Armor Up!
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Eph 6:12-18 (ESV)
The setting is a forward outpost in Afghanistan. The Taliban has infiltrated the villages, struck alliances with several warlords, and is heavily armored. Our soldiers cannot lose this strategic area; the repercussions on the overall war would be too great. The time is early morning, well before sunrise. It will be a long, rough day. The young soldiers display macho bravado, kidding, laughing, and trying not to reveal the terror that resides near the surface. As they prepare, they put on their desert-camouflaged uniforms, form their feet into sturdy boots that offer traction and protection, and slip into their bulletproof vests. They have cleaned and checked their weapons and made sure that they have plenty of ammunition. Now they are ready, they mount their vehicles and roar off to the battle, prepared, trained, and able.
The setting is a forward outpost in Afghanistan. The Taliban has infiltrated the villages, struck alliances with several warlords, and is heavily armored. Our soldiers cannot lose this strategic area; the repercussions on the overall war would be too great. The time is early morning, well before sunrise. It will be a long, rough day. The young soldiers display macho bravado, kidding, laughing, and trying not to reveal the terror that resides near the surface. As they prepare, they put on their desert-camouflaged uniforms, form their feet into sturdy boots that offer traction and protection, and slip into their bulletproof vests. They have cleaned and checked their weapons and made sure that they have plenty of ammunition. Now they are ready, they mount their vehicles and roar off to the battle, prepared, trained, and able.
We are also in a battle, it is a spiritual battle against the prince of this world, the great spiritual enemy who is committed to doing everything to destroy us and those we love. Does it make any sense to charge off into this battle in a polo shirt, shorts, and flip-flops? Of course, that does not make any sense yet it is exactly what we do so much of the time. Let’s stop it! Get prepared for the fight! How? Verse 13 says that we are to take up God’s armor because then we will be able to stand firm! What is that armor and where do you get it? This armor is not literal. Paul is using the illustration of a Roman soldier to teach us what we need to take up daily. Notice the armor that Paul lists in verses 14-17:
• The belt of truth
• The breastplate of righteousness
• The shoes of the gospel
• The shield of faith
• The helmet of salvation
• The sword of the Spirit
A number of years ago, I preached a lengthy series on the Armor of God in which I analyzed each piece individually. That series is still available though our bookstore if you are interested in an in-depth exegetical study of the subject. However, for this brief devotional, let me give you the Cliff Note version. This description of armor is really about the gospel. We are taking up the gospel. By that I mean we cannot make ourselves right with God. That is why Christ came to die for us as our substitute taking the wrath of God for our sin. His death was in our place so that we do not have to endure separation from God. In the resurrection, Christ not only conquered sin in death but also the presence of sin. Now, according to the promise of God, when we accept Christ all that He did is realized in our lives. He lives in us, forgives us, empowers us, and gives us eternal life. That is the gospel.
Since we are involved in this great spiritual battle, we must learn to accept the gospel and its ramifications in our lives. We have to believe that what Christ has won applies to us. He forgives, protects, and empowers us. We take up the armor of God when we “preach the gospel to ourselves,” bringing to mind the fullness of salvation and the power of God within us. Putting on the armor of God is calling these things true in your own life. That is how you are protected against the schemes of the devil and that is where you victory comes in the fight.
A major difference between the American soldier in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban and a Christian fighting the organization of evil is that we do not know the outcome of the battle in the Middle East. However, we can be assured of Christ’s victory over Satan.
I remember a hymn that we sang at church when I was growing up. Frankly, I don’t think that I liked it much back then. However, I’ve added some years, miles, and experiences and the old song makes a lot more sense to me.
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
You dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.”
George Duffield
I appreciate Warren Wiersbe for reminding me of this song. George Duffield had it right, didn’t he!
2 Peter 3:18
Dennis
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Posted on
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
by Dennis Newkirk