The Full Armor of God
June 6, 2024 | 12:39 pm
Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the Christian armoury. It reminds us that we are in the good fight of faith. No soldier goes to war without preparation and the proper armoury. Our battle is not of flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6: 12).
The weapons we use are not weapons of this world, but those that have divine power to demolish strongholds, arguments, and pretensions, taking captive every thought that raises itself against the Lord to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Our armour cannot be like that of the world. Paul uses the analogy of a Roman soldier to help us understand how to dress up and show up for God’s battle. Why should we wear the full armour?
Firstly, Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to put on the full armour of God so that we can take a stand against the devil’s schemes. God knows the devil’s schemes. He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for one to devour (1 Peter 5:8). You and I are hunted by an unseen but all too real enemy.
You see lions use ambush tactics, hiding behind cover and waiting for their prey to approach before pouncing. They use stealth, strength and speed. The devil, like a lion, likes to sneak up on us when we least expect it. He is strong, fast and swift. Although we don’t need to fear him, we cannot underestimate him. We must be sober, vigilant and aware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11)!
Secondly, Ephesians 6:13 gives us a second reason to wear the full armour, that we can stand our ground! We have each a ground to defend. Our families, children (physical and spiritual), neighbourhoods, and nations are all territories that require us to stand our ground and protect. When fully armoured, we hold the line, not retreat, and not give up an inch of God’s territory!
Thirdly, in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (MSG), Paul reminds us that we must fight the good fight to the end to receive God’s applause. There is a price for everyone who prevails and conquers the enemy. Our work is to dress in full armor; show up for the war, and then stand up in prayer as we wait to see God’s victory. 
The war that we are on already has a winner- us! He in us is greater than he in the world (1 John 4:4). We are more than conquerors through Christ our Lord (Romans 8:37). We have a sure win!
Do you now understand why you need to wear your full armour? Are you fully dressed? We spend the next few days trying to understand each piece of our armoury.
Pastor Anne