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What is the Armor of Light in Romans 13? · Arise Women of God

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  Hey my friend, have you ever wondered what is the armor of light in Romans chapter 13?
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  Because it doesn't say much about how to get it or put it on you.
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  And you're trying so hard to shine and be the perfect mom, but knowing you are far from perfect.
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  Oh, you are not alone in wanting to know how to stand protected in God's light without drowning in perfectionism.
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  Well, take heart, because by the end of today's episode, you'll know how Paul defines the armor of light, how to clothe yourself in Christlike characteristics, and how his daily grace and mercy burn away the adversary's lies and any
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  darkness.
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  Stay tuned.
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  Ordinary women Extraordinary faith When God calls, we say yes.
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  Hello and welcome back to the Arise Women of God podcast.
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  I'm your host, Tamara K.
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  Anderson.
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  All right my friend.
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  Today we are looking at the spiritual armor through a whole new lens with these four principles.
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  First, transformation over conformity.
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  How your armor begins by renewing your mind in Romans chapter 12.
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  Second, the practical armor toolkit, the concrete do's and don'ts of walking in Christ like light.
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  Third, dismantling spiritual perfectionism.
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  How daily repentance, grace and forgiveness complete us when we stumble.
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  And fourth, the wake up call.
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  Clothing yourself in Jesus Christ and receiving his new mercies every morning.
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  While Ephesians chapter 6 gives us the tactical military gear.
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  Romans 12 and 13 reveal that the armor of light is ultimately a living daily clothing where we put on the character of Jesus Christ.
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  In Paul's eyes, putting on the armor of light simply means clothing yourself in Jesus Christ.
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  Before Paul ever mentions the armor of light in Romans 13, he lays the foundation in the chapter right before it.
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  Your defense always starts in your thoughts.
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  In Romans 12:2 Paul counsels, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
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  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is.
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  The world tries to suppress us into its mold of fear, outrage and self centeredness.
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  But when you renew your mind through God's word, you build a spiritual filter.
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  You begin to test what brings you light, following God's truth, loving him and serving others so that the world's darkness can no longer penetrate your peace.
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  You also learn to discern what brings you down.
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  And that is awesome to know.
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  So what does this armor practically look like in our ordinary mom routines?
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  Paul gives us a clear list of threads that make up this clothing of light.
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  First, the works of light to put on.
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  And we're going to grab these From Romans chapter 12 in verse 9 we read that love sincerely and cling to that which is good.
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  Good tips next, in verse 10, to honor others above ourselves in our home.
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  In verse 12, we read about anchoring our emotions and being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
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  In verses 14 and 21, we learn that it's important to respond with grace and bless those who upset us and overcome evil with good.
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  To all those powerful verses, I would tack on what Paul writes in Colossians 3, 12, 14.
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  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
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  And over all these virtues, put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity.
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  So in order to weave these little threads, the most important thread we can start with is charity.
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  Now we're going to look at the deeds of darkness and what we need to set aside or stop doing.
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  And we'll find these also in Romans, chapter 12.
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  In verse 2, he says to stop adopting the anxious, divisive habits of the culture.
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  And we see this so prevalent in our culture as well today, constantly trying to get us to hate people who don't have our same thoughts and opinions.
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  In verses 16 and 19, he invites us to set aside pride, conceit, and the urge to retaliate or get revenge when tempers flare.
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  And in verse 13, he invites us to cast off secret, shameful habits, dissension and jealousy.
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  All right, my friends, now let's talk about what happens when we try so hard to wear this armor and yet we fail.
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  Maybe you, like me, have lost your temper before your kids are quarreling or you get into a sharp argument with your spouse.
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  The adversary loves to use those moments to whisper, fuck it, you.
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  You blew it.
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  You are worthless and you may as well give up.
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  Oh, my sister, do not buy that lie.
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  Part of putting on the armor of light is recognizing that we are only complete in Jesus Christ.
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  Listen to this incredible promise in Colossians 1, 13, 14.
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  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
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  So, my friends, putting on the armor of light does not mean being a flawless performer.
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  It means applying Christ's grace and mercy daily as we make mistakes.
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  When you stumble, you don't throw your armor away.
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  You repent.
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  Receive his forgiveness, extend that same forgiveness to your family, and keep going.
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  Repentance is how Christ burns the darkness out of our souls and restores our light.
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  This brings us to Paul's urgent Final invitation in Romans 13, verses 11, 12 and 14 the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber.
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  The night is nearly over, the day is almost here.
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  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
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  Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.
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  Oh my friends, wake up from the spiritual slumber.
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  We don't have time to lie around a discouraged paralysis.
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  I invite you to close yourself in Jesus Christ.
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  Choose today to start with one baby step.
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  Do what he would do, love how he would love, and you cannot help but shine.
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  When I'm struggling to love purely, I simply pray that God will help me see whoever I'm working with through his eyes of love and compassion.
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  And that always helps.
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  And when you feel weary from the fight, hold on to these three powerful promises.
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  First in Lamentations 3:22 23 because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
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  They are new every morning.
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  Great is your faithfulness.
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  Isn't it great to know that every morning we can start anew?
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  God is so good in his grace and mercy.
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  Second Scripture we can find in second Corinthians 4:16, 17 therefore do not lose heart.
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  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
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  Finally, Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
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  Ah, my friend, God loves you.
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  If you are ready to wake up from spiritual slumber, shake off perfectionism and start clothing yourself and your home in the Savior's armor of light.
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  I have a powerful practical tool as a gift for you.
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  It is our Mother's Spiritual Defense Guide 6 Empowering Steps to Fortify Home and Family and you can download this completely free at the link in the show notes today.
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  When you get your copy, flip straight to step number two, the Catalyst Principle.
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  This section shows you how shifting your own heart fills your whole home with light.
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  And it includes our not to do list so that you can eliminate the distractions that wear you out physically and spiritually and have more time to do good.
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  Plus, check out our bonus Scripture Power Statements in the back to keep God's promises posted right where you can see them best.
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  Download your free copy today and start renewing your mind.
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  You, my friend, our sister Warrior of light, remember to keep doing your best with the Savior's help and you will indeed become a powerful shining beacon pointing others to Jesus Christ as you are fully protected by his armor
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  of light, Stand tall and stay true.
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  And until next time, may you arise.
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  Do it God's way.
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  God strong.
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  If today's episode helped you feel a little closer to God, please like and subscribe.
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