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Hypocrites and Backsliders Lesson–059

Hypocrites and Backsliders Lesson–059. The Armor of God and the doctrine of Super-Grace. The Armor of God.

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Hypocrites and Backsliders Lesson–059

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  1. Hypocrites and Backsliders Lesson–059 The Armor of God and the doctrine of Super-Grace

  2. The Armor of God • Eph. 6.10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. LWBC 8-17-08

  3. The Armor of God • 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE LWBC 8-17-08

  4. The Armor of God • 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God…  LWBC 8-17-08

  5. The Armor of God • Ephesians 6:12 clearly indicates that the conflict with Satan is spiritual, and therefore no tangible weapons can be effectively employed against him and his minions. • There is no listing here of specific tactics he will use. • However, the passage is quite clear that when we follow all the instructions faithfully, we will be able to stand, and we will have victory regardless of his offense. LWBC 8-17-08

  6. The Armor of God • “Christians in the first century were confronted with the Roman occupation forces and were only too familiar with the uniformed might of the Empire. • Now the apostle was urging them to model their spiritual life after the military pattern of Rome.(Thieme) LWBC 8-17-08

  7. The Armor of God • “What it really comes down to is that the"full armor of God" is simply this: • Truth – What holds everything in place. • Righteousness – Imputed and Imparted. • The Gospel of Peace - Reconciliation. • Faith – Trusting in God and His Doctrine. • Salvation – Deliverance from Human Thinking. • The Word of God – The offensive weapon to defeat temptation. LWBC 8-17-08

  8. The Armor of God • "Each one of these [6] things is God's gift to us! • This is all stuff that He gives us freely and that He Himself works in and through us! • This is all stuff that we can't conjure up on our own! It's all HIM!” – (GraceRoots.com) LWBC 8-17-08

  9. The Belt (Baldric) • The Roman soldier put around his waist a very wide belt which held a variety of equipment. • Though not mentioned by name, this refers to the basic and most essential item of Roman military dress - the BALDRIC, a broad leather"girdle" (Latin: BALTEUS), which was worn around the waist, and a leather strap, which was slung across the chest and over the shoulder.. LWBC 8-17-08

  10. The Belt (Baldric) There were loops, for example, for the different swords. Other loops held ropes and a rations sack. When the legions conquered a city, the soldiers would empty out the ration sack to make room for gold, jewelry, and other loot they picked up. (Note that the place of provision was also the place of reward.) H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 10

  11. The Belt (Baldric) • The belt was tied to the Breastplate several places to stay in place, so that no matter how the soldier moved about, fell down, climbed hills, etc., the belt was always in place with weapons at the ready.  • The Baldric strapped on by means of the Truth is the same for the Believer - a stabilizing attachment for all the weapons, keeping everything in place for use. LWBC 8-17-08

  12. The Belt (Baldric) • The Belt of Truth is analogous to Doctrinal Orientation and the Breastplate is analogous to Orientation to the Adjustment to the Justice of God • Paul mentions the belt first and foremost because he understood its importance: the belt was the key to the rest of the PANOPLIA.; therefore, it paralleled Bible doctrine resident in the soul - the basic requirement for the full armor from God! LWBC 8-17-08

  13. The Belt (Baldric) • Just as the soldier had his loin belt to put on every day to keep his armor together,  we must apply the Word of God to our lives on a daily basis or we will not be able to maintain our defenses.  • The belt was the first thing that the soldier put on, just as Doctrinal Truth is the first thing a Christian must put on. LWBC 8-17-08

  14. The Belt (Baldric) • Much of the weaponry and protection depended on the belt being in place properly. • If we do not use the word of God as our belt of truth, we have no foundation on which to base our warfare with the enemy. • The belt held things in place where they needed to be. • The truth of God's word does the same for us. – (Christian Arsenal) LWBC 8-17-08

  15. The Belt (Baldric) • Once the Christian Warrior has buckled on his waist the baldric God intended for him to wear, he is fully prepared for the charge of the unseen foe. • And how does he get ready to stand?"By means of doctrine!" • The preposition EN plus the singular from ALETHEIA does not mean "with truth" but signifies the means by which we reach our spiritual objective in life - doctrine, or that which is believed = BY Truth. LWBC 8-17-08

  16. The Breastplate • The Breastplate of Righteousness • Also in vs. 14 we are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness. • A breastplate would shield a warrior from a fatal blow to the heart and other critical organs. • This righteousness is not works of righteousness done by men—rather, this is the righteousness of Christ, imputed and imparted by God and received by faith, which guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan, and secures our innermost being from his attacks. LWBC 8-17-08

  17. The Breastplate • Neither Rome nor its army was built in a day! • So it is with the Christian Warrior. • We do not become mature believers overnight! • It takes time and persistence to "GAP it" to Super-Grace, to properly buckle on the belt of truth with all of its attached implements. LWBC 8-17-08

