Luke 18:27).Luke 18:27).

For nothing will be impossible For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37).with God (Luke 1:37). This verse was This verse was spoken by the angel Gabriel—and he ought spoken by the angel Gabriel—and he ought

to know!to know!

• • doubts can be overcome doubts can be overcome by persuasive evidence by persuasive evidence

(Luke 24:36–43)(Luke 24:36–43)

• • faith without doubts can do the faith without doubts can do the impossible: walk on water (Matthew impossible: walk on water (Matthew

14:30–31), wither fig trees, and move 14:30–31), wither fig trees, and move mountains (Matthew 21:17–22; Mark mountains (Matthew 21:17–22; Mark

11:23).11:23).

• faith without doubts can accomplish • faith without doubts can accomplish great miracles and do awesome great miracles and do awesome

supernatural feats of powersupernatural feats of power

APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

DISCOURAGEMENTDISCOURAGEMENT

• • Satan uses the weapon of fear Satan uses the weapon of fear to create discouragement and to to create discouragement and to keep us from doing God’s workkeep us from doing God’s work

• • the spies were afraid of the giants and the spies were afraid of the giants and discouraged the children of Israel from entering the discouraged the children of Israel from entering the

promised land (Numbers 13:31–33):promised land (Numbers 13:31–33):

Now why are you discouraging the sons Now why are you discouraging the sons of Israel from crossing over into the of Israel from crossing over into the

land which the LORD has given them? land which the LORD has given them? This is what your fathers did when I sent This is what your fathers did when I sent

them from Kadesh-barnea to see the them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land. For when they went up to the land. For when they went up to the

valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the sons of Israel so that discouraged the sons of Israel so that they did not go into the land which the they did not go into the land which the

LORD had given them (Numbers 32:7–9).LORD had given them (Numbers 32:7–9).

• • enemies living nearby frightened and enemies living nearby frightened and discouraged the returning Jewish exiles from discouraged the returning Jewish exiles from

building a temple for God (Ezra 4:1–5):building a temple for God (Ezra 4:1–5):

Then the people of the land Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah, and discouraged the people of Judah, and frightened them from building,frightened them from building, and and hired counselors against them to hired counselors against them to

frustrate their counsel all the days of frustrate their counsel all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia (Ezra reign of Darius king of Persia (Ezra

4:4–5).4:4–5).

• • enemies living nearby tried to frighten and enemies living nearby tried to frighten and discourage Nehemiah from rebuilding the walls of discourage Nehemiah from rebuilding the walls of

Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:1–9):Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:1–9):

For all of them were trying to frighten us, For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, “They will become discouraged thinking, “They will become discouraged with the workwith the work** and it will not be done.” and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands But now, O God, strengthen my hands

(Nehemiah 6:9).(Nehemiah 6:9).

* literally, * literally, ‘Their hands will drop from the ‘Their hands will drop from the work’work’—figurative language expressing the idea of —figurative language expressing the idea of

discouragementdiscouragement

APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

FEARFEAR

• • Satan often uses the weapon of fear to keep us Satan often uses the weapon of fear to keep us from doing God’s work (Acts 21:10–14):from doing God’s work (Acts 21:10–14):

And as we were staying there for some days, And as we were staying there for some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles’” (Acts 21:10–11).the hands of the Gentiles’” (Acts 21:10–11).

And when we had heard this, we as And when we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began well as the local residents began

begging him not to go up to begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, Jerusalem. Then Paul answered,

“What are you doing, weeping and “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For breaking my heart? For I am ready I am ready

not only to be bound, but even to die not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord

Jesus.”Jesus.” And since he would not be And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!” (Acts “The will of the Lord be done!” (Acts

21:12–14)21:12–14)

• • fear may cause you to sin (Nehemiah fear may cause you to sin (Nehemiah 6:10–14):6:10–14):

He was hired for this reason, that He was hired for this reason, that I might become frightened and act I might become frightened and act accordingly and sin, so that they accordingly and sin, so that they might have an evil report in order might have an evil report in order

that they could reproach me that they could reproach me (Nehemiah 6:13).(Nehemiah 6:13).

• • fear often produces fear often produces discouragement, fear and discouragement, fear and

discouragement often produce discouragement often produce disobedience, and disobedience, and

disobedience produces divine disobedience produces divine discipline (compare Numbers discipline (compare Numbers

14:9 with 32:6–13)14:9 with 32:6–13)

• • with our shield (faith) we can successfully with our shield (faith) we can successfully resist attacks from the Devil:resist attacks from the Devil:

Be of sober spirit, be on the Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. seeking someone to devour. But But

resist him, firm in your faith,resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same knowing that the same

experiences of suffering are being experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren accomplished by your brethren

who are in the world (1 Peter 5:8–who are in the world (1 Peter 5:8–9).9).

• • stop flaming arrows of fear with stop flaming arrows of fear with your shield of faith by claiming your shield of faith by claiming

such promises and warfare verses such promises and warfare verses as:as:

“Do not fear, for I am with “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10; cf. 1 you” (Isaiah 41:10; cf. 1

Chronicles 28:20; 2 Chronicles 28:20; 2 Chronicles 20:17).Chronicles 20:17).

Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us

(Romans 8:37).

God has not given us a spirit God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 love and of a sound mind (2

Timothy 1:7).Timothy 1:7).

• • elsewhere faith is the breastplate—a elsewhere faith is the breastplate—a different metaphor but the same defensive different metaphor but the same defensive

protection against Satan’s fiery arrows (fear, protection against Satan’s fiery arrows (fear, worry, doubts, and discouragement)worry, doubts, and discouragement)

…having put on the breastplate …having put on the breastplate ((qw¿raxqw¿rax) of faith and love…(1 ) of faith and love…(1

Thessalonians 5:8)Thessalonians 5:8)

Helmet of SalvationHelmet of Salvation

And take the helmet of And take the helmet of salvation…(Ephesians salvation…(Ephesians

6:17a)6:17a)

• • helmets were made of bronze or iron with helmets were made of bronze or iron with an iron skull-plate and a leather skull-cap an iron skull-plate and a leather skull-cap

inside to take the shock of blowsinside to take the shock of blows

• a projecting piece in the back shielded the • a projecting piece in the back shielded the neckneck

• a smaller ridge fastened to the front • a smaller ridge fastened to the front protected the faceprotected the face

• on the sides were large cheek-pieces • on the sides were large cheek-pieces hinged at the tophinged at the top

• • the enemies of Rome the enemies of Rome often fought bareheadedoften fought bareheaded

• • many bronze and iron many bronze and iron helmets have been found in helmets have been found in

Britain and HollandBritain and Holland

» a helmet worn by a helmet worn by Roman soldiers of Roman soldiers of the first century A.D.the first century A.D.

• “• “helmet of salvation” is a helmet of salvation” is a genitive of apposition in which A genitive of apposition in which A

(helmet) = B (salvation)(helmet) = B (salvation)

• in other words, the helmet is our • in other words, the helmet is our salvationsalvation

• • the helmet of salvation protects you from the the helmet of salvation protects you from the fear of death—one of Satan’s most powerful fear of death—one of Satan’s most powerful

weapons:weapons:

Since then the children share in Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise flesh and blood, He Himself likewise

also partook of the same, that also partook of the same, that through death He might render through death He might render

powerless him who had the power of powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all death were subject to slavery all

their livestheir lives (Hebrews 2:14). (Hebrews 2:14).

Your adversary, the devil, Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 seeking someone to devour (1

Peter 5:8b).Peter 5:8b).

• in the African bush young, strong lions • in the African bush young, strong lions seldom roar, preferring to stalk and seldom roar, preferring to stalk and quickly ambush their victims; older, quickly ambush their victims; older,

weaker lions, however, rely on their roar weaker lions, however, rely on their roar to paralyze their victims with fearto paralyze their victims with fear

• • the helmet of salvation gives you the the helmet of salvation gives you the courage to face persecution and courage to face persecution and

martyrdom:martyrdom:

‘Do not fear what you are about ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is to suffer. Behold, the devil is

about to cast some of you into about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten and you will have tribulation ten days. days. Be faithful until death,Be faithful until death, and and I will give you the crown of life’ I will give you the crown of life’

(Revelation 2:10).(Revelation 2:10).

• • the helmet of salvation gives you the courage the helmet of salvation gives you the courage to be faithful:to be faithful:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O answered and said to the king, O

Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to so, our God whom we serve is able to

deliver us from the burning fiery deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it thine hand, O king. But if not, be it

known unto thee, O king, that we will known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up golden image which thou hast set up

(Daniel 3:16–18). (Daniel 3:16–18).

• • the helmet of salvation provides courage to boldly the helmet of salvation provides courage to boldly speak the truth:speak the truth:

“You men who are stiff-necked and “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are uncircumcised in heart and ears are

always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one doing just as your fathers did. Which one

of the prophets did your fathers not of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who persecute? And they killed those who

had previously announced the coming of had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and the Righteous One, whose betrayers and

murderers you have now become; you murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it” (Acts angels, and yet did not keep it” (Acts

7:51–53).7:51–53).

Now when they heard this, they were cut Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the their teeth at him. But being full of the

Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus and saw the glory of God, and Jesus

standing at the right hand of God; and he standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened

up and the Son of Man standing at the up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse they rushed upon him with one impulse

(Acts 7:54–57).(Acts 7:54–57).

And when they had driven him out of And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. the feet of a young man named Saul. And they went on stoning Stephen as And they went on stoning Stephen as

he called upon the Lord and said, he called upon the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” And “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” And

falling on his knees, he cried out with falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said sin against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:58–60).this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:58–60).

And when we had heard this, we And when we had heard this, we as well as the local residents as well as the local residents

began begging him not to go up began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul to Jerusalem. Then Paul

answered, “What are you doing, answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? weeping and breaking my heart?

For For I am ready not only to be I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at bound, but even to die at

Jerusalem for the name of the Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”Lord Jesus.” And since he would And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord remarking, “The will of the Lord

be done!” (Acts 21:12–14)be done!” (Acts 21:12–14)

• • persecution usually results persecution usually results from unseen demonic activityfrom unseen demonic activity

• Satan motivates and creates • Satan motivates and creates opportunities for human agents opportunities for human agents

to persecute God’s peopleto persecute God’s people

APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

PERSECUTIONPERSECUTION

• • persecution is inflicting suffering persecution is inflicting suffering without just causewithout just cause

Princes persecute me Princes persecute me without cause,without cause, But my heart But my heart stands in awe of Thy words stands in awe of Thy words

(Psalm 119:161).(Psalm 119:161).

• • expect persecution:expect persecution:

Remember the word that I said to you, Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’

If they persecuted Me, they will also If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you;persecute you; if they kept My word, if they kept My word,

they will keep yours also (John 15:20).they will keep yours also (John 15:20).

