For some, putting on the "Armor of God" evokes images of armies and preparation for battle. If you studied ancient history, it may even remind you of the Spartans or the Greek hoplites, who were renowned for their nearly indestructible prowess. Standing in their armor, shoulder to shoulder with their shields, they could withstand storms of arrows and push through enemy lines. |
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How do you imagine putting on your Armor of God? |
From the New King James Version, let's read Ephesians 6, verses 10-20: The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. |
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What does this mean? Let's look deeper. | A powerful overview of this passage, and a clear breakdown of each piece of the Armor of God—from the belt of truth to the sword of the Spirit—is available in The Vines Expository Bible, available through Bible Gateway Plus. |
The Vines Expository Bible Living the Message | Eph. 6 This Is War After describing the adversary and his forces, Paul explains the second fundamental rule of spiritual warfare by discussing weaponry in the Christian's arsenal (Eph. 6:13–18). In catalog fashion, Paul lists the advantages the Spirit-filled believer has in battle against the enemy: - Whole armor (6:11): Paul insists on an all or nothing proposition. Christians need to be fully clothed in battle attire.
- Belt (6:14): Around the mid-section of the Christian warrior is a belt of truth with which you have "girded your waist." Truth serves as the central point of the battle at hand. If truth is lost, the battle is lost.
- Breastplate (6:14): Righteousness characterizes the Christian soldier, covering his or her entire body. Hence, the vital organs are sufficiently protected (2 Cor. 6:4, 7). Moral purity is a must.
- Shoes (6:15): Our feet are protected ("shod") at all times. Also, the studded sandals of a soldier give him sure footing when battling toe-to-toe. There is no greater peace than the gospel of peace.
- Shield (6:16): Certainty must characterize the warrior for the Lord. Faith is the shield that protects us from all flaming darts shot at us by Satan.
- Helmet (6:17): The head is most vulnerable in battle; therefore, unless our salvation is certain in Him, we will never stand against the devil. The helmet is made of the strongest substance in battle: our unalterable position in Jesus Christ as born-again children of God.
- Sword (6:17): This is the first of two weapons the believer owns. The Bible is the very Word of God. This two-edged sword will cut through the enemy's front guard and will hold the line for the Lord of hosts. No wonder the Lord Jesus met Satan head-on with the Word of God when He was confronted in the desert (Matt. 4:1–11).
- Prayer (6:18): This constitutes the second weapon the Christian soldier possesses. The greatest of Christian warriors is measured not by scars on his back but bruises on his knees. The best warrior is a kneeling warrior, calling out for his General to be glorified at all costs. Prayer is an indispensable weapon in spiritual warfare.
Copyright © 2020 by Jerry Vines.
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Take this opportunity to equip yourself with the full Armor of God and stand firm in your faith.
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