WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.080 I'm going to turn to Ephesians chapter 6. 00:00:06.080 --> 00:00:14.700 And for the next couple of weeks, Chris is going to do a series and then I'm going to come back to this in June or July. 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:16.960 And we're going to look at spiritual warfare. 00:00:17.820 --> 00:00:20.420 And we're going to do that by looking at the armour of God. 00:00:21.160 --> 00:00:24.719 And there's a number of reasons why I want to look at this. 00:00:25.820 --> 00:00:31.460 My dad said to me, before Christopher Hyde read William Goon, also Christian Incomplete Armour. 00:00:32.179 --> 00:00:35.539 And I said, no, he said it's amazing. He said he wished he'd read it 50 years ago. 00:00:36.299 --> 00:00:40.859 And then my mum said to me after Christmas, have you read William Goon's The Christian Incomplete Armour? 00:00:41.079 --> 00:00:42.679 She said, it's absolutely brilliant. 00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:46.339 And so over the last couple of months, I begin to read it. 00:00:46.719 --> 00:00:52.359 And I do think, I think it's the best book I've read, well, in many years already. 00:00:52.359 --> 00:00:55.140 It's done me more good, I think, than any other book apart from the Bible. 00:00:56.019 --> 00:01:00.099 I'm reading the abridged version, which is still about 1,200 pages. 00:01:00.640 --> 00:01:04.620 If you want to go for the original, Graham is a copy. 00:01:04.620 --> 00:01:09.400 But I think the modernised and the abridged version is absolutely terrific. 00:01:10.680 --> 00:01:15.100 The second reason why I want to look at spiritual warfare is I think in the reformed world, 00:01:15.280 --> 00:01:21.380 which you and I are a part and this church is a part, I think we've neglected the teaching of the devil. 00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:26.240 And so I think some of us have got some pretty odd views about the evil one and about spiritual warfare. 00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:33.859 And two of my great heroes, Dr. Martyn R. Jones and Willie Still, as I've looked through their writings and their preaching, 00:01:33.919 --> 00:01:39.199 it's quite interesting that both those men taught and preached on spiritual warfare. 00:01:40.039 --> 00:01:46.399 And I think you'd be hard-pressed to find somebody in reformed churches in London that's preached a series on spiritual warfare 00:01:46.400 --> 00:01:50.219 for the last, I don't know, 10 or 15 years since I've been here. 00:01:51.400 --> 00:01:55.120 I should also say there is going to be nothing original in what I said. 00:01:55.200 --> 00:01:55.920 It's normally not that. 00:01:56.960 --> 00:02:00.140 But all my good points have been pretty much stolen by William Gurnall. 00:02:00.800 --> 00:02:03.560 And I'm relying on most of you not having read the three volumes. 00:02:03.560 --> 00:02:11.240 I want to talk about the armour of God and then there's going to be quite a few ways we'll branch out from there. 00:02:12.819 --> 00:02:17.960 But I want to start by saying that in the New Testament we are described as soldiers of Christ. 00:02:18.060 --> 00:02:21.400 You might not like that language, but that is how you and I are described. 00:02:22.340 --> 00:02:26.560 The Lord Jesus is described as the captain of our salvation. 00:02:27.560 --> 00:02:32.560 The New Testament is full of very strong military language. 00:02:33.560 --> 00:02:35.159 And we are in a battle. 00:02:36.120 --> 00:02:41.539 There is no doubt, absolutely no doubt, hear this tonight, there is no doubt as to the outcome of that battle. 00:02:41.640 --> 00:02:42.939 We need to be really clear on that. 00:02:43.340 --> 00:02:44.180 Right at the very beginning. 00:02:45.099 --> 00:02:47.460 As believers in Christ we are on the winning side. 00:02:48.439 --> 00:02:51.039 If we are in Christ the war has been won. 00:02:52.480 --> 00:02:54.960 The fighting hasn't finished but the war has been won. 00:02:56.180 --> 00:03:01.819 So in the Second World War there was a day in that warfare 00:03:01.819 --> 00:03:04.620 when everyone knew that the war had been won. 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:06.459 Now they called it D-Day. 00:03:06.599 --> 00:03:08.280 It was the decisive day. 00:03:08.739 --> 00:03:09.120 D-Day. 00:03:09.900 --> 00:03:12.379 It was the journey pointing the whole war. 00:03:12.680 --> 00:03:14.259 The war had been won. 00:03:14.959 --> 00:03:17.239 But the fighting hadn't finished until much later. 00:03:17.979 --> 00:03:19.400 They still had to go out and fight. 00:03:19.400 --> 00:03:22.920 And it was still serious warfare that they were engaged in. 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:23.900 But the war had been won. 00:03:25.099 --> 00:03:25.960 There were still casualties. 00:03:27.219 --> 00:03:28.939 And there was still fighting to be done. 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:32.240 And you and I are in the same kind of position. 00:03:33.319 --> 00:03:34.180 If I can put it this way. 00:03:34.180 --> 00:03:38.099 We live between D-Day and V-E-Day. 00:03:39.280 --> 00:03:42.599 We live between the cross and the crown. 00:03:43.420 --> 00:03:45.900 The war has been won decisively on the cross. 00:03:46.020 --> 00:03:47.120 But the fighting isn't over. 00:03:47.580 --> 00:03:51.300 And will not finish until Christ returns at the end of the age. 00:03:52.260 --> 00:03:55.060 And what you've got in Ephesians 6 are our battle orders. 00:03:56.540 --> 00:03:59.400 And the whole passage is a call to fight. 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:02.500 It is to fight. 00:04:03.860 --> 00:04:05.080 Let me read it to you. 00:04:05.580 --> 00:04:06.819 Verses 10 and 11. 00:04:07.939 --> 00:04:09.860 Finally be strong in the Lord. 00:04:10.680 --> 00:04:11.780 And in strength of his might. 00:04:11.860 --> 00:04:13.060 To put on the whole armour of God. 00:04:13.120 --> 00:04:14.159 That you may be able to stand. 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:16.740 Against the schemes of the devil. 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:19.160 Let me use another illustration. 00:04:19.280 --> 00:04:23.420 Let's imagine that you were brought up in a totalitarian regime. 00:04:24.780 --> 00:04:27.519 Imagine you lived in a country. 00:04:27.519 --> 00:04:32.919 And people that were subject to government propaganda. 00:04:33.799 --> 00:04:35.000 Official propaganda. 00:04:35.379 --> 00:04:38.500 The only view of reality they were allowed. 00:04:38.639 --> 00:04:39.539 Their whole view of life. 00:04:39.639 --> 00:04:40.740 Their whole view of the world. 00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:42.620 Was conditioned by what the government told them. 00:04:43.839 --> 00:04:45.339 And they are not even going to see. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:46.699 Let alone experience. 00:04:46.799 --> 00:04:48.359 What it is to live in a free country. 00:04:50.319 --> 00:04:52.299 But when some of them perhaps have their eyes opened. 00:04:53.459 --> 00:04:55.099 Maybe they are sent on an exchange. 00:04:55.519 --> 00:04:56.879 Or they come on a visit. 00:04:57.519 --> 00:04:58.839 To a country that is free. 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:00.620 Or some of them try to escape. 00:05:00.859 --> 00:05:01.699 When that happens. 00:05:02.139 --> 00:05:03.740 The full wrath of the government. 00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:04.959 Is turned against them. 00:05:05.979 --> 00:05:06.959 And that regime. 00:05:07.159 --> 00:05:07.979 Which for years. 00:05:08.079 --> 00:05:10.000 Had been trying to pull the wall over their eyes. 00:05:10.219 --> 00:05:12.579 And keep them blind to the outside world. 00:05:13.339 --> 00:05:15.599 Well as long as they were in that state of affairs. 00:05:15.659 --> 00:05:16.359 They were quite happy. 00:05:17.659 --> 00:05:18.539 But that regime. 00:05:18.539 --> 00:05:19.399 Now turns on. 00:05:20.459 --> 00:05:21.939 And they begin to experience. 00:05:22.060 --> 00:05:23.319 Opposition and persecution. 00:05:23.759 --> 00:05:24.539 Perhaps character. 00:05:24.719 --> 00:05:25.299 Assassination. 00:05:25.419 --> 00:05:26.139 And all sorts. 00:05:26.139 --> 00:05:29.399 But that is really how things are spiritually. 00:05:29.560 --> 00:05:30.060 For you and I. 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:32.180 If you are a Christian. 00:05:32.300 --> 00:05:33.659 That is what has happened for you. 00:05:33.959 --> 00:05:34.500 This evening. 00:05:35.379 --> 00:05:36.039 Paul says. 00:05:36.300 --> 00:05:37.740 In 2 Corinthians chapter 4. 00:05:37.860 --> 00:05:38.659 And verses 3 and 4. 00:05:38.699 --> 00:05:39.319 All the passages. 00:05:39.459 --> 00:05:40.039 That I am going to quote. 00:05:40.099 --> 00:05:40.639 Are on the sheet. 00:05:40.740 --> 00:05:42.139 So you can kind of strike them off. 00:05:42.159 --> 00:05:42.899 As we go along. 00:05:43.240 --> 00:05:45.680 That even if our gospel is veiled. 00:05:46.039 --> 00:05:46.659 You and I. 00:05:46.819 --> 00:05:48.680 Before we were converted to Christ. 00:05:48.759 --> 00:05:50.800 We lived in a totalitarian regime. 00:05:50.800 --> 00:05:52.780 We were blinded. 00:05:53.400 --> 00:05:55.139 By the God of this world. 00:05:55.680 --> 00:05:56.579 We were blinded. 00:05:56.639 --> 00:05:58.020 By the propaganda of the war. 00:05:59.020 --> 00:06:00.680 We were blinded to reality. 00:06:00.860 --> 00:06:02.160 We were blinded to the gospel. 00:06:02.400 --> 00:06:03.319 Of Jesus Christ. 00:06:04.020 --> 00:06:04.420 Himself. 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:07.259 He's kept us from seeing. 00:06:07.340 --> 00:06:08.180 The light of the gospel. 00:06:08.280 --> 00:06:09.100 Of the glory of Christ. 00:06:09.180 --> 00:06:10.019 Who is the image of God. 00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:13.000 The devil is a strong man. 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:13.680 Now think of that picture. 00:06:14.040 --> 00:06:14.879 Jesus gives us. 00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:15.860 In Luke 11. 00:06:16.959 --> 00:06:18.500 Jesus is a strong man. 00:06:19.879 --> 00:06:21.720 The devil is a strong man. 00:06:22.540 --> 00:06:24.339 Who keeps his goods in peace. 00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:26.160 But he says. 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:27.160 That when somebody comes. 00:06:27.540 --> 00:06:29.860 And is stronger than the strong man. 00:06:29.939 --> 00:06:31.040 And overcomes him. 00:06:31.540 --> 00:06:33.199 And he takes from him. 00:06:33.199 --> 00:06:34.819 All his armour in which he trusts. 00:06:34.980 --> 00:06:36.860 And he divides his spoil. 00:06:37.939 --> 00:06:38.899 Well that is the picture. