The Equipment
The full armor of God ... familiar words to Bible students ... a familiar image to anyone who grew up going to Sunday School ... remember the drawings where we filled in the blanks on each piece of the armor?
I can imagine Paul sitting at a table, chained to a Roman guard, writing to the believers in Ephesus. He is ready to close his letter. So he writes, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." I can then imagine him pausing, repositioning his arm, hearing the chain rattle and looking up at the man to whom he is chained. I wonder if seeing that armor on his Roman guard captivated his mind and defined the next verses from his pen? And Paul begins to describe the elements that are a necessity for us, as believers, to stand firm in the Lord.
There is truth. Even in our particular culture that is awash in relativism, my fellow believer - there is truth. And it is Jesus.
There is righteousness. Even in our particular culture that ignores the reality of sin - that believes whatever feels right to you is right - there is still the righteousness of God - available to you and I through our Lord Jesus.
There is peace. Even in our war torn, violence ridden world - the reality of peace with God through Jesus calms our fears, secures our hearts and allows us to breathe deeply.
There is faith. Even in our culture that is marked by doubt and distrust and unbelief - there is still faith. It is strong. It is sure. And it protects.
There is salvation. Even in our culture that will spew ridicule on the word and the idea - there is security and confidence in the knowing that Christ is coming back, that this will come to an end, and that the believer is WITH Christ.
There is a sword. And it is the Word of God. It provides knowledge and insight. It stretches us, molds us, teaches us, challenges us. It corrects us, disciplines us, encourages us. It allows us to discern between the lies of the prince of this world and the truth of God. Use it well. And remember to use it against the real enemy - not against each other!
The full armor of God. It must be "put on". You must conscientiously decide to claim each piece for yourself and to deliberately choose to wear it each day. Memorize those words, those elements - and every morning when you are getting dressed, mentally put these on as well ... put on ...
truth - righteousness - peace - faith - salvation
and as you pick up your purse to head out the door, mentally pick up ...
the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
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