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For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 
(2 Cor 10:3-6)

The Armory

Boot Camp:​​

  • The Cornerstone:

    • Jesus Christ is our cornerstone​ (Mat_21:42-43; Mar_12:10-11; Act_4:11; Eph_2:20; 1Pe_2:-7)

  • The Three That Abide:

    • Faith

      • Hebrews 11 is the "faith chapter".

      • Faith without charity is nothing.​

      • Faith is the substance of things hoped for.

      • Faith is conviction.

      • We are saved through faith.

      • We stand by faith.

      • Our faith is in the promise.

      • Our faith is in the maker of the promise, that he will fulfill what he has promised. The coming fulfillment becomes our hope.

      • Faith is what has been established, what has already been done.

      • Our faith is the victory that overcomes the world. (1Jn_5:4)

    • Hope

      • Hebrews 6 is a good chapter on hope.

      • You are saved by hope.

      • You cannot hope for what you see already. ​

      • Hope without faith is nothing, as faith is the substance of hope.

      • Hope brings forth righteousness. The hope of being a son of God convinces the believer to purify himself in righteousness.

      • Charity brings hope.

      • Hope without faith is false hope, as the hope has no foundation.

      • Hope is linked to patience; as patience brings experience, and experience brings hope.

      • Hope looks ahead, to the prize and the conclusion.

    • Charity

      • 1st Corinthians 13 is the "charity chapter".​​

      • Charity is the key.

      • Charity is the manifestation that is brought forth by the presence of faith and hope.

      • Charity "rejuvenates" faith and hope.

      • Charity overflows out of the believer, it is not work.

      • Charity has no expectations.​

  • The Evidence of Conversion:​

    • The Fruit of the Spirit​ (Gal_5:22-23)

    • Pure Religion (Jas_1:27)

    • Good works (as fruit, not seed; out of love, not duty)

  • The Perfecting of the Saints:​

    • 2 Peter 1:5-7 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.​

    • Rom_12-15

    • Letter of James

  • The First Things of Christian Doctrine:​ (Heb_6:1-12)

    • Repentance from dead works

    • Faith toward God

    • Doctrine of baptisms

    • Doctrine of laying on of hands

    • Doctrine of resurrection of the dead

    • Doctrine of eternal judgement

  • The Way:​

    • I am the Way.​

      • ​John 14:1-7  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7  If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 

    • Enter in the strait gate:

      • ​Matt 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

      •  Luke 13:23-30  Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24  Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25  When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 26  Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27  But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. 28  There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29  And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 30  And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last. 

    • I am the door:

      • ​John 10:1-18  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2  But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3  To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 6  This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. 7  Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8  All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13  The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17  Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18  No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. 

    • Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

      • ​Psalm 119:105-112  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106  I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. 107  I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. 108  Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. 109  My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. 110  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. 111  Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112  I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. 

    • All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth.

      • Psalm 25:10  All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. ​

Perfect Warfare:

  • The Armor of God

    1. The Big Picture​

      • Part of Ephesians.

      • Mental picture: Soldiers fully equipped and ready to march on to battle.

      • Style: Roman, as they were the main empire of the time.

      • This is the culmination of the book of Ephesians, this is when you take the lessons and make them practical and useful in fulfilling the Great Commission. You are expected to keep in mind the whole letter as you consider the symbols given in the final chapter.

      • The expectation of the author is that you "Put on the whole armor". The individual parts are designed to be a kit, we do not get to piece it out.

      • What the armor does for the Christian: It empowers you in the Lord (Jesus Christ) and in the power (vigor, dominion) of his (Jesus') might  (forcefulness, strength, ability). (Eph 6:10)

      • Keep in mind that Jesus is our armor, these are aspects of Him and aid us in understanding what exactly is going on when He is operating through us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

      • Eph 6:10-20  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12  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]. 13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

    2. Loins girt about with truth (Girdle or Belt)

      • Bible passages; Joh_3:33; Joh_4:23; Joh_8:32; Eph_5:13; Joh_3:21​

      • Loins, or the hips; to gird up your loins is to prepare for action.​

      • Truth is verity; not concealing.

      • Light and Dark.

      • An example of "Girding your loins".

      • Strong tags: Loins G3751 girt about G4024 with G1722 truth G225 

      • Truth=verity=not concealing (walk-back: G225 -> G227 -> G1 + G2990)

    3. Having on the Breastplate of Righteousness

      • Bible passages; Isa_64:6; 1Jn_3:22; Col_3:17; Col_3:23; Col_3:10

      • The visualization of "having on" is one of sinking in to a garment.

