“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11
Spiritual warfare is real. There is an unseen realm that affects us and our actions (or inaction) affects it. But God has not left us defenseless. Rather, He has equipped us with resources as individuals, small groups and churches.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-6
Did you notice the context there in 2 Corinthians 10 is actually church discipline? We sometimes think of the armor of God as an individual, remembering the need to suit up every day. But Roman soldiers were famous for working together as units, especially with their shields and spears. And our calling is a corporate one, to stand firm TOGETHER.
The key phrase is “be strong in the Lord.” Apart from Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5). But in Christ, all things are possible. So all of the armor is designed to draw us closer to Jesus, where we find our security, power, comfort, fruitfulness and everything else.
How to Stand Firm Together:
- Tighten your Commitment to Jesus (the Belt of Truth)
- He is the Truth (v. 14a)
- Entrust yourself Fully to Jesus (the Breastplate of Righteousness)
- He is your Righteousness (v. 14b)
- Clarify your understanding of the Work of Jesus (Shoes of Gospel Peace)
- He is your Peace (v. 15)
- Hold fast to Jesus in Faith (the Shield of Faith)
- He is your Protection (v. 16)
- Renew your Mind in Jesus (the Helmet of Salvation)
- He is your Salvation (v. 17a)
- Sharpen your knowledge of the Word of Jesus (the Sword of the Spirit)
- He is your Strength (v. 17b)
- Draw close to Jesus in Prayer (the Ultimate Weapon)
- He is your Life (v. 18)
Pray through the armor of God as an exercise in thanksgiving for all God has given us in Christ!