Dealing with the Deal (Part 4)

Introduction

This is a continuation of a study I'm doing on "Dealing with the Devil," based on a 30 day scripture plan I found by The Ruffled Mango.[1] In this post, I'm covering days 15 through 18—we're going to look at:

• 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
• Ephesians 4:25-27
• Ephesians 6:10-13
• Ephesians 6:14-18

2 Corinthians 12:7-10: Strength in Weakness

Ephesians 4:25-27: Falsehood & Anger

Ephesians 6:10-13: Systems of Power

Ephesians 6:14-18: The Armor of God

The Belt of Truth

• A belt holds the rest of the armor together
• Modern day, the belt holds up our pants
• For emergency personnel or combat soldiers, the belt would be the central access point for tools (radio, gun, etc.)
• Like the belt, truth is our foundation
• Truth helps us discern things of God from decptions of the devil
• Applications:
  1. Study the Word
  2. Decorate spaces with scripture
  3. Memorize scripture

The Breastplate of Righteousness

• The breastplate protects our vital organs (heart, lungs, etc.)
• Righteousness = acting in accordance to God's moral law[2]
• God's law actually protects us:
  • Behavior protects and strengths our horizontal relationships
  • Diet protects our health and gives us strength
  • Sabbath protects us mentally and gives us rest
• Applications:
  1. Obedience
  2. Pray to overcome sin
  3. Accountability Partners

The Gospel of Peace

• Footwear gives you endurance for the journey
• Footwear should be specific to the situation
• Applications:
  1. Security in God
  2. Faith in His abilities
  3. Do not be quarrelsome or work to divide the body

The Shield of Faith

• Shields protect you from attacks
• Our faith must be rock solid so that the attack cannot penetrate
• A shield covers us just like the blood of Christ covers us
• Applications:
  1. Share your testimony
  2. Listen to others' testimonies
  3. Pray for faith (Mark 9:23-24)

The Helmet of Salvation

• Helmets protect the head (mind/conciousness)
• Spiritual battles are often mental
• Applications:
  1. Control what influences you
  2. Romans 12:2
  3. Philippians 4:8

The Sowrd of the Spirit

• Sword allows us to attack! (The only piece of the armor that does so)
• Represents the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12)
• Applications:
  1. Lean of the Word
  2. Use the Word instead of your own words

References

1. "June Scripture Writing Plan". The Ruffled Mango; visited October 4, 2020
2. "Righteousness". Merriam Webster; visited October 31, 2020
3. "Anger". Merriam Webster; visited October 31, 2020