April 5, 2024
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power... 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. - Ephesians 6:10, 13
If you have ever seen a firefighter prepare to go into a fire, you would notice that the firefighter would don protective gear from head to toe for safety and effectiveness. As Christians, we also face fires and danger, the enemy has declared an all-out war on Christ and the body of Christ (you and I), so it is not a matter of if you will face the battle but when.
Yes, Christ has overcome and led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8), however careless or unprepared Christians can become casualties, just like a poorly dressed firefighter in a fire. We must therefore put on the full armour of God and arm ourselves with his wisdom and strength to protect us. In the book of Ephesians, Paul provides us with strategies and instructions we need to live successful lives and be empowered for battle. Our winning and losing in life will depend on our preparedness.
Have you ever wondered why the Belt of Truth is listed first (Ephesians 6:14a)? This is because truth empowers us to confront and even prevent every challenge we face. The enemy is the deceiver (Revelation 12:9), and he wants us to believe his lies, it is one of the ways he tries to get us to doubt God’s truth and forget who we are in Christ (Gen 3:3). When Jesus was tempted (Luke 4:1-13), this was the same strategy the devil tried to use, and Jesus overcame by using the truth as a weapon, standing unmoved in the truth, and applying God’s word to each temptation.
By constantly applying God’s truth to any situation and lies the enemy brings our way and seeking truth daily we gain the upper hand. The amazing thing about the belt of truth is that it is both an offensive and defensive weapon, you can use it to ward off the lies of the enemy, and you can also use it to speak the truth of God’s word into any situation and be free (John 8:32).
Yes, Christ has overcome and led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8), however careless or unprepared Christians can become casualties, just like a poorly dressed firefighter in a fire.
The second thing we need to armour up is the Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b). It represents the righteousness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21) and protects our hearts from Satan's attacks and influence (Ephesians 6:11). The enemy seeks to target our self-worth and purity, but when we put on the breastplate of righteousness, we realize that our righteousness is not based on our own efforts, but the righteousness we have received through Jesus Christ. Knowing Christ as our righteousness, empowers us to resist any attack of the enemy that tries to target our self-worth and purity.
The next piece to put on is the Shoes of peace. In the Bible times, the shoes worn by Roman soldiers when preparing for battle, were shoes that were used in hand-to-hand combat and gave very solid grips. In those days, the first to lose footing or stability was the first to fall. These shoes provided stability and were able to grip the ground and prevent the soldier from falling over, like the soccer cleats worn by footballers. Christ sustains us with His peace (John 14:27), and when we are fully anchored to God like the Roman soldiers studded boots, nothing can topple us over.
The Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) is what we can use to fend off all the fiery darts of the enemy. Instead of letting fear win, we can use the shield of faith to fend off the attacks of the enemy. It is not just a normal weapon but empowers us to stand firm even in the face of adversity. While the first three pieces of the armour are used daily, the shield of faith is one that you can use when you under attack and you need faith in God to grant you victory (1 John 5:4). It is for those times when you are getting a bad report from the doctor, or facing difficulty in marriage, finance, career etc. That is when you bring out your shield of faith and use it to ward off the attacks of the enemy.
The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17) protects our mind and thoughts from the attacks of the enemy that seek to introduce doubt into our minds and thoughts. Just like the helmet protects your head when riding a bike, or the head of a soldier, the helmet of salvation also protects our thoughts and renews our minds (2 Corinthians 10:5). It guards us from doubt and the schemes of the enemy. When we align our thoughts with the truth of God’s word and authority, we will always have victory in our lives. It is not a coincidence that the Helmet of Salvation protects our head, cause the head is the command centre, that controls our thought process and how we implement information. Paul is saying to us, put Christ over that process and allow Him to oversee that process
Finally, the Sword of The Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). The Bible sword drill game has been used for many ways as a tool to encourage children and youth to become familiar with and navigate the Bible. This game not only tests your knowledge and speed but is a symbol of your readiness as a Christian to use the Sword of The Spirit – God's word in the spiritual battles you may face. Being equipped with God’s word, and choosing to follow the truths therein, always yields victory. Never let the enemy have the last word, respond with the sword of The Spirit, and let the word of God be your last word in any situation. This is the only offensive part of the entire Armor of God. You’re not fully dressed without it. Arm yourself with the word of God and be ready for whatever comes your way (Joshua 1:8).
Song of Worship
O, church arise and put your armor on Hear the call of Christ our captain For now the weak can say that they are strong In the strength that God has given
With shield of faith and belt of truth We'll stand against the devil's lies An army bold whose battle cry is love Reaching out to those in darkness
Song: O, Church Arise by Keith & Kristyn Getty
Prayer - I declare that I am strong in The Lord, and in the power of His might irrespective of whatever may be happening around me. The things that cause the heart of men to fail and their hands weary are far from me. I declare that I am more than a conqueror and that I partake of the victorious life available to me in Christ. So it is, and shall be in Jesus' name Amen
Bible in 1 year: 1 Samuel 8-10
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