Most people understand that being a part of a group, team, kingdom, or a citizen of a nation has some obligations and it requires loyalty and fighting towards a victory. Baseball players must work together as a team to be victorious. Baseball players must also use the proper equipment to aid them in their pursuit of victory. Should the catcher behind home plate wear the protective equipment? Should a football player play without pads? Should a soldier in the U.S. Army go to war without the proper gear? Should a soldier in the Lord’s army battle the temptations and evil of Satan without donning the Armor of God?
Points to Ponder:
- Do you need spiritual protection?
- What if you do not know how to use the armor of God properly?
- Do some use the wrong kind of armor?
As soldiers in a battle, we need to have the strength necessary to overcome the enemy. God has given us the ability to stand strong in the face of the enemy. However, the only way to do that is with the tools God revealed to us in His word. As Christian soldiers let’s look at the strength God has given.
First, let’s consider the source of our strength (Eph 6:10-11a). Our strength comes from the Lord and not ourselves. Note that Paul says that we should “be strong in the Lord in the power of His might.” There is strength and power for the Christian beyond what he naturally has. Where can we get that strength and power?
That comes from the “armor of God.” It is from God and we must put it on since it is not what we have in ourselves. Why do we need this armor?
We need it to stand against the wiles of the devil! (Eph 6:11b-13). Satan has various “wiles” (cunning, deceit, trickery, etc.) and Christians are not to be ignorant of these (2 Cor 2:11). Some of his schemes are blinding people via false doctrine (1 Tim 4:1-3), enticing people to indulge in the desires of the flesh and mind (Eph 2:1-3), and bringing persecution upon those that try to do right (1 Pet 5:8-9).
Only with the Lord’s help can we overcome the wicked one (2 Thes 3:3; 1 Jn 2:13-14). We wrestle not against physical things—though we do fight fleshly desires—but against spiritual powers of darkness.
Therefore, we are to put on the WHOLE armor of God and not just pieces of it (Eph 6:14-20). It is the only way to stand strong in the Lord. What is the armor of God?
It starts with the TRUTH which serves like a belt. It holds our lives together with a sense of direction and purpose. It can free us from sin that besets us (Jn 8:32-34, Heb 12:1).
It continues with RIGHTEOUSNESS which guards our hearts like a breastplate. Doing what is good and right will guard the emotions of the heart.
Next, there is the GOSPEL OF PEACE which is like shoes to be able to stand. The gospel is God’s power unto salvation (Rom 1:16-17). It also allows us to take the gospel to others making peace between them and God as well (Rom 10:15).
Then don FAITH which acts like a shield to fend off everything that Satan and our fleshly lusts throw at us. This faith comes from the word of God which we must study and follow (Rom 10:17).
SALVATION serves as a helmet which is our hope (1 Thes 5:8). That hope protects our minds against fear and despair that we had when we first realized our lost condition and need for a Savior.
Now we come to the one offensive part of the armor which is the WORD OF GOD which is the sword of the Spirit. It is powerful (Heb 4:12) and cuts to the heart of those that will receive it (Act 2:36-37). Like any offensive weapon, if you do not learn how to use it properly, it can be used against you!
Finally, there is PRAYER which is the means by which we remain watchful. Jesus taught we must watch and pray lest we enter into temptation (Mt 26:41). We can also use it to pray for others in need.
When we arm ourselves with such qualities as: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, the hope of salvation, the word of God, and prayer then we are “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:10)!
With such strength, we are able to resist and stand firm against anything Satan might throw against us. But the choice to “put on the whole armor of God” is up to us!
