Reality of Victory and Warfare (Armor of God)

Recording from a Triplefect Church Gathering on 7/21/24 (IDENTITY) Who we are informs what we do! Ephesians 6:10-17 The Armor of God 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.g876yhbuy The Three Enemies we face: The World - The system around that is opposed to God (External Enemy) Envy, Jealousy, Greed The Pride of Life (Christ overcame this world, so we do not fight for victory but from victory) (We forget our identity, you don’t have to achieve acceptance, you are already accepted) The Flesh - the old identity not the renewed identity (Internal Enemy) We have the vehicle we need, we just forget to use it. The Devil - The active enemy who wants to steal, kill and destroy. Know who the enemy is, where he is and what his tactics are so we are not caught off guard. Devil means accuser, Satan means adversary… Satan/Devil are NOT all knowing, all powerful or always present Demons, His organized presence. (We are not fighting people, we are fighting the devil who seeks to control people and cause them to oppose the work of God) Satan's abilities: You need the power of God to stand against him. Cunning, Crafty, Lie, Deceive He acts as an person of LIGHT FIREFIGHTING ILLUSTRATION See smoke they suit up kevlar , turnous, BA breathing apparatus, boots, gloves. Mindset to save Our Special Equipment: Armor Up. Satan looks for the unguarded area so he can hit your weakness. Belt of truth (girdle - it holds the other armor together) Integrity/truth inside, with a clear conscience can face the enemy without fear The girdle held the sword, unless we practice truth we can’t use the sword. Once a lie gets into the life of a believer everything begins to fall apart. Lies that keep us from doing what we are called to do. “I’m a fraud” Breastplate of righteousness Covered the body from the neck to the waist front and back He is our righteousness, it’s not our goodness or right standing, it's His. We are exposed if we aren’t covered in HIS righteousness. (identity) Feet equipped with the Gospel of Peace The Good News and peace are what we walk in Shield of faith to extinguish flaming evil arrows Large 4 feet by 2 feet You can interlock shields with other soldiers to link up for bigger battles The faith mentioned here is for living not saving. Protection from flaming arrows coming at our hearts and minds. Hateful thoughts Helmet of salvation - IDENTITY Who we are in him The mind inspired and encouraged by God It’s too bad that many christians think intellect isn’t important, in reality it plays a vital role in our life. Renewed mind…. Mind renewal by the Spirit. Romans 12:1,2 Sword of the Spirit Offensive Weapon that God gives us Short sword for close up fighting Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is living and active, it is sharper than a two edged sword. The church is an army and the soldiers need to stand together and fight together. When Satan looks at a church that is not in Christ, he laughs and has his way. A church that is in Christ, standing in His identity overcomes hell. Watch and Pray… (IDENTITY) Who we are informs what we do!