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:39.819 That of Satan. 00:06:41.079 --> 00:06:42.379 He is a strong man. 00:06:42.379 --> 00:06:43.939 Well as long as you live under his control. 00:06:44.420 --> 00:06:45.339 Well you are at peace. 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:47.360 As long as you believe his lies. 00:06:48.139 --> 00:06:49.959 As long as you are outside of Christ. 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:50.819 As long as you are unconverted. 00:06:52.480 --> 00:06:54.199 As long as you are. 00:06:54.959 --> 00:06:56.480 Conditioned by his view of reality. 00:06:56.740 --> 00:06:57.459 Then he's quite happy. 00:06:59.180 --> 00:07:01.100 But as soon as you break free from that. 00:07:02.139 --> 00:07:04.159 As soon as you try to escape that. 00:07:05.300 --> 00:07:07.500 As soon as you are released from his kingdom. 00:07:07.719 --> 00:07:08.779 And you are translated. 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:10.420 Transported into the kingdom of Christ. 00:07:10.719 --> 00:07:11.899 Then you begin to experience. 00:07:11.899 --> 00:07:13.279 All sorts of persecution. 00:07:13.279 --> 00:07:13.879 And opposition. 00:07:13.879 --> 00:07:14.579 And hatred. 00:07:15.359 --> 00:07:16.539 And the venom of Satan. 00:07:19.179 --> 00:07:20.179 And that's why some of you. 00:07:20.279 --> 00:07:21.359 Who are Christians here tonight. 00:07:21.500 --> 00:07:22.579 You think it's hard isn't it. 00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:24.159 You're okay at first. 00:07:24.199 --> 00:07:24.799 When you believed. 00:07:25.759 --> 00:07:26.439 Now it was wonderful. 00:07:26.779 --> 00:07:27.519 But things are tough. 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:31.120 And it's not as easy as you thought it was going to be. 00:07:31.159 --> 00:07:31.939 To be a Christian. 00:07:33.479 --> 00:07:34.139 And why is that? 00:07:34.239 --> 00:07:34.399 Well. 00:07:34.739 --> 00:07:35.219 Because of this. 00:07:35.279 --> 00:07:36.179 Because you've escaped. 00:07:36.279 --> 00:07:37.479 And now the devil is after you. 00:07:37.480 --> 00:07:40.560 And he wants to spoil what you've got. 00:07:41.860 --> 00:07:43.560 That you are in the midst of a warfare. 00:07:43.819 --> 00:07:44.819 And Paul says. 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:46.920 You and I are to realise that. 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:48.120 And we are to be strong. 00:07:49.400 --> 00:07:50.939 That is a command isn't it? 00:07:52.660 --> 00:07:53.180 Be strong. 00:07:53.220 --> 00:07:54.480 By putting on the whole armour of God. 00:07:55.819 --> 00:07:57.680 And if you are not convinced that you are in a war. 00:07:57.759 --> 00:07:59.200 Well I hope by the time we finish this series. 00:07:59.300 --> 00:08:00.000 You will be convinced. 00:08:00.819 --> 00:08:01.620 What I want to do tonight. 00:08:01.699 --> 00:08:03.579 Is I just want to introduce this all to you. 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:05.060 And I want to begin by asking. 00:08:05.180 --> 00:08:08.480 What exactly does the Apostle Paul have in mind. 00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:10.879 When he speaks of the whole armour of God. 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:12.519 What is the whole armour of God? 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:15.680 What is Paul talking about? 00:08:16.500 --> 00:08:17.439 What's he got in mind. 00:08:17.480 --> 00:08:19.100 When he talks about the whole armour of God? 00:08:21.480 --> 00:08:22.759 If you read lots of. 00:08:23.540 --> 00:08:24.240 Contemplates on this. 00:08:24.399 --> 00:08:25.160 They will tell you. 00:08:25.459 --> 00:08:26.259 The popular understanding. 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:27.620 Is that the Apostle Paul. 00:08:27.839 --> 00:08:29.139 Is thinking of a Roman soldier. 00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:31.459 And you can understand. 00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:32.940 Why people interpret it in that way. 00:08:33.639 --> 00:08:34.600 I am not saying it is wrong. 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:35.340 To think like that. 00:08:36.419 --> 00:08:37.179 It is quite natural. 00:08:37.259 --> 00:08:37.759 To think like that. 00:08:37.820 --> 00:08:38.559 Paul says in. 00:08:38.980 --> 00:08:39.679 Chapter 6. 00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:40.360 In verse 20. 00:08:40.460 --> 00:08:41.000 Can you see that? 00:08:41.320 --> 00:08:43.080 That he is an ambassador in chains. 00:08:44.120 --> 00:08:45.379 And so as Paul writes this letter. 00:08:45.740 --> 00:08:46.919 He is under house arrest. 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:49.279 In Rome. 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:51.059 It is one of the prison letters. 00:08:51.059 --> 00:08:51.960 A lot of the Colossians. 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:53.059 Philippians. 00:08:53.200 --> 00:08:53.620 And Philemon. 00:08:53.899 --> 00:08:54.840 And as Paul writes. 00:08:55.320 --> 00:08:55.960 This letter. 00:08:56.080 --> 00:08:57.100 There is a Roman soldier. 00:08:57.679 --> 00:08:58.740 Looking over his shoulder. 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:01.200 As it is quite natural. 00:09:01.279 --> 00:09:01.480 Isn't it? 00:09:01.480 --> 00:09:02.860 When he thinks about the Christian. 00:09:02.940 --> 00:09:03.600 As a soldier. 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:05.159 When he thinks of the armour. 00:09:05.159 --> 00:09:06.639 That a Christian is to wear. 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:07.919 It is quite natural. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:09.000 That he should think in terms. 00:09:09.059 --> 00:09:09.799 Of a Roman soldier. 00:09:09.919 --> 00:09:10.779 And I am not ruling that out. 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:11.820 I think that is useful. 00:09:13.019 --> 00:09:14.440 But there is much more to it than that. 00:09:15.940 --> 00:09:16.340 And I think. 00:09:16.539 --> 00:09:18.000 If we don't see this. 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:20.100 We will misinterpret. 00:09:20.659 --> 00:09:21.600 The armour of God. 00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:23.519 The Apostle Paul. 00:09:23.639 --> 00:09:23.960 Can you see. 00:09:23.960 --> 00:09:26.280 He speaks about the whole armour of God. 00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:27.500 Not of Rome. 00:09:29.040 --> 00:09:29.480 Pull on. 00:09:29.540 --> 00:09:29.860 He says. 00:09:29.920 --> 00:09:30.660 The whole armour of God. 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:31.360 Now look on your sheets. 00:09:31.440 --> 00:09:32.379 And look at Isaiah 59. 00:09:32.660 --> 00:09:33.780 And this is the context. 00:09:34.240 --> 00:09:36.220 This is how you have to understand Ephesians 6. 00:09:36.860 --> 00:09:37.780 It is not Rome. 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:40.160 Or the way that the Romans dress themselves. 00:09:40.240 --> 00:09:40.720 But scripture. 00:09:42.100 --> 00:09:44.400 Paul was a citizen of Rome. 00:09:44.440 --> 00:09:44.980 But before that. 00:09:45.019 --> 00:09:45.620 He was an expert. 00:09:45.740 --> 00:09:46.320 In the Old Testament. 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:48.900 And Isaiah 59. 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:50.600 Is a messianic prophecy. 00:09:50.700 --> 00:09:51.040 That is. 00:09:51.039 --> 00:09:52.679 That it is written hundreds of years. 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:53.539 Before the Lord Jesus. 00:09:53.699 --> 00:09:55.459 And yet he is looking forward to it. 00:09:57.419 --> 00:09:58.980 And the Lord speaks of himself. 00:09:59.219 --> 00:09:59.899 As a warrior. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:01.039 Look at verse 14. 00:10:01.199 --> 00:10:01.559 It says. 00:10:01.839 --> 00:10:03.819 Justice is turned back. 00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:07.399 And righteousness stands far away. 00:10:09.019 --> 00:10:10.379 And that is what the world is like. 00:10:10.559 --> 00:10:11.839 When the devil gets a foothold. 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:14.740 Justice is turned back. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:18.559 And righteousness stands far off. 00:10:18.559 --> 00:10:20.559 It is only the gospel. 00:10:20.759 --> 00:10:22.599 That brings justice into a society. 00:10:22.859 --> 00:10:24.799 Any remnants of justice. 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:26.139 Or truth that we have. 00:10:26.299 --> 00:10:27.759 Are remnants of Christianity. 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:29.519 These things in our culture. 00:10:29.599 --> 00:10:30.599 Are being fast eroded. 00:10:30.759 --> 00:10:31.939 And their justice is turned back. 00:10:32.459 --> 00:10:34.819 Righteousness stands far away. 00:10:35.239 --> 00:10:36.159 And the second part of the verse. 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:37.319 Well truth has scrambled. 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:39.419 In the public square. 00:10:41.419 --> 00:10:42.599 Righteousness cannot enter. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:44.980 Truth is lacking. 00:10:45.420 --> 00:10:47.159 And he who departs from evil. 00:10:47.300 --> 00:10:48.639 Makes himself a prey. 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:52.820 God looks at the state of affairs. 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:53.700 As I say. 00:10:54.120 --> 00:10:55.879 And he sees something which concerns him. 00:10:55.920 --> 00:10:56.980 He says there is no justice. 00:10:57.360 --> 00:10:59.500 And anybody who makes a stand for justice. 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:00.180 Verse 15. 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:03.460 Anyone who departs from evil. 00:11:03.580 --> 00:11:04.540 Instead of being protected. 00:11:05.080 --> 00:11:05.920 Instead of being helped. 00:11:06.040 --> 00:11:06.540 And strengthened. 00:11:06.980 --> 00:11:07.820 And encouraged forward. 00:11:07.920 --> 00:11:08.560 Or verse 15. 00:11:08.620 --> 00:11:09.500 They become a prey. 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:11.500 They leave themselves wide open to attack. 00:11:11.500 --> 00:11:13.899 And the Lord says. 00:11:13.980 --> 00:11:15.100 That it displeases him. 00:11:15.460 --> 00:11:16.340 That there was no judgment. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:18.240 And he saw that there was no one. 00:11:18.299 --> 00:11:19.539 To take up the cause. 00:11:19.559 --> 00:11:20.799 Of those who depart from evil. 00:11:22.220 --> 00:11:23.519 He saw that there was no man. 00:11:25.419 --> 00:11:25.919 I wonder. