The Invisible War - Session 4

On June 15th, our bible study listened to Chip Ingram again on the subject of "How to Prepare Yourself for Spiritual Battle."  During this session Chip discusses the "breastplate of righteousness" and shoding your feet with the "gospel of peace."

"Satan's attacks are not merely deception, but accusation of the believer." - Chip Ingram.  Keeping in mind that we have girded our loins with truth,  the breastplate of righteousness is key to guarding our heart.  That is the main purpose of a breastplate to protect the heart from the enemy.  If Satan can convince you that you are a bad person - that at the core "your heart" you don't matter because you are sinful and unworthy.  At that point he is winning the battle. 

This is where I struggle the most.  I do know that God's love does flow through me by the power of the Holy Spirit, but it sometimes stops short or never gets communicated at all.  Because I allow myself at times to believe the lie that I am not worthy.  The little bit of truth is we are not by ourselves, but the better truth is that we are worthy because of Jesus Christ and the cross.  We can't forget that, I can't forget that.  I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteosness. (NIV)

Staying in the Word daily helps me to confess everyday and to guard my heart, so that I can share the gospel of peace with others. 

Four Applications for being prepared to share the "gospel of peace":

1. Know and understand the content of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, Ephesians 2:1-9
2. Know the basis for your eternal security and the assurance of your salvation. Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 1:13-14
3. Faith is based on facts not feelings.
4. Sharing your faith is one of the most powerful faith-builders available. Often "the best defense is a good offense."

Here is the great news, God has given us protection from Satan and the power through the Holy Spirit to defend ourselves and start fighting.  Your struggles may be vastly different from mine, but hopefully by sharing mine we can all be encouraged that "God is good all the time" and "He is with us always".