Ozias
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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Post by Ozias on Apr 8, 2023 6:24:50 GMT -8
The Full Armor of God
In this thread I plan to go over the full armor of God one piece at a time. And explain each piece in detail. The full armor of God that Christians are called to put on comprises the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
The armor of God Shows us we are in a battle and the Bible reminds us about the reality of this spiritual battle and describes the protection available to us. Each piece of armor has a distinct purpose and means of defense against temptation and evil.
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa. 52:7.]
16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding on behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
(Ephesians 6:10-18)
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Ozias
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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Post by Ozias on Apr 8, 2023 8:16:18 GMT -8
Standing Firm
In Ephesians chapter 6 Paul gives us a brief outline in the first nine verses on Christian Living. Once we have that first and foremost in our lives we get the old "Therefore" Ephesians 6:10-18. And as the saying goes what is the therefore there for?
I believe in this case the Therefore is, so we don't shipwreck our Christian walk. What I mean by that is after being in the light if we go back to walking in the Darkness, we are prime targets for Satan roaming about seeking whom he may destroy.
We are told to be ready when the evil day comes by having our armor on So that we're able to stand our ground. Then no matter what we're told to stand. Stand firm in the victory that Christ has won for us. Abide in Christ.
Eph.6 not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. We already stand firm, to stand our ground and not be shaken. We don't want to be like that double-minded man unstable in all his ways.
Next up, we're standing firm and getting the belt of truth buckled around our waists.
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Ozias
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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Post by Ozias on Apr 8, 2023 8:37:16 GMT -8
The Belt of Truth
The first piece of the armor is the belt of truth. Truth, by its very definition, is exclusive. There's no getting around that. It means something is true and other things are lies. We know Satan is a liar and the father of lies And it only makes sense that Jesus would make a way for us to detect the LIE. I read somewhere when they train bank tellers or people that handle cash from the public to spot counterfeit money instead of using counterfeit money They use real money. If you're familiar with real money it's easier to spot fake money.
Same with the lies of the devil, When you know the truth it's easy to spot the LIE.
6.Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.
7 If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him.
8 Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father [cause us to see the Father—that is all we ask]; then we shall be satisfied.
9 Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet, Philip? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, Show us the Father? John 14:6–9
The more we Abide, Remain, In Christ and His word the better we know him. And the better we know the truth.
The devil constantly lies to us. He tries to convince us that something other than God can meet our deepest longings. It's the battlefield of the mind. No matter what the LIE is the outcome if you fall for it is you robbed of your joy and you can even lose your life. AIDS is a good example, along with drug addiction.
Every other piece of the full armor of God is attached to the belt of truth. If you don’t begin with truth, you’ll never defeat the enemy. And Jesus said God’s Word is true (John 17:17).
Always seek God’s truth in his Word. It helps defeat the enemy’s lies. And you will be set free to live as God intended.
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Post by civic on Apr 10, 2023 4:27:29 GMT -8
The Belt of TruthThe first piece of the armor is the belt of truth. Truth, by its very definition, is exclusive. There's no getting around that. It means something is true and other things are lies. We know Satan is a liar and the father of lies And it only makes sense that Jesus would make a way for us to detect the LIE. I read somewhere when they train bank tellers or people that handle cash from the public to spot counterfeit money instead of using counterfeit money They use real money. If you're familiar with real money it's easier to spot fake money. Same with the lies of the devil, When you know the truth it's easy to spot the LIE. 6.Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. 7 If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him. 8 Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father [cause us to see the Father—that is all we ask]; then we shall be satisfied. 9 Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet, Philip? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, Show us the Father? John 14:6–9 The more we Abide, Remain, In Christ and His word the better we know him. And the better we know the truth. The devil constantly lies to us. He tries to convince us that something other than God can meet our deepest longings. It's the battlefield of the mind. No matter what the LIE is the outcome if you fall for it is you robbed of your joy and you can even lose your life. AIDS is a good example, along with drug addiction. Every other piece of the full armor of God is attached to the belt of truth. If you don’t begin with truth, you’ll never defeat the enemy. And Jesus said God’s Word is true (John 17:17). Always seek God’s truth in his Word. It helps defeat the enemy’s lies. And you will be set free to live as God intended. Amen everything we need to stand against the fiery darts and temptations of our enemy. |
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Ozias
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Post by Ozias on Apr 10, 2023 5:00:53 GMT -8
The Breastplate of Righteousness
“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” (Ephesians 6:14).
Righteousness means being made right. Sometimes Scripture refers to righteousness that Christ gives us – His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Sometimes, Scripture refers to righteousness that God carries out through us, like “the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8).
In daily spiritual battles, both varieties of righteousness protect the heart. We need the complete righteousness of Christ but also the continuing righteousness that comes as a response to God’s gift.
The enemy tempts us with all kinds of sinful entanglements, but righteousness protects our hearts. God’s instructions are often viewed as killjoys or burdens. But obedience to God protects your heart from being wounded by sin.
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Ozias
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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Post by Ozias on Apr 11, 2023 8:07:35 GMT -8
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the "Gospel of Peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
Peace is an attribute of the Lord’s very person and character.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness
In Greek, "peace" means oneness or wholeness. Peace-Eirene (Greek Word Study)
The gospel, which means good news, is the forgiveness of sins and access to and oneness with God through faith in Christ. This oneness with the Lord produces peace.
