PUT ON THE GOSPEL ARMOR - 1

One thing the Christian needs to understand is that we are at war with the devil and his forces.  It is not a physical war with physical weapons, but a war of the mind.  It is a war to win the souls of men (2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Ephesians 6:17) and to overcome evil.  At times it is an internal struggle between the Spirit and the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17). Paul referred to it as, “the good fight of faith” in 1Timothy 6:12.   Because we are at war, we need to take serious precautions, just as our nation is presently taking precautions to prevent future attacks from our enemies.

An important part of any defense is the armor a soldier wears.  It is just as important as the offensive weapons that will engage the enemy.  I spent three years in the U.S. Army and one thing I vividly remember is how having a complete uniform was continually stressed.  Every piece of clothing and equipment we were issued had a purpose and we needed to use it properly.  During exercises,   we would wear a helmet (made of layers of steel other materials), a flack-vest, a utility belt with a canteen, pouches for ammunition, a first-aid bandage, etc., clothing that we specially prepared and appropriate for the climate, and boots.  We also took hikes in full gear including a loaded backpack.  The importance of carrying everything was stressed, as every piece of equipment could save our lives in a given circumstance.  Truly that uniform was important.  And when someone forgot something, the sergeant had a way of seeing that it didn’t happen again. Similarly, as we are gauged in spiritual war we need to be properly equipped. 

During the time of the writing of the New Testament, the Roman Empire had gained prominence.  In virtually every major city, including Jerusalem and Ephesus, there was a continued military presence.  Because of this, people were used to seeing soldiers in uniform as they wandered about the empire.   Paul used this familiarity to impress upon the Christian the importance of being properly equipped for battle.  He described that equipment as he wrote to the church at Ephesus.  He wrote, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the Wiles of the devil. 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. 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.  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”  Ephesians 6:10-17.  Let us take a few moments to notice what this armor consists of.

Having girded your waist with truth (14).  The girdle was commonly a leather belt around the waist used to tighten up the flowing garments that were commonly worn when traveling, working or the need for swift movement such as a soldier in battle. Much of the other equipment was attached to it, including the sheath for the sword.  Some girdles had brass or silver plates attached that provided protection below the belt to the lower torso.  Under normal circumstances, it could be loosened. In our battle, we are to wear a girdle of truth.  What is truth? It is the opposite of that which is false.  If we are to fight for God, we need sincerity in our desires. Paul wrote to Timothy to confront those who taught other doctrines saying, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,” (1 Timothy 1:5-6).  Paul’s desire for the brethren in Philippi was, “that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10).  If you are to give your all in fighting a battle, you BETTER believe in what you are fighting for.  We have to have that sincerity in our fight.  Truth also indicates the source of our direction, namely God’s word.  In John 17:17, Jesus praying to God said, “Your word is truth.”.  Paul referred to, “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” (Ephesians 1:13).  He told Timothy to rightly divide, “the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).  We need to adorn the doctrine of Christ if we are to be successful in resisting the devil.  And just as the girdle of the Roman army surrounded the waist, so we need to be surrounded on every side with truth.  That means complete honesty in all things and it also means we appeal to God’s word in all that we do (Colossians 3:17).

Having put on the breastplate of righteousness (14).  The breastplate of the Roman army was a piece of armor that covered the upper torso from the neck to the waist (girdle).  It too was often made of metal or perhaps thick leather to provide protection from small weapons and blows.  Anatomically, it covered the vital organs such as the heart and lungs.  More than one author has noted that it covered the front, meaning that when one retreated, there was no protection.  In other words they were less exposed as they pressed forward.  The Christian's breastplate is righteousness.  What is righteousness?  It the state of being right or as he ought to be before God (cf. Thayer).  If in battle we are to have confidence we need to be right and we need to demonstrate that.  How do we find what is right? By putting God first.  In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (God's provisions for our needs - tatjr) shall be added to you"  As we strive to engage the enemy we need to be aware that they are looking for reasons to criticize and find fault.  When we are protected with the shield of righteousness, the accusations of Satan are repelled (Ephesians 6:16; 1 Peter 5:8-9).  When others accuse us, their charges are deemed false (1 Peter 4:14).  Righteousness will even strengthen our hearts and give us confidence as these charges are repelled and we prove ourselves to be right (1 John 3:20-21). 

Truly we need the to put on the gospel armor.  Are you engaged in battle as you ought to be?  And are you properly equipped with truth and righteousness?  If not resolve to improve, beginning this very day.  In our next article, we will notice the rest of the armor outlined in our text. 

