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Institutional First Baptist Church Weekly Sermon Delivered By
Dr. E. G. Sherman, Jr
Dr. E. G. Sherman, Jr
Delivered On
August 9, 2015 at 10:45 AM
August 9, 2015 at 10:45 AM
Subject
The Christian's Attire
The Christian's Attire
Description
| Dr. E. G. Sherman, Jr. | Sunday August 9, 2015 |
| The Christian’s Attire | |
| “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.” Ephesians 6:13. | |
| The yearly seasons are marked by cosmological indicators and signs in nature. In the Spring, the weather is brisk and the flowers are just beginning to bloom. The fall, in contrast, is noted for the great cool down and the appearance of leave coloration. While these seasonal changes are visible in nature, they are, also, of great interest to designers of clothing, the garment factory, and the merchants. Hence, the clothing industry tries to shape the public’s view of appropriate attire: color, design, and frabic. Over the years, there has emerged to categories of clothing: the designer and the clones, or look alike. The first category is quite expensive while the clones are moderately priced. Ironic, both types serve the function of covering the body; additionally, both will often have limit use - especially if there are lady hats or dresses. Within the aristocratic group, the word - attire - is used instead of clothing, suits, or dresses. Again, the concepts may be different but the purpose remains the same - covering and protecting the human body. This concern about cover for the physical body has another focus that is often neglected; it is that of the spiritual person. Un- fortunately, the human group is prone to disregard that aspect of living. In this regard, it is possible for an individual to be expensively dressed and yet nearly undressed spiritually. Our sermon, in this connection, is designed to introduce to some and reemphasize to others the appropriate attire for the spiritual believer, or Christian. It has been entitled, The Christian’s Attire. The sermon is undergirded by the following objectives: 1) to warn against the forces that threaten our spiritual well being; 2) to identify the proper attire for Christian to wear and 3) to specify the safeguard even when properly attired. Prior to addressing these objectives, attention will be directed along two lines; the first is that of attire. This word merely refers to a manner of clothing that one is wearing. It covers the range from bed clothing to formal dress. Attire is also evident in the occupational arena. Generally, the word - uniform - is used to describe attire for a given group (ex) nursing uniform, police uniform, and many other types. As will surface in the sermon, the Christian must also wear a particular uniform in order to survive in a sin sick society. The second background consideration is that of our text. It comes from the book of Ephesians - the next book in our Through the Bible Sermon series. It was written by Paul while he was in Prison in Rome. The epistle, as it was known, was address to the people of Ephesus. Within that letter, Saint Paul expounded a twofold spiritual truth. First, he reminded them that the true Church was the body of Christ and not the local assembly. In this regard, he wanted them to be mindful of the difference and to never allow their admiration for the local church take precedence over their love of Christ’s body and the true Church. Secondly, he wanted them to always remember that being a Christian did not insulate them from the ill will and evil forces so prevalent in the world. Hence, Paul felt compelled to address the topic of what the Christian should wear during the sojourn of life. Thus, he wrote “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” ( Ephesians 6:11 ). With this background information, let us now turn to the three objectives earlier identified - the first of which is to warn against forces that threaten our spiritual welfare. It is a false assumption for Christians to believe that religion can protect them from all the evil people in the world. In this regard, I am often troubled by the frequent reference to “I’ blessed” - a statement that can so easily lead to careless actions. Personally, I feel that such a statement should be anchored in prayer for the Bible teaches to cast our cares on the Lord; it also admonishes us to pray without ceasing. Beloved, living is a serious and dangerous matter. The problem is more difficult for Christian for Saint Paul reminded the Ephesians that - Read Ephesians 6:12 - Hence, we have those old devils whom we can see and those whom we can not see. Thanks be to God, we have a way out; it is found in our second objective, namely, to identify the solution. It is found in Ephesians 6:13-17. He starts the list by referring to the whole armour of God; that is the Christians attire. Saint Paul wrote that such an attire will prepare us to withstand in the evil days. Let us take a Scriptural look at what is included in the Christian’s attire: Underclothing of the truth ------ Ephesians 6:14 Breath plate of righteousness -- Ephesians 6:14 Shoes of the Gospel of peace --- Ephesians 6:15 Shield of faith --------------------- Ephesians 8:16 Helmet of salvation --------------- Ephesians 6:17 Sword of the spirit ---------------- Ephesians 6:17 With this type of attire, the Christian has but one more need; it is the last consideration in our sermon - the safe guard for protection even though we are properly dressed. That safeguard is found in verse 18; it is subsumed under the heading of Praying - an action word. Beloved, herein is the secret to successful and peaceful living - be spiritually dressed and pray in the Spirit. Finally, beloved let us always remember that wearing the Spiritual Armour can place seemingly unbearable weight on our physical body; however, we must never choose to lighten the load by returning to the world. Instead, let us embrace the Master’s invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 As we so shape our life and grow wearing on the way, I will find comfort in the words, “I heard the voice of Jesus say”. Amen! |
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