Lord's Day Sermon (22 July 2012)

Ephesians 6:11-17
Building an Unyielding Defence II
by Pastor

1. The 2nd Armour: the Breastplate of Righteousness (v14)

We are always told to have the armour always on - never taken off.

A breastplate protects the vital organs but the ancient Jewish thought is that,
a) The heart represents the mind and the will. (Mark 7:21)
b) The stomach represents the emotions.

Hence, the Breastplate of Righteousness is a guard on the practical aspects of righteousness - holy living.

2. The 3rd Armour: Feet shod with the Gospel of Peace (v15)

Perhaps the reason why this is the 3rd Armour is so that people wouldn't downplay the importance of boots. Still, there is no indication that one Armour is more important than another.

"gospel of peace" - means what?

The context of Ephesians is about spiritual warfare, not preaching the Gospel.

Hence, see Romans 5:1 -

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is the Gospel that gives us endearing, enduring, enabling peace.

3. The 4th Armour: the Shield of Faith (v16)

"Faith" means the basic, fundamental in the living God!

"Fiery darts" - has reference to the ancient practice of dipping arrows wrapped with cloth into flammable liquid.

This Shield can extinguish ALL the fiery darts of the Devil.