Episode 105 - We are in a battle. Last week, we saw that "the only way to stand up to the devil is to kneel before God." Today we study and put on the first of seven pieces of spiritual armor. This is taken straight from Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV): Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

(If you have joined us recently, a big hearty WELCOME! We are SO HONORED you are with us! We warmly invite you to start our Identity in the Battle Series at the beginning with episode 101 titled "What does it mean to be IN Christ?").

This is a very practical episode. What does it mean to put on the armor of God? What purpose does it serve? What does it symbolize? 

Truth? Truth is what God says. He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). We wear truth when we are IN HIM: be strong IN the Lord and IN the strength of His might.

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Breastplate? There's the theory, and then there's the practice. The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart. Satan is after your mind, your emotions, your will. He knows you are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, so you can stand. So, identify the lies of the enemy (with the belt of truth) and then DO SOMETHING about it: protect your heart by clothing yourself in the righteousness of Christ.

Shoes? Roman army shoes were knee-high boots designed to stand firm (giving stability) and to move fast (giving motion) both. They are powerfulyl symbolic of our identity in Christ. Because they speak of readiness, they inform our attitude as believers.

Isaiah 52:7 - How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.

Note: This episode is the 4th in our Gospel Spice Identity in the battle Summer 2021 series. If you missed it, make sure to listen to Episodes 101+102+104 before you launch this one! Also, it is the second of three episodes focusing on our spiritual armor. Episode 107 will continue today's lesson. Make sure to tune in when it releases!

Here are some of our key texts from today. They're the kind of verses that satan doesn’t want you to know. He knows his time is short, but he’d rather YOU didn’t know that. If you did, you’d become wise and a threat to him!

Isaiah 11:5 - Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. (NIV)

Isaiah 59:17. He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak (ESV).

Deuteronomy 33:29. He is the shield that protects you, the sword that you boast in. Your enemies will cringe before you and you will tread on their backs.

Deuteronomy 6:7-9 - Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol[b] on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (HCSB)

 

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You have the option to go beyond listening to this series, and to participate actively. It is completely free, a resource by Gospel Spice Ministries. Go to gospelspice.com/identity to register for a self-paced Bible study. You will receive a downloadable, printable workbook containing listening guide for each of the 6 episodes in this series, space for note taking, and discussion questions if you want to do this study with a friend! What better way to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend this season, than to discuss your identity in the battle together? So, grab a friend or family member, or someone to mentor or be mentored by, and register together. 

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Every week, Stephanie shares truth from Scripture and invites you to dig deeper in your faith to delight in the glory of God.

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