Military boot camp is a basic training time for new recruits to the military. It is a time of strenuous exercise, discipline, and training in the ways of war. Such training is essential for those in the military.

Every Christian needs to go through spiritual boot camp to get in shape and to learn how to fight spiritual enemies. Many Christians never submit themselves to spiritual boot camp and the enemy constantly defeats them. Other Christians have learned the basics but need a refresher course.

Transition

Whether you are a new recruit or one that needs to review the basics and get back in shame, Ephesians 6:10-18 is for you. To defeat the enemy you must master three basic duties.

Be Strengthened by God’s Person, v.10

1. Be StrongEphesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
   1. The root of the word “strength” is dunamis from which we get the word dynamite. A little stick of dynamite is very powerful. Because this is a passive command, we must allow God to strengthen us.
   2. God can only strengthen you if you are close to Him. This is the most important lesson in boot camp.
      1. You must walk in the light with God (1John 1:6-7).
      2. Walk in the Spirit by yielding to Him (Gal 5:16).
      3. Follow the Victory Steps in James 4:7-10.
2. In (by) the Lord
   1. We must get our strength from Person of the Lord.
   2. Only the Lord can protect us. Self-strength will fail for we are no match for Satan.Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

      1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

   3. It is the Lord and His Word that can give you strength in the time of temptation.Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

      Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Be Strengthened by God’s Power, v.10

1. God’s power is supernatural
   1. The word translated “power” refers to a superior force. It is a force with great energy. It is a power that has dominion or rules all other power. It is a mighty power.
   2. We must allow God to strengthen us with His power.
2. By the power of His might
   1. Combined, these words describe the superior power of God’s might that is limitless and greater than all other.Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

      Matthew 19:26 … with God all things are possible.

      1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

   2. God is greater than every lust, every habit, and every temptation you will ever face.
      1. While Satan is much stronger us, compared with the power of God, Satan’s power is less than that of a little child against a giant.A little girl listened attentively as her father read the family devotions. She seemed awed by her parents’ talk of God’s limitless power and mercy. “Daddy,” she asked, placing her little hands on his knees, “how big is God.” Her father thought for a moment and answered, “Honey, he is always bigger than you need.”
      2. Like the Psalmist, we must rely on God’s superior power for victory.“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” (Ps 20:7)

         “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Ps 46:1)

         “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” (Ps 56:3)

         “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” (Ps 73:26)

Be Strengthened by God’s Panoply, v.11

When I was a teenager, I trimmed Christmas trees one summer. My equipment included a razor-sharp arm-length knife, leather boots, and a hard plastic leg guard. Even trying to be careful, a couple of times the knife hit the leg guard. That piece of armour saved me from a cut leg. Protective armour is important!

1. A full suit of armour is called a panoply
   1. The English word “panoply” comes from the Greek word found in our text panoplia. It speaks of a full suit of armour.
   2. God’s armour is not physical equipment but spiritual resources.
      1. In the first century, a soldier’s armour included a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword.
      2. Using this picture, God tells us that a Christian’s armour includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer.
2. Put on the whole armour of God
   1. God’s armour provides perfect protection
      1. God designed it perfect in every way for the battles we face. It provides a defence that the greatest demonic power cannot penetrate. It equips the believer with offensive weapons so powerful that the devil himself must turn and flee.
      2. God’s armour is available for every Christian. Since it belongs to God, you can only get it through a close walk with Him.
   2. God commands each believer to put on His armour.
      1. The middle voice of the verb “put on” indicates that you must do this command to yourself. I cannot do it for you, and God does not do it for us. Each Christian must put it on himself.
      2. If we do not put on God’s armour, we are disobeying Him.
      3. Putting on God’s armour is a daily necessity. You cannot keep from sin without it.
3. Stand against the wiles of the devil
   1. The wiles or tricks of the devil are too powerful for us.2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

      1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

   2. We must wear God’s armour to stand against the devil.
      1. By wearing God’s armour, you will be able to stand against the devil’s tricks and resist temptation.
      2. Wearing God’s armour will assure you victory over sin. We will learn more of this in the weeks to come.

Conclusion

I have never met a soldier who said that boot camp was fun or easy. It takes exercise and hard work. The same is true of spiritual boot camp. Spending time in the Bible, in prayer, and in close fellowship with God takes work.

Has Satan tripped you up a lot lately? Have you yielded to temptation? Have you caved in to lust or anger? If so, it is because you got lazy in your walk with God and you were not letting God strengthen you. You were not wearing God’s armour. You were trying to resist temptation in your own strength. You are no match for Satan. God is the only one who can defeat our foe. You need God’s strength and His armour.

If the enemy has defeated you this week, humble yourself, confess your sin, draw near to God, allow Him to strengthen you, and put on His armour.

Song: Trust and Obey 261
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Spiritual Boot Camp
22 June 2014 PM – Ephesians 6:10-11 – Eph 14 – Scott Childs