SERVICES: SATURDAY 6PM | SUNDAY 9AM & 10:45AM. 

We Livestream at www.FaithFellowshipWeb.com/livestream, through the FFC App, and YouTube.

Armor to Stand

Words of Faith Final

Armor to Stand

Words of Faith 5-4-2021

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><<><

 

Ephesians 6

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

 

     What is the name for a soldier that goes into battle without the provided body armor, helmet, boots, and flak jacket?  Answer: Fool. We are called to stand strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, but we cannot fight naked.  We cannot fight without armor, so put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  Not some of the armor, or only the armor that is comfortable.  All of it.

    Paul instructs like a drill sergeant here.  The word "stand" is used three times.  These are warrior words. We are called to stand and resist--stand with personal armor--and stand our ground.  All three are critical.

    The word for stand, in Greek, is "his-tay-mee" which is related to the word histamine.  Histamine is an organic compound in humans and mammals that is released as part of the body's immune defenses.  Histamine is the body "standing" against an attack.  The origin of the word also means to "web together" in standing.  These are the images behind the Greek word inspired by the Spirit.

    We are called to web together in these three postures of defense. These are front-line words. We are to personally resist the Enemy at all cost.  We are to repel any breach of territory that has already been won.  We are to stand our personal ground, for if every soldier holds their ground, no ground will be taken.  This is a fundamental strategy of field warfare. 

     We are called to resist the assault and occupation of our Enemy at all cost... and He-- the Lord-- has paid the supreme cost to make that possible.  We are at the front line.  This is why the armor is so critical.  We will get to the armory specifics later, but without His full armor, you cannot stand your ground. You will constantly be "taken out" and wounded, and you will not stand.  Such a soldier is valued but also becomes a drain on the detachment because the Body will not leave the wounded behind. The Body will carry you. The decision we make is whether to be among the walking wounded as a causality of war--or to walk in victory and strength.

 

    Father God, load me up.  Put on my armor.  Prepare me for resistance.  Prepare me to stand.  Prepare me to lock in with the Body.  Prepare me to defend my 9 square feet of ground today.  In Jesus’ Name.