As Christians, we are seen as sinless before God. Pure. Okay, we have a hard time seeing us like that (though we often come across as thinking we’re perfect) but if we really think about it we know we are sinners. If only we could see ourselves as well as others as God sees us. Imagine seeing fellow believers as a perfect family…come on…try. Wouldn’t we get along differently? Now imagine seeing those who are lost as God views them…well…as they are (can God see/look upon sin?) Wouldn’t we be more likely to share our faith with them?
Okay…let’s have some fun…picture yourself dressed in a satiny white robe…like you picture angels…maybe you’re picturing a bride (WOW, now you’ve got it…we ARE Christ’s bride, the church). We are also His soldiers…and we are in battle… daily… hmmmmm… a warrior bride? So many visuals here.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
So as warriors…let’s use the term Knight (since we can picture that easier) we must prepare for battle…and we DO have access to these things. God laid it out for us in Ephesians. Let’s check it out…
Ephesians 6: 10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
The beginning of this chapter shared about how we need to live as Christians…maybe it was coming across as impossible to the readers because then we are given a way HOW to apply this. Back then this made complete sense because they saw these soldiers armored up all over the place.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Paul makes sure to point out we are to put on the WHOLE armor. He didn’t say use the weapon or article of clothing needed at that time…NO…the WHOLE armor all the time. The reason for this is that you are always prepared for everything that could come along.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
This is the first of the “repeat after me” kind of writing…Paul reminds us again of who our enemy is…stated in vs 11…like “the devil’s scheme and this includes…(v 12)…in case you didn’t get it”.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
And AGAIN “let’s repeat this again…put on the WHOLE armor…did you get it? The WHOLE armor…and here’s why again” Is he trying to make a point? Is he afraid we don’t get it or that we aren’t listening…maybe a bit of both? Let’s face it…we do know repetition of things taught does work. Yes, repeating things to teach you things does work. SEE? Ha ha! (Also notice here, he says “after having done everything to stand”….Just a thought….have you done everything to stand or just a few things to get you by?)
14 Stand firm then,
If we can get it into our head…our heart…and make knowing what we have access to as armor then we will be able to stand firm.
with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
This belt, also called girdle (go ahead, chuckle) coming from the words “to gird” to hold together. It is the article of clothing used to connect most other pieces. It surrounds us. Truth…is what it is and makes no apologies for itself. It is what has been and what will be with no room for lies. It is trustworthy. It is faithful. It is fact…it is tested. It is actually self confirming. You confirm the truth with itself. It has been tried and found reliable. Jesus said HE is THE Truth…HE holds us together…HE connects all our needed weapons/tools/apparel.
with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
This is a vital piece of armor…it is a protection of our precious heart…our soul…our spirit…it is the bullet proof vest of the knight…well, sword, dagger, spear and dart protection. With this on we are protected in the most crucial of ways. Protects inwards from outward attacks. Preserves what is there from being vulnerable. I do remember hearing once that it is a breastplate…it protects the front. We are FACING the battle…we are not running or turned from it. Our back to it leaves us open for attack.
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
We are to always be prepared to share the gospel… is to be prepared is to know the Word and to be sensitive to where the Spirit leads us. (What is interesting to note it was BY FOOT that Satan was crushed in the first prophecy of Christ’s work on the cross in Gen 3:15) Christ is the Prince of Peace.
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
This weapon is another two fold weapon. It allows us to deflect anything thrown/shot as us. We must move it around to where the things are being shot. It is not easy to use. It also allows us to press forward and clear our way. (I am visualizing a cow-pusher on the front of an old steam train)
17 Take the helmet of salvation
A helmet protects the head…our head allows us to think. Imagine it not protected and it getting hit…NOT GOOD. I don’t need to go into what damage that can cause. I do want to point out that Satan loves to attack the mind! You need to understand as Christians he cannot take our hearts, they belong to Christ/God. But he can try to invade the mind. He fills our mind with temptations…self pride…reasoning. Unprotected we are a ripe target for brain damage. (Romans 12 reminds us to renew our minds.) Satan wants us weak…blurry minded…weary…vulnerable…the mind is a perfect place to attack. Think about a sleepy stupor…or when you are so tired you just can’t think clearly…a driver who falls asleep at the wheel…GET IT? and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The Bible is the Word of God. 2 Tim. 2:15 tells us: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. You can use a sword as a weapon to defend or to press forward. It’s the same with the Word of God. Know how to use it…you can use it to defend yourself as needed as well as a tool as you speak to someone.
Now think of the movie Gladiator…or any gladiator/knight movie. Imagine needing to swing the sword and use the shield. In conjunction, in tandem, there is an almost dance like quality and skill to using them at the same time. Pressing forward, defending yourself by blocks and sword swings…not too easy without practice.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
As we talked about before, the Spirit is inside us…HE is there to direct us, guide us. As you see here it is not only when we need it, want something or no where else to turn…NO…it is for ALL occasions…all prayers and requests. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter (John 14).
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
I like how its all wrapped up…kinda like “now that you are aware of this…pray for all the other Christians”. It’s not just left..”so now you know…” NO, you’re told…and now pray for others. What I get from this is that a soldier left alone just can’t win…we are an ARMY. You are NOT alone. So pray for all the other soldiers…because you are ONE. A like-minded army fighting the same battle.
While some battles maybe lost the ultimate victory of the WAR is WON.
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the LORD.
Pastor Steve