And indeed, all who desire to live godly And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2

Timothy 3:12).Timothy 3:12).

• • persecution usually arises persecution usually arises because of because of God’s Word:God’s Word:

And in a similar way these are the And in a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the ones on whom seed was sown on the

rocky places, who, when they hear the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; word, immediately receive it with joy;

and they have no firm root in and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution then, when affliction or persecution

arises arises because of the word,because of the word, immediately they fall away (Mark 4:16–immediately they fall away (Mark 4:16–

17).17).

• • persecution may come from false interpretations of persecution may come from false interpretations of Scripture (such as legalism):Scripture (such as legalism):

Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your pallet, Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And immediately the man became and walk.” And immediately the man became

well, and took up his pallet and began to walk. well, and took up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day. Therefore Now it was the Sabbath on that day. Therefore

the Jews were saying to him who was cured, “It the Jews were saying to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” But he answered them, to carry your pallet.” But he answered them,

“He who made me well was the one who said to “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Take up your pallet and walk’” (John 5:8–me, ‘Take up your pallet and walk’” (John 5:8–

11).11).

And for this reason the Jews were persecuting And for this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Jesus, because He was doing these things on the

Sabbath (John 5:16).Sabbath (John 5:16).

• • persecution is instigated by Satanpersecution is instigated by Satan(here anti-semitism in the Great Tribulation):(here anti-semitism in the Great Tribulation):

And when the dragon saw that he was And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he thrown down to the earth, he

persecuted the woman who gave birth persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. And the two wings of to the male child. And the two wings of

the great eagle were given to the the great eagle were given to the woman, in order that she might fly into woman, in order that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and was nourished for a time and times and

half a time, from the presence of the half a time, from the presence of the serpent (Revelation 12:13–14).serpent (Revelation 12:13–14).

And the serpent poured water like a And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept so that he might cause her to be swept

away with the flood. And the earth away with the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth helped the woman, and the earth

opened its mouth and drank up the opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of river which the dragon poured out of

his mouth. And the dragon was his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off enraged with the woman, and went off

to make war with the rest of her to make war with the rest of her offspring, offspring, who keep the who keep the

commandments of God and hold to the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesustestimony of Jesus (Revelation 12:15– (Revelation 12:15–

17).17).

• • persecuting Christians is persecuting Jesus:persecuting Christians is persecuting Jesus:

and he fell to the ground, and heard a and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why

are you persecuting Me?” And he are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And He said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And He

said, “I am Jesus whom you are said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting (Acts 9:4–5),persecuting (Acts 9:4–5),

And I persecuted this Way to the And I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons (Acts 22:4),and women into prisons (Acts 22:4),

• • persecution may kill your spiritual life:persecution may kill your spiritual life:

And the one on whom seed was And the one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word, and the man who hears the word, and immediately receives it with joy; immediately receives it with joy;

yet he has no firm root in himself, yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, but is only temporary, and when and when affliction or persecution arises affliction or persecution arises

because of the word, immediately because of the word, immediately he falls awayhe falls away (Matthew 13:20–21). (Matthew 13:20–21).

• • in times of persecution remember that God in times of persecution remember that God will not forsake us:will not forsake us:

we are afflicted in every way, but we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; despairing; persecuted, but not persecuted, but not forsaken;forsaken; struck down, but not struck down, but not

destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8–9);destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8–9);

• • e˙gkatalei÷pwe˙gkatalei÷pw ( (egkataleipoegkataleipo) means to ) means to desert a person and leave him uncared fordesert a person and leave him uncared for

• • persecution cannot separate us from persecution cannot separate us from Christ’s love:Christ’s love:

Who shall separate us from the Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or

distress, or persecution, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or

sword? (Romans 8:35)sword? (Romans 8:35)

• • be patient and endure the persecution:be patient and endure the persecution:

To this present hour we are both hungry and To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are

roughly treated, and are homeless; and we roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we toil, working with our own hands; when we

are reviled, we bless; when we are are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure (persecuted, we endure (aÓne÷cwaÓne÷cw); when we ); when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now (1 Corinthians of all things, even until now (1 Corinthians

4:11–13).4:11–13).

• • aÓne÷cwaÓne÷cw ((anechoanecho) means) means “ “to be patient with, to be patient with, in the sense of enduring possible difficulty”in the sense of enduring possible difficulty”

• • keep a good attitudekeep a good attitude::

I cry out to Thee for help, but I cry out to Thee for help, but Thou dost not answer me; I Thou dost not answer me; I

stand up, and Thou dost turn stand up, and Thou dost turn Thy attention against me. Thou Thy attention against me. Thou hast become cruel to me; With hast become cruel to me; With

the might of Thy hand Thou the might of Thy hand Thou dost persecute me (Job 30:20–dost persecute me (Job 30:20–

21).21).

• • pray for deliverance (like David):pray for deliverance (like David):

My times are in Thy hand;My times are in Thy hand;Deliver me from the hand of Deliver me from the hand of

my enemies,my enemies,and from those who persecute and from those who persecute

meme(Psalm 31:15).(Psalm 31:15).

• • pray for your persecutors:pray for your persecutors:

You have heard that it was said, ‘You You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your shall love your neighbor, and hate your

enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and enemies, and pray for those who pray for those who

persecute youpersecute you in order that you may be in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and He causes His sun to rise on the evil and

the good, and sends rain on the righteous the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:43–45).and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:43–45).

• • don’t curse your persecutors:don’t curse your persecutors:

Bless those who persecute you; bless Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not (Romans 12:14).and curse not (Romans 12:14).

• to bless is to say good things (• to bless is to say good things (eujlogi/aeujlogi/a) about ) about someone and to do good things for themsomeone and to do good things for them

• to curse is to say bad things about someone—to • to curse is to say bad things about someone—to besmirch their characterbesmirch their character

• • God, for example, blesses us by giving us good God, for example, blesses us by giving us good things—such as money, livestock, and health things—such as money, livestock, and health

(Deuteronomy 28:2–6, 8, 12; Psalm 21:3)(Deuteronomy 28:2–6, 8, 12; Psalm 21:3)

• we bless God by giving good things to him: giving • we bless God by giving good things to him: giving him praise, thanksgiving, glory, honor, adoration, him praise, thanksgiving, glory, honor, adoration, worship (Psalm 34:1; 63:4; 66:8; 100:4; 145:1–2, worship (Psalm 34:1; 63:4; 66:8; 100:4; 145:1–2,

10–12; Daniel 4:34; Nehemiah 9:5), money (tithes, 10–12; Daniel 4:34; Nehemiah 9:5), money (tithes, giving), and sacrificesgiving), and sacrifices

• • to curse God is to say bad things about God—to to curse God is to say bad things about God—to berate his character, to denigrate his love, care, or berate his character, to denigrate his love, care, or

faithfulness. Job’s wife encouraged Job to say faithfulness. Job’s wife encouraged Job to say something bad about God (Job 2:9)something bad about God (Job 2:9)

• • persecution often provides opportunities persecution often provides opportunities for witnessing:for witnessing:

But before all these things, they But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering will persecute you, delivering

you to the synagogues and you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My kings and governors for My

name’s sake. name’s sake. It will lead to an It will lead to an opportunity for your testimonyopportunity for your testimony

(Luke 21:12–13).(Luke 21:12–13).

• • persecution may spread the persecution may spread the gospel and form new local gospel and form new local

churches (Acts 8:1–4; 11:19–21)churches (Acts 8:1–4; 11:19–21)

• • God will avenge you in due time:God will avenge you in due time:

How many are the days of Thy How many are the days of Thy servant? When wilt Thou servant? When wilt Thou

execute judgment on those execute judgment on those who persecute me? (Psalm who persecute me? (Psalm

119:84)119:84)

• • we will be rewarded for enduring we will be rewarded for enduring persecution:persecution:

Blessed are those who have been Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of persecuted for the sake of

righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, cast insults at you, and persecute you,

and say all kinds of evil against you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, be glad, for your reward in heaven is for your reward in heaven is

great,great, for so they persecuted the for so they persecuted the prophets whoprophets who were before you (Matthew were before you (Matthew

5:10–12).5:10–12).

• • soldiers who are not afraid soldiers who are not afraid of death are invincible: they of death are invincible: they

cannot be spiritually cannot be spiritually overcome by Satanovercome by Satan

• they will fearlessly fight to • they will fearlessly fight to the death for their Lordthe death for their Lord

• • they are not afraid of the next life; they look they are not afraid of the next life; they look forward to itforward to it

“Blessed are those who have been “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of persecuted for the sake of

righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, cast insults at you, and persecute you,

and say all kinds of evil against you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for be glad, for your reward in heaven is your reward in heaven is

great,great, for so they persecuted the for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew prophets who were before you (Matthew

5:10–12).5:10–12).

For to me, to live is Christ, and to For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in die is gain. But if I am to live on in

the flesh, this will mean fruitful the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, pressed from both directions,

having the desire to depart and having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very be with Christ, for that is very

much better; yet to remain on in much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for the flesh is more necessary for your sake (Philippians 1:21–24).your sake (Philippians 1:21–24).

Therefore, being always of Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the body we are absent from

the Lord—for we walk by faith, the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight—we are of good not by sight—we are of good

courage, I say, and prefer courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with body and to be at home with

the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6–8). the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6–8).

• • the doctrine of eternal the doctrine of eternal security adds to their security adds to their

couragecourage

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “FOR THY SAKE WE ARE Just as it is written, “FOR THY SAKE WE ARE

BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE

SLAUGHTERED.” But in all these things we SLAUGHTERED.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither loved us. For I am convinced that neither

death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor nor things present, nor things to come, nor

powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us created thing, shall be able to separate us

from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35–39).our Lord (Romans 8:35–39).

• • it’s also called the helmet of the hope of it’s also called the helmet of the hope of salvation:salvation:

……and as a helmet, the hope and as a helmet, the hope ((e˙lpi÷ße˙lpi÷ß) of salvation (1 ) of salvation (1

Thessalonians 5:8).Thessalonians 5:8).

• • e˙lpi÷ße˙lpi÷ß means means “the looking forward to someth. with some reason for confidence respecting fulfillment, hope, expectation”

(BAGD).