Ephesians repeatedly reminds us to “stand” and “stand firm.” One of the easiest ways for the enemy to succeed in shaking us loose from standing firm is to tempt us with worry. When we carry anxiousness and worry with us, we are robbed of peace. But the gospel of peace keeps our feet anchored and standing firm.
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Ozias
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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Post by Ozias on Apr 12, 2023 10:08:25 GMT -8
The Shield of Faith
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,” (Ephesians 6:16).
What this Means for Us:
When Paul wrote this passage, Roman soldiers carried shields that were covered with heavy animal hide. Before a battle, they would dip their shields into the water so that when fiery darts hit them, the wet hide would extinguish the darts.
The same way our shield of faith needs to be regularly dipped in The Living Water of God’s Word to be replenished and fully functional – because “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
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Post by Parker on Apr 15, 2023 4:59:55 GMT -8
GOD IS THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR
The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.… The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.… Your right hand, LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, LORD, shattered the enemy. (Exodus 15:2, 3, 6)
God is love. He is forgiving and merciful. This doesn’t mean God is a pushover. God is also a warrior. He is just, strong, and uncompromising. He has no equal. Yet our ideas of strength don’t totally apply here. God came to earth in weakness as baby. He who governs the universe was sentenced to death by a human governor. He defeated death through his cross and resurrection. “[Jesus] too shared in [our] humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14–15).
The Lord fights for us and through us. We are involved with him in a very real spiritual battle. We can’t stay neutral. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8–9).
Don’t be fooled. Your power, strength, and fame aren’t powerful. You can’t defeat the enemy (Satan) on your own. Acknowledge your weakness and lack of control. “Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.… And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:7, 10).
If you follow Jesus, you are on the side that wins (read Revelation 20:7–15 for a glimpse into that future battle). As with any battle, fighting a spiritual battle takes time and training to fight. You don’t sit on the couch eating junk food or numb your brain with social media to prepare for a physical battle. You work with a trainer—in a spiritual battle, this is a small group leader, pastor, church members. You master your weapons—your spiritual weapons are the Bible and prayer. You orient your life—work, meals, and rest—around this preparation. You don’t get to sit this one out.
Shilo Taylor, Brand New: A 40-Day Guide to Life in Christ
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Ozias
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Post by Ozias on Apr 17, 2023 9:42:05 GMT -8
Helmet of Salvation
“Take the helmet of salvation,” (Ephesians 6:17).
Salvation comes the moment we place our trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the payment for our sin. But salvation is also worked out through a lengthy process of sanctification.
The helmet of salvation (like the breastplate of righteousness) rests on the work of Christ to save us, but also involves us as we journey with the Lord and allow Him to work that salvation into every part of our thoughts. The battlefield of our mind is the primary place spiritual battle is fought. The Lord works His freeing truth into our perspectives while the enemy fights for strongholds to bind us.
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10).
Surrender thoughts that don’t line up with Scripture. As Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Remember the Lord’s character and faithfulness in Scripture as well as in your life experience.
Wash your mind with the renewing of God’s Word. As Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
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Ozias
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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Post by Ozias on Apr 19, 2023 7:20:44 GMT -8
Sword of the Spirit: Word of God
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
The Bible is the Sword of the Spirit
What it Means and How Jesus Applied It
The explanation of this piece of armor is right there in the verse – it is the word of God. And it is the only piece of armor that is both defensive and offensive.
“When we are tempted, the most effective weapon that God has given to us as believers is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
“Jesus modeled this so beautifully during His temptation in the wilderness. When the devil tried temptation after temptation against Him, Jesus used the sword of the Spirit (see Luke 4:1-13).”
When the devil tempted him three times, Jesus responded with the truth of God’s word – every time.
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Ozias
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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you
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Post by Ozias on Apr 19, 2023 7:26:09 GMT -8
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Post by Aeliana on Apr 24, 2023 6:29:37 GMT -8
Your Three Best Weapons
Through careful strategy and cunning deceit, Satan attempts to wage war against you and keep you in a mindset of defeat. But God has given you spiritual weapons to use against him. Here are the main three spiritual weapons you can use to fight off the enemy:
1. God's Word: Receive it through preaching, teaching, reading and private Bible study. Continue in the Word until it becomes revelation given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
2. Praise: This defeats the devil faster and more efficiently than any other battle plan, but it must be genuine heart-praise, not just lip service or a religious ritual.
3. Prayer: Prayer is relationship with the Godhead. It is communication with God, asking Him for help or talking with Him about whatever is on your heart. To have an effective prayer life, we must develop an intimate, personal relationship with the Father. Know that He loves you and that He wants to help you.
There is a war going on, but God is fighting on your side and has given you the weapons you need. Use them to send Satan running!
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Post by civic on Apr 24, 2023 6:56:31 GMT -8
Your Three Best Weapons Through careful strategy and cunning deceit, Satan attempts to wage war against you and keep you in a mindset of defeat. But God has given you spiritual weapons to use against him. Here are the main three spiritual weapons you can use to fight off the enemy: 1. God's Word: Receive it through preaching, teaching, reading and private Bible study. Continue in the Word until it becomes revelation given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 2. Praise: This defeats the devil faster and more efficiently than any other battle plan, but it must be genuine heart-praise, not just lip service or a religious ritual. 3. Prayer: Prayer is relationship with the Godhead. It is communication with God, asking Him for help or talking with Him about whatever is on your heart. To have an effective prayer life, we must develop an intimate, personal relationship with the Father. Know that He loves you and that He wants to help you. There is a war going on, but God is fighting on your side and has given you the weapons you need. Use them to send Satan running! Amen to those 3. |
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