The Armor You Never Remove

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Ephesians 6:14-15.

With every lie that permeates society, Satan convinces people that God’s ways are not good nor loving so that they push Him farther and farther away, until He is no longer welcome. Over the past several years, we have seen this happening in our nation more and more.

Satan is thoroughly dedicated to impugning the Truth. Think about it this way: If man’s greatest strength is to trust God, then Satan’s mission is to make him distrust God. That’s why knowing and walking in the Truth is absolutely essential for the Christian life. So, Paul likens the Truth of God with the belt of a Roman soldier, who would wrap a belt around his waist to keep his tunic in place and make sure nothing would entangle him. For those of us who love the Lord Jesus, our readiness for the spiritual battle always starts with the Truth. And that is why the belt of Truth is a permanent fixture. It’s needed every day, even moment by moment.

Next, Paul called God’s people to put on the breastplate of righteousness. In ancient Rome, a soldier’s breastplate was made of hardened leather and fitted with metal to protect several vital organs. The Old Testament considered the heart the seat of a person’s mind and will, and the bowels as the source of deep emotions. Satan levels his greatest attacks against these. He wants our thoughts to lead us to sin; he wants our emotions to draw us away from the Lord. And so, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness we lean on the strength of Jesus for our obedience. We cover ourselves with His righteousness, surrendering to His will.  

Then Paul turns his attention to footwear. A good pair of fitted sandals were crucial to a Roman soldier. Once Christ saves us eternally, we are reconciled to God so that we not only have peace with God but also the peace of God—the Gospel of peace. So the believer’s feet are fitted with readiness because of the Truth that they have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ—no one can separate us from His love, no one can snatch us from His hand (see Romans 8:38-39; John 10:28-29). Our feet are protected from the very fires of hell. Whenever Satan attacks us, as long as we are standing solid in our spiritual combat boots of the Gospel, the Lord will never fail to fight for us.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and footwear of the readiness given through the Gospel of peace. May I wear these faithfully, trusting in You and depending on Your strength in my struggles with my eyes on Your coming Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:14-15).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series The Full Armor of God: WATCH NOW

 

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

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