Breastplate of LoveBreastplate of Love

……having put on the having put on the breastplate (breastplate (qw¿raxqw¿rax) of ) of

faith and love…(1 faith and love…(1 Thessalonians 5:8)Thessalonians 5:8)

• • the apostle mixes defensive the apostle mixes defensive metaphors in his letters:metaphors in his letters:

breastplate of righteousness (Eph 6:14)breastplate of righteousness (Eph 6:14) shield of faith (Eph 6:16) shield of faith (Eph 6:16)

breastplate of faith and love (1 Thess 5:8)breastplate of faith and love (1 Thess 5:8)

• “• “breastplate of love” is a breastplate of love” is a genitive of apposition in which A genitive of apposition in which A

(breastplate) = B (love)(breastplate) = B (love)

• in other words, the breastplate • in other words, the breastplate is our loveis our love

• • but our love for whom? for our enemies? for one but our love for whom? for our enemies? for one another? for God?another? for God?

in other words, who is the object of our love?in other words, who is the object of our love?

• love for our enemies is not defensive but is an • love for our enemies is not defensive but is an offensive spiritual weapon:offensive spiritual weapon:

But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will in so doing you will heap burning coals heap burning coals upon his head.upon his head. Do not be overcome by Do not be overcome by

evil, but evil, but overcome evil with goodovercome evil with good (Romans 12:20–21).(Romans 12:20–21).

• • our love for one another can certainly our love for one another can certainly protect us (e.g., the prayers for Peter in Acts protect us (e.g., the prayers for Peter in Acts 12:3–17), but I think this breastplate is our 12:3–17), but I think this breastplate is our

faith in God and our love for Godfaith in God and our love for God

• the breastplate of love provides personal • the breastplate of love provides personal protection when attacked:protection when attacked:

having put on the breastplate of having put on the breastplate of faith and love (1 Thessalonians faith and love (1 Thessalonians

5:8)5:8)

• • the breastplate of love protects us the breastplate of love protects us from hatred and persecution—two from hatred and persecution—two very effective weapons of Satanvery effective weapons of Satan

• he shoots flaming arrows of hatred • he shoots flaming arrows of hatred and persecution at you to get you to and persecution at you to get you to

back down, to give up, or to run back down, to give up, or to run away, but your love for God is like a away, but your love for God is like a breastplate that protects and keeps breastplate that protects and keeps

you standing firm—steadfastyou standing firm—steadfast

• • because of our love for God we because of our love for God we are willing to endure persecution are willing to endure persecution

and suffering, resist temptation, be and suffering, resist temptation, be faithful and obedient, and stand firm faithful and obedient, and stand firm

during satanic attacksduring satanic attacks

• • the breastplate of love is our best (most the breastplate of love is our best (most needed, most effective, most reliable) piece of needed, most effective, most reliable) piece of

defensive armor:defensive armor:

And He said to him, “‘You shall love And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul, and with all and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and your mind.’ This is the great and

foremost commandment. The second foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your is like it, ‘You shall love your

neighbor as yourself.’ On these two neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Matthew Law and the Prophets” (Matthew

22:37–40).22:37–40).

• • spiritual warfare also depends spiritual warfare also depends on our love for Godon our love for God

APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

LOVE FOR GODLOVE FOR GOD

How can I love God?How can I love God?

Why should I love God?Why should I love God?

• • love his attributes and character—his love his attributes and character—his name:name:

But let all who take refuge in But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing Thee be glad, Let them ever sing

for joy;for joy;And mayest Thou shelter them,And mayest Thou shelter them,That That those who love Thy namethose who love Thy name may exult in Thee (Psalm 5:11).may exult in Thee (Psalm 5:11).

compare his attribute of kindnesscompare his attribute of kindness

The LORD is righteous in all His ways,The LORD is righteous in all His ways,And kind in all His deeds (Psalm And kind in all His deeds (Psalm

145:17).145:17).

with his command to love kindnesswith his command to love kindness

He has told you, O man, what is good;He has told you, O man, what is good;And what does the LORD require of youAnd what does the LORD require of you

But to do justice, to love kindness,But to do justice, to love kindness,And to walk humbly with your God? And to walk humbly with your God?

(Micah 6:8)(Micah 6:8)

• • love his Word:love his Word:

Thy word is very pure,Thy word is very pure,Therefore Thy servant Therefore Thy servant

loves it (Psalm 119:140).loves it (Psalm 119:140).

• • love his commandments:love his commandments:

Therefore I love Thy Therefore I love Thy commandmentscommandments

Above gold, yes, above Above gold, yes, above fine gold (Psalm 119:127).fine gold (Psalm 119:127).

• • love his law:love his law:

O how I love Thy law!O how I love Thy law!It is my meditation all It is my meditation all

the day (Psalm 119:97).the day (Psalm 119:97).

• • obey him:obey him:

For this is the love of God, For this is the love of God, that we keep His that we keep His

commandments; and His commandments; and His commandments are not commandments are not

burdensome (1 John 5:3).burdensome (1 John 5:3).

…whoever keeps His word, in …whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly him the love of God has truly been perfected (1 John 2:5a).been perfected (1 John 2:5a).

• • love him with all of your heart (by excluding love him with all of your heart (by excluding all other gods):all other gods):

And you shall love the LORD your And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might your soul and with all your might

(Deuteronomy 6:5).(Deuteronomy 6:5).

(similarly, to love your wife with all your heart, (similarly, to love your wife with all your heart, soul, and might is to love her and her alone—soul, and might is to love her and her alone—

to forsake all others)to forsake all others)

• • Solomon “loved the LORD” (1 Kings 3:3) Solomon “loved the LORD” (1 Kings 3:3) but not with all of his heart:but not with all of his heart:

For it came about when Solomon For it came about when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart was old, his wives turned his heart

away after other gods; and away after other gods; and his his heart was not wholly devoted to heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God,the LORD his God, as the heart of as the heart of David his father had been (1 Kings David his father had been (1 Kings

11:4).11:4).

• • benefits of loving God:benefits of loving God:

(1) answers to prayer(1) answers to prayer

I love the LORD,I love the LORD,because He hears My voice because He hears My voice

and my supplications (Psalm and my supplications (Psalm 116:1).116:1).

(2) access to God’s wisdom(2) access to God’s wisdom

…we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, …we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God the hidden wisdom, which God

predestined before the ages to our predestined before the ages to our glory; … just as it is written, “Things glory; … just as it is written, “Things

which eye has not seen and ear has not which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heard, And which have not entered the

heart of man, All that God has heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” For prepared for those who love Him.” For to us God revealed them through the to us God revealed them through the

Spirit; for the Spirit searches all Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God (1 things, even the depths of God (1

Corinthians 2:7–10).Corinthians 2:7–10).

(3)(3) protection and vengeanceprotection and vengeance

O love the LORD, all you His O love the LORD, all you His godly ones!godly ones!

The LORD preserves the faithful,The LORD preserves the faithful,And fully recompenses the proud And fully recompenses the proud

doer (Psalm 31:23).doer (Psalm 31:23).

(4) protection in spiritual warfare(4) protection in spiritual warfare

But since we are of the But since we are of the day, let us be sober, day, let us be sober,

having put on the having put on the breastplate of faith and breastplate of faith and

love, and as a helmet, the love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation (1 hope of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8).Thessalonians 5:8).

(5) a promise that all things will work (5) a promise that all things will work together for goodtogether for good

And we know that God And we know that God causes all things to work causes all things to work

together for good to those together for good to those who love God, to those who who love God, to those who are called according to His are called according to His

purpose (Romans 8:28).purpose (Romans 8:28).

(6) a promise of rewards(6) a promise of rewards

For God is not unjust so as to forget For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have your work and the love which you have

shown toward His name, in having shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to ministered and in still ministering to

the saints (Hebrews 6:10).the saints (Hebrews 6:10).

Blessed is a man who perseveres Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been under trial; for once he has been

approved, he will receive the crown of approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).those who love Him (James 1:12).

• • your love for God will be tested:your love for God will be tested:

If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign arises among you and gives you a sign

or a wonder, and the sign or the or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go

after other gods (whom you have not after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’ you known) and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that shall not listen to the words of that

prophet or that dreamer of dreams; prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for for the LORD your God is testing you to the LORD your God is testing you to

find out if you love the LORD your God find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your with all your heart and with all your

soulsoul (Deuteronomy 13:1–3). (Deuteronomy 13:1–3).

• • tell God you love him:tell God you love him:

I love Thee, O LORD,I love Thee, O LORD, my strength. my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and The LORD is my rock and my fortress and

my deliverer,my deliverer,My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;My shield and the horn of my salvation, My shield and the horn of my salvation,

my stronghold. my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be

praised,praised,And I am saved from my enemiesAnd I am saved from my enemies

(Psalm 18:1–3).(Psalm 18:1–3).

• • an apostolic wish for you:an apostolic wish for you:

And may the Lord direct And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love your hearts into the love

of God and into the of God and into the steadfastness of Christ (2 steadfastness of Christ (2

Thessalonians 3:5).Thessalonians 3:5).

PROTECTION PROTECTION AFFORDED BY THE AFFORDED BY THE DEFENSIVE ARMORDEFENSIVE ARMOR

Belt of TruthBelt of Truth ………………………………Lies, False Doctrine………………………………Lies, False Doctrine

Breastplate of Righteousness…………Accusation, Breastplate of Righteousness…………Accusation, TemptationTemptation

Sandals of the Gospel of PeaceSandals of the Gospel of Peace ………False Gospels………False Gospels

Shield of Faith……………………………Fear, Worry, Doubts, Shield of Faith……………………………Fear, Worry, Doubts, DiscouragementDiscouragement

Helmet of Salvation……………………..Fear of DeathHelmet of Salvation……………………..Fear of Death

Breastplate of Love……………………..Hatred, PersecutionBreastplate of Love……………………..Hatred, Persecution

• • this defensive gear is this defensive gear is called “the full armor of called “the full armor of

God” (Ephesians 6:13) and God” (Ephesians 6:13) and “the armor of light” “the armor of light” (Romans 13:12)(Romans 13:12)

Sword of the SpiritSword of the Spirit

……and the sword of the and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Spirit, which is the

word (word (rJhvma) of God ) of God (Ephesians 6:16b).(Ephesians 6:16b).

