The Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For 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. 13 Therefore 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

If you have been listening to sermons for any length of time you have heard one about the Armor of God (vv. 14-17). So instead of my breaking that down, go ahead and read those on your own. Today, however, I would like to address what is said before and after the description of the Armor of God.

First we are called to be strong in the Lord and His power (offense). Then we are told TWICE to put on the WHOLE armor of God (defense). We need both, but it seems that the Armor of God is really important – and not just parts, but the WHOLE Armor of God. We are to STAND AGAINST the schemes of the devil, STAND FIRM and to STAND IN the whole Armor of God.
With God’s strength and armor we will wrestle the powers of this present darkness (the devil’s world system) and withstand evil.

And through this we are called to persevere and prayer. Pray for other Christians and pray in the Spirit. The fight is grueling and will get to us, we need to pray and persevere. There are situations that may seem to have you pinned down. It may seem that everyone is out to tear you down and destroy your serving God. The gossip, the backbiting, the slaps in the face and other things done by those you trusted and loved can make you just want to give up. It may even seem worse when these people are fellow Christians. If you are faithful to God and seek His righteousness and hunger for His word, you are in a good place.

Rely on God’s strength, use His armor for defense, persevere and pray. Pray for those brothers in Christ who are trying to hurt you. Who knows why they are being malicious? I do know that David, a man after God’s own heart, was provoked by Satan to sin (1 Chron 21:1); and after David sinned all of Israel suffered. Is Satan so weak now that he can’t catch you or a brother off-guard and provoke us to sin? These brothers and sisters are not tares in the wheat field, but rather wheat that has been trampled on and broken. You have been given the ministry of reconciliation, is this your chance to restore them to the body?