Morning: The message was entitled, "You've Got to Stand for Something," and came from Ephesians 6:13-17. In this passage, Paul encourages his readers to put on the full armor of God so that they will be able to stand in the day of evil. The full armor of God is the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul describes the armor as:
The belt of truth: The belt was a necessary piece of equipment that pulled the soldiers outfit together. The belt would allow a soldier to keep his robes or toga from hindering his movement as he tucked his outfit into his belt. Believers needs to wrap the truth around them so that they will not be hindered. Paul is speaking about the doctrinal truth of Christianity, as it is bound up in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The breastplate of righteousness: The breastplate protected most of the vital organs. Righteousness protects the believer. The question arises: whose righteousness are we to put on? One side suggests that it is Christ's righteousness. Others suggest that Paul is speaking about the believers own righteousness. The best suggestion might be to understand it as both. Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers, and his righteousness generates righteousness in them.
Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel: Paul reminds us that every soldier needs proper footwear. The footwear of the saints is readiness. They need to be prepared to share the gospel at every opportunity. We are heralds of the good news of Jesus Christ.
The shield of faith: The shield Paul has in mind is a large one. It was meant for combat situations where a soldiers enemies were firing arrows and projectiles. Paul says that our faith in Christ should be able to extinguish the arrows of our enemies. Those arrows can be accusations, slander, temptations, lies, half-truths, etc.
The helmet of salvation: The helmet protected the head. The head was the source of life. Salvation crowns the head with protection.
The sword of the Spirit: The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. It the Spirit's sword, because he created it. The Scriptures were written by inspiration of the Spirit. Also, the sword can only be wielded properly by the Spirit. As Paul says, elsewhere, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work our your salvation in fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Dressed in the full armor of God, the believer is able to stand firm through every circumstance. In Christ, believers can weather any storm.
Evening: Business meeting.
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