• • the sword (the sword (gladius, machairagladius, machaira) was a short ) was a short double-edged weapon of varying length and double-edged weapon of varying length and

widthwidth

• it often had a corrugated bone grip• it often had a corrugated bone grip

• the scabbard was connected to the belt by a • the scabbard was connected to the belt by a pair of side rings; above these rings were a pair of side rings; above these rings were a

second pair of rings attached to a strap slung second pair of rings attached to a strap slung over the left shoulderover the left shoulder

• • legionaries carried their swords high on the legionaries carried their swords high on the right side; centurions low-slung on the leftright side; centurions low-slung on the left

• of 28 swords found, the shortest blade is 10.5 • of 28 swords found, the shortest blade is 10.5 inches and the longest blade is 23.25 inchesinches and the longest blade is 23.25 inches

• the longer swords belonged to centurions and • the longer swords belonged to centurions and higher ranking officers, since experiments have higher ranking officers, since experiments have shown that blades of 19.5 inches and up cannot shown that blades of 19.5 inches and up cannot

be drawn with the right hand in an upward be drawn with the right hand in an upward movement (shorter blades are easier to pull movement (shorter blades are easier to pull

from scabbards)from scabbards)

• • battle tactics in the face of an battle tactics in the face of an advancing enemy consisted of, first, advancing enemy consisted of, first,

throwing their two javelins, and throwing their two javelins, and second, rapidly drawing their swords, second, rapidly drawing their swords, tightening their ranks, and charging, tightening their ranks, and charging, using the using the gladiusgladius as a quick thrusting as a quick thrusting

weapon into the midsection of the weapon into the midsection of the enemy—as in modern bayonet drillsenemy—as in modern bayonet drills

• • legionaries were taught to stab legionaries were taught to stab rather than cut and thrustrather than cut and thrust

• archaeologists can tell from • archaeologists can tell from skeletons whether a defender of skeletons whether a defender of Maiden Castle in Dorset fell to Maiden Castle in Dorset fell to the slash of an auxiliary’s long the slash of an auxiliary’s long

sword or the two-inch deep sword or the two-inch deep thrust of a legionarythrust of a legionary

• • the sword of the Spirit is the the sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the only offensive weapon in the panoply of spiritual weapons panoply of spiritual weapons

in Ephesians 6in Ephesians 6

( a panoply is a full suit of ( a panoply is a full suit of armor and equipment)armor and equipment)

• • the sword of the Spirit is infinitely greater the sword of the Spirit is infinitely greater than the legendary Excalibur (King Arthur) or than the legendary Excalibur (King Arthur) or Singing Sword (Prince Valiant) because it’s Singing Sword (Prince Valiant) because it’s the sword of Omniscience, Omnipresence, the sword of Omniscience, Omnipresence,

and Omnipotenceand Omnipotence

• there is no defense against the proper use of • there is no defense against the proper use of this sword; if your armor holds, you this sword; if your armor holds, you willwill defeat defeat

the enemythe enemy

• it is “divinely powerful for the destruction of • it is “divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” (2 Corinthians 10:4)fortresses” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

• • how powerful is this sword?how powerful is this sword?

For the word of God is living (For the word of God is living (za/wza/w) and ) and active (active (ejnergh/ßejnergh/ß) and sharper than any ) and sharper than any

two-edged sword…(Hebrews 4:12).two-edged sword…(Hebrews 4:12).

• it’s living because God is alive—Eternal Life• it’s living because God is alive—Eternal Life• it’s active (effective, powerful) because God is all-• it’s active (effective, powerful) because God is all-

powerful—Omnipotentpowerful—Omnipotent

… … by the word of God the heavens by the word of God the heavens existed long ago (2 Peter 3:5)existed long ago (2 Peter 3:5)

the worlds were prepared by the word of the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible (Hebrews out of things which are visible (Hebrews

11:3).11:3).

• • our sword is reliable and never fails in battle:our sword is reliable and never fails in battle:

…the Scripture cannot be broken……the Scripture cannot be broken…(John 10:35)(John 10:35)

BATTLE IN THE WILDERNESS OF BATTLE IN THE WILDERNESS OF JUDEAJUDEA

THE GREATEST SWORDFIGHT THE GREATEST SWORDFIGHT OF ALL TIMEOF ALL TIME

• • at the beginning of his public ministry at the beginning of his public ministry Jesus used his shield (faith) and Sword Jesus used his shield (faith) and Sword

(Word of God) to fight against three (Word of God) to fight against three temptations (arrows) of Satan—and temptations (arrows) of Satan—and

easily defeated him (Matthew 4:1–11)easily defeated him (Matthew 4:1–11)

• • Jesus must pass three tests:Jesus must pass three tests:

(1) he must endure a test to its completion (1) he must endure a test to its completion (lack of food throughout these three tests)(lack of food throughout these three tests)

(2) in testing he must not test God to (2) in testing he must not test God to prove to himself or to others that God prove to himself or to others that God

really cares about himreally cares about him(jump from the Temple)(jump from the Temple)

(3) he must be faithful and not forsake (3) he must be faithful and not forsake God for personal gainGod for personal gain

(worship Satan)(worship Satan)

• • at his baptism God the Father has just said “This is at his baptism God the Father has just said “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”

(Matthew 3:17).(Matthew 3:17).

• • first temptation (Matthew 4:3–4):first temptation (Matthew 4:3–4): Satan recognizes Satan recognizes that Jesus is the Son of God (first class condition) that Jesus is the Son of God (first class condition) and challenges him to prove that he has authority and challenges him to prove that he has authority

over heaven and earth by doing a miracle—over heaven and earth by doing a miracle—satisfying his hunger by changing stones into loaves satisfying his hunger by changing stones into loaves of bread (cf. Matthew 11:27; 28:18; John 3:35; 13:3; of bread (cf. Matthew 11:27; 28:18; John 3:35; 13:3;

17:2)17:2)

• • Jesus has not eaten for 40 days and 40 nights:Jesus has not eaten for 40 days and 40 nights:

And after He had fasted forty days and And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry forty nights, He then became hungry

(Matthew 4:2).(Matthew 4:2).

And He ate nothing during those days; And He ate nothing during those days; and when they had ended, He became and when they had ended, He became

hungryhungry ( (Luke 4:2b).Luke 4:2b).

• death may not have been all that far away had Jesus not eaten soon

The human body has a remarkable capacity for The human body has a remarkable capacity for surviving without food for long periods. There is the surviving without food for long periods. There is the well-authenticated case of Terence MacSwiney, the well-authenticated case of Terence MacSwiney, the

Irish revolutionist and mayor of Cork, who in his Irish revolutionist and mayor of Cork, who in his famous hunger strike in a British prison in 1920 famous hunger strike in a British prison in 1920

survived for 74 days before dying of starvation. It survived for 74 days before dying of starvation. It has been shown many times that a fast for the has been shown many times that a fast for the

biblical period of 40 days and 40 nights is well within biblical period of 40 days and 40 nights is well within the capability of a healthy adult (Vernon R. Young the capability of a healthy adult (Vernon R. Young

and Nevin S. Serimshaw, “The Physiology of and Nevin S. Serimshaw, “The Physiology of Starvation,” Starvation,” Scientific American,Scientific American, October 1971, p. October 1971, p.

14).14).

A large number of obese patients have A large number of obese patients have now undergone the total-fasting treatment now undergone the total-fasting treatment

for extensive periods under careful for extensive periods under careful observation at centers in North America observation at centers in North America

and Europe, and in almost all cases there and Europe, and in almost all cases there have been no serious complications (have been no serious complications (“The “The Physiology of Starvation,” Physiology of Starvation,” Scientific American,Scientific American,

October 1971, p. 15October 1971, p. 15).).

The longest reported fasts were by two women The longest reported fasts were by two women treated by T. J. Thompson and his co-workers at treated by T. J. Thompson and his co-workers at the Stobhill General Hospital and Ruchill Hospital the Stobhill General Hospital and Ruchill Hospital in Glasgow. One was a 30-year-old woman who in Glasgow. One was a 30-year-old woman who ate no food for 236 days and reduced her weight ate no food for 236 days and reduced her weight from 281 pounds to 184; the other patient, a 54-from 281 pounds to 184; the other patient, a 54-

year-old woman, fasted for 249 days and reduced year-old woman, fasted for 249 days and reduced from 282 pounds to 208. Of 13 fasting patients in from 282 pounds to 208. Of 13 fasting patients in Thompson’s group none showed any significant Thompson’s group none showed any significant

adverse side effects that could be attributed to lack adverse side effects that could be attributed to lack of food (“The Physiology of Starvation,” of food (“The Physiology of Starvation,” Scientific Scientific

American,American, October 1971, p. 15). October 1971, p. 15).

The one exception was a 20-year-old girl who in The one exception was a 20-year-old girl who in 30 weeks of total fasting cut her weight from 200 30 weeks of total fasting cut her weight from 200 pounds to 132 pounds. On the seventh day after pounds to 132 pounds. On the seventh day after she had resumed eating, her heartbeat became she had resumed eating, her heartbeat became

irregular, and she died of ventricular fibrillation on irregular, and she died of ventricular fibrillation on the ninth day. E. S. Garnett and his co-workers at the ninth day. E. S. Garnett and his co-workers at the General Hospital in Southhampton, England, the General Hospital in Southhampton, England,

found that this patient not only had lost fatty found that this patient not only had lost fatty tissue but also had consumed, during her fast, tissue but also had consumed, during her fast,

half of the lean-tissue mass in her body, including half of the lean-tissue mass in her body, including part of the fibrous tissue of the heart muscle (“The part of the fibrous tissue of the heart muscle (“The

Physiology of Starvation,” Physiology of Starvation,” Scientific American,Scientific American, October 1971, p. 15).October 1971, p. 15).

• this was a life-and-death test of Jesus’ faith (as was Israel’s hunger in the wilderness, Deuteronomy 8:2–3)

• Satan tried to plant seeds of doubt and fear in Jesus’ mind: doubts about God’s goodness and guidance and fear that he may die if he continues to trust and obey

the Father

• • fasting was a part of this test since he ‘was fasting was a part of this test since he ‘was continually being led about’ (progressive continually being led about’ (progressive

imperfect passive indicative of imperfect passive indicative of a¡gwa¡gw) by the Holy ) by the Holy Spirit in the wilderness for forty days (Luke 4:1)Spirit in the wilderness for forty days (Luke 4:1)

• the Spirit did not lead Jesus to any food• the Spirit did not lead Jesus to any food

• Satan wanted Jesus to repeat Israel’s sins of • Satan wanted Jesus to repeat Israel’s sins of unbelief and rebellion in the wilderness: a lack of unbelief and rebellion in the wilderness: a lack of faith, grumbling, and a refusal to wait for God’s faith, grumbling, and a refusal to wait for God’s

provision of food (in the wilderness of Sin, provision of food (in the wilderness of Sin, Exodus 16:1–4; on the way to Edom, Numbers Exodus 16:1–4; on the way to Edom, Numbers

21:4–5)21:4–5)

• • Satan tempted Jesus to act Satan tempted Jesus to act independently of his Father’s will and independently of his Father’s will and against the leading of the Holy Spiritagainst the leading of the Holy Spirit

• • Jesus relives the testing of Israel in Jesus relives the testing of Israel in the wilderness, but in forty days rather the wilderness, but in forty days rather

than forty yearsthan forty years

• • the time difference is explained by the the time difference is explained by the principle that a day in the life of an individual principle that a day in the life of an individual is equivalent to a year in the life of a people:is equivalent to a year in the life of a people:

According to the number of the According to the number of the days in which you [the spies] spied days in which you [the spies] spied out the land, forty days, for every out the land, forty days, for every day a year, you [the people] shall day a year, you [the people] shall bear your iniquity forty years…bear your iniquity forty years…

(Numbers 14:34).(Numbers 14:34).

