Chuck Swindoll once gave a sermon, on the radio, that I’ve never forgotten.
As an ex-Marine, he explained how important it is for a soldier to check and recheck his equipment before he goes on duty. You have to lay out all the items and make sure everything is there.
With that in mind, he went on to Ephesians 6:10-17–in which St. Paul lists the equipment that the Christian needs. I can’t find that sermon, but I can certainly find the Scripture. It bears repeating here.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand, therefore, 1) having your loins girt about with truth, and having on 2) the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod 3) with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking 4) the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take 5) the helmet of salvation, and 6) the sword of the spirit, which is the world of God…
That’s your checklist. Have all of these assets on hand at all times: because we as servants of God, as soldiers of the King of Kings, will need them every day.
And of course the whole set is carried in a web of constant prayer, lest anything be dropped and lost.
Take a look at what we’re up against, and tell me if we dare do without any of these spiritual weapons.
Right you are! Every piece of our armor is vital. We are in an all-out battle with wickedness in high places. The accuser is in constant battle against us. This is no time for carelessness.
We are definitely at war. We are forced to defend ourselves against an ideology which opposes the Creator. And it is, essentially, a psychological war. Fortunately, our God equips us accordingly.
Reblogged this on Praying for the millennials.