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:27.179 Why was there no intercessor. 00:11:27.259 --> 00:11:28.820 So he decided to do something about it. 00:11:29.100 --> 00:11:29.519 And this. 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:30.620 Is the gospel of course. 00:11:30.679 --> 00:11:31.600 In verse 16. 00:11:33.419 --> 00:11:34.580 He saw that there was no man. 00:11:34.639 --> 00:11:35.059 And he wondered. 00:11:35.639 --> 00:11:36.899 That there was no one to intercede. 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:38.379 And then his own arm. 00:11:38.779 --> 00:11:39.759 Brought him salvation. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:42.559 And his righteousness. 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:43.740 Upheld him. 00:11:45.320 --> 00:11:46.580 And he put on righteousness. 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:48.019 As a breastplate. 00:11:48.419 --> 00:11:49.899 And a helmet of salvation. 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:51.120 On his head. 00:11:51.519 --> 00:11:52.779 He put on garments. 00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:53.639 Of vengeance. 00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:54.679 For clothing. 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:56.379 And wrapped himself. 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:57.259 In zeal as a cloak. 00:11:59.019 --> 00:12:00.559 And then we're told in verse 19 and 20. 00:12:00.659 --> 00:12:01.940 So they shall fear the name of the Lord. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:02.460 From the west. 00:12:02.519 --> 00:12:03.000 And his glory. 00:12:03.100 --> 00:12:03.919 From the rising of the sun. 00:12:03.980 --> 00:12:05.379 And he will come like a rushing stream. 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:07.340 And a redeemer will come to Zion. 00:12:07.340 --> 00:12:08.240 And to those in Jacob. 00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:09.580 Who turn from transgression. 00:12:09.580 --> 00:12:10.560 Declares the Lord. 00:12:10.879 --> 00:12:11.740 And I would suggest to you. 00:12:11.820 --> 00:12:12.800 That is the background. 00:12:12.920 --> 00:12:14.420 From which we must read Ephesians 6. 00:12:15.960 --> 00:12:17.540 It's the armor of God. 00:12:17.820 --> 00:12:18.379 That we're to put on. 00:12:19.680 --> 00:12:21.080 It's not merely the armor. 00:12:21.200 --> 00:12:22.040 That God supplies. 00:12:23.400 --> 00:12:24.440 But his own armor. 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:26.000 It's the armor. 00:12:26.139 --> 00:12:27.580 That he himself has worn. 00:12:28.560 --> 00:12:29.759 In executing judgments. 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:30.660 Against his enemies. 00:12:31.420 --> 00:12:32.139 That is the armor. 00:12:32.220 --> 00:12:32.820 We're to put on. 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:35.480 God gives us. 00:12:35.680 --> 00:12:36.440 His armor. 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:37.900 For the same fights. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:38.779 He is involved in. 00:12:39.399 --> 00:12:40.860 The very same armor. 00:12:41.039 --> 00:12:41.879 Which Christ wore. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:42.439 In the battle. 00:12:42.539 --> 00:12:43.399 Against his foes. 00:12:43.819 --> 00:12:44.519 That armor. 00:12:44.699 --> 00:12:45.959 Is made available for us. 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:46.519 In our battle. 00:12:47.600 --> 00:12:48.059 And victory. 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:50.480 It's one of the same fights. 00:12:50.519 --> 00:12:51.379 And we need to see that. 00:12:51.579 --> 00:12:52.399 We're not fighting. 00:12:52.539 --> 00:12:54.039 Our own little private war. 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:54.679 With the devil. 00:12:56.299 --> 00:12:56.919 We need to get this. 00:12:56.959 --> 00:12:57.620 Really really clear. 00:12:57.679 --> 00:12:57.980 At the outset. 00:12:58.500 --> 00:12:59.500 We take ourselves. 00:12:59.699 --> 00:13:00.879 Far too seriously. 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:02.559 And we get puffed up. 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:03.340 With a real sense. 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:04.399 Of our own importance. 00:13:04.399 --> 00:13:05.679 And we need to see. 00:13:05.899 --> 00:13:06.419 That actually. 00:13:06.799 --> 00:13:08.360 We are very small fry. 00:13:08.459 --> 00:13:08.980 In this battle. 00:13:10.439 --> 00:13:11.240 Because the battle. 00:13:11.340 --> 00:13:12.100 Is not ours. 00:13:12.439 --> 00:13:13.600 The battle is the Lord's. 00:13:14.899 --> 00:13:15.740 And we're not fighting. 00:13:15.860 --> 00:13:17.039 Our own little private battle. 00:13:17.179 --> 00:13:17.600 With Satan. 00:13:17.740 --> 00:13:18.360 We're not fighting. 00:13:18.840 --> 00:13:19.740 On our own account. 00:13:19.899 --> 00:13:21.259 It's God's battle. 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:24.500 And God provides us. 00:13:24.500 --> 00:13:25.459 With the very armor. 00:13:25.459 --> 00:13:26.620 That he himself has worn. 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:27.679 So in putting on. 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:28.980 The whole armor of God. 00:13:29.059 --> 00:13:29.439 Literally. 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:31.059 God's complete armor. 00:13:31.059 --> 00:13:33.139 What we're doing. 00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:34.679 Is we are entering into. 00:13:35.899 --> 00:13:37.739 And we are appropriating. 00:13:37.739 --> 00:13:39.179 What he has done for us. 00:13:40.739 --> 00:13:42.139 I think that's so important. 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:43.359 In understanding the passage. 00:13:43.539 --> 00:13:44.619 That is what spiritual warfare. 00:13:44.619 --> 00:13:45.159 Is all about. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:47.659 This principle. 00:13:47.859 --> 00:13:49.000 Is very important. 00:13:50.599 --> 00:13:51.479 But what we do. 00:13:51.559 --> 00:13:53.339 Is we put on the armor of God. 00:13:53.779 --> 00:13:54.219 Is this. 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:56.159 We are laying hold of. 00:13:56.779 --> 00:13:58.059 And we are entering. 00:13:58.059 --> 00:13:59.219 Into the victory. 00:13:59.719 --> 00:14:00.759 Which Christ has won. 00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:01.659 For us on the cross. 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:04.620 The apostle Paul. 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:05.879 Is not exhorting you. 00:14:05.939 --> 00:14:06.679 To get dressed up. 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:07.600 Like a Roman soldier. 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:10.379 But he's exhorting you. 00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:11.319 To put on Christ. 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:14.919 He's not saying. 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:15.600 You go and. 00:14:15.720 --> 00:14:16.600 I'm a go to the devil. 00:14:16.740 --> 00:14:17.600 On your own account. 00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:18.960 By yourself. 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:20.039 With your own resources. 00:14:20.220 --> 00:14:21.159 You be strong. 00:14:21.580 --> 00:14:21.740 No. 00:14:21.779 --> 00:14:22.639 He's exhorting us. 00:14:22.700 --> 00:14:23.679 And he's telling us. 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:25.159 To appropriate. 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:26.159 What Christ has done. 00:14:28.120 --> 00:14:28.779 That's what he says. 00:14:28.980 --> 00:14:29.519 In Romans. 00:14:29.740 --> 00:14:30.559 Chapter 13. 00:14:31.759 --> 00:14:32.480 The apostle. 00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:33.100 There is writing. 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:33.480 The city. 00:14:33.580 --> 00:14:34.519 And he's reminding us. 00:14:34.559 --> 00:14:35.960 How urgent the times are. 00:14:37.000 --> 00:14:38.100 And he says. 00:14:39.179 --> 00:14:40.360 The hour has come. 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:41.299 For you to wake up. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:41.919 From your sleep. 00:14:43.019 --> 00:14:43.639 What's he doing there? 00:14:43.659 --> 00:14:44.539 He's blowing the bugle. 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:45.580 He's blowing the trumpet. 00:14:47.340 --> 00:14:48.039 He says. 00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:49.519 It's high time. 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.639 For you to wake up. 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:53.720 For salvation is nearer. 00:14:53.720 --> 00:14:54.279 To us now. 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:55.759 Than when we first believed. 00:14:55.759 --> 00:14:58.879 The night is far gone. 00:14:58.960 --> 00:14:59.740 The day is at hand. 00:14:59.840 --> 00:15:00.919 So then let us cast off. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:01.679 The works of darkness. 00:15:01.799 --> 00:15:02.860 And put on the armour of light. 00:15:05.179 --> 00:15:05.799 And then he tells us. 00:15:05.840 --> 00:15:06.259 What that means. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:07.319 So let us walk properly. 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:07.939 At in the daytime. 00:15:07.939 --> 00:15:08.740 Not in orgies. 00:15:08.740 --> 00:15:09.299 And drunkenness. 00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:10.279 Not in sexual immorality. 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:11.019 And sensuality. 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:11.819 Not in quarreling. 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:12.360 In agility. 00:15:12.660 --> 00:15:12.980 But. 00:15:13.180 --> 00:15:13.760 Verse 14. 00:15:14.340 --> 00:15:15.720 Put on Christ. 00:15:17.040 --> 00:15:18.200 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:19.280 --> 00:15:20.500 And make no provision for the flesh. 00:15:20.560 --> 00:15:21.440 To glorify its society. 00:15:23.020 --> 00:15:23.840 The whole series. 00:15:23.940 --> 00:15:24.080 Really. 00:15:24.140 --> 00:15:25.260 Is going to be an exposition of facts. 00:15:25.520 --> 00:15:26.080 What does that mean? 00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:29.300 To put on the armour of God. 00:15:29.400 --> 00:15:30.640 Is to put on Christ. 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:34.100 It's to appropriate. 