I assign to you a number of days, 390 I assign to you a number of days, 390 days, equal to the number of years of days, equal to the number of years of

their iniquity, and so you shall bear the their iniquity, and so you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. When iniquity of the house of Israel. When

you have completed these, you shall lie you have completed these, you shall lie down a second time, but on your right down a second time, but on your right

side, and bear the iniquity of the house side, and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah: 40 days I assign you, one day of Judah: 40 days I assign you, one day

for each year (Ezekiel 4:5–6).for each year (Ezekiel 4:5–6).

• Jesus passed the first test: he knew that fasting was a part of this test devised by

God, so he would not use his powers to cut short the test—trusting that God would

provide for him

• he decided to continue trusting his heavenly Father with his life

• • Satan’s first deception:Satan’s first deception: “You can’t trust God with “You can’t trust God with your life. Why look, he’s your life. Why look, he’s

starving you to death right starving you to death right now!”now!”

• • Satan’s second deception:Satan’s second deception: Jesus has just Jesus has just received the Holy Spirit at his baptism and is received the Holy Spirit at his baptism and is God’s son (Matthew 3:13–17) but has not yet God’s son (Matthew 3:13–17) but has not yet

been given authority over all of God’s been given authority over all of God’s creationcreation

• he must defeat Satan first to win back the • he must defeat Satan first to win back the right to rule the earth, thereby restoring right to rule the earth, thereby restoring

human vicegerency on earthhuman vicegerency on earth

• originally Adam was the ruler over the earth • originally Adam was the ruler over the earth in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:28)in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:28)

• • after defeating Satan at his temptation, Jesus after defeating Satan at his temptation, Jesus immediately regained the scepter and was given immediately regained the scepter and was given

authority over all creationauthority over all creation

• his miracles demonstrated his power over • his miracles demonstrated his power over nature (heal the sick, restore an ear, wither a fig nature (heal the sick, restore an ear, wither a fig tree, create wine, multiply loaves and fish, walk tree, create wine, multiply loaves and fish, walk on water, still storms, raise the dead) and his on water, still storms, raise the dead) and his

authority over fallen angels (exorcisms) and men authority over fallen angels (exorcisms) and men (forgive sins)(forgive sins)

• • Jesus could not have changed these stones Jesus could not have changed these stones into loaves of bread yet because he had not into loaves of bread yet because he had not yet received authority over heaven and earthyet received authority over heaven and earth

• he must continue having faith that God will • he must continue having faith that God will provide his needs and continue waiting for provide his needs and continue waiting for God to give him authority over all creationGod to give him authority over all creation

• Satan wanted Jesus to repeat the sin of • Satan wanted Jesus to repeat the sin of Adam: to disobey God by eating forbidden Adam: to disobey God by eating forbidden

foodfood

• • in these three tests Jesus has to in these three tests Jesus has to reverse the sin of Adam in the reverse the sin of Adam in the

garden and the sins of Israel in the garden and the sins of Israel in the wildernesswilderness

• Jesus’ first miracle was at Cana • Jesus’ first miracle was at Cana of Galilee—after his temptation of Galilee—after his temptation

(John 2:1–11)(John 2:1–11)

• • defensively, Jesus used his shield to stop the defensively, Jesus used his shield to stop the fear,fear, doubts, and impatiencedoubts, and impatience (food and power (food and power now) Satan tried to plant in his mind—he had now) Satan tried to plant in his mind—he had

faith and waitedfaith and waited for his heavenly Father to for his heavenly Father to provide food and authority over creation when provide food and authority over creation when He was ready (compare Matthew 4:1–4 with He was ready (compare Matthew 4:1–4 with

4:11)4:11)

• • offensively, Jesus used his Sword (a verse of offensively, Jesus used his Sword (a verse of Scripture) to destroy Satan’s deception:Scripture) to destroy Satan’s deception:

Satan:Satan: “If You are the Son of God, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become command that these stones become

bread” (Matthew 4:3).bread” (Matthew 4:3).

Jesus:Jesus: “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY

WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD’”MOUTH OF GOD’” (Matthew 4:4).(Matthew 4:4).

• • combat fear, doubts, and combat fear, doubts, and impatience with faith in a promise impatience with faith in a promise and waiting for the Lord (shield of and waiting for the Lord (shield of

faith)faith)

• combat deception with the Truth• combat deception with the Truth—the Word of God (sword of the —the Word of God (sword of the

Spirit)Spirit)

Thy word is truth (John Thy word is truth (John 17:17)17:17)

• • second temptation (Matthew 4:5–7):second temptation (Matthew 4:5–7): Satan Satan tempts Jesus to prove he is a great man of tempts Jesus to prove he is a great man of

faith by stepping out in suicidal faith in a faith by stepping out in suicidal faith in a promise of protection and then trusting God to promise of protection and then trusting God to

save his lifesave his life

• all of the great men and women of the Bible • all of the great men and women of the Bible stepped out with suicidal faith in the promises stepped out with suicidal faith in the promises of God (Abraham, Moses, Joshua and Caleb, of God (Abraham, Moses, Joshua and Caleb,

Rahab, David, the widow of Zarephath, Rahab, David, the widow of Zarephath, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, the widow with the two Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, the widow with the two

copper coins)copper coins)

• • in effect Satan says to Jesus, “You say you trust in effect Satan says to Jesus, “You say you trust God’s Word with your life (the provision food). So God’s Word with your life (the provision food). So show me how much you trust his Word. Let’s see show me how much you trust his Word. Let’s see

you claim the promise of Psalm 91:11–12. As I you claim the promise of Psalm 91:11–12. As I said in the wilderness, I don’t think God cares said in the wilderness, I don’t think God cares

about you. I don’t think he cares enough to keep about you. I don’t think he cares enough to keep his promise to catch you if you jump. Prove to me his promise to catch you if you jump. Prove to me

your faith! Jump!”your faith! Jump!”

• jumping would be a hard thing to do and would • jumping would be a hard thing to do and would require great faithrequire great faith

• • Josephus says the drop from the Josephus says the drop from the roof-edge of the royal portico roof-edge of the royal portico

overhanging the Kedron Valley was overhanging the Kedron Valley was 450 feet and made people dizzy when 450 feet and made people dizzy when

they looked down into the ravine they looked down into the ravine ((Jewish AntiquitiesJewish Antiquities 15.411–12) 15.411–12)

• • the Devil took Jesus to a place the Devil took Jesus to a place where he could not be nearer to Godwhere he could not be nearer to God

—to the Temple, the place where —to the Temple, the place where God has chosen to dwell (cf. Psalm God has chosen to dwell (cf. Psalm

132:13–14)132:13–14)

• • Satan attacked Jesus with a misapplication of Satan attacked Jesus with a misapplication of Scripture (deception through Scripture-twisting)Scripture (deception through Scripture-twisting)

—tempting him to misapply one of the —tempting him to misapply one of the promises of protection in the Old Testament:promises of protection in the Old Testament:

“If You are the Son of God throw “If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written,Yourself down; for it is written,

‘HE WILL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE ‘HE WILL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE CONCERNING YOU’;CONCERNING YOU’;

AND ‘ON THEIR HANDS THEY WILL AND ‘ON THEIR HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP,BEAR YOU UP,

LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE’” (Matthew 4:5–AGAINST A STONE’” (Matthew 4:5–

6).6).

• • the Devil quotes a portion of verses 11–12 from the Devil quotes a portion of verses 11–12 from Psalm 91, a song that teaches God’s protection of Psalm 91, a song that teaches God’s protection of

those who trust in Himthose who trust in Him

• these two verses promise angelic protection in • these two verses promise angelic protection in all our ways (91:11–12)all our ways (91:11–12)

• but this promise assumes that “all your ways” • but this promise assumes that “all your ways” are within God’s will are within God’s will

• it was not God’s will for Jesus to jump from the • it was not God’s will for Jesus to jump from the pinnacle of the Templepinnacle of the Temple

• • jumping from the Temple, then, would jumping from the Temple, then, would not have been compatible with the not have been compatible with the

underlying assumption of this promiseunderlying assumption of this promise—“all your ways” must be God’s will for —“all your ways” must be God’s will for

your life for the promise to be validyour life for the promise to be valid

• he could claim the promise if God told • he could claim the promise if God told him to jumphim to jump

• this promise is for obedient believers• this promise is for obedient believers

• • Jesus would not be putting his faith to Jesus would not be putting his faith to the test; he would be putting God to the the test; he would be putting God to the

testtest

• forcing God to rescue him by • forcing God to rescue him by unnecessarily exposing himself to danger unnecessarily exposing himself to danger

would be forcing God to obey himwould be forcing God to obey him

• to test God is doubt and presumption, • to test God is doubt and presumption, not faith and obediencenot faith and obedience

• • Jesus was not disputing the truth of Psalm Jesus was not disputing the truth of Psalm 91; he was refuting the Devil’s erroneous 91; he was refuting the Devil’s erroneous

application of itapplication of it

• we must always ask when hearing Scripture • we must always ask when hearing Scripture cited, “Is this what this text really says?”cited, “Is this what this text really says?”

• sometimes we must use Scripture to refute • sometimes we must use Scripture to refute those who are using the Bible falselythose who are using the Bible falsely

• • Jesus struck this misapplication down with his Jesus struck this misapplication down with his Sword by citing from memory the correct Sword by citing from memory the correct

application of Scripture:application of Scripture:

Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE

LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST’” LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST’” (Matthew 4:7).(Matthew 4:7).

• • Jesus quotes the first half of Jesus quotes the first half of Deuteronomy 6:16:Deuteronomy 6:16:

You shall not put the LORD your You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested God to the test, as you tested

Him at Massah.Him at Massah.

• in this verse Moses warns the Israelites • in this verse Moses warns the Israelites not to repeat their sin at Massah, where not to repeat their sin at Massah, where they demanded water and tested God by they demanded water and tested God by asking “Is the LORD among us, or not?” asking “Is the LORD among us, or not?”

