I don’t think I have done a teaching on the blog on the armor God provides for us. This morning, I want to remind us of how well protected we are!
In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God. It’s important that we aren’t going out to battle in our own strength but that we stay in our place, “in Christ”, to stand against the enemy. Jesus completely defeated Satan and his demons with His death and resurrection. We are here as His ambassadors, the occupational forces, so to speak.
A man I know, as an 18 year old, was part of the occupational forces in Germany after WWII. Although young and inexperienced, with no power of his own, when dressed in the US Army uniform, he represented the USA and all that stood behind it. In that uniform, he commanded respect because of who he represented.
The same holds true with us – as Christians, we are to be Christ’s representatives and we have all the power of His resurrection and of our Father God backing us while on this earth. We aren’t just saved and stuck – we are world overcomers in this life.
“We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. 4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5
So now let’s look at the armor that we’ve been given for this occupation.
“To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. 11 Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks. 12 Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. 13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.
14 So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. 15 On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. 16 And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One. 17 Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-18
Our strength comes from being in the Lord. We are to wear His armor and stand. And when it gets tough we keep STANDING! Our strength to stand comes from the word of God. Here’s a break down of the armor:
Belt of Truth: Jesus said to the Father. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17
Breastplate of Righteousness: Our righteousness comes through Christ. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the of God in him.” II Corinthians 5:17
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: The Gospel is the word of God and when we let it enter our lives, it brings peace. “But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” I Peter 1:25
Shield of Faith: We can’t have faith without the Word. “ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
Helmet of Salvation: Salvation comes through the Word. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13
Sword of the Spirit: It is the word of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Prayer: Prayer is effective when we pray God’s word or His will over a situation. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” I John 5:13-15
So you see, if we don’t know God’s word we are really trying to stand on our own and not in His power, because all the armor has the Word of God as its foundational element. The Word is the “metal” that the armor is forged from.
When we are wearing the armor of God, we will be able to stand forever because Jesus said, “heaven and earth will pass away but my word will never pass away”.
Now, go out and occupy! Take your stand.