00:15:34.180 --> 00:15:35.340 What Christ has done for us. 00:15:35.379 --> 00:15:35.820 On the cross. 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:37.400 So Ephesians chapter 1. 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:39.780 And Ephesians chapter 6. 00:15:40.020 --> 00:15:40.800 Tie together. 00:15:40.880 --> 00:15:41.520 They hold together. 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:43.560 So do you remember. 00:15:43.640 --> 00:15:44.280 Ephesians 1. 00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:44.940 Tells you. 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:46.400 That if you are in Christ. 00:15:46.520 --> 00:15:46.680 Tonight. 00:15:46.780 --> 00:15:48.280 You are seated in the heavenly realms. 00:15:50.360 --> 00:15:52.320 And Jesus is high above all. 00:15:52.640 --> 00:15:53.540 Principalities and power. 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:56.700 And Ephesians chapter 6. 00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:57.260 Is telling you. 00:15:57.340 --> 00:15:57.960 You've got to live on it. 00:15:59.400 --> 00:16:00.700 You are to put on Christ. 00:16:00.800 --> 00:16:01.460 And you fight. 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:02.660 These principalities. 00:16:02.780 --> 00:16:03.360 And these powers. 00:16:05.040 --> 00:16:05.379 And of course. 00:16:05.480 --> 00:16:06.720 We are no much of them. 00:16:06.780 --> 00:16:07.200 In ourselves. 00:16:07.200 --> 00:16:12.120 Imagine you are going to fight. 00:16:12.840 --> 00:16:13.700 It's Tyson Fury. 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:15.140 You know the heavyweight champion in the world. 00:16:16.300 --> 00:16:16.879 But he's not. 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:18.580 Anthony Joshua. 00:16:19.160 --> 00:16:20.120 He'll fight Anthony Joshua. 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:22.259 You'd never do it. 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:22.460 Would you? 00:16:22.540 --> 00:16:23.680 You'd never get in the ring. 00:16:23.780 --> 00:16:24.240 None of us. 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:25.259 Would be stupid enough. 00:16:25.320 --> 00:16:26.879 To get in the ring with Anthony Joshua. 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:30.439 But you would fight Anthony Joshua. 00:16:30.439 --> 00:16:31.480 If he were in a tank. 00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:32.019 Wouldn't you? 00:16:32.899 --> 00:16:33.879 I'd take him on then. 00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:34.879 I'd have no problem. 00:16:35.679 --> 00:16:37.379 Him and Tyson Fury at the same time. 00:16:38.179 --> 00:16:39.980 Because if you're in a tank. 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:40.620 Well. 00:16:41.340 --> 00:16:42.059 Anthony Joshua. 00:16:42.200 --> 00:16:42.840 Tyson Fury. 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:43.879 Deontay Wilder. 00:16:45.320 --> 00:16:45.639 Well. 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:46.399 They're no problem at all. 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:49.299 And so if you are in Christ. 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:50.320 You can take on the devil. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:53.720 You can take on the devil. 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:55.159 And to put on the whole armor of God. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.720 Is not to put on Roman armor. 00:16:56.720 --> 00:16:57.980 Is to put on God himself. 00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:00.460 It is to put on Christ. 00:17:00.560 --> 00:17:01.279 It is to appropriate. 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:02.779 What he's done for us in the fight. 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:04.240 Is to lay hold on the triumph. 00:17:04.640 --> 00:17:05.180 Of Christ. 00:17:05.860 --> 00:17:06.500 Thanks be. 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:07.740 And to God. 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:08.680 Says Paul in Corinthians. 00:17:09.059 --> 00:17:09.420 Because. 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:10.960 He gives us the victory. 00:17:11.100 --> 00:17:12.079 Through the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:13.620 So that is the armor of God. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:14.259 We are to put on. 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:16.819 At the second place. 00:17:16.900 --> 00:17:17.600 I want you to notice. 00:17:17.880 --> 00:17:19.400 It's the whole armor of God. 00:17:19.400 --> 00:17:19.819 That we're. 00:17:20.360 --> 00:17:21.000 To put on. 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.039 And we're told that. 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:22.940 In two places. 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:24.220 And we look at verse 11. 00:17:25.759 --> 00:17:26.640 That we're to put on. 00:17:26.640 --> 00:17:27.660 The whole armor. 00:17:30.560 --> 00:17:31.280 Verse 11. 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:32.960 And then verse 13. 00:17:33.300 --> 00:17:33.500 Is it? 00:17:34.020 --> 00:17:34.259 Yeah. 00:17:34.360 --> 00:17:34.540 Again. 00:17:34.560 --> 00:17:35.560 The whole armor of God. 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:36.880 It's just one word. 00:17:37.040 --> 00:17:37.420 In the Greek. 00:17:37.520 --> 00:17:37.900 It's one word. 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:38.380 It's panoply. 00:17:38.860 --> 00:17:39.820 It's a complete covering. 00:17:39.940 --> 00:17:40.840 Put on the armor of God. 00:17:42.440 --> 00:17:43.460 And we must have forgotten that. 00:17:43.580 --> 00:17:44.540 As we look at the armor. 00:17:44.680 --> 00:17:45.840 As we dismantle it. 00:17:45.840 --> 00:17:46.800 But we're to wear it all. 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:47.840 The whole armor of God. 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:49.680 And so. 00:17:49.880 --> 00:17:50.040 Let's. 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:51.580 Let's kick it in for a moment. 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:52.480 You know. 00:17:52.540 --> 00:17:53.520 You go to the armory. 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:55.819 Have you been to the Tower of London? 00:17:57.119 --> 00:17:58.000 It's always amazing to me. 00:17:58.039 --> 00:17:58.180 Isn't it? 00:17:58.180 --> 00:17:58.980 How small. 00:17:59.940 --> 00:18:00.940 These soldiers were. 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:03.980 People in those days. 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:04.519 Were so small. 00:18:04.599 --> 00:18:05.639 As you can have the Wallace Collection. 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:06.660 It's a great place. 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:07.000 Kind of. 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:09.019 Instruments of torture. 00:18:09.160 --> 00:18:09.940 Down through the years. 00:18:10.200 --> 00:18:10.359 And. 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.359 Armor. 00:18:11.519 --> 00:18:11.920 It's a great. 00:18:11.920 --> 00:18:12.579 It's a great place. 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:13.460 To go on the Easter holidays. 00:18:13.659 --> 00:18:14.299 The Wallace Collection. 00:18:14.939 --> 00:18:15.439 But the armor. 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:15.939 Is so small. 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.139 Is it? 00:18:16.199 --> 00:18:16.839 We're much bigger. 00:18:17.439 --> 00:18:17.799 Today. 00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:18.460 But. 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:20.339 Think of going around that place. 00:18:20.439 --> 00:18:20.559 You know. 00:18:20.659 --> 00:18:21.919 Hundreds of seats of armor. 00:18:23.259 --> 00:18:23.799 And just imagine. 00:18:23.899 --> 00:18:24.879 What you've got in Ephesians 6. 00:18:26.659 --> 00:18:27.819 Imagine you've got it in front of you. 00:18:27.859 --> 00:18:28.019 Let's. 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:28.259 Let's. 00:18:28.339 --> 00:18:29.039 Walk around it. 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:30.139 Well the first thing you notice. 00:18:30.939 --> 00:18:31.859 That there's no protection. 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:32.480 For the back. 00:18:33.539 --> 00:18:33.779 Now. 00:18:33.859 --> 00:18:34.240 I do think. 00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:34.799 Sometimes. 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:35.500 In Ephesians 6. 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:36.899 You can be careful. 00:18:36.899 --> 00:18:38.379 About reading too much into it. 00:18:40.179 --> 00:18:41.319 But as you read through the verses. 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:42.700 I do think that it's significant. 00:18:42.839 --> 00:18:44.359 That there is no protection for the back. 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.299 Which is quite odd. 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:48.059 God intends. 00:18:48.179 --> 00:18:48.439 You and I. 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:49.419 To face the enemy. 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:52.759 Hebrews 10. 00:18:52.939 --> 00:18:53.919 Says the just shall. 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.819 Live by faith. 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.960 That's how we're to live our lives. 00:18:58.039 --> 00:18:59.039 We are to live by faith. 00:18:59.159 --> 00:19:00.000 In Jesus Christ. 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:02.559 But look at verse 38. 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:04.220 If any man draw back. 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:07.079 My soul shall have no pleasure in him. 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:09.399 But we are not of them. 00:19:09.399 --> 00:19:10.259 Who draw back. 00:19:10.639 --> 00:19:11.139 Unto perdition. 00:19:12.299 --> 00:19:12.859 But of them. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:13.419 That believe. 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:14.579 To the saving of the soul. 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.599 Are you speaking of those Hebrews. 00:19:17.799 --> 00:19:18.740 What's the problem in Hebrews. 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:20.139 Is that people are in danger. 00:19:20.159 --> 00:19:20.740 Of turning around. 00:19:20.839 --> 00:19:21.319 Turning back. 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.399 They become Christians. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:24.099 Now they found. 00:19:24.319 --> 00:19:25.539 That once they become Christians. 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:26.700 They're in the middle of battle. 00:19:28.139 --> 00:19:29.159 And some of them are in danger. 00:19:29.159 --> 00:19:30.079 Of going back. 00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:32.259 To what they used to be. 00:19:32.379 --> 00:19:32.839 And Paul says. 00:19:32.879 --> 00:19:33.579 You mustn't do that. 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:34.639 Because there's no protection. 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:35.179 For your back. 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:38.619 If you turn back. 00:19:38.619 --> 00:19:39.980 You expose yourself to judgment. 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:41.640 And all sorts of dangers. 00:19:41.839 --> 00:19:42.740 And you make yourself vulnerable. 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:44.980 And he says. 00:19:45.019 --> 00:19:45.680 We mustn't do that. 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:46.640 We are those who believe. 00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:47.940 To the saving of our souls. 00:19:48.579 --> 00:19:49.620 There's no turning back. 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:54.439 The danger in our culture. 00:19:54.659 --> 00:19:54.859 Is this. 00:19:54.979 --> 00:19:56.139 Is most of us think. 00:19:56.339 --> 00:19:57.639 That we can live as Christians. 00:19:57.639 --> 00:19:58.959 Whilst keeping our heads down. 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.699 We can opt out. 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:06.980 But no. 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:08.259 That is the most dangerous thing. 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:08.880 Of all to do. 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:12.539 Because when you opt out. 00:20:12.580 --> 00:20:13.600 When you keep your head down. 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:15.059 When you backslide. 00:20:15.360 --> 00:20:16.539 You are at your most vulnerable. 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:19.340 If you shrink back. 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.920 You lose the most precious thing. 00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:22.120 Of all. 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:23.799 You lose the smile of God. 00:20:23.880 --> 00:20:24.420 From your life. 00:20:25.860 --> 00:20:26.539 See what it says. 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:28.000 If you shrink back. 00:20:28.100 --> 00:20:28.500 God says. 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:29.220 My soul. 00:20:29.940 --> 00:20:31.160 Will take your pleasure in you. 00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:34.180 And the Christian. 00:20:34.320 --> 00:20:34.860 Who refuses. 00:20:34.860 --> 00:20:36.360 To face up to the implications. 00:20:36.360 --> 00:20:37.080 Of his faith. 00:20:37.800 --> 00:20:38.180 The Christian. 00:20:38.300 --> 00:20:38.820 Who refuses. 00:20:38.820 --> 00:20:39.740 To take seriously. 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:40.880 His commitment to Christ. 00:20:42.840 --> 00:20:43.560 Well that person. 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:44.420 Is no Christian at all. 00:20:46.140 --> 00:20:46.700 First thing. 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:48.560 We look at the armor. 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:49.080 The whole armor. 00:20:49.300 --> 00:20:50.000 Is to see. 00:20:50.100 --> 00:20:50.800 That there's no protection. 00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:51.400 To your back. 00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:54.220 You know how Paul puts it. 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:55.000 In 1 Corinthians 15. 00:20:55.120 --> 00:20:55.779 He reminds them. 00:20:55.860 --> 00:20:56.259 That he's. 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:57.980 Delivered the gospel. 00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:58.460 To them. 00:20:58.480 --> 00:20:58.779 He says. 00:20:58.840 --> 00:20:59.300 Now I. 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:01.140 Would remind you. 00:21:01.700 --> 00:21:02.540 Brothers of the gospel. 00:21:02.620 --> 00:21:03.500 I preach to you. 00:21:03.620 --> 00:21:04.840 Which you received. 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:06.380 In which you stand. 00:21:07.840 --> 00:21:09.200 And by which you are being saved. 00:21:09.320 --> 00:21:10.860 If you hold fast. 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.400 To the word. 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:12.240 I preach to you. 00:21:13.360 --> 00:21:14.060 Unless you believe. 00:21:14.140 --> 00:21:14.460 In vain. 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:17.540 I'm amazed. 00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:19.640 At the number of these. 00:21:19.800 --> 00:21:20.200 Ifs. 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:21.000 There are in the New Testament. 00:21:21.080 --> 00:21:21.840 We miss them. 00:21:22.779 --> 00:21:23.480 We pretend. 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.360 They're not there. 00:21:24.480 --> 00:21:24.940 The New Testament. 00:21:25.040 --> 00:21:25.800 Is littered with the word. 00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:26.120 If. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:29.900 And that's your safety. 00:21:29.900 --> 00:21:30.660 The gospel. 00:21:30.780 --> 00:21:31.460 I preach to you. 00:21:31.560 --> 00:21:32.240 About a crucified. 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:33.320 And a risen saviour. 00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:34.360 And that is what. 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.440 Will save you. 00:21:35.860 --> 00:21:36.720 That's your protection. 00:21:37.320 --> 00:21:37.680 If. 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:41.019 If you hold fast. 00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:41.320 To the word. 00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:41.800 I preach to you. 00:21:43.380 --> 00:21:44.160 And as long as you haven't. 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:44.800 Turned back. 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:45.060 You. 00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:46.080 You are safe. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:49.419 Colossians 1. 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:50.399 Verse 21. 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:50.919 You've got the sin. 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:52.439 Let me read it to you. 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:54.000 And you who were once alienated. 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:54.899 And a hostile in mind. 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:55.720 Doing evil deeds. 00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:57.099 He is now reconciled. 00:21:57.139 --> 00:21:57.960 In his body of flesh. 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:58.519 By his death. 00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:59.339 In order to present you. 00:21:59.379 --> 00:22:00.319 Holy and blameless. 00:22:00.399 --> 00:22:01.039 And above reproach. 00:22:01.099 --> 00:22:01.539 Before him. 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:02.399 Verse 23. 00:22:02.699 --> 00:22:03.039 If. 00:22:04.419 --> 00:22:05.839 If indeed you continue in the faith. 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:06.899 Stable and steadfast. 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:09.139 Not shifting from the hope. 00:22:09.179 --> 00:22:10.119 Of the gospel that you heard. 00:22:10.199 --> 00:22:10.899 Which has been proclaimed. 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.659 In all creation. 00:22:11.659 --> 00:22:12.159 And the heaven. 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:12.980 And of which I Paul. 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.779 Became a minister. 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:17.099 Are you are safe tonight. 00:22:17.139 --> 00:22:17.920 As long as you stand. 00:22:19.339 --> 00:22:20.079 Facing the enemy. 00:22:20.139 --> 00:22:20.879 As long as you don't depart. 00:22:20.940 --> 00:22:21.379 From the gospel. 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:24.359 As long as you don't. 00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:25.279 Turn your back. 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.379 On the very thing. 00:22:26.460 --> 00:22:27.160 That saved you. 00:22:27.960 --> 00:22:28.859 That will save you. 00:22:29.960 --> 00:22:30.980 There's no protection for you. 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:31.440 If you do that. 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.519 Look again. 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.319 At the seat of the moment. 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:34.940 Look. 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:35.720 Closely. 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:36.279 You'll notice. 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:36.920 That it's occupied. 00:22:37.599 --> 00:22:38.200 If you lift. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:38.960 The visor. 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:39.859 You'll see a pair of eyes. 00:22:39.980 --> 00:22:40.579 Looking back at you. 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:43.160 It's not in the catalogue. 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:45.599 It's not hanging on a wall. 00:22:45.819 --> 00:22:46.139 Somewhere. 00:22:46.859 --> 00:22:47.660 It's being worn. 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:49.619 And you know that. 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.480 From the tense. 00:22:50.639 --> 00:22:51.899 Of the verbs. 00:22:52.079 --> 00:22:54.019 In verses 13 to 15. 00:22:55.440 --> 00:22:56.639 The tense of the verbs. 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.859 In verses 13 to 15. 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:59.740 Are the perfect participle. 00:23:00.899 --> 00:23:01.779 Which indicates. 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:02.500 That there's a. 00:23:03.099 --> 00:23:04.359 A past action. 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.039 That has. 