Sunday, November 16, 2014

Full Armor of God

I remember studying this verse when I was younger and not seeing anything beyond a vague idea that armor was good to have in battle and these things were good to have in the Christian life. But studying this passage recently I felt I really got it this time and that makes me so excited.
By Sheldon Martin
[CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)],
via Wikimedia Commons
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NASB)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints


Girdle of Truth: This is your strong core, the keeps you steady in intention among the tug and shove, it holds your position together and maintains your integrity, have a good word to world fit. think of it as a weight lifting belt. It’s easy to think that a little lie will make the conversation more pleasant or help everyone to get along or let you win an argument. But always sticking to the truth is what gives you integrity It’s what holds your witness and your life together.


Breastplate of Righteousness: You have done wrong in the past but once these things are repented and confessed, they no longer affect your moral standing, or your standing with God, AT ALL. even with the things you still struggle with, the check to clear them is already in your hand. With this standing the damages and hooks of evel can’t penetrate to your heart or your guts. Repent and confess where needed but then don’t be ashamed of anything because you are relying not on your own righteousness but on Christ’s.


Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace: Gospel literally means good news but in the greek world of the New Testament it also had an additional meaning of a royal announcement, especially the proclamation of a new King or a new Emperor. Jesus is the true king and God has ordained the temporary power, the decisions of the temporary power can be important but they aren’t ultimate, we can afford to be calm because what we’re really concerned with is already decided, at the same time we can step into any area because Jesus is Lord of all. We should be continually prepared to take our standing from that truth and no other.


Shield of Faith: It can seem like the enemy is about to burn up all your accomplishment, but it’s your sins that will be burned up on judgment day, what you do for God is seen and remembered, and when, by faith, you see that you can put out the threat. You won’t be overcome with worry or anxiety if you can interpose Faith. You won’t be overwhelmed by defeats in worldly matters because you know your have treasures in heaven. And you won’t be dismayed by obstacles or seeming setbacks to kingdom work because you know Jesus will triumph in the end.


Helmet of salvation: God has saved you once for all, by His strength, not yours, nor by what a good before and after story you can tell, don’t let the enemy get into your head with doubts. Evil wants us turned around and confused, worrying about ourselves and always looking inward rather than outward. Having made a decision for salvation let it wrap around your thoughts and hold your inquiries and your reasoning in stability.


Sword of the spirit: God has communicated His character to us in the Bible, the commands Jesus have given should be on our lips, and the Holy Spirit should be controlling and energizing our application of God’s guidance. Scripture allows us to slice through spiritual confusions and disguises. It allows us to laid powers and principles bear and drive back that which is evil.


    We are going to be dealing with the corruption of sin and the destruction it scatters all around this world. We can’t just close our eyes and turn our backs, that will only leave us vulnerable. We need to take the protection god has given us and defend ourselves.  And how do we get this armor and make sure it is in good repair? With prayer and more prayer.