(Exodus 17:1–7; cf. Psalm 78:17–20)(Exodus 17:1–7; cf. Psalm 78:17–20)

• • if it was wrong for Israel the “son of if it was wrong for Israel the “son of God” to demand miraculous confirmation God” to demand miraculous confirmation of the Father’s care (water), so it would of the Father’s care (water), so it would

be for Jesus “the Son of God” to be for Jesus “the Son of God” to demand the same (catch him)demand the same (catch him)

• Jesus did not repeat the sin of the • Jesus did not repeat the sin of the fathers by testing Godfathers by testing God

• • we test God when we try to we test God when we try to force him to do a miracle to force him to do a miracle to

prove his love, care, or prove his love, care, or protection for us (instead of protection for us (instead of

waiting with faith and patience waiting with faith and patience for his provision that often for his provision that often comes at the last possible comes at the last possible

moment)moment)

• • we are not to step out in suicidal faith we are not to step out in suicidal faith unless we know it’s God’s will—unless we unless we know it’s God’s will—unless we

are personally led or otherwise instructed to are personally led or otherwise instructed to do so in the Scriptures (e.g., “test Me now do so in the Scriptures (e.g., “test Me now in this” in Malachi 3:10; compare “beyond in this” in Malachi 3:10; compare “beyond their ability they gave” in 2 Corinthians 8:3 their ability they gave” in 2 Corinthians 8:3 with “multiply your seed for sowing” in 9:8–with “multiply your seed for sowing” in 9:8–

11)11)

• • this was a cleaver deception: this was a cleaver deception: it’s often harder to apply a it’s often harder to apply a

verse correctly than to verse correctly than to understand the verseunderstand the verse

• • note that both fight with swords note that both fight with swords (the Word of God) in Matthew 4:5–(the Word of God) in Matthew 4:5–7: Satan quotes Psalm 91:11–12 7: Satan quotes Psalm 91:11–12

and Jesus countered with and Jesus countered with Deuteronomy 6:16Deuteronomy 6:16

• • third temptation (Matthew 4:8–10):third temptation (Matthew 4:8–10): the ruler of this world offered Jesus the ruler of this world offered Jesus

his entire kingdom in return for his entire kingdom in return for worshipworship

• a powerful weapon of Satan is • a powerful weapon of Satan is making deals—offering something making deals—offering something

you want in exchange for something you want in exchange for something he wants (we call this making a pact he wants (we call this making a pact

with the devil)with the devil)

• • under this arrangement Satan under this arrangement Satan would be Jesus’ god and Jesus would be Jesus’ god and Jesus

would be his vicegerent (cf. “I will would be his vicegerent (cf. “I will make myself like the Most High” make myself like the Most High”

Isaiah 14:14)Isaiah 14:14)

• he only asks for one act of worship, • he only asks for one act of worship, but worship carries with it a but worship carries with it a

continuing obligationcontinuing obligation

• • the Devil does not ask Jesus to the Devil does not ask Jesus to worship him alone: he may worship him alone: he may

continue to worship God as wellcontinue to worship God as well

• • Satan’s deception:Satan’s deception: had Jesus accepted this offer had Jesus accepted this offer of all the kingdoms of the world and worshiped of all the kingdoms of the world and worshiped Satan, God would have forsaken him; he would Satan, God would have forsaken him; he would

have continued to be inferior to Satan in his human have continued to be inferior to Satan in his human body (cf. Hebrews 2:7, 9); Satan probably would body (cf. Hebrews 2:7, 9); Satan probably would not have kept his promise to give Jesus these not have kept his promise to give Jesus these

kingdoms; and Satan probably would have kingdoms; and Satan probably would have continued his rule over the earth—even over Jesuscontinued his rule over the earth—even over Jesus

• had Jesus accepted this offer of the kingdoms of • had Jesus accepted this offer of the kingdoms of the world, he would have forfeited his eventual rule the world, he would have forfeited his eventual rule

over all creation as God’s vicegerentover all creation as God’s vicegerent

• • the Devil was playing for high the Devil was playing for high stakes and offered all he had:stakes and offered all he had:

I will give You all this I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to has been handed over to

me, and I give it to me, and I give it to whomever I wish (Luke whomever I wish (Luke

4:6).4:6).

Ketef Jericho, “the Ketef Jericho, “the shoulder of Jericho,” shoulder of Jericho,” is also called the is also called the Mount of Mount of Temptation—the Temptation—the traditional spot traditional spot where Jesus was where Jesus was tempted by the tempted by the Devil. Ptolemy’s Devil. Ptolemy’s second century B.C. second century B.C. citidel sits on top citidel sits on top and a restored and a restored monastery perches monastery perches on the cliff.on the cliff.

• • Jesus was alone, tired, dirty, hungry, Jesus was alone, tired, dirty, hungry, probably thirsty, and didn’t look very kingly probably thirsty, and didn’t look very kingly after 40 days and nights of fasting in the after 40 days and nights of fasting in the

wildernesswilderness

• Jesus’ appearance and the splendor of • Jesus’ appearance and the splendor of all the kingdoms of the world must have all the kingdoms of the world must have

been quite a contrast at this momentbeen quite a contrast at this moment

• the kingdom must have seemed a long • the kingdom must have seemed a long way offway off

Tempting OfferTempting Offer

1.1. tired, hungry, and tired, hungry, and depriveddeprived

2.2. alone with the wild alone with the wild animalsanimals

3.3. wait indefinitelywait indefinitely

4.4. a few insignificant a few insignificant accomplishmentsaccomplishments

1.1. no more suffering— no more suffering— just splendorjust splendor

2.2. no more obscurity but no more obscurity but importanceimportance

3.3. instant resultsinstant results

4.4. authority and power authority and power to do what he wantsto do what he wants

• • in effect Satan said:in effect Satan said:

“I’ll give you the kingdoms, and you may do “I’ll give you the kingdoms, and you may do with them as you wish. Inaugurate the with them as you wish. Inaugurate the

kingdom of God on earth, if that’s what you kingdom of God on earth, if that’s what you want to do. Free Israel from Roman rule. want to do. Free Israel from Roman rule.

Establish justice in the world. Take care of Establish justice in the world. Take care of the poor. Bring about world peace. Wouldn’t the poor. Bring about world peace. Wouldn’t

that please God? Do it without suffering! Do it that please God? Do it without suffering! Do it successfully! Do it now! YOU CAN HAVE IT successfully! Do it now! YOU CAN HAVE IT

ALL!”ALL!”

• • application:application: a temptation may a temptation may appeal to our ministry dreamsappeal to our ministry dreams

• it may be an opportunity for • it may be an opportunity for service we have longed for, or a service we have longed for, or a

chance to see our spiritual gift have chance to see our spiritual gift have spectacular resultsspectacular results

• this tempts our strengths—our • this tempts our strengths—our zeal for the glory of Godzeal for the glory of God

• • again Jesus used his shield to stop the again Jesus used his shield to stop the doubts doubts and impatienceand impatience (kingdom now) Satan tried to plant (kingdom now) Satan tried to plant

in his mind—he had in his mind—he had faith and waitedfaith and waited for his for his heavenly Father to give him authority over all the heavenly Father to give him authority over all the

kingdoms of the worldkingdoms of the world

• he chose to rely on the promise • he chose to rely on the promise “Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as

Thine inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Thy possession” (Psalm

2:8).

• again Jesus used his Sword (a verse of Scripture) • again Jesus used his Sword (a verse of Scripture) to destroy this deal offered by Satanto destroy this deal offered by Satan

• • Satan:Satan: “All these things I will “All these things I will give You, if You fall down give You, if You fall down

and worship me” (Matthew and worship me” (Matthew 4:9).4:9).

• Jesus:• Jesus: “YOU SHALL WORSHIP “YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND

SERVE HIM ONLY” (Matthew SERVE HIM ONLY” (Matthew 4:10).4:10).

• • offensively, Jesus quoted from memory offensively, Jesus quoted from memory a verse of Scripture to strike down each a verse of Scripture to strike down each

temptation (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)temptation (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)

• each verse he quoted was from the • each verse he quoted was from the Book of Deuteronomy (8:3; 6:16; 6:13)Book of Deuteronomy (8:3; 6:16; 6:13)

• it was natural for Jesus to quote verses • it was natural for Jesus to quote verses from this book because one of the main from this book because one of the main themes in the Book of Deuteronomy is themes in the Book of Deuteronomy is

the testing of Israelthe testing of Israel

• • Jesus thus relived and Jesus thus relived and successfully reversed the successfully reversed the

solicitation to idolatry to which Israel solicitation to idolatry to which Israel succumbed in worshipping the succumbed in worshipping the

golden calf (Exodus 32)golden calf (Exodus 32)

• and in refusing to serve Satan • and in refusing to serve Satan Jesus reversed the service Adam Jesus reversed the service Adam

owed to Satanowed to Satan

• • victory comes when Satan retreats:victory comes when Satan retreats:

Then the devil left him…Then the devil left him…(Matt 4:11a).(Matt 4:11a).

Resist the devil and he will Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7b).flee from you (James 4:7b).

• • he will attack again in the future he will attack again in the future

• it appears that Satan is only allowed a • it appears that Satan is only allowed a few big attacks at a time (two against few big attacks at a time (two against

Job; three against Jesus):Job; three against Jesus):

And when the devil had And when the devil had finished every temptation, he finished every temptation, he departed from Him until an departed from Him until an opportune time (Luke 4:13opportune time (Luke 4:13).).

• • Jesus was tempted the entire 40 days and 40 Jesus was tempted the entire 40 days and 40 nights by Satan:nights by Satan:

And He was in the wilderness forty And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan…(Mark days being tempted by Satan…(Mark

1:13)1:13)

and was led about by the Spirit in and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1–2).tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1–2).

• he faced more than the three recorded • he faced more than the three recorded temptationstemptations

• • apparently he was sent into the wilderness apparently he was sent into the wilderness without supplies: no food, water, or weaponswithout supplies: no food, water, or weapons

• most of the temptations were little things • most of the temptations were little things (bugs, heat, cold, snakes, wild animals, (bugs, heat, cold, snakes, wild animals,

scary sounds, things that go bump in the scary sounds, things that go bump in the night) with no doubt some big things (lack of night) with no doubt some big things (lack of

water)water)

He was tempted in all things as we He was tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews are, yet without sin (Hebrews

4:15).4:15).