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:06.139 Continuing effects. 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:07.359 Something has happened. 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:07.940 In the past. 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:08.359 Which has. 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.440 Continuing effect. 00:23:10.599 --> 00:23:11.460 Verse 13. 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:13.100 Therefore. 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:14.400 Take up the whole armor of God. 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.079 That you may be able. 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:16.000 With sand. 00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:16.980 In the evil day. 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:17.880 And having done all. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:18.740 To stand firm. 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:19.840 Stand. 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:20.380 Therefore. 00:23:21.340 --> 00:23:22.799 Having fastened on the belt of truth. 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:23.579 And having put on. 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.700 The breastplate of righteousness. 00:23:25.299 --> 00:23:26.460 And as shoes for your feet. 00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:27.079 Having put on. 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:27.579 The readiness. 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:28.620 Given by the gospel. 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.500 Of peace. 00:23:32.120 --> 00:23:32.519 Now he says. 00:23:32.600 --> 00:23:33.500 I don't want you just. 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.120 To look around. 00:23:34.220 --> 00:23:34.680 At the armor. 00:23:36.940 --> 00:23:37.579 I don't want you. 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:39.059 Just admire it. 00:23:39.059 --> 00:23:39.759 On the stand. 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:42.980 I want you to wear it. 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:44.859 The belt of truth. 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:45.879 The breastplate of righteousness. 00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:46.980 The shoes of the gospel. 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:49.119 And in verse 16. 00:23:49.200 --> 00:23:49.900 The tense changes. 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:51.379 He goes to the present tense. 00:23:52.339 --> 00:23:52.720 So he says. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.599 In all circumstances. 00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:55.019 Take up the shield of faith. 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:56.640 With which you can extinguish. 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.180 All. 00:23:57.859 --> 00:23:58.960 The flaming darts of evil. 00:23:59.059 --> 00:24:00.220 And take the helmet of salvation. 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:01.720 And the sword of the spirit. 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.119 You see. 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:04.740 The picture. 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:06.759 It's a picture of. 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:07.879 A soldier. 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:08.759 Sitting in a tent. 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:10.220 Waiting for the battle. 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:12.079 And he's got his army on. 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:14.720 He's not sitting at home. 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:15.960 Waiting for his call of papers. 00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:17.000 He's in the midst of the battle. 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:17.940 He's sitting in the tent. 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:19.180 He's got his belt. 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:21.180 And his breastplate. 00:24:21.420 --> 00:24:22.259 And his shoes on. 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:23.019 He always wears that. 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:24.619 And the christian. 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:26.259 Is never out of his feet. 00:24:26.339 --> 00:24:26.740 In uniform. 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:27.819 If I can put it like that. 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:30.259 He's always got it on. 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:31.259 That's the meaning. 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:32.879 Of the verbs. 00:24:33.140 --> 00:24:34.279 He's wearing these things. 00:24:34.839 --> 00:24:35.599 And near to hand. 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.299 Are his helmet. 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:36.879 And his shield. 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:37.599 And his sword. 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:38.899 The bugle sounds. 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:40.599 He grabs the helmet. 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.779 And the sword and the shield. 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.519 And he runs out of time to fight. 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:47.539 So the point I want to make is this. 00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:49.259 The battle is always going on all the time. 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.799 And it's going on all around us. 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:53.619 And you and I. 00:24:53.719 --> 00:24:54.500 If we are in Christ. 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:56.319 We are to be dressed and ready for it all the time. 00:24:56.319 --> 00:25:00.399 And I think that comes out in the immediate context. 00:25:00.639 --> 00:25:02.159 And that's a little bit of a shock to the system. 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:03.419 When you read through Ephesians. 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:05.559 Because do you notice. 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:08.399 That he starts to speak about the battle of the armor. 00:25:08.919 --> 00:25:10.480 And just before he's talked about. 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:11.919 Home. 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.419 And husbands. 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:15.019 And wives. 00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:16.279 And children. 00:25:17.099 --> 00:25:17.759 And work. 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.179 And employers. 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:20.099 And employees. 00:25:20.099 --> 00:25:23.439 And suddenly you're transferred. 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.819 From peaceful homes. 00:25:24.939 --> 00:25:26.119 To the carnage of the battlefield. 00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:28.839 And it's a shock to the system. 00:25:28.919 --> 00:25:29.639 And it's meant shocking. 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:33.000 Because here's the point. 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:34.959 The point is that the real spiritual battle. 00:25:34.959 --> 00:25:36.759 That you and I are engaged in. 00:25:36.839 --> 00:25:37.959 Is going on all around us. 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:42.199 The battle is going on. 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:43.639 As much in your home. 00:25:43.640 --> 00:25:46.400 And in your relationship. 00:25:46.400 --> 00:25:47.560 Between husband and wife. 00:25:47.680 --> 00:25:48.180 And parents. 00:25:48.320 --> 00:25:48.840 And children. 00:25:49.040 --> 00:25:50.100 And in your workplace. 00:25:50.780 --> 00:25:52.200 As much as it is. 00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:53.120 On the. 00:25:54.300 --> 00:25:55.440 Darkest mission fields. 00:25:55.580 --> 00:25:56.240 You can think of. 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:59.820 And we need to get this very, very clear. 00:26:01.560 --> 00:26:03.020 But what is the fight? 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:04.259 The fight is. 00:26:04.980 --> 00:26:06.100 If you're a Christian husband. 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:08.180 To be the Christian husband you were meant to be. 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:11.120 What is the war? 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.620 The war is. 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:15.600 To be the Christian wife. 00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.360 That you're meant to be. 00:26:17.820 --> 00:26:18.880 If you're a child. 00:26:19.040 --> 00:26:19.880 The war is. 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:21.240 To be the Christian child. 00:26:21.340 --> 00:26:22.040 That you're meant to be. 00:26:23.340 --> 00:26:24.340 If you're in the workplace. 00:26:26.300 --> 00:26:27.300 The war. 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:29.940 Is to be the Christian worker. 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:31.140 In the workplace. 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:33.960 And I think lots of us. 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:35.280 Have watched too many horror movies. 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:36.380 In our youth. 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.340 Because we like to think. 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.480 Don't we have Christian warfare. 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.680 In terms of. 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:41.380 Vampires. 00:26:41.600 --> 00:26:42.240 And demons. 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:43.100 Under the bed. 00:26:44.600 --> 00:26:45.340 Don't misunderstand me. 00:26:45.340 --> 00:26:46.680 I think there are such things as humans. 00:26:46.840 --> 00:26:48.540 I think there are such things as evil spirits. 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:50.240 But that isn't the real battle. 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:55.200 The real battle. 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:56.920 Is to be. 00:26:57.079 --> 00:26:58.539 What you and I should be. 00:26:58.640 --> 00:26:59.220 As a Christian. 