Paul has that whole, famous, "Whole Armor of God" passage in Ephesians. It's interesting to look at. Like, the point of the armor is that we're not facing flesh and blood (Eph 6:11-12). We're not facing gun problems or bad politicians or crime or the Christian-hating world. We're facing demonic powers. Much bigger. Much worse. Much beyond our capacity. So we're to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Eph 6:10) and not our own. It's interesting that the armor isn't for charging the enemy. It is intended so that "you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm" (Eph 6:13). Stand firm? What happened to "onward Christian soldiers"? No ... stand.
The armor itself is notable (Eph 6:14-17). Most of it comes from Old Testament references. All of it is essential ("whole armor of God" -- verses 11 and 13). I imagine Paul sitting there, writing from the Roman prison where he's chained to two Roman soldiers. "How can I tell them about this idea? Oh, I know. These two guys are perfectly outfitted." Maybe. But each piece has its specific purpose. A belt to hold you together (truth). A breastplate to protect your vital parts (righteousness). Shoes so you can run on uneven ground (the preparation of the gospel). The shield to defend against launched weapons (faith). A helmet to protect your mind (salvation). And, of course, the sword ... our only offensive weapon (the word of God). So truth holds you together, righteousness protects your "vitals," preparing to give the gospel helps you run, faith shields you, and your mind is protected ... by salvation.
It was interesting to me specifically on that "shield of faith." In Genesis, God comes to Abram and says, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great." (Gen 15:1) That's interesting. Perfect, in fact. If our "shield" is God Himself, He is perfect for defending against Satan's attacks (Eph 6:16). It would seem, then, that our perfect shield is our shield ... as long as we trust Him. Faith holds the shield in front of us. If we trust Him fully, He fully protects us (1 John 5:18). That's good to know. We need this armor. All of it. We need the word of God. All of it. But we suffer from delusions of adequacy and think, "I've got this." We don't. Put on the armor.
8 comments:
Minor quibble. It's not that we don't face the problems you mention, it's that those problems are a symptom of the greater problem you identify. The answer to the problems we see, is to armor ourselves for the battle we don't see.
Maybe hyperbole on my part. Sure, we have all those things to deal with, but, as you point out, they are symptoms of a battle of bigger proportions.
I'm curious, you mention the armor isn't meant for charging the enemy, yet we are given shoes for safe running on uneven ground. We certainly shouldn't be fleeing. But if we're not charging the spiritual enemies, what "running" are we doing?
I only say that because the text says that. But even standing requires sure footing, so to speak. And even "standing your ground" might require movement. So the point wasn't "running" as much as "sure footing."
Maybe, I think that these things hit everyone differently. I got the sense that you might have put slightly more focus on the unseen than on the seen.
I'd agree with Stan that we are to stand fast and defend. Which might require some moving to do so effectively, and solid footwear can help with that.
I don’t see “running” mentioned in Eph. 6:15 but would concur with Stan’s clarification that agile maneuvering is implied. The “preparation of the gospel of peace” has been described as readiness or vigilance against the enemy’s attacks--requiring sure footing and a strong, confident stance. It also suggests advancement into Satan’s territory with the Gospel. We don’t go “looking for a fight” with the devil but are fully aware that he will buffet us as we go about serving God on earth. The proper “shoes”--i.e. based on an understanding of the gospel of grace--allow us to sidestep Satan’s obstacles and traps, as we help bring God’s peace to others caught up in this current spiritual battle. As Stan points out, the overall purpose of the whole armor of God is to stand (Eph. 6:11, 13, 14) and withstand (Eph. 6:13)--neither fleeing in terror nor charging aggressively; proper footwear would clearly facilitate that well-balanced stance.
I have always enjoyed studies of the “whole armor of God” passage and its practical applications for modern-day believers--even those of us who don’t regularly see fully outfitted soldiers milling around. The fully equipped Roman soldier would have been very familiar to Paul’s readers, as you point out, making for a very helpful analogy. The shield was the first substantial barrier against the enemy’s attacks--as the biblical faith of Christians surely is to this day. Just as a very large shield offers the best protection, so too will a deep, strong faith in God enable us to ward off the fiery darts of the devil such as doubt, fear, discouragement, temptation, persecution, deception, etc. Indeed, God is my shield, and my faith in Him will allow me to stand firm in Christ (there’s that all-important position again today!).
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