Good morning,

The evening of April 1, 2026, is the celebration of Passover. How are Jesus and Passover connected? That will be our study for this week.

What’s Jesus link to Passover?

How are Jesus and the Passover connected?

I. Introduction

Passover, an annual Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt, holds significant meaning within biblical history. The question of how Jesus is connected to the Passover underscores deep theological themes that span from Exodus to the New Testament. By exploring Passover’s Old Testament origins and its culminating aspects in the life and ministry of Jesus, we gain a fuller understanding of how Scripture consistently portrays redemption through the sacrifice of the “Lamb of God.”

III. Foreshadowings of a Greater Deliverance

Throughout the Old Testament, prophetical writings and typologies hinted at a future, greater redemption. The sacrificial system in Leviticus (cf. Leviticus 16) and passages like Isaiah 53 pointed to a suffering servant who would bear sins on behalf of others. The Passover lamb’s blood, which protected Israel from death, was a recurring symbol of a more permanent sacrifice to come.

Further historical and archaeological findings (such as certain passages in the Dead Sea Scrolls that reference Isaiah’s prophecies) corroborate the central role of sacrifice and atonement in the Jewish understanding of redemption. These pre-Christian Jewish documents illuminate how the community at Qumran looked forward to a Messiah figure who would bring ultimate salvation. Passover, therefore, was more than a historical commemoration-it was a signpost directing attention to a future deliverer.

IV. Jesus as the Passover Lamb

When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he declared: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). This label directly connected Jesus to the Passover lamb-offered at the first sign of national deliverance for Israel. The New Testament writers consistently link Jesus’ atoning work with that of the sacrificial lamb demanded by God’s justice.

The Apostle Paul later emphasized this connection: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). By calling Jesus the Passover Lamb, Paul underlined that just as the original Passover lamb delivered Israel from physical bondage, Jesus’ sacrifice frees believers from the spiritual bondage of sin.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The evening of April 1, 2026, is the celebration of Passover. How are Jesus and Passover connected? That will be our study for this week.

What’s Jesus’ link to Passover?

How are Jesus and the Passover connected?

I. Introduction

Passover, an annual Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt, holds significant meaning within biblical history. The question of how Jesus is connected to the Passover underscores deep theological themes that span from Exodus to the New Testament. By exploring Passover’s Old Testament origins and its culminating aspects in the life and ministry of Jesus, we gain a fuller understanding of how Scripture consistently portrays redemption through the sacrifice of the “Lamb of God.”

II. Old Testament Foundations of Passover

Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) was instituted during the Exodus when Yahweh commanded the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb, place its blood on their doorposts, and eat the lamb as part of a special meal (Exodus 12:3-14).

Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: ⁴And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. ⁵Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: ⁶And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. ⁷And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. ⁸And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. ⁹Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. ¹⁰And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. ¹¹And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover. ¹²For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. ¹³And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.¹⁴And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. ”

This act distinguished them from the Egyptians at a time when Yahweh struck all the firstborn of Egypt. According to the text, the blood was a sign of divine protection:

“For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. ¹³And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:12-13)

This event was such a defining moment that the people of Israel were commanded to remember it annually as a perpetual ordinance (Exodus 12:14). The Passover meal included specific elements-unleavened bread (matzo), bitter herbs, and the Passover lamb-underscoring themes of haste, deliverance, and sacrificial atonement.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study the characteristics of faith. 

Each person, lost or saved, lives by faith. Faith in what is the question.

We will look at faith through the lens of the Bible. 

Characteristics of Faith

Hebrews 11

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Definition of FAITH

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

Source document for faith: 

Word of God

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)

 PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAITH:

7) RECEIVED NOT THE PROMISE

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:39-40)

CONCLUSION:

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: For He that cometh to God must believe that He is, And that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.  (Heb 11:6)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study the characteristics of faith. 

Each person, lost or saved, lives by faith. Faith in what is the question.

We will look at faith through the lens of the Bible. 

Characteristics of Faith

Hebrews 11

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Definition of FAITH

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

Source document for faith: 

Word of God

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)

 PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAITH:

5) DESIRED GOD’S COUNTRY V16 

The faithful desire a better country

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)

Heavenly, God prepared for them a city

Pilgrim’s Progress

6) SUFFER FOR GOD 

Moses choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;²⁶ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.²⁸ Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. (Hebrews 11:23-29)

Of whom the world was not worthy 

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy🙂 they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:36-38)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will study the characteristics of faith. 

Each person, lost or saved, lives by faith. Faith in what is the question.

We will look at faith through the lens of the Bible. 

