Getting Dressed

What’s the most important thing you do before leaving your house every day? Do you get dressed in your clothes or someone else’s? Who puts on your socks? Who zips your jacket for you? Hopefully, you dress yourselves- everyday! Sometimes you’ll get dressed up for special occasions too I’m sure, but no matter what you never go out into the world naked.

Paul tells believers that as we go about our lives we need to get dressed. Paul reminds the Ephesians that believers aren’t just wearing ordinary clothes, rather you are clothed by Jesus’ mighty power and that’s what we wear every day.

”A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

(Ephesians 6:10-11)

What has the Lord done in His mighty power? He created the world, saved the Israelites, sent prophets, saved Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Joseph in prison, etc. He sent His Son Jesus to live a perfect life. Jesus lived as the perfect mighty warrior, others had tried, but failed (Gideon), (Maccabees), (David). Jesus came to defeat Satan forever. He lived each day with the strength of God. Jesus stood firm against all the strategies of the devil, by the power of God. He used Scripture to fight against the lies satan told Him, He prayed when He was in need, and He loved others all through the power of the same Holy Spirit that is alive in us every day as believers. Every day, when you pick out your fit, your nike or new balance, boots or crocs, whatever you decide to wear on the outside, I want to encourage you to remember the strength of our Lord within you.

Why is it important to remember God everyday? Because life is tough. I know we all struggle with temptations, we all believe lies like “I’m not good enough” or even the opposite, “I’m better than them”. This world is broken and we need someone who will help us fight against the evil in the world and in our own hearts. When you get dressed for this daily battle of fighting lies, don’t just put on your jeans and t-shirt. Fighting sin is worth dressing intentionally for: it’s a special occasion.

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”

(Ephesians 6:13)

When I get dressed for a race, I intentionally put on specific socks, shorts, and shoes. Each item I put on plays a huge role. If I don’t put on the right thing, I am not setting myself up for victory. My socks are thin and light so I don’t get blisters, my shirt is light and breathable so I don’t get too hot. What I wear for this special occasion matters.

Here, Paul is going to tell us how our mighty warrior the Lord dressed for the battle against sin and evil. If you believe in Jesus, then you too should dress like this.

“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.”

(Ephesians 6:14)

What is a way to put on the belt of truth? Reading the Bible. Why does truth matter? Because lies lead to pain and ultimately death. Why do we put on God’s righteousness? What about our own? In Scripture it says we have no righteousness of our own, none apart from God.
When I put on this wedding dress, I loved it, but it didn’t quite fit me and I couldn’t afford it. My mom, who thought I looked so beautiful in it, wanted me to be able to wear it. So she made sure it got trimmed to fit me, she bought it for me and she even bought me vans to wear with it. When the day came to put it on, I couldn’t do it by myself. It was too heavy, too beautiful, too much for me to handle on my own. So, again, my mom helped me by dressing me in it. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, sacrificed himself, and was resurrected because He knew I couldn’t do that myself. He put His perfect life on me like a dress, and when God saw me in it He said- You look beautiful. But He knew I couldn’t afford it, He knew I couldn’t pay the price for it- so He did and each day He helps me put on His righteousness. And for shoes He didn’t give me vans, He gave me good news to share with you all.

“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.”

(Ephesians 6:15)

The good news is that Jesus loves you enough to give you His righteousness. You do not have to earn your place in Heaven, He has won your soul back from evil. While you are on earth there are going to be attacks against you- things that make you doubt God. But you guys are equipped to fight through these lies, fears, and doubts. You have more than nice earrings for an accessory, you have faith.

“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

(Ephesians 6:16-17)

If you don’t feel strong in your faith, ask. “I do believe, help my unbelief”. If you haven’t put on the helmet of salvation and chosen to believe in Jesus- what are you waiting on? Let His Spirit empower you, go to His Word, learn about His love and faithfulness, learn about our mighty warrior, learn about his righteousness. (Needing courage, studying the coward gideon, needing wisdom for next step reading proverbs). If you still aren’t sure how to dress, ask someone.

Like I needed my mom and sister, we need other Christians to point us to Jesus. Ask for help, for accountability, for prayer. Sometimes we feel like we have to go through life helpless and naked like babies, but there are so many people who want to help us and love us and see us clothed. Don’t go out naked, ask God to go with you.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.”

(Ephesians 6:18-19)

When you get dressed tomorrow morning, pray. Pray for me. Pray for your friends. Pray for your family. Pray for the person who’s been annoying you. Pray that, like Paul, we can boldly share the gospel with everyone who will listen. Thank you for letting me share with you guys. Thank you for listening and while I pray that the Lord continues to change us from the inside out, I also want to pray Paul’s prayer over you:

“Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness.
May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Ephesians 6:23-24)