A often talked about passage that Paul wrote is the armor of
God. Ephesians 6:10 – 20 and verse 11 is the reason why:
Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (KJV)
Think about this for an instant, as Paul was writing this he
was in jail since verse 20 mentions he was “in bonds” (KJV) or “in chains”
(NIV) and was probably being guarded by a Roman guard. He uses this image to
explain what we need to defend ourselves against the enemy. I like the imagery
and believe it is excellent in explaining how we need to prepare for the
battle, which is there and will come.
See the key is not to just strap on the armor and fight but
rather train and understand. A Roman soldier could never expect to survive
battle by only putting on the armor. They need to know how to use it, how it
defends them otherwise they will be skewered. We need to do the same and grab
the “sword of the Spirit” and read it. We need to discuss it with others and
attempt to defend it at all times. We need to strengthen our faith through
prayer and faithfully following what God asks of us.
We need to train and do it often!!
It’s really that simple since you put on the “shield of
faith” to protect you from “fiery darts” only to find it is heavy and difficult
to use under attack. If never tested, when the darts start to fly you will
panic and drop the “shield” and run. That is why we need each and every part,
honed to a razor shape skill level!
The biggest key is read the Bible to sharpen the “sword of
the Spirit” and then with that knowledge learn how to put on the sandals, use
the shield, wear the helmet while wearing the clunky breastplate with the belt
to be comfortable doing battle when it’s real.
Think of it this way. You are thrust into a Iraq to
battle ISIS and all you are given is the gear. Sure you have an M16 but how do
you reload it? How do you clean it so it’s accurate each shot? How do you aim
it? How do you control it? Wouldn’t you like to know this before being stormed
in your bunker? This is the key to winning the battle, don’t just SAY you are
putting on the “armor of God” but rather DO what is required to USE the “armor
of God”!!
L