Put On God’s Armour
In the Bible we read, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, KJV). I am wondering how many people really pay attention to the phrase, “whole armour of God.” The question is, do all Christians really understand what it means to put on the “whole” armour of God? Armour is the protection which is used to guard against injury during battle.
Contrary to our carnal way of thinking, God’s armour is not a ‘material armour, rather it is used in spiritual warfare. The Bible declares, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12, KJV). This means then that we must start to think in a spiritual manner, for the battle is fought in our way of thinking and that’s in our minds.
This same text then lets us know that the battle comes in the evil day and evil affects the way we think. If we are not on guard, we may react to our problems in an ungodly manner. For it is the devil’s tactic to try to take our minds away from thinking about the goodness of our Lord and Savior. It is no wonder that our first instruction is that of “having your loins girt about with truth.” This means that what holds all else up and keeps it together is our knowledge of spiritual truth. Truth is what sets us free from sin and sinning. For the Bible has declared, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32, KJV). The devil cannot harm you if you know the truth. Always follow only that which you know is true. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each of us to continually study the Word of God.
In addition to “truth” the Bible then adds, “having on the breastplate of righteousness.” The breastplate protects the area surrounding the heart. The heart is a vital organ without which life cannot be sustained, so it is with our spiritual life. It is no wonder then that David said in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (KJV).
We then are instructed, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” We must always be mindful to walk peacefully with and in all truth with all mankind. For the scripture has said, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” (Jer. 6:16, KJV). We must be willing to walk in all righteousness, regardless of how tough the battle.
Our next instruction is, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Eph. 6:16, KJV). The military shield of the time was as follows: a large oblong shield, or scuta, like a door, [thura ( qu/ra )] made of wood and covered with hides. Its purpose was to provide a portable covering for the carrier, to guard against all darts of the enemy. The Word of God is our ready shield against any dart fired by the enemy. Know the Word of God and live a godly and worry-free spiritual life. Faith is what keeps us moving forward in the Lord. It dosen’t matter what the situation might look like. Just know, with assurance that things will be just as the Word of God said they will be. Faith is what moves, and pleases, God.
Then we are instructed, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17, KJV). The helmet protects the head, which houses the brain wherein lies our capacity for processing thoughts. From our mind comes all ability to perceive or do anything else. Our mind directs all else about the function of the whole body. We are nothing more than what or who we perceive in our minds. It is in the mind where the “spiritual heart” of man lies. And the Bible declares, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7a, KJV).
Then lastly we are told this, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (Eph. 6:18, KJV). In order for us to be effective as saints of God, we must be willing to do the whole Word of God. So let us remember that the Word of God told us to, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11, KJV). This means that we are to be ready and willing soldiers on the “Battle Field” for the Lord. A true soldier is willing to give his or her life for the cause of victory in Christ Jesus.
Remember, there is a song which says, ”I am on the Battlefield for my Lord. I promised Him that would serve Him ‘til I die. I’m on the battlefield for my Lord.” Is this song still true for you? It is for me. Therefore, let each of us put on ALL of God’s armour and stay strong in this battle for life.
Like this:
Tags: bible study, Christian, Christian Living, encouragement, Ephesians, faith, Holy Spirit, John, Kingdom of God, Proverbs, Psalm, spiritual strength
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
December 10, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Thanks for sharing. God bless you.