Soldiers of Christ

1
Soldiers of Christ

• Eph. 610-17

2
Introduction

• Ephesians written while Paul imprisoned in Rome
• Paul was in the presence of Roman soldiers 24
  hours-a-day (Acts 2816)
• Paul saw much in a soldiers life that could be
  useful to a Christian 2 Timothy 23-4

3
The Full Armor of God

• Panoply was the complete outfit of a heavily
  armored Roman infantryman.
• The Roman armor was developed to provide the
  legions with the ability to stand firm against
  all foes

4
The Full Armor of God

• Ours is a spiritual battle
• Our armor is from God
• Our armor is designed to keep us standing firm
  (Eph 610-13)
• Stand firm means no retreat, no surrender
  (Eph 21-3)

5
Girded your loins with Truth

• Not a decoration
• Held all the pieces together
• Took weight off shoulders

6
Girded your loins with Truth

• Truth John 1717
• Holds our life together, center of our life
• Frees us from burden John 831-32

7
The Breastplate of Righteousness

• Protected the heart and other vital organs
• Heavy armor in front, little armor in back

8
The Breastplate of Righteousness

• Righteousness protects us from reproach - Titus
  27-8
• Only works well when we are active (not
  retreating).
• Righteousness on the basis of faith
• Phil 39 Rom. 4

9
Feet shod with Gospel of Peace

• Heavy-soled sandals
• Studded with hollow-headed nails
• Gave firm footing
• Designed to make backing-up difficult
• Long-lasting

10
Feet shod with Gospel of Peace

• Gospel is what carries us forward- Rom 1015
• Gospel is the firm basis for salvation, faith,
  and righteousness
• Rom. 116-17

11
The Shield of Faith

• 4 high x 2.5 wide
• Rounded sides offered more protection
• Multiple layers of wood and leather designed to
  quench fire arrows

12
The Shield of Faith

• Faith comes from Gods word
  Rom 1017
• Faith able to stop all the attacks
  Eph 616
• Faith even holds against indirect attacks
• Heb 1132-38

13
Helmet of Salvation

• Bronze over iron over leather
• Protected head, face, and neck
• Didnt interfere with vision, speech or hearing

14
Helmet of Salvation

• The hope that protects our minds 1 Thes. 58-11
• Lets us press onward knowing our most important
  part (our spirit) is protected.

15
The Sword of the Spirit

• The offensive armor
• Two-foot, double edged thrusting weapon
• Not a swordsmans weapon, but a simple and
  effective killing tool

16
The Sword of the Spirit

• Heb 412
• Not a glamorous debate weapon
• A simple and effective tool for piercing hearts

17
No soldier is alone !
18
No soldier is alone !

• We depend on each other to survive

19
(No Transcript)