Fighting Fire

Ephesians 6:13-17  CSB

“For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.”

The largest protective gear that the firefighter wears is the turnout coat and pants/bunker gear. When worn with gloves and a hood, the firefighter is completely shielded.

Advantages of the Gear:

First, the coat and pants are constructed of 3 layers.  The Outer Shell is abrasion and cut resistant, especially on the knees and elbows. It’s usually made of a blend of canvas and Kevlar, the same material used to make body armor for cops.  The Moisture Barrier prevents water, steam, and chemicals from penetrating. The Thermal Liner which is made from a blend of Nomex, a fiber that can withstand 1500 degrees. Sometimes, there’s even a aluminum layer to deflect radiant heat away.

Second, the gear identifies who you are and what department you belong to. Iconic look makes a bold statement about your identity. When you’re wearing bunker gear, there’s little question about what you’re there to do.

Third, the gear is highly reflective. The advantage of reflectivity is clearly a matter of safety as it prevents firefighters from getting hit on the freeway and makes us easy to locate in a smoky environment.

Illustrative of Righteousness:

Righteousness, or “Right Living,” is something every believer is called to put on.  The moment that we become a believer in Jesus, He hands us this gear for us to visibly wear.  

Romans 3:22 CSB  “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe….”

Wearing the Armor of Righteousness demonstrates a commitment to live a life that aligns with God’s standards, guarding against moral compromises that could lead to spiritual decay. Plainly stated, living the way that the Holy Spirit teaches us through Word saves us from the consequences of selfish and sinful living. 

Why We Need Righteousness:

First, Right Living protects our hearts.   In Proverbs 4:23, it is written, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”   Righteousness, which is right living, protects the believer’s heart from being corrupted by sin, deceit, and evil influences.  By carefully living right, we are sidestepping sinful practices that destroy us.

When we are serious about living right, it opens us up to receiving God’s blessing.  People think they’re entitled to God’s blessings just because they adopt a cheerful but weak form of spirituality (“God want’s me happy!”), but God’s blessings come as a natural result of our obedience.

Psalm 119:165 declares, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” When believers live in righteousness, in accordance with God’s Word, we experience a deep sense of peace, contentment, and spiritual well-being and we avoid the consequences of sin and selfishness.

Secondly, Right Living tells everyone that we belong to Jesus. A uniform affords the wearer the recognition of who they are, where they can go, and what they can do. It brings confidence and declares a powerful truth about the wearer. It encourages them to follow as well.

Matthew 5:16 CSB says

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Finally, Right Living reflects the Savior to Others.

1 Peter 1:15-16, it states, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy because I am holy.’”

When we realize that we are called to a life of right living, or holiness, it influences our decision making. We realize that a lost word is watching and us being loving and faithful to allows us to be able to speak a message of hope through our actions. Because I am protected, I can rescue others.

The world needs us as believers to be rescuers and that involves living in such a loving and obedient way, void of the consequences of sin, that they are encouraged to follow.  Are you living obediently to the Holy Spirit or are there things you need to get rid of to keep you more agile?

Debrief:

1. How can living in a righteous way protect you from harm? How has making good choices saved you from the consequences of poor behavior? How has poor choices caused some of the pain of your past?
2. How do our choices affect others?

Report to the Chief:

Fortunately, no matter our past choices, we can choose righteousness today. Commit to righteous living and honoring God with all your decisions from here on out.

Feedback

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