  18. The Breastplate • Ephesians 6: 14 takes this into consideration and states that "after having buckled on ... the baldric by means of doctrine," we must put on the piece of equipment which is an integral part of the body armor - the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. • It is only through Doctrinal Orientation – increasing in the knowledge of God’s Will and in the Knowledge of God, that we can fully comprehend the Breastplate of Righteousness and all that it means to us in Spiritual Warfare. LWBC 8-17-08

  19. The Breastplate • The Romans had the ideas for armor design which provided light weight combined with ease of movement and protection from blows. • This breastplate was attached to the belt by leather thongs passed through rings on the bottom to keep it solidly attached. • It was anchored to the belt, and it was above the belt. • Note: the belt had to be put on first, then the breastplate. LWBC 8-17-08

  20. The Breastplate • One key area the Soldier's breastplate protected was the heart. • While the heart is the one key organ responsible for sending blood through our circulatory system to keep us alive, in our spiritual lives the heart is the source for living out righteousness or evil. • When we walk in the Reservoir of Righteousness of God, it is a weapon of defense against all slanderous accusations, and outrageous strategies of the devil. LWBC 8-17-08

  21. The Breastplate • The Bible declares that the heart of man is prone to be tempted according to Matthew 26:41. • Right thinking and doing from Imputed Righteousness (our authority) and the Right Thinking and Doing from the Imparted Righteousness in the R of R is that which we are to protect ourselves with. • (And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and abstains from and shuns all evil? LWBC 8-17-08

  22. The Breastplate • Ancient Rome provided both the armor and the training for its fighting men. • The basic body armor consisted of the belt and the breastplate. • The term"breastplate" is somewhat of a misnomer. LWBC 8-17-08

  23. The Breastplate • In the first century, Latin and Greek were equivalent languages. The Latin word for breastplate is LORICA; the Greek word, THORAX (literally,"door"). • This LORICA was usually constructed of leather and was often overlaid with metal strips or mail. • Shaped like a sleeveless coat, it covered both chest and back; it fitted the shoulders and was fastened down the front by means of a series of studs and slots. LWBC 8-17-08

  24. The Breastplate • Back hinges gave the body armor a degree of flexibility, and the metal offered added protection for the vital organs. • The enlisted man's was sometimes reinforced with iron or bronze and had metal fringes over the shoulders. • Often the basic metal on the officer's breastplate was plated with silver and gold. LWBC 8-17-08

  25. The Breastplate • It was the belt which held the breastplate securely in place, even as it supported the heavy leather and metal kilt. • In his epic, AENEID, Virgil calls the breastplate STADIOS (standing upright). • So solid and sturdy was this ancient coat of mail, that it stood upright by itself ( as does the Righteousness of God) and was frequently used as a campstool (analogous to our means of Rest in his righteousness). LWBC 8-17-08

  26. The Breastplate • Its primary purpose, however, was the protection of every part of the soldier's body, from his neck down to his knees. • Certainly, it took constant practice to put on the breastplate and to become accustomed to the weight of the ancient armor. • Just as the breast plate armor protected Roman soldier’s vital organs, the imputed and imparted righteousness is our primary and most valuable protection. LWBC 8-17-08

  27. The Breastplate • The adjunctive use of the conjunction KAI connects the belt and the breastplate by the word"also." • "Also, after having put on (aorist middle participle _ 'to put on') the breastplate (accusative singular direct object from THORAX) of righteousness (descriptive genitive singular from DIKAIOSUNE)." LWBC 8-17-08

  28. The Breastplate • The spiritual counterpart of the ancient LORICA, symbolizes the Christian's body armor and represents the righteousness of the believer. • It is both our Imputed Righteousness – our Standing with God, and God’s Imparted Righteousness – our Divine Reservoir for our way of life in the soul - which characterizes the mature Christian Warrior – The Super-Grace Believer. LWBC 8-17-08

  29. The Breastplate • Thus, the breastplate is synonymous living in the Reservoir of Righteousness. • The Imparted R of R is God’s provision for the Righteousness described earlier in Job. • It is the R of R plus Volition – “Put on”. • Such righteousness is totally divorced from self-righteousness; rather, it is the product of Doctrinal, Spiritual and Volitional Orientation and results in the surpassing-grace reward of the crown, or Wreath of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:7-8). LWBC 8-17-08

  30. The Breastplate • Like the Roman breastplate, the imparted righteousness of God stands anywhere on its own! • It needs no props but represents the inner virtue, the integrity of the superlative royal soldier. • Since the belt and the breastplate go together, it becomes obvious that DIKAIOSUNE righteousness is entirely dependent upon the accumulation of resident Bible doctrine. • It is our Reservoir of Righteousness – fully supplied by the Emperor – The Father. LWBC 8-17-08

  31. The Breastplate • Overtly, it is manifest in thoughtfulness of others, in a relaxed mental attitude of live and let live, in recognition and respect of the freedom and privacy of other members of the royal combat team; in short, it is a nobility of soul that matches our noble station. • In reality, it is our Reservoir of Righteousness consisting of the fruit of the Spirit, the living out of the essence of God. • If you desire these things, obey the inspired charge of Scripture: LWBC 8-17-08

