Joel M Bradshaw

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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, 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.–Ephesians 6

The famous Armor of God passage. I have memories of my mother reminding me as I left the house to go to school to always ‘keep my armor on.’ I love you, Mom!

What are some basic truths we can glean from this well-known passage?

1. Our strength is God’s strength and it is God’s armor.
2. The Devil is real and he is working against both God and us.
3. We are commanded again and again to stand firm, not to fight.
4. Prayer is linked to keeping alert and perseverance.
5. The armor pieces are linked to God’s character that we are supposed to wear as our attitudes and identities.

The Lord (Yahweh) is a warrior; the Lord (Yahweh) is his name. (EXODUS 15:3)

Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. (ISAIAH 11:5)

He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head (ISAIAH 59:17)

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news—(ISAIAH 52:7)

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (REVELATION 12:10-11)

You could easily imagine Paul writing this while looking at one of the Roman soldiers guarding him. Think of the armor pieces as what Godly things need to be your character that day. Where are you exposed because you refuse to equip that armor piece? Keep your armor on!–JMB