Characteristics of Faith

Hebrews 11

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Definition of FAITH

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

Source document for faith: 

Word of God

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)

 PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAITH:

1) OFFERED TO GOD 

Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4)

Abraham offers tithes to Melchizedek 

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Heb 7:1-3)

2) SEEK GOD 

Enoch pleased God

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5)

God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Get to know God better.  What are some characteristics of God?  

3) FEAR GOD 

Noah moved with fear

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)

Noah’s fear moved him to prepare the ark.  Eight saved/world repopulated

4) OBEY GOD 

Abraham obeyed and went, not knowing where he was going 

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Hebrews 11:8)

Abraham sojourned in strange country 

 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: (Hebrews 11:9)

Abraham looked for city 

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:10)

Sarah judged God faithful to keep his promise 

Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. (Hebrew 11:11)

5) DESIRED GOD’S COUNTRY  

The faithful desire a better country

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)

Heavenly, God prepared for them a city

Pilgrim’s Progress

6) SUFFER FOR GOD 

Moses choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;²⁶ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.²⁸ Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. (Hebrews 11:23-29)

Of whom the world was not worthy 

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy🙂 they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:36-38)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Seek ye first the kingdom of God

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

Lay up treasures above (Matthew 6: 19-24)

Matthew 6:19-24 teaches that believers should prioritize eternal, heavenly treasures over temporary, earthly ones, as material possessions are vulnerable to destruction and theft. Jesus emphasizes that a person’s heart follows their treasure, and it is impossible to serve both God and money (mammon), urging a singular devotion to God. 

Treasures in Heaven vs. Earth (Matthew 6: 19-21):

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Earthly wealth (clothing, food, money) is corruptible by moth and rust (or decay/pests) and insecure, while heavenly treasures are permanent. Storing treasure in heaven involves using resources for God’s kingdom, such as generosity and service.

The Eye as a Lamp (Matthew 6:22-23):

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

A “clear” or “single” eye signifies a heart fully focused on God, filling the life with light.
A “bad” or divided eye reflects a focus on materialism, leading to spiritual darkness.

Two masters (Matthew 6:24)

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Jesus declares that one cannot serve both God and money (Mammon). Money demands total allegiance, acting as a master (idol) that conflicts with devotion to God. 

Conclusion:

The passage is not condemning owning possessions, but rather the act of “hoarding” or finding security in them. It calls for a, shift in perspective from hoarding wealth to prioritizing the kingdom of God. The central message is that the location of your treasure (material vs. spiritual) reveals your true allegiance.          

Seek first God’s way (Matthew 6:25-34)

Matthew 6:25-34 is a core part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus commands his followers not to worry about basic needs—food, drink, and clothing—but instead to trust in God’s providence. He instructs them to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first, assuring that all necessities will be provided. GotQuestions.org +3

Don’t worry about basic needs: (Matthew 6:25)

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

“Take no thought” (vs. 25, 31, 34): In modern English, this can be misleading. In the 1611 KJV context, it does not mean “don’t plan,” but rather “do not be anxious” or “distracted by care”. The Greek word used, merimnao, literally means to be “drawn in different directions”. He will surely provide the food and clothing (the lesser gifts) to sustain it. 

The fowls of the air (Matthew 6:26-27)

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

The Futility of Worry (vs. 27): Jesus asks, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” This highlights that worry is unproductive; it cannot even perform a small physical change like increasing one’s height.

The Fowls of the Air: They do not store food in barns, yet God feeds them. You are “much better than they”.

The lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-29)

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

The Lilies of the Field: They do not “toil nor spin,” yet their natural beauty surpasses the “glory” of King Solomon’s finest robes.

Grass of the field (Matthew 6:30)

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

God knows our needs (Matthew 6:31-32)

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33-34)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

The Core Command (vs. 33): “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This is the “perfect prescription” for worry: prioritize God’s reign and His ways above all else, and your material needs will be provided as a byproduct.

Sufficient Unto the Day (vs. 34): “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” This means each day has enough of its own troubles; adding tomorrow’s potential problems only creates an impossible burden for today. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com                                                                           

Seek first God’s way (Matthew 6:25-34)

Matthew 6:25-34 is a core part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus commands his followers not to worry about basic needs—food, drink, and clothing—but instead to trust in God’s providence. He instructs them to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first, assuring that all necessities will be provided. GotQuestions.org +3

Don’t worry about basic needs: (Matthew 6:25)

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

“Take no thought” (vs. 25, 31, 34): In modern English, this can be misleading. In the 1611 KJV context, it does not mean “don’t plan,” but rather “do not be anxious” or “distracted by care”. The Greek word used, merimnao, literally means to be “drawn in different directions”. He will surely provide the food and clothing (the lesser gifts) to sustain it. 

