Who doesn’t thrive on encouragement and appreciate some good news? I sure do. This is how I think of the book of Ephesians. It is written by Paul to the churches in and around Ephesus. The whole book is written to encourage the church (then and now) by reminding them of purpose and power of the body of Christ.
That is good news! Have you stopped to thank God for His word today? He could have left us to figure out faith on our own. We sometimes make the Christian life complicated but really God has given us all of the help that we need for here and now. He used Paul to put it into words and I am so glad that He did.
But wait, there is more! Ephesians 6:10 begins with the word “finally”. After all of the advice that he’s given. Finally there is one last thing Paul has to say, and I think he’s saved the best for last!
I think of this passage in 4 sections and am going to talk about each one separately.
#1 Identify the enemy
Be strong, IN THE LORD in the strength of HIS MIGHT. None of this suggests that we are expected to get strong. Or that we are to train for battle. It says God is STRONG. We need to be strong IN HIM. That we should put on HIS armor that HE has provided. Because HIS enemy (the devil) is coming for us.
This is such good news friends. Our enemy is not here. Our enemy is not our annoying neighbor or impossible relative. Our enemy is not our child or our spouse, not our boss or our co-worker. Our enemy is not even our government or a political party. Now, I am not saying that the enemy isn’t using people to do his work, but it’s really important to give credit where credit is due.
There is a hard line drawn to divide the evil from the good. God has made this very easy for us to understand. The application is another thing. I find it difficult to remember the spiritual when I am depending on my earthly senses for living my daily life. How about you? Think about what I just said, when I am DEPENDING on my earthly senses I tend to shut off my spiritual sense. That is a choice. If it wasn’t a choice then God would not have told us to put on the armor He’s provided.
#2 The Armor: What to put on.
The 6 pieces of the armor of God can be divided into 2 parts. The first part of the armor includes the belt, the breastplate, and the shoes. The reason that we can distinguish these pieces from the other three is that they are to be put on, or more aptly they are to be kept on. They are staples in our Christian life. The essential pieces of protection.
First the belt of truth. What a perfect place to start! So God-like to be perfect, isn’t it? Sometimes we are ready to do battle for things that are not even based in truth. What is our truth source anyway? Nothing but the WORD of God. Think about how many scuffles in this life and world you would avoid if you sought the TRUTH first before you ever opened your mouth. Before you ever made a judgement. Imagine how powerful it is to look first to your source of truth before doing any kind of spiritual battle.
Second is the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate protects all of our vital organs. Righteousness, or right living is obedience to God. Obedience is God’s love language. You see how this goes full circle in one simple explanation? God loves you and wants to protect your heart. The best way for Him to protect your heart is by you loving on Him by living in obedience to Him. The next time you are challenged, tempted, confused, ask the question what is right? God is pleased when we ask Him and honor him in our choices and what we may not be aware of is that stopping to make our choices that would honor God is a powerful barricade to our spiritual enemy. How is he supposed to influence you to act badly if you’re seeking to act righteously?
Third the shoes fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. That’s a little bit of a mouthful. Shoes are critical in battle. Probably the most overlooked piece of equipment, don’t you think? The gospel of peace is referring to having peace with God. The only way to have peace with God is through the gospel. Therefore, someone who knows they are at peace with God is confident! Our relationship with God is solid and we can stand firmly and move confidently. Also our feet are ready to go and take to people with whom we can share this good news of being able to be at peace with God. Romans 10:15 To bring this good news to others is an incredible blessing to others. To know that the armor of God is in place as you go is powerful.
#3 The Armor: What to take up.
The second trio of armor equipment are pieces distinguished by the need to be taken up. They are pieces that are fitting for our battles. The shield, the helmet and the sword.
First the shield of faith. Faith is the ticket! Your relationship with God begins with FAITH in Christ. It’s imperative. Because the relationship is spiritual rather than physical it has to be done by faith. Faith is the big rectangle of solid protection we can hide behind. The arrows can fly toward us but will bounce off the surface of our faith. As I envision it, the shield grows larger as our faith grows stronger. And imagine this. When we practice our faith in fellowship with other believers, our shields stand side by side and form a giant and growing wall of protection. Romans 8:31
Second the helmet of salvation. Interesting that the helmet protects our head & brain, isn’t it? By God’s design He knows that our thoughts need to be protected by the assurance of our eternal security with Christ. If we are grateful for Christ and the work He’s done to rescue us from our sin and spiritual death then our thoughts are on Him. If our thoughts are on Him they are not conflicted or confused by the world or the lies of the devil. In my devotional I just recently read a statement that is sticking with me and I think is applicable here. We can not be grateful and worried at the same time. Gratitude for our salvation is protective helmet we can put on at any day any time in any situation.
Third the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. This is the only offensive piece in the set. It’s the piece that Jesus used to battle the temptation He faced by the devil in the wilderness. He didn’t reason or debate with Satan, He succinctly quoted the WORD of God and that was the blow that sent Satan on his way. There is nothing more to be said. The WORD is your sword. No other weapon is needed, this one works.
#4 Activate with prayer!
The armor is wrapped up as this gift to the believer with a ribbon of prayer. Do you want to access this armor? Pray. Prayer connects you to God. It takes you from the physical world into the spiritual world, God’s world.
Pray for you. Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. We have all that we need. God has graciously provided it, but we have to put it on and take it up.