Year Two, October 30

Put On the Whole Armor of God1

We are about to read an especially beautiful passage where the apostle describes the believer as a soldier. The Christian is urged to prepare for the battle by taking up the defensive and offensive armor of God.

  

Ephesians 6:11-24

11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Satan will attack every part of us and therefore, like the knights of old, we need to be protected from head to foot.) 12For 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. 13Therefore 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.

If we fought with humans, we might not need as much protection, but because we wrestle with clever and spiritual enemies, whose weapons are as mysterious as they are deadly, we need to be twice as watchful. Otherwise we might receive wounds in some unguarded place that will bleed for years.

14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, (A belt of honesty keeps everything in place and the whole soldier ready for battle. A dishonest person is a loose person and a loose person is a lost person.) and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (This will guard the heart. The righteousness of God is a gift from God. It will protect the heart and blunt the edge of Satan’s temptations that he aims at the soul. Note that a breastplate is provided, but no backplate. We must never think of going back, we must face the enemy, no protection is provided for a retreat.) 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (We will march with a happy, calm confidence because the gospel has given us perfect peace. We will march over the rough places on the way without becoming resentful or depressed. No pilgrim is so well equipped as the one who is at peace with God, other people, and their own conscience.)

16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; (Faith, like a shield, covers everything and is therefore the most important. Look well to your confidence in God, for if faith fails all fails.) 17and take the helmet of salvation (The person who is truly saved knows it will protect the mind. The seat of thought and decision will be safe.) and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (The Bible is a bright, sharp, pointed, strong weapon for offense and defense. It cuts a way for us through all enemies, kills sin, and chases away even Satan himself. “It is written” is the terror of hell.) 18praying 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, (This weapon of all-prayer will often serve us well when all others are out of our reach. As long as we can pray, we will not be defeated.) 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

21So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Paul concludes his letter with good wishes and prayers. Christians should be recognized even by their letters. Where others use empty compliments, we should abound in sincere prayers and holy wishes. Let us remember this the next time we write.

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¹ Ephesians 6:11