Suit Up

ILLUSTRATION: Tell a story of a time that you were really scared. This is a great opportunity to use comedy as this is a slightly tense topic.

TENSION

• A lot of our fears are actually fake.

• It’s easy to base our view of the supernatural on what we’ve seen in movies.

• Our minds reflect on over-the-top hauntings with levitating furniture, demon children throwing up, and clowns that live in the sewer. We have bought into this dramatized version of spiritual warfare that looks like the set of a haunted house.

• However, that’s not what the supernatural looks like. Let’s examine the words of Paul when he is discussing spiritual warfare while writing to the church in Ephesus.

• This passage says more about the supernatural realm than any of Paul’s other writings. This means that we must slow down and pay close attention to Paul’s teaching.

• The people of Ephesus were saved out of cult-like traditions. Their region was known for for witchcraft, the occult, astrology, and goddess worship.

• Since Paul understands this, he chooses to intentionally prepare them for a battle against the dark forces hidden all around them.

• Notice his tone. Paul isn’t using any dark or spooky language. He’s just talking matter-of-fact about the invisible war surrounding them.

• That’s because this passage isn’t designed to trigger fear, it’s designed to develop faith.

• It’s not supposed to be scary, it’s supposed to be soothing. He wanted to put their minds at ease.

• Paul’s audience lived in Asia Minor, where most of the region was under Rome’s control. This means that they were used to seeing Roman Soldiers march around their villages just like you’d see policeman walking around downtown.

• He uses the Roman soldier uniform as a metaphor for personal protection against potential danger.

ILLUSTRATION: Show a picture of the Roman soldier’s uniform.

• When a solider goes to war, they are protected from head to toe. As soldiers suit up, every piece or armor is intentional. Some armor is for protection and other armor aids an attack. But, each piece is important.

— TRANSITION — 

Paul is directly addressing a complicated concept— there is an invisible battle going on around us. Every day, we are waging a spiritual war with an enemy that is scheming against us. This passage is designed to help us prepare for that battle. Spiritual warfare is just that — a war.

This means that is is important for us to go into battle prepared and protected. What does this spiritual armor look like? Let’s examine how we can suit up to protect ourselves against spiritual warfare. Paul lists out five important pieces of armor.

First, we must put on the Belt of Truth.

• When describing our spiritual armor, Paul starts out with a subtle example. He is talking about a war, right? My mind goes straight to swords, bombs, helmets, and tanks.

• However, Paul starts his list with a belt, the most underwhelming of clothing items imaginable. The passage reads, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph. 6:14).

• For an ancient Roman soldier, the belt kept the entire uniform together, while also being a practical place to store weapons.

• The belt of truth is designed to hold everything together in your life. Simply put, when you live a life built upon truth, everything will stay together.

• Surround yourself by truth every day.

• Live a life of integrity.

• It’ll help everything fall right into place.

Second, he urges us to wear the Breastplate of Righteousness.

• In ancient armor, a breastplate protected the most vital organs, especially the heart.

• Righteousness plays the same role in your life.

• When you walk in the ways of God, you are on the safest path.

• God doesn’t make commands because He wants to control us. Rather, He wants to protect us from pain.

Third, we need to carry the Shield of Faith

• This passage says the enemy is ready to launch flaming arrows your way.

• The shield of faith is designed to block those attacks.

• When you grow in your faith, it’ll shield you from the schemes of the devil.

• When he tries to make you doubt, the shield of faith will protect you.

• When he tries to bring up your past pain, your faith will remind you that you are forgiven.

• When he lies saying you aren’t good enough, your faith will remind you that you are secure in God’s unfailing love.

• How do we protect the most vulnerable part of our bodies?

Fourth on the list is the Helmet of Salvation.

• Helmets are extremely important.

• Why? Because they ultimately keep you alive.

ILLUSTRATION: Bring out a helmet.

• What does a helmet do? It protects your brain. They’re crucial to athletes, motorcycle riders, and kids on scooters. They protect one of your most valuable resources — your mind.

• Can you believe there was a time when hockey players didn’t have to wear them?

• This era was marked with traumatic injury and even death due to their lack of protection.

• Just like a helmet to a hockey player, our salvation is all about our safety. It’s protective.

• Salvation ensures that you are eternally secure.

• There is absolutely nothing the enemy can do to break the safety you have in salvation.

• When we think of war, we think of weapons. Which means this list can seem kind of boring, right? Everything is defensive. It’s a shield, a helmet, and a belt. Last on the list is the only offensive weapon. We get to carry the Sword of the Spirit.

• All of the other pieces of spiritual armor are defensive, which means they’re designed to protect you when conflict inevitably comes.

• Paul doesn’t include other popular Roman weapons in this list. They often carried spears and metal-laced whips as well. Why does he leave those out in his example?

• It’s because he wants us to know that we only need one offensive weapon — it’s found in the promises of God. We are not called to fight — we are called to stand our ground.

• The sword is the only offensive weapon in this entire list.

• What does it represent? Scripture.

• Read Scripture every day. This will be a weapon that helps you win every battle.

• Whenever you encounter a lie from the enemy, respond to it with the truth of God.

• Whenever you are feeling fear, go into the Word.

• Whenever you face an attack, open the Bible.

Landing: Every morning, you need to suit up.

• Remind yourself of each piece of spiritual armor that God has given you.

• It’ll give you strength even when you feel weak.

• It’ll give you hope even when you feel helpless.

• It’ll lead to truth even when you are surrounded by lies.

• It’ll give you victory even when you feel close to defeat.

TALK IT OUT 

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

What’s something silly that you were afraid of as a little kid?

What kinds of spiritual warfare do people battle on a regular basis?

Have you ever faced a battle with darkness, negativity, doubt, or insecurities without realizing you were under attack? How can you be better prepared now that you know about the armor of God? 

 Which piece of spiritual armor resonated with you most? Why?

What can you do every morning this week to metaphorically “put on the Armor of God?”

READING PLAN

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

James 4:7 1

John 4:4

Ephesians 6:11-17

Isaiah 57:17

Ephesians 6:11-14

John 16:33

Do the following with each passage: 

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.