Football is a tough sport.  Injuries are common and it seems that players are only getting bigger, stronger and faster with each passing season.  But it might surprise you to know that there was a time when it was even more brutal than it is today.

In 1905, for example, there were 20 deaths related to football injuries.  Rules were few and protective gear was virtually non-existent.  Here’s a picture of a game from that year.  Note how few of the players had helmets or shoulder pads or anything of the sort.  No wonder so many died.

It got so bad that the President of the United States at that time, Teddy Roosevelt, convened a conference at the White House with officials from schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton to see what changes could be made so that the sport would not be outlawed!

Gridiron gladiators need their armor!  It would be foolhardy to run onto a field of play without your helmet or pads.  But it would be far more foolish to engage in the skirmishes of life without the proper protective gear. 

We are in a battle that is more intense and has higher stakes than any sporting event.  It is war—spiritual war.  Thankfully, we have a tactical manual and adequate armor so that we can win this war.

This Sunday we will tackle (no pun intended) part 2 of “The Weapons of Our Warfare.”   We’ll learn about our shield, our salvation and our sword.  We’ll be encouraged to strap them all on tightly as we engage in this spiritual battle.

Suit Up!

 “The Weapons of Our Warfare: Part 2”

Ephesians 6:16-17

1. Take up your shield

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one (6:16).

1. Of conviction
2. Of conquest

2. Take up your salvation

And take the helmet of salvation (6:17a).

1. For victory over the penalty of sin
2. For victory over the power of sin
3. For victory over the presence of sin

3. Take up your sword

And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (6:17b).

1. Of the Spirit
2. Of the Scriptures