  32. Corrected Translation • Stand fast, therefore, after having buckled (your baldric belt) around your waist by means of doctrine (resident in the soul), also after having put on the body armor of righteousness (expanded trans., Eph. 6:14). • Next: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15) LWBC 8-17-08

  33. The Boots • And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15). • Because the foot soldier depends upon good footwear to take him where the action is, combat boots play an important role in his career. • The Romans were no different; they designated their infantry by the word CALIGATI after the heavy footgear they wore - the CALIGAE. • So, if we too are to be known by our footwear, it is important to learn our"Identity”! LWBC 8-17-08

  34. The Boots • Obviously, the Romans had one of the finest types of footwear ever invented for the infantry. • Actually, the heavy combat boots resembled those of the ancient Greeks. • Similar to sandals, the CALIGAE were made of hobnail-studded leather soles, half an inch thick. • These were bound securely to the foot over the instep and around the ankles with thick leather thongs. • Strips of cloth or fur were placed inside the sandals and served as a lining. LWBC 8-17-08

  35. The Boots • These famed CALIGAE were a crucial part of the Roman soldier's equipment for combat. • It was inevitable, therefore, that the Apostle Paul should mention the necessity of adequate footwear in the great spiritual warfare. • Again, let me remind you that the infantry of the ancient world depended on well-shod feet for transportation. LWBC 8-17-08

  36. The Boots • It was the seasoned combat veteran of the Roman army who served his country best; and it is the spiritually mature Christian Warrior – The Super-Grace Believer, who can serve the Lord to the maximum of his capability and capacity! • In Scripture, feet become synonymous with service; but there can be no effective service apart from constant training and preparation along the road to “Super-Grace". LWBC 8-17-08

  37. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • PHI 4:9-13 “These things [doctrinal principles] also you have learned [manthano - learned from a teacher under strict academic discipline] and received [or accepted through metabolization of doctrine] and having heard [under discipline] and have understood by means of me [Paul's teaching ministry]. Be putting these into action and the God of prosperity shall be with you, all of you [Supergrace believers]. H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 37

  38. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • Not because I am speaking with reference to poverty or lack; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I have come to know how to be humbled and I have come to know how to live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of the mystery H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 38

  39. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • of how to be filled, how to be hungry, how to be prosperous, and how to suffer need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." • The last statement in verse 13 is only true for a special kind of believer called the Supergrace believer. H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 39

  40. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • The level of contentment that Paul is describing in this chapter is the exclusive province of believers who have reached the stage of Supergrace.  • Paul identifies that fact in verse 5 when he instructs the believers in Philippi to let their Supergrace mental attitude be known to all men.   • These are the type of believers who can do all things through Him who strengthens them. H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 40

  41. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • Believers who have reached Supergrace have a phenomenal mental attitude, they know the secret of remaining content in all circumstances, they burst with confidence that He will provide that which is needed to be victorious in all situations.   • They can take their minds off their own problems, and focus on the needs of others, and they give graciously and sacrificially. H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 41

  42. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • PHI 4:14-15, "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone." H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 42

  43. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • There is fruit in the life of  Supergrace believers, because they rely on the source of all blessing, and get out of the way and let God work all things together for good.   • Remember, the Supergrace believer is instructed this fantastic mental attitude be known. • This is NOT done by bragging about how advanced you are in the Christian way of life, nor lecturing others about where they fall short, or flaunting your blessings. H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 43

  44. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • But, one of the things it DOES mean is that you are a gracious giver. • Let us not love in word or with tongue but in deed and truth! • This is the life of the Supergrace believer. • Grace pours into their laps, and flows out to others. • The branch receives all it can hold, and turns around and sends it on its way to bear fruit for others.  H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 44

  45. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • This Supergrace status is the underpinning of chapter 4, and indeed of the entire book of Philippians. • Chapter 4 of the book of Philippians is divided into four paragraphs. • 1) The perspective of the Supergrace life, verses 1-7. • 2) The parenthesis on the subject of grace orientation, verses 8-11. • 3) A dissertation on the next objective after Supergrace, ultra-Supergrace, verses 12-19. H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 45

  46. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • 4) The final objective of the spiritual life on earth, surpassing grace, verses 20-21. • This is the stage of the greatest tests and pressures for the individual believer, because this is the ultimate goal that can be attained by the intake of doctrine. • Dying grace is actually the reward for advancing through all the other stages. H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 46

  47. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • Remember our corrected translation of PHI 1:29 "Because to you it has been graciously given with reference concerning Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him." H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 47

  48. LWBC 8-17-08

  49. Ultra- Supergrace Supergrace LWBC 8-17-08

  50. The Doctrine of Super-Grace • PHI 4:1-7 reveals the beginning of no man's land, between Supergrace and ultra-Supergrace, where we finally experience what living in the minority is all about. Chapter 4 starts out with a command to advance to this ultra-Supergrace and not retreat.   • PHI 4:1"Therefore, my beloved brethren [members of the Royal family of God] whom I desire to see [or be with], my source of happiness and wreath of glory, so stand firm [be advancing not retreating] in the Lord, my beloved." H and B-047 and 048 LWBC 6-22-08 LWBC 8-17-08 50

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