The Armor of God

Today I was reminded of a passage of scripture in the book of Ephesians.  It has been quoted, put on posters, and even engraved on metal and stone.  This passage was being dictated by the Apostle Paul while in a Roman prison.  The church at Ephesus was not having any specific crises.  This letter was written to encourage and instruct the believers.  Toward the end of the letter Paul addresses the fact that we are in a spiritual war.  Paul encourages and instructs his readers to put on the “Armor of God”. 

As you read this keep in mind that Paul is in a Roman prison within ear shot and maybe in sight of a Roman guard.  I can imagine Paul looking at the Roman guard fully clad in his armor while dictating this portion of scripture.  In Ephesians 6:10-20 we find the Apostle Paul talking about our spiritual warfare.

*10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Paul address head on that we are in a spiritual battle.  He then relates it to everyday life as he describes what he sees the Roman guard wearing.  Paul tells his readers to put on the full armor of God.

·         Belt of Truth buckled around your waist.

·         Breastplate of Righteousness in place.

·         Feet Fitted with the Readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace.

·         Shield of Faith to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.

·         Helmet of Salvation

·         Sword of the Spirit which is the bible.

·         Pray on all occasions.

Go back to the first part of this to remember why you are putting all this armor on.  In verse 13 it says the day of evil will come and Paul wants his readers to stand their ground.  He says, “and after you have done everything to stand.”  I am reminded of Texas history where they knew the Mexican army was coming toward them.  For weeks they received regular reports of the advancing army.  The Texan commanders made many preparations.  They strengthened the walls, barricaded doors, and windows, they even took the roof off the Alamo mission and mounded dirt inside so a canon could be placed on top increasing its field of fire.  They placed small cashes of ammunition around the area and brought in as much food as they could in preparation of the impending battle.  They worked hard preparing for a battle they knew was coming but, in the end, they had to have the courage to make a stand. 

In our Christian walk we need to expect to struggle with our present evil age.  Satan’s schemes are endless.  We know the spiritual fight is coming and by ourselves we can not win.  Paul says in verse 10 to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”  We have our part to do which is to put on the full armor of God.  Then and only then we must have the courage to “STAND” firm in the Lord’s mighty power.  We are not encouraged to stand still and wait for the fight we are encouraged to prepare and “STAND FIRM” verse 14.  There is a distinction between standing still and standing firm.    

My prayer is for anyone reading this to prepare for the fight and stand firm in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

 *THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011