      • The Breastplate is protection for the core.

      • Righteousness is part of answered prayers.

      • Fear of the Lord God should manifest as a hatred of evil and hatred of unrighteousness. (Psa_34)

      • Righteousness=equity=innocence, holiness (integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting)=Right (just).

      • Having on G1746 the G3588 breastplate G2382 of righteousness G1343

      • Walk-back: G1343 -> G1342 -> G1349 -G1166

      • Context: Romans would have two main style of armor during this period, the heavier laced plate armor and the lighter scale armor.

    4. Feet Shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Boots or Sandals)​​​​

      • Bible passages; Rom_10:13-14; Act_10:36; Mat_12:25

      • Shod, to bind under ones feet (as sandals or shoes). We are walking on the gospel, perhaps this shows the driving force of the assignment is one of messengers.

      • Remember, the Gospel is the Good News of Jesus, that is "peace with God through Jesus Christ".

      • This part has preparation, we are expected to prepare to preach the Gospel, to think dynamically and know what message is most applicable to the audience. This is one of the reasons we get four Gospel accounts.​

      • Strong tags: And G2532 your feet G4228 shod G5265 with G1722 the preparation G2091 of the G3588 gospel G2098 of peace G1515 

      • ​

    5.  Above all, taking the Shield of Faith​

      • Bible passages; Rom_16:26; Heb_11

      • The first line of defense. Consider, we are told to take the shield "above all".

      • Faith is credence and moral conviction.

      • Context: The Roman shield is shaped like a door, perhaps this is another symbol that the Christian would recognize, as Jesus revealed himself to be the door.

      • We get some insight on the armament of the enemy: Fiery darts (arrows, spears). The tactic is to use the shield (faith) to stop the darts of the enemy (Satan and his minions).

      • Context: Roman soldiers would soak their wood and leather shields with water before battle in order to extinguish flaming arrows fired upon them.

      • Purpose of a shield: defense, full protection by deflecting or neutralizing blows and attacks. It helps us close the gap and get within striking distance of the foe.

      • Faith is only as powerful as the object in which it is rooted. This means our faith is very powerful, as we trust in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice toward us to our justification and salvation. The promises of God are worthy of our faith.

      • The darts are stopped by faith, this means a weak faith may not hold up to the assault by the devil.​

      • Strong tags: Above G1909 all, G3956 taking G353 the G3588 shield G2375 of faith, G4102 wherewith G1722 G3739 ye shall be able G1410 to quench G4570 all G3956 the G3588 fiery G4448 darts G956 of the G3588 wicked. G4190 

    6. Take the Helmet of Salvation​

      • Bible passages; Rom_10:13

      • Take is to receive or accept.

      • The Helmet encircles the head and provides complete protection for our faculties from outside forces.

      •  The Greek word for Salvation (G4992) used in the passage implies defense.

      • Salvation has to do with acceptance, not our striving. Perhaps shows how salvation is tied to understanding the Gospel.

      • Christ as the head of the body, perhaps the metaphor is to bring to mind this passage.

      • ​Strong tags: Take G1209 the G3588 helmet G4030 of salvation G4992

      •  

    7. Take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God

      • Bible passages; Heb_4:12

      • Context: The Roman sword was designed to reach it's full potential only when used with the Roman shield.

      • The word of God is not exclusively Scripture, but also preaching and rebuking in the Spirit.

      • Strong tags: The G3588 sword G3162 of the G3588 Spirit, G4151 which is G3603 the word G4487 of God G2316 

    8. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit

      • Bible passages; Mat 13:8-9;  Mar 4:8; Luk 8:8; Mat 13:23;  Mar 4:20; Luk 8:15

      • Communication.

      • This is a mindset.

      • Supplication is humble entreaty, a petition, an earnest request.

      • Strong tags:

      • Audio Book: How To Pray by R. A. Torrey

    9. And watching thereunto with all Perseverance

      • Bible passages; Mat 13:8-9;  Mar 4:8; Luk 8:8; Mat 13:23;  Mar 4:20; Luk 8:15

      • Watching as a watchman.

      • Like prayer, part of the Christian mindset.

      • Perseverance is tied to hope.

      • ​The Parable of the Ten Virgins.

