Putting on the Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-20 Be strong in the Lord, relying on His mighty strength. Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the devil's strategies. For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand whenever evil comes. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm

Stand firm, therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and being firm-footed in the gospel of peace. In addition to having clothed yourselves with these things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one, also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit with every kind of prayer and request. Likewise, be alert with your most diligent efforts and pray for all the saints. Pray also for me so that when I begin to speak, the right words will come to me. Then I will boldly make known the gospel's secret, for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare the gospel as boldly as I should.

Spiritual warfare in our day and time is very real. Spiritual strength and courage are needed for our daily trials and tribulations.
Conflict with the flesh is a fact of life - a daily reality, no matter how dedicated and sincere we are.
Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the armor! All of it! Eph 6:10-18
Spiritual warfare is not a game or curiosity - it is a life-threatening conspiracy from the pit of hell.
Stop apathetically lamenting what you think are your failures and learn to fight, Biblically, the destroyer.
Don't allow yourself to be double-minded or weak-willed. Fight like a victorious soldier for Christ.
Clean hands, pure heart - Submit every area of your life to God

James 4:7-10 Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw night to God and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.

I Peter 5:6-9 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.

My battle is not against flesh and blood, but against Satan and his demonic forces that use flesh and blood to oppose the Lord's work. If I hope to win the war and finish the work, I must use the spiritual equipment God has provided

Reality: No one is perfect on this earth - only Jesus Christ - and we will all make mistakes. If we have dedicated our lives to Christ, He has set us on a path to build our character and make us vessels that will carry His living water to others. If we are not producing fruit, we are useless to Him and will be cut off. We will walk through the fire. We will be tested. Do not deny God or ask why; seek His face at all times and know His grace is sufficient in every situation.

Ephesians 6:10: Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Putting on the whole armor of God (emphasis WHOLE) is our strategy for war; it *is* war as we stand against the devil's wiles.

I will no longer be a coward. I will fear no more. I will stand up to the enemy, only equipped with the full armor of God. I will stand for the One who truly loves me and even gave His life so that I could live. He is the good Shepard - He knows me and I know Him (John 10:14)