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We’re losing two faithful members of our caregroup as they are moving away, so we will take some time to thank them for their faithfulness to God’s work…

We all go through times of change.

Indeed as we age things change…

— We lose friends and loved ones. Some move away, and others move to be with the Lord.

— As our body ages we find it harder to do some of the tasks we used to do with ease.

— Even stairways can become a challenge. (In our youth, no mountain or stairway could faze us.)

— As a personal example, I can see this property is becoming too much for me as I’m getting older.

— And Mariella likes to insist that our next house needs to have everything on one floor, which makes sense.

— Change can be, and usually is hard.

I know it is hard for this couple to leave our church and Quesnel after 54 years.

So to honor our brother’s and sister’s steadfast faithfulness, we’re going to look at an often preached on subject…

Putting on the Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:10-20… (ESV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  (12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  (13)  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  (14)  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  (15)  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  (16)  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  (17)  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  (18)  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,  (19)  and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,  (20)  for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

These verses hold many a sermon.

— I’m sure we have all gained much wisdom from various teachings of this Armor…

We will approach this subject a little differently,
for we will look into how the early Bible teachers expanded on this Armor.

— Hopefully, we will be encouraged to remember this ‘Armor’ goes with us,
to protect and bless us, wherever the Lord leads.

Getting equipped for the battle quiz… (Pt.#1)

(putting on the armor of God) – Mark all the correct answers.

Ephesians 6:10-12… Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  (12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

— Q1. The Armor of God is for battling with…  O – Mankind.     O – Satan and his demons.

Ephesians 6:13… Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

— Q2. In life’s spiritual battle, we need to have…  O – Some of God’s Armor.     O – all of God’s Armor.

— Q3. After having done all we can, we must…  O – run away.     O – hide.     O – stand.

Ephesians 6:14-15… Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  (15)  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

A/ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…

— See what Paul tells us of this belt of truth in 1^st Timothy 2:3-6… This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,  (4)  who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (5)  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,  (6)  who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

— Q4. What is this TRUTH that defeats all satanic attacks?

O – Mankind evolved from a worm, the end.     O – God created us and sent Jesus to save us from our sins.

— Q5. Do you see Satan promoting any of these lies?

O – There is no God.     O – Believing in Jesus is not the only way to God.     O – Jesus was just a man.

B/ Put on the breastplate of righteousness…

Paul also writes in Romans 6:13… Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

— Righteousness simply means living rightly.

–Q6. Why is it important that we live doing what’s right? – (Secondly, How might we compromise this?)

O – It makes us better than others.     O – It isn’t important and it offends others.     O – It’s how we follow Jesus.

C/ As shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace…

See what Luke recorded in Luke 1:78-79 (ESV) (This is part of the prophecy of Zechariah about Jesus) “…because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high  (79)  to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

— Q7. Look up Isaiah 9:6… What other names are given to Jesus?

O – Wonderful Counselor.    O – Mighty God.    O – Everlasting Father.    O – Prince of Peace.

— Q8. Two questions as we look into how Jesus guides us into the ways of Peace…

• What are we trying to gain with others around us, even those who set themselves against us?

• And what are some results that can happen as we follow this way of peace?

Jesus said in Luke 10:5-6 (ESV) Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’  (6)  And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.

Jesus also told us in Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

And again from Jesus words in John 14:27 (ESV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

We will end this week’s study there, to be continued, Lord willing next study…

For that is our prayer for our brother and sister, that God’s peace will go with them and bless them as they continue to bring this Good News of the peace, found in Jesus, to others. …AMEN
(Time for fellowship and prayer.)