• • Jesus had to relive and reverse Israel’s unbelief, Jesus had to relive and reverse Israel’s unbelief, grumbling, and rebellion in the wildernessgrumbling, and rebellion in the wilderness

• • “And the tempter came and said to Him” in “And the tempter came and said to Him” in Matthew 4:3 implies Satan now appeared in person Matthew 4:3 implies Satan now appeared in person for the first time: apparently no visible face-to-face for the first time: apparently no visible face-to-face

confrontations took place beforeconfrontations took place before

• most of the temptations Jesus faced for 40 days • most of the temptations Jesus faced for 40 days were created by invisible enemies (just like most of were created by invisible enemies (just like most of

ours)—except the last threeours)—except the last three

• • at the end of this temptation Jesus received from at the end of this temptation Jesus received from God everything the Devil offered him—and more:God everything the Devil offered him—and more:

(1) the one who refused to turn stones into bread is (1) the one who refused to turn stones into bread is now given food—probably manna, ”the bread from now given food—probably manna, ”the bread from

heaven” (Matthew 4:11b; cf. Exodus 16:4)heaven” (Matthew 4:11b; cf. Exodus 16:4)

(2) the one who refused to throw himself off the (2) the one who refused to throw himself off the Temple to get angelic help is now served by angelsTemple to get angelic help is now served by angels

(3) the one who refused to take Satan’s kingdom is (3) the one who refused to take Satan’s kingdom is now given authority over all the nations—over now given authority over all the nations—over

heaven and earth (cf. Matthew 28:18)heaven and earth (cf. Matthew 28:18)

• • Jesus used his Sword (the Word of God) to Jesus used his Sword (the Word of God) to correct Satan:correct Satan:

All Scripture is inspired by God and All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, profitable for teaching, for reproof,

for correctionfor correction, for training in , for training in righteousness; that the man of God righteousness; that the man of God

may be adequate, equipped for every may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

• deception is neutralized and destroyed by the • deception is neutralized and destroyed by the correction of Scripturecorrection of Scripture

• • a swordfight like this requires a a swordfight like this requires a thorough understanding of the thorough understanding of the

Scriptures, memorizing many verses, Scriptures, memorizing many verses, a quick mind—and the help of the a quick mind—and the help of the

Holy SpiritHoly Spirit

• the best swordfighters are “mighty in • the best swordfighters are “mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24)the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24)

• • victory does not always depend on your skill in using the victory does not always depend on your skill in using the Sword, but on the Holy Spirit personally fighting through Sword, but on the Holy Spirit personally fighting through

you and for you:you and for you:

(1) (1) in this casein this case preparation is not necessary:preparation is not necessary:

But beware of men; for they will deliver you But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to up to the the courts, and scourge you in their courts, and scourge you in their

synagogues; and you shall even be brought synagogues; and you shall even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not become when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; anxious about how or what you will speak; for for it shall be given you in that hour what it shall be given you in that hour what

you are to speak. For it is not you who you are to speak. For it is not you who speak, but speak, but it is it is the Spirit of your Father who the Spirit of your Father who speaks in youspeaks in you (Matthew 10:17–20; cf. Mark (Matthew 10:17–20; cf. Mark

13:9–110.13:9–110.

(2) (2) and victory is promised:and victory is promised:

They will lay their hands on you and They will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to will persecute you, delivering you to

the synagogues and prisons, bringing the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for you before kings and governors for My name's sake. It will lead to an My name's sake. It will lead to an

opportunity for your testimony. So opportunity for your testimony. So make up your minds not to prepare make up your minds not to prepare

beforehand to defend yourselves; for beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refuteable to resist or refute (Luke 21:12– (Luke 21:12–

15).15).

BEFORE THE BEFORE THE SWORD (THE SWORD (THE

WRITTEN WORD WRITTEN WORD OF GOD)…OF GOD)…

THE WORD OF GOD THE WORD OF GOD WAS REVEALED WAS REVEALED AND PASSED ON AND PASSED ON

BY WORD OF BY WORD OF MOUTHMOUTH

• • twice Job beat Satan with twice Job beat Satan with principlesprinciples he learned he learned from oral tradition (the Word of God):from oral tradition (the Word of God):

Satan’s accusation:Satan’s accusation: “Put forth Thy hand “Put forth Thy hand now and touch all that he has; he will now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse Thee to Thy face” (Job surely curse Thee to Thy face” (Job

1:11).1:11).

Job’s Sword:Job’s Sword: “Naked I came from my “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall mother’s womb, And naked I shall

return there. The LORD gave and the return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away, Blessed be the LORD has taken away, Blessed be the

name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).

Satan’s accusation:Satan’s accusation: “Put forth Thy hand, “Put forth Thy hand, now, and touch his bone and his flesh; now, and touch his bone and his flesh;

he will curse Thee to Thy face” (Job he will curse Thee to Thy face” (Job 2:5).2:5).

Job’s Sword:Job’s Sword: “You speak as one of the “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept accept good from God and not accept

adversity?” (Job 2:10)adversity?” (Job 2:10)

• • notice that Satan used Job’s wife to tempt Job:notice that Satan used Job’s wife to tempt Job:

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and hold fast your integrity? Curse God and

die!” (Job 2:9)die!” (Job 2:9)

and they may come to their senses and and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, escape from the snare of the devil,

having been held captive by him to do having been held captive by him to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26).his will (2 Timothy 2:26).

• first Job rebuked her (2:10a) and then cited a • first Job rebuked her (2:10a) and then cited a principle he learned from oral tradition (2:10b): principle he learned from oral tradition (2:10b):

““Shall we indeed accept good from God Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?”and not accept adversity?”

SWORDFIGHTINGSWORDFIGHTING

• • note a very important note a very important distinction:distinction: hremahrema is a verse or is a verse or

quotation from the Bible; quotation from the Bible; logoslogos is is the entire Biblethe entire Bible

• • the sword is sharp, double-edged, and the sword is sharp, double-edged, and can cut deep into the material and can cut deep into the material and

immaterial parts of men:immaterial parts of men:

For the word of God (For the word of God (oJ lo/goß oJ lo/goß touv qeouvtouv qeouv) is living and active ) is living and active

and sharper than any two-and sharper than any two-edged sword (edged sword (ma¿cairama¿caira), and ), and

piercing as far as the division of piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints soul and spirit, of both joints

and marrow, and able to judge and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the thoughts and intentions of

the heart (Hebrews 4:12).the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

• • the the ssword consists of word consists of command, reproof, rebuke, command, reproof, rebuke, admonition, correction, and admonition, correction, and

warningwarning

And take the helmet of And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword salvation, and the sword

of the Spirit (of the Spirit (th\n ma¿cairan touv pneu/matoß), which is ), which is the word of God (the word of God (rJhvma qeouv) (Ephesians 6:17).) (Ephesians 6:17).

• • hremahrema is using the right phrase, verse, or is using the right phrase, verse, or verses to answer each different onslaught verses to answer each different onslaught

or thrust of Satanor thrust of Satan

• this method of warfare is perfectly seen in • this method of warfare is perfectly seen in the temptation of Christ: Jesus blocked the temptation of Christ: Jesus blocked each thrust of Satan with an appropriate each thrust of Satan with an appropriate

verse or sentence from the Bibleverse or sentence from the Bible

• • memorize warfare verses:memorize warfare verses:

the Sword won't do you much good if you the Sword won't do you much good if you can’t pull it out of the scabbard in time to fightcan’t pull it out of the scabbard in time to fight—if you can't think of a verse quick enough to —if you can't think of a verse quick enough to

useuse

• I've won a lot of battles mentally • I've won a lot of battles mentally after after I've I've been defeated: a day or two later I think of all been defeated: a day or two later I think of all

the verses I the verses I should have should have usedused

• • the proper motive for Scripture the proper motive for Scripture memorization is not to impress memorization is not to impress

people, but to prepare yourself for people, but to prepare yourself for battlebattle

• be discriminating: better to memorize • be discriminating: better to memorize parts of verses that can be used in parts of verses that can be used in spiritual warfare than whole verses spiritual warfare than whole verses with little or no warfare applicationwith little or no warfare application

• • use warfare verses that are clear and use warfare verses that are clear and easily understood by the enemyeasily understood by the enemy

• the shakespearean English of the • the shakespearean English of the King James Version often doesn’t cut it King James Version often doesn’t cut it

in spiritual warfare: don’t use black in spiritual warfare: don’t use black powder cap-and-ball muskets when powder cap-and-ball muskets when

you can use modern automatic you can use modern automatic weaponsweapons

• • which is better…which is better…

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (1 Corinthians 13:4–5 KJV);thinketh no evil (1 Corinthians 13:4–5 KJV);

oror

Love is patient, love is kind, and is not Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not

arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not not seek its own, is not provoked, does not

take into account a wrong suffered (1 take into account a wrong suffered (1 Corinthians 13:4–5 NASB),Corinthians 13:4–5 NASB),

• • you must speak the word of God out loud you must speak the word of God out loud because Satan is a created being and because Satan is a created being and

doesn’t know exactly what you are thinkingdoesn’t know exactly what you are thinking

• since he can’t read your mind and doesn’t • since he can’t read your mind and doesn’t know the future, he has no idea what you’re know the future, he has no idea what you’re praying silently or what wisdom you receive praying silently or what wisdom you receive

from Godfrom God

• the noun • the noun rJhvmarJhvma means “that which is means “that which is stated intentionally”—the spoken word of stated intentionally”—the spoken word of

GodGod

• • you can’t tell Satan to leave you can’t tell Satan to leave with your thoughts because with your thoughts because

he can’t hear youhe can’t hear you

• you can only defeat Satan • you can only defeat Satan by speaking outby speaking out

• • be smart:be smart: don’t give away don’t give away your battle plan before battle your battle plan before battle

by telling it to othersby telling it to others

• • swordplay is a duel: keep slashing away swordplay is a duel: keep slashing away and parrying slashes until the enemy and parrying slashes until the enemy

weakens and is finally overcome weakens and is finally overcome (strongholds are demolished or the enemy (strongholds are demolished or the enemy

gives up the fight and departs)gives up the fight and departs)

• don’t quit fighting too soon; don’t let the • don’t quit fighting too soon; don’t let the enemy escape (change the subject, move on enemy escape (change the subject, move on

to the next point without satisfactorily to the next point without satisfactorily

answering the preceding point)answering the preceding point)

• • your armor can be used in both your armor can be used in both defensive and offensive spiritual warfaredefensive and offensive spiritual warfare

• the defensive armor will protect you • the defensive armor will protect you while you’re using your swordwhile you’re using your sword

• • your armor keeps you from being your armor keeps you from being neutralized (defeated) before you can neutralized (defeated) before you can

overcome with the swordovercome with the sword

• • legionaries were tough to kill:legionaries were tough to kill:

There was a centurion from the Bithynian contingent called There was a centurion from the Bithynian contingent called Julianus who was a man of note and far more remarkable for Julianus who was a man of note and far more remarkable for

skill of arms, physical strength, and intrepidity of spirit than any I skill of arms, physical strength, and intrepidity of spirit than any I had met during that war.…he was wearing ordinary military had met during that war.…he was wearing ordinary military

boots thickly studded with sharp spikes, and as he ran across boots thickly studded with sharp spikes, and as he ran across the pavement he slipped and fell on his back with a loud clang the pavement he slipped and fell on his back with a loud clang

of his armor, which made the fugitives turn.…the Jews crowding of his armor, which made the fugitives turn.…the Jews crowding around him aimed blows from all directions with lances and around him aimed blows from all directions with lances and

swords. He parried many weapons with his shield. Time after swords. He parried many weapons with his shield. Time after time he tried to stand up but was knocked down by the mass of time he tried to stand up but was knocked down by the mass of assailants. Yet, even as he lay prostrate, he stabbed many with assailants. Yet, even as he lay prostrate, he stabbed many with his sword. For he would not be quickly dispatched, as he was his sword. For he would not be quickly dispatched, as he was protected in every vital part by his helmet and breastplate, and protected in every vital part by his helmet and breastplate, and kept his head down; but at last, when all his limbs were hacked kept his head down; but at last, when all his limbs were hacked away, and no comrade dared to come to his aid, he succumbed away, and no comrade dared to come to his aid, he succumbed

(Josephus, (Josephus, The Jewish WarThe Jewish War 6.1.8). 6.1.8).

