It’s a well known passage, at the end of Paul’s instruction to the Ephesians, but it is preceded by this statement:
“I have saved the most important truths for last”
Paul then goes on to discuss spiritual warfare. It’s an uncomfortable truth for many, because it requires that we agree we actually have an active role to play in bringing the kingdom forth. Not just exist without doing harm.
With the war in Ukraine so much in mind, and any war at any time. I think we have a good understanding of Body Armour. Everyone on social media is an instant expert on the reach and capability of every tank and missile… and we soon realise one group is outgunned by another and needs to upgrade to be able to get back in the fight… or just plainly… survive.
Which in turn brought my thoughts to the armour of God in Ephesians 6. I have been thinking about this passage for a while, discussing its meaning with friends and reading up people’s opinion about it. It is quite obvious, that as you grow, your battle dress needs to upgrade with you.
Your Shield is your growing Faith.
Your Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father fends of attack after attack. Your Faith in God’s Faithfulness. But the enemy will keep throwing bigger and bigger “darts” at you. When you extinguish the first flaming arrow, it will be followed by two, then four, then spears… until you will need to stand your ground against a siege weapon…
This is your defence, and it needs to grow… daily.
Your sword, the Word of the Lord.
Knowledge of the word and more importantly, understanding of the word is how you fight back. This is how you win ground. You don’t just defend your territory… you expand your territory.
This is your firepower, and it needs to grow… daily.
The Shield, Sword, Belt of Truth, Shoes of Willingness… all up to you. But two things are not. (and I have to thank my wife for showing me this)
Firstly, Your salvation is beyond question. Nothing you could do can save you. It is a function of Jesus Christ and this helmet is bullet proof, because it is His helmet, not yours.
Secondly is the Breastplate of Righteousness. Again, not yours. This one also belongs to God and covers YOUR heart. God’s Righteousness and God’s Holiness and God’s Justness and Justice covers your own chest. That’s why God can say, when he looks at us, He sees Righteousness and Holiness in His eyes (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Nothing can penetrate those two pieces of armour, because they belong to God. It is the same armour God put on in Isaiah 59:17:
“…He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head;…”
This is literally Jesus saying “… no bud, your plate carrier is no good. Here, take mine…”!!
How amazing is this?!
