Uniforms have two purposes

1: Identity

Emergency situations

professional situations

Most are utilitarian – Serve a purpose

FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE

We must know we are a part of a larger spiritual battle

We must walk in the light because there are monsters in the dark

The “SPIRITUAL UNIFORM” of a Christian in the fight for their life

Background:

Paul in Ephesus

• Much spiritual warfare for those Christian believers

Ephesians 6:10-17

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.

Let’s first talk about the ANALOGY Paul gives us here…

• Don’t get lost in the analogy

Armor is what you actively choose to use

• it’s something that you already have – Gifts from God

The armor also testifies to your identity and loyalty = UNIFORM

“Take up the full armor of God…” = Discipleship

• Learning to follow Jesus

Paul lays out what we need to win for the FIGHT FOR OUR LIFE…

What does he mean by truth in the context of the story the Bible is telling?

• Foundation – What we think

We are all building our lives on a truth

• It surrounds and envelopes you

Non-truth (lies) trips you up like an “ungirded loin”

• The Enemy’s “TRUTH”

We speak the truth as we live in the truth

• Partner with truth

Declaration of Truth

I choose to believe the truth about God, His will, my life, and the world I live in. I can walk in confidence because truth is bound to my life

• What does he mean by righteousness?

My old self is GONE

• New Creation

Guard your heart… (proverbs)

We are made righteous, so now act righteously

My behavior

• Righteousness guards us

Living holy lives protects us from spiritual Attack

• Seasons of doubt connected to sin

What does it look like to live righteously?

To live for righteousness means we wholeheartedly realize that sin does not please God

• we pursue holiness instead of sinfulness in our thoughts, words, and actions

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I choose to make the right choices in alignment with God’s word and will. I can trust that the righteousness of Christ guards my heart.

• What is the gospel of Peace in the context of the story the Bible is telling?

Foundation: The Gospel of Jesus is Peace to the world

• Rebellion against God = Chaos

Gospel = Jesus is king

• We are no longer separated from our father

It’s not whether you will go or not

• But whether you will carry the PEACE OF THE GOSPEL or BROKENNESS

Isaiah 52:7

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

To fight for my life…

I choose to be a peacemaker and a peace bringer by carrying the good news of grace and salvation. I can bring peace to chaos through the light of the gospel of Jesus

• What is faith? Why a shield

Faith is TRUST and HOPE in someone or something

Protection from circumstances and lies

• Trials

Shields us and stops the darts of doubt and temptation

What God has for me is better than this temptation.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

• God is FAITHFUL to we can TRUST HIM

Our trust in the Lord is stronger than our struggle

I choose to trust God and not lies, deceit, or circumstances. I can hold strong in any storm because my God is with me.

• What does he mean by “Salvation?”

Foundation: I am secure in Christ through His salvation

• satan attacks the mind

Knowing what you believe

• Who you belong to

When the enemy attacks your mind, you remind yourself who saved you

• You are not Who you were

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I choose to rest in the knowledge that I am loved, redeemed, and called by God. I can understand my place in God’s family and plan for the world.

Study about reading the Bible

https://bttbfiles.com/web/docs/cbe/Scientific_Evidence_for_the_Power_of_4.pdf

3 days or less per week = No significant effect

• Getting drunk = 57% lower odds

Also increased…

• Sharing faith with others = 228% higher odds

God’s word is how we fight

• One offensive tool

The gospel and all of scripture

• In the desert temptation

How is it effective?

• Gives discernment

2 Timothy 3:15-17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

To fight for my life…

I choose to rebuke evil through the word of God’s truth. I can fight with a victory mindset because nothing overcomes my God and his revealed word.