Stay Ready For Battle: Put on the Full Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-Paul urged readers to be filled with God's "power." Our union with Jesus will bring us all the strength that we need. An uninterrupted source of power for our struggle, is in Him.
Christians are to be strong, but our source of our strength is Christ. In verse 11 Paul shows us how we can grow in strength. Paul shows us the Roman soldier equipment for battle.
This is written to show us how to stand our ground against the attacks from Satan & his demons. This armor was to protect us in battle, & the battle always comes. We must put on all this protection so we can be prepared for battle. In verses 13-17 Paul linked the armor with sources of strength that God provides.
In verse 12 Paul shows us that our battle is spiritual. Our combat is hand-to-hand combat, is intense, for we "Wrestle." This battle is not against humans, but against supernatural forces of evil, such as principalities, powers, rulers a & spiritual wickedness in high places. The refer to the mighty power, authority, strength, deceptiveness of Satan & his forces. Satan is very crafty, real, alive, & he is very powerful in our lives if we let him.
Even thought we face powerful opposition in Satan, Jesus Christ is greater& with more power. (Hebrews 2:14) tells us that Jesus has gained the victor over all the evil forces. As we follow & obey Jesus we will receive His strength for the battle. When we put on His armor all the forces put together can not defeat us.
PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD
Ephesians 6:13-17 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, & having done all, stand.
14.Stand therefore, having your loins girted about with truth, & 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 you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17.And take the helmet of salvation, & the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Six pieces of equipment that God makes available to believers so they can resist Satan's temptations. In verse 13 the "wherefore" reminds us of Satan's power in verse 11-12. We must be prepare for spiritual battle by putting God's armor on daily. We must be prepared to resist Satan's attacks on a daily bases. Paul is wanting us the reader to be ready to able to stand in the mist of battle.
Ephesians 6:10-12-describes the enemy. Verse 12 describes the reality of Satan & his forces. Verses 10-11 explains the great resource given in God's power for facing evil.
Verse 14 Roman soldiers wore around their waist a belt, or girde, that held a scabbard for a sword. It also held the outer garment, or tunic, in place. This belt is identified with the truth, integrity of charater, that each Christian must possess. Believers who demonstrate integrity will not allow Satan any foothold in which to initiate temptation.
The "breastplate"covered the vital organs in the chest. Christians who live in uprightness of character will find the strength to resist Satan's advances.
God makes available truth & righteousness, Those who come to God seeking those traits & admitting their own weakness will find that God will provide.
The sandals allowed the soldiers to move quickly without fear of falling. For Paul, the shoes represented a readiness to share the gospel boldly with others (verse 15). We must be ready to help the unbelievers to understand the gospel & to lead believers to obey its demands.
The gospel we share produces an assurance & a peace inside of us, so share the good news with those you meet.
Warrors For Christ
No comments:
Post a Comment