The fowls of the air (Matthew 6:26-27)

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

The Futility of Worry (vs. 27): Jesus asks, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” This highlights that worry is unproductive; it cannot even perform a small physical change like increasing one’s height.

The Fowls of the Air: They do not store food in barns, yet God feeds them. You are “much better than they”.

The lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-29)

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

The Lilies of the Field: They do not “toil nor spin,” yet their natural beauty surpasses the “glory” of King Solomon’s finest robes.

Grass of the field (Matthew 6:30)

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

God knows our needs (Matthew 6:31-32)

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33-34)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

The Core Command (vs. 33): “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This is the “perfect prescription” for worry: prioritize God’s reign and His ways above all else, and your material needs will be provided as a byproduct.

Sufficient Unto the Day (vs. 34): “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” This means each day has enough of its own troubles; adding tomorrow’s potential problems only creates an impossible burden for today. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Seek ye first the kingdom of God

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

Lay up treasures above (Matthew 6: 19-24)

Matthew 6:19-24 teaches that believers should prioritize eternal, heavenly treasures over temporary, earthly ones, as material possessions are vulnerable to destruction and theft. Jesus emphasizes that a person’s heart follows their treasure, and it is impossible to serve both God and money (mammon), urging a singular devotion to God. 

Treasures in Heaven vs. Earth (Matthew 6: 19-21):

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Earthly wealth (clothing, food, money) is corruptible by moth and rust (or decay/pests) and insecure, while heavenly treasures are permanent. Storing treasure in heaven involves using resources for God’s kingdom, such as generosity and service.

The Eye as a Lamp (Matthew 6:22-23):

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

A “clear” or “single” eye signifies a heart fully focused on God, filling the life with light.
A “bad” or divided eye reflects a focus on materialism, leading to spiritual darkness.

Two masters (Matthew 6:24)

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Jesus declares that one cannot serve both God and money (Mammon). Money demands total allegiance, acting as a master (idol) that conflicts with devotion to God. 

Conclusion:

The passage is not condemning owning possessions, but rather the act of “hoarding” or finding security in them. It calls for a, shift in perspective from hoarding wealth to prioritizing the kingdom of God. The central message is that the location of your treasure (material vs. spiritual) reveals your true allegiance.          

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com                                                                           

Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Ephesians 6:10-18

Jack Zavada Updated on July 22, 2024

The armor of God, described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10–18, is our spiritual defense against attacks by Satan. Fortunately, we don’t have to leave home every morning wearing a full suit of armor to be protected. 

Although invisible, the armor of God is real, and when used properly and worn daily, it provides solid protection against the enemy’s onslaught.

Key Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10–18 (KJV)

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Armor of God Bible Study

In this illustrated, step-by-step study of the armor of God, you’ll learn the importance of wearing your spiritual armor daily and how it protects against Satan’s attacks. None of these six pieces of armor require power on our part. Jesus Christ has already won our victory through his sacrificial death on the cross. We only have to put on the effective armor he has given us. 

Shield of Faith

No defensive armor was as important as the shield. It fended off arrows, spears, and swords. Our shield of faith guards us against one of Satan’s deadliest weapons: doubt.

Satan shoots doubt at us when God does not act immediately or visibly. But our faith in God’s trustworthiness comes from the unassailable truth of the Bible. We know our Father can be counted on.

Faith and doubt don’t mix. Our shield of faith sends Satan’s flaming arrows of doubt glancing harmlessly to the side. We keep our shield held high, confident in the knowledge that God provides for us, God protects us, and God is faithful to us his children. Our shield holds because of the One our faith is in, Jesus Christ.

Helmet of Salvation

The helmet of salvation protects the head, where all thought and knowledge reside. Jesus Christ said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32, NIV).

The truth of salvation through Christ does indeed set us free. We are free from vain searching, free from the meaningless temptations of this world, and free from the condemnation of sin. Those who reject God’s plan of salvation battle Satan unprotected and suffer the fatal blow of hell.

First Corinthians 2:16 tells us that believers “have the mind of Christ.” Even more interesting, 2 Corinthians 10:5 explains that those who are in Christ have the divine power to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV). The helmet of Salvation to protect our thoughts and minds is a crucial piece of armor. We cannot survive without it.

Sword of the Spirit

The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God with which we can strike against Satan. This weapon represents the Word of God, the Bible: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

When Jesus Christ was tempted in the desert by Satan, he countered with the truth of Scripture, setting an example for us to follow: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'” (Matthew 4:4, NIV).

