Creator, Father, King #298

Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.

WHEN THE APOSTLE PAUL wrote the book of Ephesians, the Roman Empire was the greatest kingdom the ancient world had ever known. Thanks largely to its highly trained, well-equipped legionnaires, Rome expanded and defended its empire for the better part of five centuries.

Paul likely had a Roman soldier in mind when he wrote the well-known “armor of God” passage in Ephesians 6:10-20. Here’s an excerpt:

Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

What’s It Mean?

Let’s briefly explore the armor listed in this beautiful passage and how it relates to us today:

• Belt of truth. Like a soldier’s belt holds clothing and equipment in place, the truth of the gospel girds our faith.
• Body armor of God’s righteousness. Body armor protects a soldier’s vital organs. Likewise, God’s righteousness, which he imputes to believers through Christ’s atoning sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21), protects us from divine wrath.
• Shoes of peace. Just as a soldier must wear proper footwear into battle, Christians must be prepared to bring the gospel message—peace with God through faith in Christ—into spiritually hostile environments.
• Shield of faith. A shield protected ancient soldiers from attack. Likewise, faith in Christ protects Christians from “fiery arrows of the devil” (i.e., temptations and accusations).
• Helmet of salvation. A Christian’s salvation acts as a “helmet,” ultimately protecting the believer’s life from all spiritual harm.
• Sword of the Spirit. Did you notice this is the only offensive weapon listed? We fight our spiritual battles with the truth of Scripture, cutting and slashing through Satan’s attacks, sin’s temptations, and worldly deviations.

God’s spiritual armor is vital for the life of every soldier in the King’s army. By his power, arm yourself with it daily!

Now What?

Beside putting on this armor, don’t forget to “pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion” (Ephesians 6:18).

Did You Know?

Daniel had a future vision of the Roman Empire in the sixth century BC (Daniel 7:7).