{"id":8396,"date":"2021-03-15T08:00:25","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T12:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/?p=8396"},"modified":"2025-06-28T09:50:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T13:50:09","slug":"church-growth-gods-protection-armor-of-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/church-growth-gods-protection-armor-of-god.htm","title":{"rendered":"Attacks Against Church Growth Need God’s Protection"},"content":{"rendered":"

You’ve been faithfully pursuing God’s purposes<\/a>, design<\/a>, mission<\/a>, and heart<\/a> for the church, constantly praying and seeking His wisdom and power. Yet, you’re still encountering obstacles. Your church growth efforts may be under spiritual attack and need God’s protection. Remember:<\/p>\n

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 6:12)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This is a battle you can’t fight on your own. You need spiritual weaponry to “take your stand against the devil\u2019s schemes” and to “stand your ground” (Eph. 6:11, 13).<\/p>\n

God’s Protection Found in the Full Armor of God<\/h2>\n

\"TheMost of God’s armor is of a defensive nature, to keep the attack from penetrating.<\/p>\n

protection of our hearts, our inner core (breastplate of righteousness)<\/em><\/div>\n
protection of our feet, our Gospel activity (feet fitted with readiness)<\/em><\/div>\n
protection of minds, our way of thinking (helmet of salvation)<\/em><\/div>\n

All of that is held together with the belt of truth<\/em> and made even more impenetrable by the shield of faith<\/em> that blocks the flaming arrow of the evil one from even making contact with these already protected parts.<\/p>\n

So equipped, we will be able to resist the devil and stand firm. Yet, there may be times we must be on the offense. The only piece of armor by which we are to counterattack is the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word. As seen in Jesus’ example in Matthew 4, we counter the temptations with truth from God’s Word.<\/p>\n

Why Putting on the Full Armor of God Matters in Church Growth Efforts<\/h2>\n

Satan has a full arsenal of flaming darts with which to attack us. He’ll attack us with the intent of:<\/p>\n

pulling the focus onto ourselves by appealing to our pride or insecurities, leading to unhealthy comparisons and competing with other churches<\/p>\n

pulling our faith off of God, leading to reliance on facilities, technology, methodology, and programs<\/p>\n

pulling our foundation apart, leading to compromise of truth and integrity breaks<\/p>\n

All of that will affect true spiritual growth and health so God gives us the protection we need to stand firm rather than be pulled away:<\/p>\n