THE THE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE

USE OF THE USE OF THE SWORD IN SWORD IN SPIRITUAL SPIRITUAL

WARFARE…WARFARE…

WILL TAKE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE PLACE AT THE

SECOND SECOND COMING OF COMING OF

CHRIST CHRIST (Revelation (Revelation 19:11–21)19:11–21)

And And from His mouth comes a sharp from His mouth comes a sharp swordsword, so that with it He may smite , so that with it He may smite

the nations; and He will rule them with the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the press of the fierce wrath of God, the

Almighty (Revelation 19:15).Almighty (Revelation 19:15).

And And the rest were killed with the the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat upon the horse,Him who sat upon the horse, and all and all the birds were filled with their flesh the birds were filled with their flesh

(Revelation 19:21).(Revelation 19:21).

OFFENSIVE WEAPONSOFFENSIVE WEAPONS

Sandals of the Preparation of the Gospel of Sandals of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace…………………take the enemy captive,Peace…………………take the enemy captive,

encourage defectionencourage defection

Sword of the Spirit……….destroy strongholdsSword of the Spirit……….destroy strongholds

PRAYERPRAYER

With all prayer and With all prayer and petition pray at all petition pray at all times in the Spirit…times in the Spirit…(Ephesians 6:18a).(Ephesians 6:18a).

• • prayer is calling HQ for prayer is calling HQ for heavy artillery supportheavy artillery support

• • defensive prayer:defensive prayer: pray for a hedge of pray for a hedge of protection around yourself, your family, and protection around yourself, your family, and

your church—that God will not allow Satan to your church—that God will not allow Satan to attack at all (cf. Job 1–2)attack at all (cf. Job 1–2)

• • defensive prayer:defensive prayer: if God allows Satan to if God allows Satan to attack, put on your armor, stand firm, resist, attack, put on your armor, stand firm, resist, and pray for additional protection in battleand pray for additional protection in battle

Finally, brethren, pray for us that Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it rapidly and be glorified, just as it

did also with you; and did also with you; and that we may that we may be delivered from perverse and be delivered from perverse and

evil menevil men; for not all have faith. But ; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and the Lord is faithful, and He will He will

strengthen and protect you from strengthen and protect you from the evil one the evil one (2Thessalonians 3:1–(2Thessalonians 3:1–

3).3).

• • offensive prayer:offensive prayer: put on your armor, put on your armor, pray for protection and victory, and then pray for protection and victory, and then

attack Satanattack Satan

• • ask for wisdom:ask for wisdom:

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men ask of God, who gives to all men

generously and without reproach, and it generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).will be given to him (James 1:5).

• wisdom from God is the ultimate weapon: through • wisdom from God is the ultimate weapon: through prayer God may reveal to you a perfect battle plan prayer God may reveal to you a perfect battle plan

all at once in its entirety or a point at a time over the all at once in its entirety or a point at a time over the space of an hour—complete with the right weapons space of an hour—complete with the right weapons

to use (wisdom and not the Sword), what to say, to use (wisdom and not the Sword), what to say, what to do, what to wear (white sport coat), how to what to do, what to wear (white sport coat), how to

squash rebellion (brilliant procedural content)squash rebellion (brilliant procedural content)

• • after receiving this wisdom, all you have to after receiving this wisdom, all you have to do is follow the instructions implicitly—it’s do is follow the instructions implicitly—it’s

all of God and none of self (as Moses did in all of God and none of self (as Moses did in persuading Israel to follow him and in his persuading Israel to follow him and in his

confrontations with Pharaoh—all he did was confrontations with Pharaoh—all he did was follow directions and throw his staff on the follow directions and throw his staff on the

ground)ground)

• knowing this wisdom came from God • knowing this wisdom came from God (because of its perfect timing and brilliant (because of its perfect timing and brilliant

content), you can enter the battle with content), you can enter the battle with perfect faith and confidence of victoryperfect faith and confidence of victory

• • prayer brings God into the fight:prayer brings God into the fight:

after praying (2 Chronicles 20:1–13), God after praying (2 Chronicles 20:1–13), God revealed the battle plan to King Jehoshaphat revealed the battle plan to King Jehoshaphat

(20:14–19), and then fought for his people (20:14–19), and then fought for his people (20:20–30)(20:20–30)

• • one righteous man of prayer is more powerful than one righteous man of prayer is more powerful than thousands of the enemy:thousands of the enemy:

And when they came down to him, Elisha And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, “Strike this prayed to the LORD and said, “Strike this

people with blindness, I pray.” So He struck people with blindness, I pray.” So He struck them with blindness according to the word of them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. Then Elisha said to them, “This is not Elisha. Then Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city; follow me and I the way, nor is this the city; follow me and I

will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he brought them to Samaria. he brought them to Samaria.

And it came about when they had come into And it came about when they had come into Samaria, that Elisha said, “O LORD, open the Samaria, that Elisha said, “O LORD, open the

eyes of these men, that they may see.”eyes of these men, that they may see.”

So the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; So the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. Then the king of Israel when he saw them, said Then the king of Israel when he saw them, said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” And he answered, “You shall not kill them?” And he answered, “You shall not

kill them. Would you kill those you have taken kill them. Would you kill those you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set captive with your sword and with your bow? Set

bread and water before them, that they may bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” So he eat and drink and go to their master.” So he

prepared a great feast for them; and when they prepared a great feast for them; and when they had eaten and drunk he sent them away, and had eaten and drunk he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the marauding they went to their master. And the marauding

bands of Arameans did not come again into the bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel (2 Kings 6:18–23).land of Israel (2 Kings 6:18–23).

• • the prayers of a righteous the prayers of a righteous man were the most powerful man were the most powerful weapons in Israel’s arsenalweapons in Israel’s arsenal

• • the ultimate divine warrior is the Messiah:the ultimate divine warrior is the Messiah:

And He put on righteousness like a And He put on righteousness like a breastplate,breastplate,

And a helmet of salvation on His head;And a helmet of salvation on His head;And He put on garments of vengeance for And He put on garments of vengeance for

clothing,clothing,And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.According to their deeds, so He will repay,According to their deeds, so He will repay,Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to

His enemies;His enemies;To the coastlands He will make To the coastlands He will make

recompense.recompense.So they will fear the name of the LORD So they will fear the name of the LORD

from the west And His glory from the rising from the west And His glory from the rising of the sun,of the sun,

For He will come like a rushing stream,For He will come like a rushing stream,Which the wind of the LORD drives (Isaiah Which the wind of the LORD drives (Isaiah

59:17–19).59:17–19).

• • the garments of vengeance are the the garments of vengeance are the blood-splattered garments of Jesus blood-splattered garments of Jesus

Christ on the Day of the LORD (Isaiah Christ on the Day of the LORD (Isaiah 63:1–3)63:1–3)

• Jesus is “clothed with a robe dipped • Jesus is “clothed with a robe dipped in blood” at his second advent in blood” at his second advent

(Revelation 19:13)(Revelation 19:13)

• • ask for angelic reinforcements:ask for angelic reinforcements:

Or do you think that I cannot Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He appeal to My Father, and He

will at once put at My disposal will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of more than twelve legions of

angels? (Matthew 26:53)angels? (Matthew 26:53)

• • ask in Jesus’ name:ask in Jesus’ name:

And whatever you ask in My name, And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask be glorified in the Son. If you ask

Me anything in My name, I will do it Me anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:13–14; cf. 15:16; 16:23–24, (John 14:13–14; cf. 15:16; 16:23–24,

26).26).

• asking in Jesus’ name brings Jesus into the • asking in Jesus’ name brings Jesus into the fight and accomplishes what can’t be done in fight and accomplishes what can’t be done in

our own powerour own power

• “• “in My name” means “in the sphere of in My name” means “in the sphere of Jesus’ name”—in the sphere of his authority, Jesus’ name”—in the sphere of his authority,

power, and glorypower, and glory

…and seated Him at His right hand …and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power all rule and authority and power

and dominion, and every name that and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come (Ephesians also in the one to come (Ephesians

1:20b–21).1:20b–21).

Therefore also God highly exalted Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the Him, and bestowed on Him the

name which is above every name, name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every that at the name of Jesus every

knee should bow, of those who are knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue the earth, and that every tongue

should confess that Jesus Christ is should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9–11).Father (Philippians 2:9–11).

““All authority has been All authority has been given to Me in heaven and given to Me in heaven and

on earth…” (Matthew on earth…” (Matthew 28:17)28:17)

• • to pray to the Father in Jesus’ name is to to pray to the Father in Jesus’ name is to pray with the authority of our position in pray with the authority of our position in

ChristChrist

But God, being rich in mercy, But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with because of His great love with

which He loved us, even when we which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, were dead in our transgressions,

made us alive together with Christ made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and raised us up with Him, and and

seated us with Him in the heavenly seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesusplaces, in Christ Jesus (Ephesians (Ephesians

2:4–6),2:4–6),

• • remember your powerful position in remember your powerful position in Christ before making prayer Christ before making prayer

requestsrequests

• asking in Jesus’ name makes • asking in Jesus’ name makes available the great power of available the great power of

positional truth by tapping the positional truth by tapping the authority of Jesus Christauthority of Jesus Christ

• • Jesus delegated his authority to us to Jesus delegated his authority to us to demonstrate to the kingdom of darkness who is demonstrate to the kingdom of darkness who is

really in control in this world:really in control in this world:

To me, the very least of all saints, this grace To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the was given, to preach to the Gentiles the

unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the to light what is the administration of the

mystery which for ages has been hidden in mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; God, who created all things; in order that in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be the manifold wisdom of God might now be

made known through the church to the made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly rulers and the authorities in the heavenly

placesplaces (Ephesians 3:8–10). (Ephesians 3:8–10).