PUT IT ON. . .

We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.   2 Corinthians 4:8-9

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We are at war!

Believers struggle constantly against the pain, confusion and temptations of this world. The old adage “sex sells” is continually evolving in advertising, magazines and television, dulling our senses to true morality. Each day, acceptance is just a little easier.  While we fight to overcome doubts and anxiety for the cares of this world, we forget that there is a very real spiritual battle for our eternal soul.

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Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

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Complacent Christians “straddle the fence” rather than make a stand. As time passes, our beautiful country is becoming less of a Christian nation, while hatred and persecution against Christians is more prevalent than ever in its history.  Our public schools teach humanism and creationism.  Public Christian prayer is discouraged, although political correctness must allow other religions to do so. The notion of political correctness is quickly overcoming common sense and has weakened our government to the point where we have lost confidence in its ability to protect our freedoms and our very lives.  Hate crimes, racial tension, and terrorism are definitely on the rise.

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The Battle is Real!

Spiritual Warfare is certainly not a new phenomenon. It was introduced into our world when the serpent convinced Eve that eating forbidden fruit would make her like God. Temptation is always beautiful and captivating. It is always the perfect "fruit" to trap us with our own needs and desires. It is only after we succumb that we see the true ugliness behind the sham.

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God has provided the means. . .

We are first introduced to the Armor of God in the Old Testament. God's chosen people were familiar with battle and battle armor. 
​Isaiah 59:17
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

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Paul knew that the spiritual battle was real. While imprisoned, he had plenty of time to meditate on Old Testament references to God's armor and its correlation to the armor of the Roman Soldiers who patrolled the area.

In Ephesians, he created a visual metaphor for the tools God has provided for us. If we can visualize this ancient armor, then we can better understand the strengths God lends us for the battle.

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Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

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The Whole Armor of God

Like the spiritual battle going on around us, the armor of God is real. It is an essential part of our Christian walk. We must put it on and keep on in order to fight the wiles of the devil. 

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The Belt of Truth

The Belt protected vital organs and the lower body in the same way God's truth surrounds us and protects us. It was also essential for holding tools of warfare. Without it there would be nowhere to hold the Sword.

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The Breastplate of Righteousness

The Breastplate was very important to protect heart and lungs. Paul would have seen this as the location of our heart, mind, and emotions. God's word often encourages us to "guard our heart." As Christians, we are covered in Christ's Righteousness. His righteousness protects us and gives us strength to overcome.

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Shoes of Preparation and Peace

The shoes of the Roman soldier were designed to protect his feet, as well as to give him stability while walking over rough terrain. God's word commands us to "stand" and "stand firm."  Our stability comes from the Word of God. When we abide in Him, we find our peace.

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Shield of Faith

The actual Roman shield was much different from the shield we most often envision. It was huge and could be used offensively and defensively. It could also be used collectively with others to create a safety barrier.  Paul commands us to "Take up the shield." You cannot just put on your faith. You must use it.

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Helmet of Salvation

The Roman helmet protected the head, cheeks, and the neck and shoulders. The Helmet of Salvation offers hope. It protects our mind from the "fiery darts" of doubt and helps us to resist temptations. Without Salvation, you are completely vulnerable to Satan.

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Sword of the Spirit

The Roman sword conquered the world. It was broad, double edged, sharp and pointed. The Roman soldier was formidable in close combat. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. It is our weapon in the battle against Satan and our greatest tool for serving and abiding in God.

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Prayer and Supplication

After we put on the Armor of God, we are to "pray always." This is our communication with God. We must always be in a state of prayer and reverence to Him. We must give him our heart as we pray for others and ourselves.

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Cloak of Zeal

Although the Roman cloak was not offensive or defensive, it was a very important part of the soldier's armor. It protected him against the elements and kept him warm. Red has always represented passion and zeal. God's love surrounds us and protects us. However, we cannot just sit on the fence and bask in this comfort. We must serve the Lord with passion and zeal.

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The Battle is Real. Take up your armor and Put It On.