In this sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki explores the significance of the shield of faith as part of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6. He emphasizes the importance of faith not as an abstract concept, but as a powerful defense and offense in spiritual battles against evil. Strelecki explains that the shield of faith protects believers from the fiery darts of the wicked, representing the confidence and trust placed in God. Drawing parallels between the Roman shield and the spiritual shield, he illustrates how faith in God acts as a comprehensive protection, guarding not just the believer but also other pieces of spiritual armor like truth, righteousness, and peace.

Pastor Strelecki further expounds on the nature of faith, asserting that it is critical because it appropriates and exacts God's provisions against spiritual attacks. He highlights the dependency of faith's strength on the substance in which it is placed—faith in Jesus Christ empowers believers to overcome challenges. He encourages the congregation to immerse themselves in God's Word, understanding the countless thoughts and promises God has for them, which arms their faith to quench all adversarial fiery darts effectively. Concluding with a call to action, Strelecki urges believers to engage actively in their spiritual battles, using their faith to defend against and subdue any thoughts or challenges that contradict the knowledge of God.

The sermon focuses on Ephesians 6, highlighting the necessity of having one's feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, as part of the whole armor of God. This imagery is likened to the Roman soldier's essential footwear, which provided stability and protection on the battlefield, enabling effective combat through challenging terrains. The gospel of peace serves as more than a defensive measure; it also empowers believers with inner strength, transforming fear into courage and reinforcing confidence. This peace ensures believers are anchored in their faith, understanding their secure relationship with God through justification by faith.

In addition to providing inner tranquility, the gospel of peace equips believers to confront spiritual adversities actively and maintains unity within the body of Christ. By embracing this peace, believers are ready and zealous for good works, similar to David's readiness to face Goliath. The message urges believers to remain steadfast, avoiding entanglement with worldly affairs, and to let the peace of God govern their hearts, enabling them to confront life's trials with courage and reflect Christ's love and unity. This preparation encourages believers to meditate on these truths, allowing them to be the cornerstone of their spiritual resilience in the Lord.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, guides listeners through an exploration of Ephesians chapter 6, focusing on the breastplate of righteousness as part of the whole armor of God. He explains the spiritual battle Christians face, emphasizing the necessity of equipping ourselves with God's armor to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Strelecki underscores that believers are already endowed with the armor upon conversion—the righteousness imputed through faith in Jesus Christ—yet practical application requires consciously putting it on in daily life. This involves seeing righteousness as both a gift and a fruit that should manifest in good works, propelled by the truth and love embodied in Jesus Christ. He challenges believers to align their lives with God's teachings, warning against the dangers of disconnecting intellectual knowledge from heartfelt belief and action.

The sermon further explores the dual purpose of righteousness: securing eternal justification and promoting a righteous walk as a defense against spiritual attacks. Strelecki highlights that protecting the heart is crucial since it is the source of life’s issues. He admonishes believers to delve into God's Word for truth and allow it to penetrate their hearts, producing righteousness that counters sin and guards against fear and guilt. Emphasizing the blessings of living righteously, Strelecki cautions against relying on secular solutions and encourages trust in God's provisions for the soul, fostering a life that is not only shielded by righteousness but is proactive in love and faith towards others.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians chapter 6 to emphasize the importance of having one's loins girt about with truth as part of the whole armor of God. He discusses the spiritual battle believers face, not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness. Strelecki draws parallels between the discipline and training of Roman soldiers and the commitment and devotion required of Christians in their spiritual walk. He stresses that truth, as defined and communicated by God, is foundational for understanding and combating the false ideologies and philosophies prevalent in the world. By grounding themselves in the truth of God's Word and the knowledge of Jesus Christ, believers can effectively resist the wiles of the devil and stand firm in their faith.

Strelecki also reflects on the eternal purpose and destiny God has set forth for believers, emphasizing the importance of understanding this transcendent truth over the fleeting concerns of the present life. He encourages believers to focus on the spiritual blessings found in Christ and to live by these principles, urging them to prioritize spiritual truths over worldly desires. By understanding and valuing the truth in Jesus, believers can navigate life's challenges with a perspective rooted in God's eternal plan, leading to a life characterized by godly fruit and spiritual victory.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians 6:10-20, focusing particularly on the spiritual armor that believers are called to put on to stand firm against spiritual battles. He emphasizes the importance of being "girt about with truth," asserting that truth is foundational for all other aspects of spiritual armor. Strelecki underscores that the strength believers have is not from themselves but from God, who has equipped them with His whole armor to withstand evil and deception. Using historical biblical accounts of God's victories as examples, he illustrates how God's truth and power have always been pivotal in overcoming adversaries.

Strelecki contrasts the nature of worldly error and deception with the enduring nature of God's truth, which begins with God Himself and is revealed through creation, the Scriptures, and ultimately the person of Jesus Christ. He explains that spiritual warfare involves bringing every thought into captivity to Christ, highlighting that understanding and living in God's truth are essential for overcoming the lies and error propagated by the devil and worldly influences. The sermon calls believers to embrace the truth of the gospel as central to their lives, living out this truth in a world engulfed in spiritual darkness and standing boldly in the victory of Christ.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, focuses on Ephesians chapter 6, specifically verses 10 through 11, to emphasize the spiritual warfare faced by believers. He explains that the Apostle Paul frames the struggle in terms of a fight, advocating that Christians must equip themselves with the whole armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil. Strelecki illuminates the nature and origin of this spiritual battle, revealing that it began with Lucifer and extends through history over the nations under a veil of darkness. He underscores the importance of being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, which is characterized by the resurrection power exerted by God in raising Christ and seating Him at His right hand, far above all principalities and powers. Strelecki encourages believers to have confidence in God’s authority and strength, which enables them to confront and overcome the darkness prevalent in the world.

Strelecki also draws parallels from the Old Testament, citing figures like Joshua and David as examples of those who were strong in the Lord against formidable enemies. He asserts that the spiritual strength believers need today is akin to that confidence and lack of fear modeled by biblical figures. This strength involves a deep understanding and belief in the transformative power of the Gospel, the promises of eternal life, and the inheritance in Jesus Christ. Additionally, Strelecki calls believers to confront worldly ideologies rooted in darkness with the wisdom and light of Christ, reminding them that their true battle is spiritual. With references to historical figures like Richard Wurmbrand, who demonstrated unwavering faith amidst persecution, he inspires Christians to echo heaven in their lives, consistently drawing strength from their assured future and the hope of glory in Christ.