 TATJR

PUT ON THE GOSPEL ARMOR -2

If we are to be successful as we fight the good fight of faith against Satan, it is important that we are properly equipped as we fight in battle.  As Paul described this spiritual conflict that we are engaged in (Ephesians 6:10-18) he made analogy to the ever present army that so many of his readers were familiar with.  He described their uniform and made spiritual analogy concerning our “armor”.  In our last article we noted the waist girded with truth meaning that we need the truth and we need sincerity if we are to be successful.  We also discussed the breastplate of righteousness meaning that we need to be right in God’s eyes and the way we live if we are to resist the fiery darts of the devil.  In this article we will notice the rest of our armor as described in the above text.

Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (5).  In the modern army, footwear is one of the most pieces of a soldier’s uniform.  And it was so in the Roman army also.  If the feet are not protected, a soldier cannot move swiftly on the battlefield and over rough terrain.  With battle also comes shrapnel that can injure the foot and render a soldier disabled.  Likewise in our spiritual battle, we need to be free to move about swiftly as we confront false doctrine and the unbeliever.  We need to be able to flee when that is called for. Our feet are properly fitted with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  There are two elements to consider here.  First the gospel: It is God’s power unto salvation (Romans 1:16).  That is the message we are to take to the world (Mark 16:15).  That is the source of our answers to false teachers (1 Peter 3:15, Titus 1:9).  And it is a gospel of peace giving true hope to the discouraged and those searching for true meaning.  When followed, God’s word will produce peace in relationships (cf. Matthew 5:9; Hebrews 12:14) and peace with God (Romans 3:23-25, 5:6-11).  But there is another consideration here and that is that we have to be prepared.  Our preparedness will determine how swiftly we can move with God’s word.  If we are prepared we will be ready to give an answer.  We will not be easily tossed to and from and carried about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).  If we are prepared we can “resist him (Satan) steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9).  That is why a preacher will continually stress Bible study in your daily life.  It helps you prepare to live the life God expects you to live.

Taking the shield of faith (6).   In the Roman army there were many different types of shields, some large and some small.  They were designed to repel small projectiles and hacks by the enemy while on the move.  They were mobile, able to move in the direction of the enemies’ weapon.  In the modern army, soldiers wear protective vests which are designed to do the same thing (but they are not mobile).  Christians need faith as we fight against the devil.  What is faith? It is trust in that which we cannot see.  It is the substance of what we hope for and the conviction of what we have not seen (Hebrews 11:1).  It is the foundation of our Christian lives (2 Peter 1:5-11; Hebrews 11:6).  Faith in what gets us through the battle no matter what direction it comes from.  That is why it is like a shield.  We move it toward the direction where we are being attacked.  It is our trust that God is watching and He is with us.  He cares and wants what is best (1 Peter 5:6-7, 1 Corinthians 10:13).  It is that faith that helps us persevere no matter what Satan hurls at us.  By the way, the Bible says, “this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (1 John 5:4).  How are you using your faith?

Take the helmet of salvation (6).  The helmet was another important piece of armor.  We need no explanation why it is crucial to have a good helmet, both now and back then, because of what it protects – the head.  We know what the result will be if we are severely wounded in the head.  I remember while in the military, wearing our helmet was stressed greatly and the soldier that forgot his or took it off during an exercise paid heavy consequences.  Needless to say, the lessons were learned.  Spiritually, our helmet protects our soul.  It protects the spiritual heart that reasons, thinks, directs, etc..  Continual reference is made to the heart as the center of our lives serving God.  Jesus taught that, “a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45).  Paul wrote that, “with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).  That is what our spiritual helmet protects.  Paul said it is salvation.  That is the motivation behind why we do what we do.  That is why we fight the good fight.  Salvation is why we endure all things including suffering, persecutions, and doing without.  We know that when we have finished this life, there is a reward awaiting us.  Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  That hope is our anchor and it protects us from Satan’s most vicious attacks directed against our heart.  Don’t ever go to battle without your helmet.

Next, the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God (17) is mentioned.  This is our only offensive weapon.  But it is also a defensive weapon stopping the hacks of our enemies.  A few weeks ago we discussed this weapon and I invite you to refer back to that article for a more detailed understanding of it.  Here let us suffice to say that as a sword, we need to become skilled in the word of God if we are to be effective in engaging the enemy on his soil.

Finally, we want to notice that Paul said to put on the WHOLE ARMOR of God (11,13).  As Paul began this essay he stressed, mentioning it twice that you need ALL of your armor.  Every piece of equipment we have serves a purpose.  If we leave any of it off, we are vulnerable.  To be complete and pleasing to God, we need to be well rounded.  Yes, we need faith, but we also need righteousness and adequate understanding of God’s word.  We need both the hope of salvation and an attitude of peace.  I am reminded of 2 Peter 1:5-11 which has already been mentioned.  Here Peter is encouraging his readers to go on to perfection.  How?  By building upon one’s faith with other key graces – virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.  Note how many of these have been examined in this article.  The result of developing all of these things is, “you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ….For if you do these things you will never stumble.”

Let us resolve to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12) and to properly equip ourselves as we engage in battle.  Have you enlisted in the Lord’s army.

TATJR