The Play:
Prepare to be Impacted
“Brace yourself like a man” Job 38:3
The best way to approach this book is to buckle up! Together, we will examine spiritual leadership in the home. YOU and ME. We will carefully examine the scriptural expectations of husbands and fathers. We will evaluate the day-to-day application of His Word in our routines and lifestyle. Since we will be using football to illustrate our principles this will be a full contact experience. We will look at the solutions to all of our relationship conflicts: CHRIST IN YOU!
Before we get in the game, we must:
Have the proper gear
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” Ephesians 6:13a.
Are you ready to stand your ground? If we aren’t properly equipped, we are going to get our helmets knocked into the end zone just like I did.
Your Equipment
•“belt of truth” Ephesians 6:14a.
At first glance, this appears to be something that keeps your pants up. If you look closer at the text, you will discover that there is an entirely different apparatus. A better interpretation comes from the King James: “gird your loins with truth”. I take this to mean “protect your manhood with truth. It’s a girdle, not a belt. The groin is a very sensitive area for the average guy. Getting hit there can ruin you day, or worse.
The enemy wants to reduce your masculinity. The greatest truth that we need to gird ourselves with is: “God created man in His own image.” Genesis 1:27. We are made in His likeness. We are His reflection to the world. What an amazing task and responsibility for us. This truth can become our identity, if we will let it.
What is your belt of truth? What do you believe? What do you stand for? Since it seems to me that truth in our culture today is relative, absolute thinking does not get much traction. The apostle Paul gave us an example of a truth that we all could use as a belt to wrap around our waists. “We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10
What you believe will dictate how you respond to life. That will ultimately define you.
•“breastplate of righteousness” Ephesians 6:14b
Have you ever been hit square in the chest like football players do while they play in a game? I can tell you that without the protective pads that players wear, a blow like that will knock you out. Even with pads on, players can still have the wind knocked out of them. Quarterbacks are known to be outfitted with a flak jacket to protector their ribs. More importantly, all of this equipment is used to protect the most important part of the body– the heart. If the heart is damaged, a player becomes incapacitated and ineffective. He may even die.
One thing that protects our heart from being damaged is righteousness. We are to be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:11a. Christ is the protector of our vital organs.“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.
On the other hand, if my heart is being protected by my own righteousness, I may have a rough go of it. Scripture asserts ,“There is no one righteous, not even one,” Romans 3:11a. If we rely on our own goodness, it will result in disabling discouragement.
•“feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” Ephesians 6:15.
Proper footwear is an essential part of the football wardrobe. Football shoes come in various styles and materials that combine to provide superior traction on all types of surfaces, even when weather conditions come into play. In every case, we need to choose an effective cleat. ‘Wet weather’ cleats were on the shoes to help us move about on a slick surface. With the right shoe for the job, we didn’t slip when changing direction. We could be extremely effective when we ran.
In the same way for life, understanding and dependence on peace prepares our footing. Therefore, for you and me, the only place to get authentic peace is from the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. “For he (Christ) himself is our peace.” Ephesians 2:14a. Like proper footwear, His peace creates stability and balance so we can navigate the hazardous trials of life.
Similarly, if our steadiness depends on our own understanding, then we will only be as stable as our circumstances. We become like Peter when he jumped out of the boat. “But, when he saw the wind, he was afraid.” Matthew 14:30.
•“shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16
A football player’s shield is his shoulder pads. They are an essential piece of protection and they are made with a lightweight plastic outer shell, lined with high impact shock absorbing foam underneath. Other positions have unique shoulder pads to help them with their particular playing responsibilities. Linemen have larger, bulkier pads, while quarterbacks and receivers have smaller and lighter pads that do not restrict arm and throwing movements.
A man of God has his “shoulder pads” of faith to protect him from the lies and schemes of the devil. That faith demonstrates a man’s genuine reliance on his heavenly father, in faith. Faith is how much we really trust The God we do not see: “hope for and are certain of that we don’t see” (paraphrased) Hebrews 11:1.
Now for me, my faith has a tendency to be as large as my bank account. If there is plenty of money in the account, I have plenty of faith and I am strong. If the money is running low, or the bills are mounting, my strength is diminished. In like fashion, my ability to fight off the enemy’s hostile pursuit dwindles if my faith is weak. I start to look like the man who built his house on sand. “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:27.
•“helmet of salvation,” Ephesians 6:17a
Can you image a football game without the players wearing helmets? I’m pretty sure it would be a bloody mess. When football was first played, they had no helmets. Over time, helmets have evolved to become what they are today. So, too did the masks that cover the players’ faces. There are at least 15 face mask styles, each designed to protect the player’s head and face. The helmet and the mask combine to make a vital piece of life-preserving equipment.
For believers, salvation crowns the head like a helmet. The hope of our salvation provides a helmet for the indispensable mind. We must prepare for clear thinking. “‘I will put my laws in their minds,’ declares the Lord.” Hebrews 8:10a. In view of the fact that, “the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6a.
Relying on this principle, it helps us to keep our minds set on our Redeemer and His kindness. Otherwise, we face trouble: “the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” Romans 8:7. Our “destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” Philippians 3:19.
So, let’s get suited up. When we slip on our gear, we will be ready to play and we will feel like a million bucks. Do it now and enjoy it for a moment, because your opponent is out there, waiting for his opportunity to knock your helmet off!
If you would like a copy of the entire rough draft, email me Travis@divineromanceministries.org
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