So at camp, we as counselors would say, "Make war!!!" a lot. And when the song came on, we would go nuts and shout, "Ephesians 6!!!" What the junk were we talking about?! The armor of God. Five minutes ago, I plopped open Mac Daddy (MacArthur Bible Commentary) and looked into what this exactly meant. Go to Ephesians 6:10-18. v10-"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Ultimately, Satan's power over Christians is already broken! Remember Friday's Bible X about the white horse in Rev. 19? That's what's up!! v11-"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Put on conveys the idea of permanence, indicating that armor should be the Christian's sustained, life-long attire. Satan's schemes are carried out by his demon hosts. (And this is where I see Sarah B with her demon in a head-lock. Who's your daddy? You are!) v12-" 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." Wrestling is hand to hand combat featuring trickery and deception. Fighting this deception requires truth and righteousness. v13-"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having gone all, to stand firm." As Christians we must be obedient by putting it on. The first three pieces were worn continually on the battlefield; the last three were kept ready for use when actual fighting began. Standing firm against the enemy without wavering or falling is the goal. v14-17"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 piece. 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." This is the third time Paul calls Christians to take a firm position in the spiritual battles against Satan. And now, we see what the armor is:
Belt of truth: The soldier wore a tunic of loose-fitting clothing. Since ancient combat was largely hand-to-hand, the tunic was a potential hindrance and danger. The belt cinched up the loose material. The belt that pulls together all the spiritual loose ends is truth.
Breastplate of righteousness: A tough, sleeveless piece of leather or heavy material covered the soldier's full torso, protecting his heart and other vital organs. Because righteousness, or holiness, is such a distinctive characteristic of God Himself, that is the Christian's chief protection against Satan and his schemes.
Boots of the gospel: Roman soldiers wore boots with nails in them to grip the ground in combat. The gospel of peace pertains to the Good News that through Christ believers are at peace with God, and He is on their side.
Shield of faith: This Greek work usually refers to the large shield that protected the soldier's entire body. The believer's continual trust in God's Word and promise is "above all" absolutely necessary to protect Christians from temptations to every sort of sin.
Helmet of salvation: The helmet protected the head, always a major target in battle. This passage is speaking to thsoe who are already saved; therefore, it does not refer to attaining salvation. Rather, since Satan seeks to destroy a believer's assurance of salvation with his weapons of doubt and discouragement, the believer must be as conscious of one's confident status in Christ as being aware of a helmet on the head.
Sword of the Spirit: A sword was the soldier's only weapon. In the same way, God's Word is the only weapon that a believer needs, infinitely more powerful than any of Satan's devices. It's used defensively to fend off Satan's attacks, and offensively to help destroy the enemy's strategies.
There it is! But y'all, this means nothing if you don't apply it! So, go out and MAKE WAR!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs1Sq7M7cIU
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