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:04.079 And when I fail to be that. 00:27:04.160 --> 00:27:05.039 As a Christian husband. 00:27:05.160 --> 00:27:05.920 I'm a casualty. 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:06.940 And the devil has won a victory. 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:09.880 And that's where the battle is going on. 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:11.079 Now that's what Paul means. 00:27:11.120 --> 00:27:11.500 When he says. 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:13.359 We wrestle not against flesh and blood. 00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:15.559 Don't misunderstand. 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:16.459 What he's saying that. 00:27:19.459 --> 00:27:20.519 What he's saying is this. 00:27:22.719 --> 00:27:23.859 When your spouse. 00:27:24.699 --> 00:27:26.659 Is really driving you mad. 00:27:26.660 --> 00:27:30.080 And you feel this rage. 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:31.400 Welling up within you. 00:27:33.040 --> 00:27:34.160 You are to remember. 00:27:34.300 --> 00:27:34.779 That it's. 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:36.060 Not them that you're fighting. 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:39.660 When the children. 00:27:39.820 --> 00:27:40.460 Have driven you. 00:27:40.580 --> 00:27:41.220 To distraction. 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.620 You are about to erupt. 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.580 In rage. 00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:46.000 It is not them you're fighting. 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.400 But this crisis. 00:27:49.400 --> 00:27:50.120 In the home. 00:27:50.120 --> 00:27:50.640 Is actually. 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:51.940 A spiritual contest. 00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:54.840 And behind the very real. 00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:55.680 Flesh and blood. 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.440 Of those children. 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.700 Of that awkward husband. 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:59.580 There is a war going on. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.900 And so when people rub us up. 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.559 The wrong way. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.100 In work. 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:04.920 Or in the church. 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:05.420 And we are. 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.259 We are. 00:28:06.420 --> 00:28:06.940 We are. 00:28:07.059 --> 00:28:07.940 Tempted to respond. 00:28:08.100 --> 00:28:08.460 To them. 00:28:08.620 --> 00:28:09.759 As flesh and blood. 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:11.100 We're to check ourselves. 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:13.420 Because this isn't. 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:14.820 About flesh and blood. 00:28:15.640 --> 00:28:16.700 The devil isn't this. 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:19.539 And the devil. 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:20.660 Gets into churches. 00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:21.299 And he gets people. 00:28:21.400 --> 00:28:21.880 Talking about. 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.299 One another. 00:28:22.420 --> 00:28:23.559 Saying nasty things. 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:24.120 To one another. 00:28:24.420 --> 00:28:26.539 Making really small things. 00:28:26.620 --> 00:28:28.440 Into massive things. 00:28:29.480 --> 00:28:29.980 And you and I. 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.440 Have to remember. 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:31.400 This isn't flesh and blood. 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:32.680 This is spiritual wickedness. 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:33.340 Behind us. 00:28:36.600 --> 00:28:37.900 All I'm trying to impress upon you. 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:38.180 Is this. 00:28:38.240 --> 00:28:39.080 The battle is going on. 00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:39.880 All around you. 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:43.240 You don't have to sit at home. 00:28:43.279 --> 00:28:44.460 And you wait up for a call up. 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.720 You wait for a call up email. 00:28:46.180 --> 00:28:47.080 It's going on all the time. 00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:47.960 It's not just in the preaching. 00:28:48.080 --> 00:28:48.440 The gospel. 00:28:48.740 --> 00:28:49.940 It goes on in your home. 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:50.720 And in your office. 00:28:50.880 --> 00:28:51.720 And in the church. 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:53.140 And we need to be always ready. 00:28:53.339 --> 00:28:54.299 Always closed. 00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:55.600 With our armour. 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:56.220 Ready to fight. 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:00.180 Third thing. 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:00.620 And the armour. 00:29:00.740 --> 00:29:01.240 It shows us. 00:29:01.339 --> 00:29:02.299 When we look at it as a whole. 00:29:02.360 --> 00:29:04.100 Is it tells us the nature of the conflict. 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:08.240 It's a many sided conflict. 00:29:08.500 --> 00:29:09.539 And we must be aware. 00:29:09.660 --> 00:29:11.500 Of having a kind of one trick mentality. 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.960 When we think of spiritual warfare. 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:14.500 The various parts of the armour. 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:15.240 The armour tell us that much. 00:29:15.299 --> 00:29:16.420 There's great variety here. 00:29:18.039 --> 00:29:18.819 And you'll see that. 00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.900 The way Paul describes it. 00:29:19.940 --> 00:29:21.259 The various parts of the armour. 00:29:21.380 --> 00:29:23.519 Are safeguards against different kinds of attack. 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:25.440 The devil is really cunning isn't he. 00:29:25.640 --> 00:29:28.059 The devil will attack us in lots of different ways. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.059 And sometimes. 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:31.180 He will attack us in lots of different ways. 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:31.900 At the same time. 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:35.160 And we need a covering for our hearts. 00:29:35.320 --> 00:29:36.460 And for our minds. 00:29:37.880 --> 00:29:39.580 A helmet and a breastplate. 00:29:39.660 --> 00:29:40.680 If we leave one. 00:29:41.040 --> 00:29:42.200 And where the other. 00:29:42.420 --> 00:29:43.620 We're just asking for trouble. 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:47.580 The devil can affect us on the level of our affections. 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.360 Our emotions. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:51.540 The devil can wreak havoc in our emotional life. 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:55.559 He can attack us on the level of our thought processes. 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:57.259 He can attack us in our imagination. 00:29:57.839 --> 00:29:59.099 He can attack us in our memory. 00:30:01.639 --> 00:30:02.420 So have you ever wondered. 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:04.039 Why is it that some things in your life. 00:30:04.139 --> 00:30:05.220 Are impossible to forget. 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:08.599 And other things are almost impossible to remember. 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:12.559 And there are things out there. 00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:15.019 That I allowed myself to watch years and years ago. 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:17.319 Which the devil keeps bringing back to my memory. 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:20.180 And yet for the life of me. 00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:21.379 I can't remember Bible verses. 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:23.039 I looked when I was a child. 00:30:24.940 --> 00:30:26.139 And that's why we need the whole armour. 00:30:26.440 --> 00:30:27.039 The full set. 00:30:27.119 --> 00:30:28.559 Because the devil is a very good shot. 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:31.359 Because if there's a chink in our armour. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:32.980 If there's a weak point that's unprotected. 00:30:33.079 --> 00:30:34.579 Then he will wound us there. 00:30:36.139 --> 00:30:36.740 And so Paul said. 00:30:36.799 --> 00:30:38.259 Put on the whole armour of God. 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:39.519 Don't leave any part of it off. 00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:43.139 And not only is it a many sided conflict. 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:44.180 But it's quite clear as well. 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:45.619 As we take a general look at the armour. 00:30:46.200 --> 00:30:48.159 That it's a conflict that goes through different phases. 00:30:49.339 --> 00:30:51.200 So you'll see that the armour is both offensive. 00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:52.019 And defensive. 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:55.100 And so we need to know. 00:30:55.100 --> 00:30:56.900 And when and how to defend ourselves. 00:30:57.100 --> 00:30:58.080 And when and how to attack. 00:30:59.340 --> 00:31:00.640 It's not always wise to attack. 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:02.920 It's not always wise to go into a situation. 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:03.779 All guns blazing. 00:31:03.840 --> 00:31:04.420 It is sometimes. 00:31:04.420 --> 00:31:04.519 There are times. 00:31:08.840 --> 00:31:11.140 There are times when we need to retreat defensively. 00:31:13.360 --> 00:31:14.360 Not turn our back. 00:31:14.420 --> 00:31:15.840 But we withdraw into Christ. 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:18.240 And there's times when we take courage in both hands. 00:31:19.000 --> 00:31:20.240 And our lives in our hands. 