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The Spiritual Armor of God: Equipping Believers to Overcome Temptation and Stand Firm Against Masturbation.

A comprehensive Bible study exploring the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6, applying its principles to resist temptation, specifically the sin of masturbation, and to live a life of purity and victory through the power of God.

1. Understanding the Spiritual Battle

1.1 The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

Verses: Ephesians 6:10-12; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
  • Believers are engaged in a spiritual conflict, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness.
  • Our thoughts and actions are battlegrounds where spiritual strongholds can be formed or broken.
  • Victory is found in the Lord's strength, not our own.

1.2 The Nature of Temptation

Verses: James 1:13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • Temptation originates from our own desires, not from God.
  • God always provides a way of escape from temptation.
  • Yielding to temptation leads to sin and spiritual death.

1.3 The Call to Holiness and Purity

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14
  • God calls us to be holy in all our conduct, just as He is holy.
  • Purity of heart and body is essential for seeing the Lord.
  • Masturbation is a sin that defiles the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Components of God's Armor

2.1 The Belt of Truth

Verses: Ephesians 6:14a; John 14:6; John 17:17
  • Truth is foundational; it holds everything together.
  • Jesus is the embodiment of truth, and His Word is truth.
  • Knowing and living by God's truth protects us from deception and lies of the enemy.

2.2 The Breastplate of Righteousness

Verses: Ephesians 6:14b; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:13
  • Righteousness protects our heart and vital organs from spiritual attacks.
  • Our righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who became sin for us.
  • We are called to live righteously, presenting our bodies as instruments of righteousness to God.

2.3 The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Verses: Ephesians 6:15; Romans 10:15
  • Having our feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel provides stability and firm footing.
  • The peace of God guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to stand firm.
  • Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ strengthens our own walk and brings peace.

2.4 The Shield of Faith

Verses: Ephesians 6:16; Hebrews 11:1; 1 John 5:4
  • Faith extinguishes the fiery darts of the enemy, including lustful thoughts and temptations.
  • Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
  • Our faith in God's power and promises is our ultimate defense.

2.5 The Helmet of Salvation

Verses: Ephesians 6:17a; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Acts 2:38
  • Salvation protects our mind, the primary battleground for temptation.
  • The hope of salvation keeps our minds focused on eternal things.
  • True salvation involves repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

2.6 The Sword of the Spirit, Which is the Word of God

Verses: Ephesians 6:17b; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:4, 7, 10
  • The Word of God is our offensive weapon against the enemy.
  • It is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.
  • Jesus Himself used the written Word to defeat temptation in the wilderness.

3. Wielding the Armor Against Temptation

3.1 Identifying the Enemy's Tactics

Verses: 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8
  • The enemy seeks to isolate, deceive, and condemn.
  • He targets our minds with lustful images and thoughts.
  • Recognizing these tactics is the first step to resisting them.

3.2 Renewing the Mind with Truth

Verses: Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8
  • Actively replace lustful thoughts with God's Word and pure thoughts.
  • Meditate on scripture and things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.
  • The Belt of Truth helps us discern and reject lies about self-gratification.

3.3 Living in Righteousness and Purity

Verses: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Colossians 3:5
  • Flee sexual immorality; our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
  • Put to death what is earthly in us: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires.
  • The Breastplate of Righteousness empowers us to make choices that honor God with our bodies.

3.4 Standing Firm in Faith

Verses: James 4:7; Ephesians 6:16
  • Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
  • Use the Shield of Faith to quench every fiery dart of lust and temptation.
  • Believe God's promise that He will provide a way of escape.

4. The Power of Prayer and the Spirit

4.1 Constant Prayer and Supplication

Verses: Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 26:41
  • Pray without ceasing, especially when temptation arises.
  • Prayer is a vital part of putting on the whole armor of God.
  • Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.

4.2 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:13
  • Walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
  • The fruit of the Spirit empowers us to overcome fleshly desires.
  • Through the Spirit, we put to death the misdeeds of the body.

4.3 The Indwelling Holy Spirit as Our Helper

Verses: John 14:26; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:19
  • The Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us of God's Word.
  • He intercedes for us and empowers us to live victoriously.
  • Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased by Christ.

5. Living a Victorious and Pure Life

5.1 Accountability and Fellowship

Verses: Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:16
  • Do not forsake assembling together; encourage one another.
  • Confess your faults to one another and pray for one another.
  • Accountability provides strength and support in overcoming sin.

5.2 Continual Repentance and Forgiveness

Verses: 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13
  • If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us.
  • He cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
  • Hiding sin leads to no prosperity, but confessing and forsaking it brings mercy.

5.3 Focusing on Jesus Christ

Verses: Hebrews 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2
  • Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
  • Lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us.
  • Seek things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

5.4 The Hope of His Coming

Verses: 1 John 3:2-3; Titus 2:11-13
  • When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
  • Everyone who has this hope purifies himself, just as He is pure.
  • The grace of God teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness and worldly passions.