    10. And Supplication for all Saints

      • Bible passages; Mat 13:8-9;  Mar 4:8; Luk 8:8; Mat 13:23;  Mar 4:20; Luk 8:15

      • ​

    11. And (supplication) for me (Paul) that Utterance will be given

      • Bible passages; Mat 13:8-9;  Mar 4:8; Luk 8:8; Mat 13:23;  Mar 4:20; Luk 8:15

      • Utterance is tied to the Word of God.

    12. Bonus: Garments of Vengeance​

      • Isa_59:17​

      • What is this?

      • This is part of Jesus' kit, it may not be universal.

      • 2Co_7:11

    13. Bonus: Clad with a Cloke of Zeal​

      • Isa_59:17​

      • What is this?

      • The outer garment; a robe.

      • This is part of Jesus' kit, it may not be universal.

      • 2Co_7:11

  • M.O.G. Notes:

    1. Our roles and titles:

      1. We are soldiers.​

        1. To wrestle evil (we are given armor).​

        2. To attack evil (we are given a sword).

        3. To breach Satan's gates. (through the Church).

          • Mat_16:18

      2. We are defenders.

        1. To endure attacks.​

          • Mat_24:13​

        2. To extinguish flaming darts.

        3. To hold the line.

      3. We are priests.

        1. To bring men to God.​

        2. To lead men into righteousness.

      4. We are watchmen:

        1. To know the signs of the times.​

          • We cannot know the times, but we can know the signs of the time. The time itself is known to the Father and the Lamb.​

        2. To see the enemy's movement.

        3. To sound the alarm.

        4. To stay alert.

      5. We are radio operators.

        1. To send and receive communication to and from Heaven.​

        2. To call in support from Heaven.

        3. To bring down Superior Spiritual Surgical Strikes to subdue the wicked and his devices.

      6. We are messengers.

        1. Our message of Peace -- The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.​

        2. Our message of Destruction -- The Judgement of the world by the Lord Jesus Christ.

      7. We are ambassadors.

        1. To practice Diplomacy​.

        2. To render Aid.

      8. We are to endure.

        1. Webster's 1913 definition​

      9. We are to withstand.

        1. Webster's 1913 definition​

      10. We are to stand.

        1. Webster's 1913 definition​

      11. We are to wrestle with evil.

        1. Webster's 1913 definition​

      12. We are to pray and supplicate.

        1. Webster's 1913 definition​

      13. We are to assist those who are on the frontlines.

        1. With our supplication​ and prayer.

        2. With our resources and wealth.

        3. With our good testimony.

      14. Paul's testimony: ​​​​​​​

        1. Paul's closing words:​

          1. ​ 2 Tim 3:10-4:22 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me. 12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them;] 15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16  All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ch4:1  I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4  And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: 8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 9  Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11  Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12  And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 13  The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring [with thee], and the books, [but] especially the parchments. 14  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15  Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. 16  At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge. 17  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18  And the Lord shall deliver [me] from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19  Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20  Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 21  Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 22  The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit. Grace [be] with you. Amen.

Threat Assessment:

  • ​​The Foes and their tactics; aka The Wicked (This is a hierarchy):​​​​

    1. The Devil

    2. Spiritual Wickedness in High [places]

      • HIGH, noun An elevated place; superior region; as on high; from on high.​

      • ...spiritual powers of evil in the heavenlies. (KJ3 version)

    3. The Rulers of the Darkness of this World

    4. Powers

    5. Principalities

    6. Flesh and Blood​

  • Wiles; Fiery Darts -- Obstacles to overcome, testing of our faith.​

  • The Doubters: (From Bunyan's The Holy War)

    • Election Doubters

      • Joh_15:16; Joh_17:6; Eph_1:4; Eph_2:10; 2Th_2:13; 1Ti_5:21​

      • Chosen by Jesus.

    • Vocation Doubters

      • Eph_4:1; Eph_4:4; Rom_8:28-30; Ph_3:14; 2Th_1:11; 2Ti_1:9; Heb_3:1; 1Pe_3:9; 1Pe_5:10; 2Pe_1:3 ​

      • Called to glory and virtue.

    • Grace Doubters

      • ​​

    • Perseverance Doubters

      • ​​

    • ​​Resurrection Doubters

      • ​​

    • Salvation Doubters

      • ​​

    • Glory Doubters

      • ​​​​​​​

Battle Plan:

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.​​​​​​​

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