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  KEEP THE ARMOR ON!
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: To live a victorious Christian life, we must put on the armor
of God, which is an attitude of faith in Jesus Christ, and leave it on
by studying the Word of God and obeying its teachings.

Topics: "Faith in Christ", "Spiritual Warfare"
Scripture References: John 17:17, Romans 13:14, Galatians 4:19, Ephesians 4:24, Ephesians 6:10-18

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes the necessity of keeping the armor of God on at
all times, as it represents an attitude of faith that must be actively
chosen and maintained. He explains that as believers grow, they may
identify weaknesses in their faith, which can be strengthened through
the study of God's Word. Epp draws parallels between putting on the
armor of God and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, highlighting that
true victory comes from Christ and His teachings. He encourages
believers to engage with the Scriptures to embody the new man created in
righteousness and holiness. Ultimately, the armor is not just protective
gear but the very essence of Jesus Christ in the believer's life.

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CONTENT
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Ephesians 6:10-18

The armor is not to be put on and taken off periodically but to be put
on and left on. The armor is actually an attitude of faith; therefore,
it is something that is put on by an act of the will and left on. As we
mature in the Christian life, we will discover areas in our lives where
our faith is not as strong as it should be; that is, the armor is weak
in a certain place. At such a time, our responsibility is to go to the
Word of God to study His promises concerning our area of weakness so
that our faith will be strengthened.

Notice the parallel between Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the whole armour of
God," and Romans 13:14, "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ." God's
provision for victory is in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ and
through the Word of God.

In putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to remember that the living
Word (Jesus Christ) is revealed through the written Word (the Bible). In
His prayer for His own, Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them through thy truth:
thy word is truth" (John 17:17). We put on the Lord Jesus Christ as we
study the Word of God and obey what it says.

The believer's armor, then, is not physical protective equipment but is
Jesus Christ Himself. Putting on Christ is similar to what we are told
in Ephesians 4:24: "Put on the new man." This new man is Christ formed
in the believer. Paul was greatly concerned that this be true of every
believer, and he told the Galatians: "I travail in birth again until
Christ be formed in you" (4:19).

"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. 4:24).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/keep-the-armor-on/
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