In Ephesians 6:10-20, the Apostle Paul spoke about the whole armor of God and urged believers to use ALL of God’s armor to be able to stand firm against ALL evil strategies thrown at us. We are reminded that our real enemy is not what we can see in this world, but what we cannot see without the spiritual lens that God provides. In this spiritual battle Paul encouraged us to equip ourselves like the Roman soldier did in his day. The following is a summary of each piece of God's armor that has been discussed in this blog.
Our belt – The Roman soldier used a belt that held pieces of armor together. The belt held the breast plate tight against the waist so it would not fly up exposing the chest. It held a protective mesh around the hips and waist that protected them from injury during defensive or offensive movement. It also kept the sword and other weapons close at hand and ready for use in combat. It’s important to choose God’s truth as our belt so our armor will not fall apart when challenged by our worldly enemies. We can then stand firm in the real truth and not be stirred away when manipulators and intimidators try to shake us up with their worldly beliefs.
Our body armor – The Roman soldier used a breast plate to protect their vital organs during combat. This allowed them to take blows from their enemy without harm so they could continue the fight. In the same way when a believer lives a life with integrity and honor according to the righteousness of God, the enemy will not be able to find a weakness to exploit that can incapacitate the believer’s witness. When we embrace His wisdom, we can live with the same integrity and honor that models the righteousness of God.
Our shoes – The Roman soldier uses good shoes that did not slip when pressure was applied in defensive or offensive maneuvers. In the same way the Good News gives us peace of mind in knowing God’s plan for us. This results in confidence to stand firm in our position; shoes that do not slip. Understanding the Good News and what it means to us individually will open our eyes to see God’s truth. Knowledge of God’s truth builds up the way we view the world around us. It empowers us with inward peace and security strengthening our position as God’s children. We then stand firmly in our position when challenged by worldly beliefs and doctrines.
Our shield – The Roman soldier used their shield to stop arrows and knives thrown at them avoiding the wounds they could cause. In the same way our faith is strengthened as we accept the truths we learn from the word of God and grow in our relationship with Him. This faith is our shield to repel the fiery arrows of criticism and doubt thrown at us by the world, and to give us the resolve needed to forge ahead in our quest to serve the Lord.
Our helmet – The Roman soldier used the helmet to protect the head. The head provides reasoning and situational awareness of the battle and must be alert and focused at all times to avoid confusion. In the same way the knowledge of God’s grace and unmerited favor toward us to save us, and to forgive us, is our helmet. It protects our thoughts from being crushed and despairing when we face a world that appears successful and daunting. We can be shaken by the circumstances we face but not stirred away in our situational awareness as believers in Jesus Christ. The knowledge of our salvation keeps us centered in our faith giving us the confidence to stand firm with Jesus Christ.
Our sword – The Roman soldier used the sword as a weapon to defend against or to attack their enemy. Roman soldiers were trained in techniques to use their sword effectively, and good soldiers would practice these techniques often to prepare them for battle. In the same way the word of God is our sword, and the Holy Spirit will use the truth of God’s word to teach us techniques that, if we study and practice, will help us to cut through the lies the world believes in.
Our communications network – Roman solders used messengers, flags, and trumpets as a tactical battlefield communications network, to synchronize their actions as a whole. In the same way we need to persistently reach out in prayer seeking personal guidance and interceding for all believers everywhere. As we rely on God’s communications network we can stay synchronized with His guidance and wisdom standing firmly in our position when challenged by worldly beliefs and doctrines.
All pieces of armor provided by God help us in our lordship journey. They help us to know Jesus more and more. They guide our thoughts, speech, and actions as we follow Jesus. And they protect us as we strive to be acceptable examples of Jesus to others. It has been my desire that this blog would help believers relate to the biblical truths behind the whole armor of God, and to use all pieces in their daily life; sometimes shaken, but not stirred away.
Enjoy the journey!
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