00:31:20.360 --> 00:31:21.200 And we confront. 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:23.440 We attack. 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.279 And we gain territory. 00:31:26.620 --> 00:31:28.080 This conflict is many sided. 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:29.779 But goes through many phases. 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:34.359 There are times when the enemy attacks us head on. 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:37.720 The Bible describes the evil one as a roaring liar. 00:31:38.099 --> 00:31:39.000 Trying to frighten us. 00:31:39.039 --> 00:31:39.879 And to devour us. 00:31:40.420 --> 00:31:42.000 Well we need to know how to deal with him then. 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:42.299 Don't we? 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.920 But the Bible also says. 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:46.299 The devil comes masquerading as an angel of light. 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:49.119 And he deceives us. 00:31:49.160 --> 00:31:50.299 And he creeps into the church. 00:31:50.379 --> 00:31:51.980 And he starts to tell us all kinds of lies. 00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:53.779 And he distorts the truth about God. 00:31:53.779 --> 00:31:54.279 And his people. 00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:56.819 And our object in all of this is to stand. 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:58.940 Can you see the repeated emphasis? 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:02.960 And so verse 11. 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:04.960 That you may be able to stand. 00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:08.899 And in verse 13. 00:32:09.180 --> 00:32:11.680 That you may be able to withstand. 00:32:13.200 --> 00:32:14.379 At the end of the verse. 00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:15.680 And we've done all to stand. 00:32:15.819 --> 00:32:16.539 Three times. 00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:20.279 It's a picture of a soldier. 00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:21.379 Dressed for the fight. 00:32:21.759 --> 00:32:22.660 He stands there. 00:32:22.660 --> 00:32:24.380 The enemy attacks him. 00:32:24.600 --> 00:32:26.440 And he withstands the enemy. 00:32:27.320 --> 00:32:28.900 And then after he's fought him off. 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:30.540 He is still standing. 00:32:30.720 --> 00:32:32.440 Because there's no let up in the battle. 00:32:35.160 --> 00:32:35.759 Now finally. 00:32:35.880 --> 00:32:37.180 Let me just finish by saying a word. 00:32:37.240 --> 00:32:38.720 How do you and I put on the armour? 00:32:41.160 --> 00:32:42.620 How do you and I put on the armour? 00:32:42.700 --> 00:32:44.259 Have you seen what the spiritual armour is? 00:32:46.700 --> 00:32:47.940 How do you put it on? 00:32:48.040 --> 00:32:49.220 I think it's in Mary Poppins. 00:32:49.380 --> 00:32:49.480 Is it? 00:32:49.540 --> 00:32:50.720 Mary Poppins is a little boy. 00:32:50.940 --> 00:32:51.900 He gets out of bed. 00:32:51.980 --> 00:32:52.259 Doesn't he? 00:32:53.100 --> 00:32:53.620 Stands there. 00:32:53.680 --> 00:32:56.800 And the clothes come floating out of their wardrobe. 00:32:57.040 --> 00:32:59.120 And they get put on him by magic. 00:32:59.340 --> 00:33:00.080 Is that Mary Poppins? 00:33:01.400 --> 00:33:01.980 I don't know. 00:33:02.160 --> 00:33:02.580 None of you know. 00:33:02.660 --> 00:33:03.259 You're all asleep. 00:33:05.240 --> 00:33:08.160 And I think there are lots of people that have that view of the Christian life. 00:33:11.700 --> 00:33:12.640 This afternoon. 00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:14.279 Well it's God's armour. 00:33:14.400 --> 00:33:15.600 Let him put it on us. 00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:17.060 We don't have to do anything. 00:33:18.560 --> 00:33:19.800 And so we just sort of carry on. 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:21.259 And God will protect us. 00:33:22.960 --> 00:33:23.899 Now that isn't right. 00:33:23.980 --> 00:33:26.299 God says you put on the whole armour of God. 00:33:27.980 --> 00:33:29.339 And you are to do that. 00:33:29.399 --> 00:33:31.500 You are to do it deliberately and consciously. 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:33.059 Just as you get dressed up in the morning. 00:33:33.180 --> 00:33:33.899 Dressed in the morning. 00:33:33.900 --> 00:33:38.780 You are to put on the armour of God deliberately and consciously. 00:33:40.500 --> 00:33:41.920 And I think there's a hint how we're to do that. 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:43.200 Look at verse 18. 00:33:43.380 --> 00:33:46.000 Paul drops the metaphor of the armour quite deliberately. 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:50.500 He drops the metaphor of the armour for one reason. 00:33:51.380 --> 00:33:56.059 And that is because you cannot talk about prayer as the armour of God. 00:33:59.339 --> 00:34:02.039 So God puts on the breastplate of salvation. 00:34:02.259 --> 00:34:04.039 He puts on the helmet of salvation. 00:34:05.079 --> 00:34:06.640 He doesn't put on prayer. 00:34:07.940 --> 00:34:10.099 God does not pray. 00:34:10.099 --> 00:34:13.579 We pray to him. 00:34:16.920 --> 00:34:21.339 Seems to be some people take this and they think of it as prayer as an extra weapon. 00:34:22.099 --> 00:34:23.319 I don't think of it. 00:34:23.500 --> 00:34:24.940 I don't think that's right in this context. 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:26.380 Prayer is a weapon isn't it? 00:34:26.380 --> 00:34:27.239 It's a secret weapon. 00:34:27.819 --> 00:34:28.179 We've got. 00:34:28.339 --> 00:34:30.839 But I don't think that's what Paul is doing in Ephesians chapter 6. 00:34:30.940 --> 00:34:34.779 And I think he deliberately drops the metaphor of the armour. 00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:36.480 He says in verse 18. 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:40.599 He says praying at all times in the spirit with all prayer and supplication. 00:34:42.639 --> 00:34:44.699 To that end keep alert with all perseverance. 00:34:44.860 --> 00:34:45.639 Making supplication. 00:34:45.780 --> 00:34:46.559 Praying for all the saints. 00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:51.179 And I think what he's doing in verse 18 is showing you how do you put the armour on. 00:34:53.440 --> 00:34:54.179 There's a hymn isn't it? 00:34:54.219 --> 00:34:55.420 Put on the gospel armour. 00:34:56.360 --> 00:34:58.679 Each piece put on with prayer. 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:01.900 Shall I tell you why prayer is essential? 00:35:02.079 --> 00:35:05.559 Prayer is essential because it is the expression of our dependence upon God. 00:35:05.559 --> 00:35:05.960 Isn't it? 00:35:07.480 --> 00:35:12.119 The proudest Christian is a self-confident person who will fall flat on their face. 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:16.880 Praying always in all kinds of situations. 00:35:17.400 --> 00:35:20.300 Prayer is the expression of our utter dependence upon God. 00:35:22.800 --> 00:35:24.340 Because we can't even lift the armour. 00:35:24.440 --> 00:35:25.440 Can't we let alone put it on? 00:35:26.280 --> 00:35:26.860 And wear it. 00:35:26.980 --> 00:35:28.179 Apart from the strength in God. 00:35:29.760 --> 00:35:32.280 This armour cannot protect us apart from him. 00:35:32.420 --> 00:35:33.059 It's his armour. 00:35:33.519 --> 00:35:34.219 He comes with it. 00:35:34.219 --> 00:35:35.360 In fact it is his armour. 00:35:35.360 --> 00:35:39.240 Listen to how Paul puts it in 2 Timothy. 00:35:39.780 --> 00:35:40.160 He says. 00:35:40.400 --> 00:35:41.780 Do you remember that chapter chapter 4? 00:35:41.860 --> 00:35:42.720 He's fought the good fight. 00:35:43.700 --> 00:35:44.519 He's kept the faith. 00:35:44.640 --> 00:35:46.059 He's ready to be discharged. 00:35:46.220 --> 00:35:47.059 He's ready to go home. 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:50.260 And in chapter 4 verse 17. 00:35:50.820 --> 00:35:52.120 He looks back on his campaign. 00:35:52.300 --> 00:35:52.860 And he says. 00:35:52.860 --> 00:35:54.900 And the Lord stood by me and struck me. 00:35:55.800 --> 00:35:57.680 So through me the message might be fully proclaimed. 00:35:57.720 --> 00:35:59.079 And all the Gentiles might hear it. 00:35:59.620 --> 00:36:01.660 So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 00:36:03.660 --> 00:36:06.180 And the Lord will rescue me from every evil deed. 00:36:06.280 --> 00:36:08.300 And bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. 00:36:08.300 --> 00:36:10.840 To him be glory forever and ever. 00:36:10.900 --> 00:36:12.039 It's a man with his armour on. 00:36:13.000 --> 00:36:14.100 It's a man who's in the fight. 00:36:15.660 --> 00:36:18.360 It's a man who knows the secret of the warfare. 00:36:20.580 --> 00:36:21.760 And that's why he says to us. 00:36:21.780 --> 00:36:22.600 Be strong in the Lord. 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:29.940 That's why he's able to say something that sounds so ridiculous. 00:36:29.940 --> 00:36:33.440 Like I can do all things through him who threatens me. 00:36:37.139 --> 00:36:38.480 I can do these things. 00:36:41.239 --> 00:36:44.059 I don't let him do it for me. 00:36:45.799 --> 00:36:47.159 I have to face the enemy. 00:36:47.719 --> 00:36:48.739 You have to face the enemy. 00:36:50.059 --> 00:36:51.880 I have to resist temptation. 00:36:51.880 --> 00:36:53.460 You have to resist temptation. 00:36:53.800 --> 00:36:55.860 I have to face the attack. 00:36:56.260 --> 00:36:57.400 You have to face the attack. 00:36:57.780 --> 00:36:59.079 I have to do it. 00:37:00.619 --> 00:37:01.900 But I can do it. 00:37:03.260 --> 00:37:04.340 Not in myself. 00:37:06.340 --> 00:37:09.000 But I can do it through Christ. 00:37:10.039 --> 00:37:11.240 Who sentenced me. 00:37:12.099 --> 00:37:13.500 What a word that is isn't it? 00:37:13.559 --> 00:37:14.500 What do you face this week? 00:37:17.039 --> 00:37:18.240 What do you face this week? 00:37:20.220 --> 00:37:21.740 You can do it. 00:37:21.880 --> 00:37:23.079 Through Christ. 00:37:24.140 --> 00:37:25.160 Who strengthens me. 00:37:27.539 --> 00:37:28.519 The Lord himself. 00:37:28.640 --> 00:37:29.400 He is my strength. 00:37:31.140 --> 00:37:32.160 He is my armour. 00:37:33.900 --> 00:37:35.760 So then put on the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:37:37.360 --> 00:37:38.900 Put on the whole armour of God. 00:37:38.900 --> 00:37:39.900 He is my strength. 00:37:39.900 --> 00:37:41.840 He is my strength. 00:37:43.840 --> 00:37:44.420 That's it. 00:37:44.500 --> 00:37:45.480 Before we come to the Lord.