Even though I have sat through many lessons on the Armor of God, it has always seemed a mystery to me. Last night while I was praying, I had a little insight.
In Eph. 6. 10-20, the war is defined and the Armor is listed. Too often we ignore the War or pretend like it is less important and urgent than it really is. We arm ourselves with protection against physical foes, but how often to we take as much care, time, and expense to arm ourselves against spiritual foes? We’re not at war against those physical forces who come against us with guns and knives. Instead, we’re in a war against spiritual forces which requires a different sort of protection. In Ephesians 6 Paul’s lists it:
Belt of Truth (v. 14)–This piece of armor is vitally important! It helps protects us against Satan’s lies. As Jesus said, “…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH will set you free” (Jh. 8:31-32, emp. mine). What is this truth? It seems vitally important because without it we are listening to Satan who is “a murder from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is not truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (Jh. 8:44).
It’s the truth about who Jesus is, the Son of God, and who we are in him, his blameless, precious, beloved, children, who through Him can overcome (Jh. 1:5; Rom. 8:1-11; 1 Jh. 4:4, 5:4). It is SO important that you realize these truths. When Satan comes to attack us, he breaches our defenses by convincing us of lies like, “You’re not loved. You’ll never be enough. Jesus is not always here for you. You’re alone. He won’t take care of you. You’ll never be free from this sin. You know you want to, you can’t help yourself…” When he lies and we believe him, we allow him that foothold.
Breastplate of Righteousness (v. 14)–The beautiful thing is that this isn’t our Righteousness! It’s His! (2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9) Having ourselves covered with the Breastplate of Righteousness keep our hearts pure (Matt. 5:8), not through our own steam, but by his as we look to him to help us walk in the way he’s prepared.
Shoes of the Readiness given by the Gospel of Peace (v. 15)–this one I’m not as clear on. It seems that these may by our call to always be ready like the 10 virgins Jesus spoke of. As well as, the beautiful feet that bring good news in the Old Testament.
Shield of Faith (v. 16)–This piece of Armor is so important. It is our faith in Jesus that gives us righteousness, it depends on that faith (2 Cor. 5:21). It’s also the faith in Christ and not in the law, which brings freedom to us, that Paul talks about all throughout Galatians. And the faith that keeps us going before impossible odds (Heb. 11:13-16).
Helmet of Salvation (v. 17)–This one we only have to accept. God gives it to us freely through Jesus. With the Helmet on, when Satan whispers in your ear all his lies, you can block out his words because you know the Truth of who you are in Christ and where you are going (Rev. 20)!
Sword of the Spirit the Word of God (v. 17)–This is no doubt the Word of God we have as the Bible today. It tells us God’s story of love and pursuit after his people throughout all time. His epic love story for us. However, it is also the words he speaks to our hearts and through other people. Don’t get me wrong, these MUST agree with the Bible and MUST be tested, but they are as vital as the other in the fight against Satan. With the Sword we are able to cut through Satan’s lies to us, defend the truths we find in God’s word, and save others from Satan’s chains and lies.
Alarm systems, guns, dogs, whatever your chosen security measure, they are all good. But we MUST spend as much effort in arming ourselves for the War that is going on that really matters. The one for our souls.
Great post Tara! You beat me to the updating!! But, I am doing mine right now…first things first…a post on my new niece!! :o)