Satan’s tactics have not changed, so the sword of the Spirit is still our best defense.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Ephesians 6:10-18

Jack Zavada Updated on July 22, 2024

The armor of God, described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10–18, is our spiritual defense against attacks by Satan. Fortunately, we don’t have to leave home every morning wearing a full suit of armor to be protected. 

Although invisible, the armor of God is real, and when used properly and worn daily, it provides solid protection against the enemy’s onslaught.

Key Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10–18 (KJV)

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Armor of God Bible Study

In this illustrated, step-by-step study of the armor of God, you’ll learn the importance of wearing your spiritual armor daily and how it protects against Satan’s attacks. None of these six pieces of armor require power on our part. Jesus Christ has already won our victory through his sacrificial death on the cross. We only have to put on the effective armor he has given us. 

Belt of Truth

The belt of truth is the first element of the armor of God. In the ancient world, a soldier’s belt not only kept his armor in place but, if wide enough, protected his kidneys and other vital organs. Just so, the truth protects us. Practically applied, you might say the belt of truth holds up our spiritual pants so that we’re not exposed and vulnerable.

Jesus Christ called Satan the father of lies: “He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, NLT).

Deception is one of the enemy’s oldest tactics. We can see through Satan’s lies by holding them against the truth of the Bible. The Bible helps us defeat the lies of materialism, money, power, and pleasure as the most important things in life. Thus, the truth of God’s Word shines its light of integrity into our lives and holds together all of our spiritual defenses.

Jesus told us “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV).

Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts. A wound to the chest can be fatal. That’s why ancient soldiers wore a breastplate covering their hearts and lungs.

Our heart is susceptible to the wickedness of this world, but our protection is the righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ. We cannot become righteous through our own good works. When Jesus died on the cross, his righteousness was credited to all who believed in him, through justification.

God sees us as sinless because of what his Son did for us: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT).

Accept your Christ-given righteousness; Let it cover and protect you. Remember that it can keep your heart strong and pure for God: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT).

Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 talks about fitting our feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. The terrain was rocky in the ancient world, requiring sturdy, protective footwear. On a battlefield or near a fort, the enemy might scatter barbed spikes or sharp stones to slow an army down. In the same way, Satan scatters traps for us as we’re trying to spread the gospel.

The gospel of peace is our protection, reminding us that it is by grace that souls are saved. We can sidestep Satan’s obstacles when we remember, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).

Fitting our feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace is described in 1 Peter 3:15 like this: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (NIV).

Sharing the gospel of salvation ultimately brings peace between God and men (Romans 5:1).

Shield of Faith

No defensive armor was as important as the shield. It fended off arrows, spears, and swords. Our shield of faith guards us against one of Satan’s deadliest weapons: doubt.

Satan shoots doubt at us when God does not act immediately or visibly. But our faith in God’s trustworthiness comes from the unassailable truth of the Bible. We know our Father can be counted on.

Faith and doubt don’t mix. Our shield of faith sends Satan’s flaming arrows of doubt glancing harmlessly to the side. We keep our shield held high, confident in the knowledge that God provides for us, God protects us, and God is faithful to us his children. Our shield holds because of the One our faith is in, Jesus Christ.

Helmet of Salvation

The helmet of salvation protects the head, where all thought and knowledge reside. Jesus Christ said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32, NIV).

The truth of salvation through Christ does indeed set us free. We are free from vain searching, free from the meaningless temptations of this world, and free from the condemnation of sin. Those who reject God’s plan of salvation battle Satan unprotected and suffer the fatal blow of hell.

First Corinthians 2:16 tells us that believers “have the mind of Christ.” Even more interesting, 2 Corinthians 10:5 explains that those who are in Christ have the divine power to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV). The helmet of Salvation to protect our thoughts and minds is a crucial piece of armor. We cannot survive without it.

Sword of the Spirit

The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God with which we can strike against Satan. This weapon represents the Word of God, the Bible: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

When Jesus Christ was tempted in the desert by Satan, he countered with the truth of Scripture, setting an example for us to follow: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'” (Matthew 4:4, NIV).

Satan’s tactics have not changed, so the sword of the Spirit is still our best defense.

The Power of Prayer

Finally, Paul adds the power of prayer to the armor of God: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18, NIV).

Every smart soldier knows they must keep the lines of communication open to their Commander. God has orders for us, through his Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Satan hates it when we pray. He knows prayer strengthens us and keeps us alert to his deception. Paul cautions us to pray for others as well. With the armor of God and the gift of prayer, we can be ready for whatever the enemy throws at us.

Cite this Article: Zavada, Jack. “Ephesians 6:10–18: Armor of God Bible Study.” Learn Religions, Jul. 22, 2024, learnreligions.com/the-armor-of-god-701508.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com