The Christian Armour - May 2019

As Christians, there is a constant battle for the control of our souls by the devil - the spiritual warfare which is real and inevitable in the life of every believer.

God has given us His full armour to ensure our victory all the way till the end. If we are going to remain victorious till the end, we cannot do without any piece of this christian armour.

CHRISTIAN ARMOUR-1:
Why do we need the whole armour of God? [Eph 6:10-13 GNB]

Put on all the armour that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks [Eph 6:11 GNB].

The spiritual warfare is real. Gracefully, God has made weapons available for us to confront every attack and come out as winners.

• Vs 10-11 direct every believer to build up their strength in the Lord by intentionally living by what God’s word says, prayer, etc
  
• An understanding of the reality of spiritual warfare motivate us to do all to prevent Satan from gaining an upper hand over us [2Cor 2:11]
• It will motivate us not to expose ourselves to lifestyles that will breach the Lord’s hedge of protection around us. E.g. Job 1:10a
• It will motivate the believer to shun every provision of the evil one and rather pursue godly values
• Evil day implies when our faith is challenged by difficult circumstances of life, when discouraged, when God seems silent in the face of troubles, etc...

Thus, we are advised to put on the whole armour of God NOW!

CHRISTIAN ARMOUR-2:
Designed for you to finish strong
[Eph 6:13-14]

So put on God's armour now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground [Eph 6:13 GNB]. 

God did not leave us defenceless for the devil to buffet us as he chooses. Lets discuss the first two pieces of our armour; which are designed to ensure our victory – Truth and Righteousness.

• Not everyone who resists the devil’s attacks ends up standing firm in the end.
• We must be alert, never be complacent and determined to finish strong. 1Cor 9:24-27
• We must have the attitude of Christ towards the end goal Heb 12:2-3
• Be warned! there are falsehood in the end times e.g. 2Pet 2:1-3;
  
• We must equip ourselves with the truth of the gospel like the Berean Christians in Acts 17:11
• Ultimately, by growing into Christ-like maturity, we can detect falsehood in every shape or form. Eph 4:13-15
  
• Our righteousness is imputed by accepting Christ’s provision of salvation. 1Corinthians 1:30
  
• RIGHTEOUSNESS, is likened to a breastplate that protects the heart and associated vital organs. 1John 3:7-9
  
• We believe God in our hearts. So, protect your heart of faith! Romans 10:9
  

CHRISTIAN ARMOUR-3: Standing In Readiness To Proclaim The Good News [Eph 6:13-15]

‘And as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace’ [Eph 6:15 NB]

Lets discuss the need for every believer in these end times to stand in readiness to proclaim and defend the good news with wisdom, tact and diplomacy; but fearlessly and willing to pay the price if need be.

• There are battles being waged in our society today against our freedom to proclaim the gospel e.g. Political correctness, Mockery and intimidation of believers, it could cost one’s job, reputation, position in society, etc.
  
• However, we stand today to preach Jesus as the only way to the Father – John 14:6 
  
• We need to be firm footed in the gospel of peace; [Rom 3:23; John 3:3; etc]
  
• We must be willing to share the gospel from the pulpit, at home with the family e.g. family altar; among work colleagues, school mates; etc
  
• We need to actively seek for opportunities to share the gospel, and also know how to take advantage of every situation in life to preach Christ.
  
• We must be ready to pay any price for sharing the good news, as may be occasioned [Note 2Tim 3:12]