The Armor of God
Being A Righteous Soldier 2/3
Throughout Scripture you can find multiple passages about the tools of our faith compared to equipment often associated with soldiers. These tools, by Gods design are meant to help us fight back the spiritual warfare waged upon us by sin and evil. We mentioned in last weeks devotional, how we enter a war the day we decide to follow Jesus. Christianity is much like joining the military, but with Christianity we are joining in a war, we are switching which side we fight for. I like to compare this to Neo deciding to take the blue or red pill. Becoming a Christian is deciding to wake up from the facade and illusion of the world we see, to see the world unseen. Much like Neo we are awakened and are shown behind the curtain of our perceived reality. From day one of being becoming a Christian, we begin our fight against our old natures, our old sins, and strive to be more like Jesus.
The Armor of God is a metaphor, a physical representation of our spiritual assets. It is taught to us through scripture, compared to items that would be common to Christians of that era. Though much of the equipment has changed and modern conventional warfare equipment looks nothing like the sword and shield of a roman knight, the analogies still work. For the sake of fun we will give them some modern updates as we go through them. Gods word is perfect and true, and I do not believe his word can be out dated, or need updating. Changing the names of military equipment to a modern name, will not impact the meaning of the scripture. In addition changing the equipment adds a little fun, and modern relatability to it.
Today we are going to take a look at Ephesians 6: 13 -20 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” We will go through each piece of armor that Paul talks about here in Ephesians, and then tie it all together. The Armor of God are tools to help us love better, and allow us to live more perfect lives. These are tools that make our lives here on earth more enjoyable, easier to manage, and ultimately more fulfilling.
THE BELT OF TRUTH
The the Armor of God, I imagine to be a literacy design based from the Roman Empire Military uniforms. I bring this up because many of you might be thinking to yourself, “A belt, what is a belt going to do, how is this part of Armor?” Belts or “balteus” as referred to by the Romans, provide very little physical protection. Instead their belts, gave warning to anyone who saw one of this ancient soldiers. The belts where designed to carry a sword, scabbard, and in addition the Romans would hang a series of metal disc, and ornaments from their belt. These ornaments represented rank, awards, and achievements. The belt was almost like the calling card, the resume of each soldier. The modern soldier does the same with his rank pinned on his shoulder, chest or collar, and the branch of services he serves with on his chest.
For Christians the belt of truth is still a calling card, but not one that highlights our own achievements but rather those of Jesus. John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is our truth, he is the one we represent. When we put on the belt of truth we are showing the world that belong to Christ. Gods truth helps to protect us and keep us from evil.
Many might be asking, “how will a belt protect me, specifically a metaphoric belt?” The belt represents truth and Jesus is truth. Truth sets us free from the chains of this world, John 8: 31 - 33 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus is telling us that for truth to set us free, and protect us we must keep in step with his teachings. We do this by studying his word (The Bible), praying daily and without ceasing, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 “13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
Ok key take aways from the belt of truth: Jesus is Truth, If we study his words and apply his teachings to our lives we will be free from sin. And, since we are weak, unable to remain without sin on while on Earth, he sends the Holy Spirit to guide us and teach us.
THE BREAST PLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
The breast plate for a roman soldier would have been one of the most important forms of protection. The breast plate protects all of the vital organs. In modern military decorum we would call this a plate carrier, used to stop bullets, and shrapnel from entering the body and preventing damage to our torso. Paul is telling us to protect ourselves with righteousness. We do this by ensuring we do what is both right and just.
God values righteousness, and instructs us to be righteous. We are representatives of Jesus and his representatives of justice. Proverbs 21: 3 “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” Being righteous is no easy feat, and without Jesus, righteousness would not be present. Without Jesus we would not be able to be righteous, and would never see unadulterated justice. We can look at justice systems around the world, we can watch them strive to do what is right and just. We can look at these legal systems and see that even through their attempts at righteousness there are flaws and corruption. In Jesus there are no flaws, and he is without corruption.
We are by nature a sinful and corrupt people. Without Jesus we are unable to be righteous as God commands us to be. To be righteous we must study Gods word and the teachings of Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17 “16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Gods teachings, the Word of Truth (the belt of truth) helps to guide us in righteousness, so that we may seek out righteous works. Some of the ways, we as Christians can be more righteous is through learning Gods word, and defending those who are in need. Isaiah 1:17 - “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Here is another example in James 1: 27 “27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
To recap the Breast Plate of Righteousness: we must strive to do was is good and just. We must protect those unable to protect themselves. We cannot do any of this if we are not diving into Gods word, and allowing his teachings to reshape us into his creatures. Without God we will never be able to be righteous
SHOES OF READINESS IN PEACE OF THE GOSPEL
The “Caligae” was a Roman Leather sandal with short large headed nails hammered in the soles of each sandal. These sandal boots helped provide protection for the soldiers feet, and when marching in legions would have created a thunderous sound, due to the nails place in the soles. Enemies of the Roman Empire would have heard the intimidating sound of the pounding of these soldiers marching well before ever seeing them. This would in effect strike fear into the hearts of their enemy. Today modern military members where hard sole leather boots, that protect their feet, but do not produce the clap of thunder as our Roman predecessors. We have traded slippery and dangerous nails for specialized rubber soles that provide more comfort than fear.
Paul tells us to put on Shoes of Readiness in Peace of the Gospel. He is telling us to stand ready, being prepared to march without fear or anxiety. We are in a world of sin, and sin stands as an enemy to God, and to all that belong to him. The tribulations, trials and hardships that come from being a Christian in a fallen world can be overwhelming, but Christ tells us not to fear, for he has conquered this world. John 16:33 “33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus is peace to all those who belong to him, he gives us strength and confidence, so that we might not live in fear. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 “16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
You're probably thinking, “this is easier said than done” and you would be right. As daunting of a task as it may seem it is not impossible. Phillipians 4: 6-7 “6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We cannot achieve peace on our own, but must seek God to give us this peace. We must dive into his word, pray and trust that God is not only able, but will protect our hearts from fear and anxiety. We must take to heart the words of the psalmist Psalms 4:8 “8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” God provides safety by being our safety. No matter how intense or overwhelming our circumstance might seem God will protect us. Psalms 46: 1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
Shoes of Readiness in the Peace of the Gospel is literally the message of our salvation. The knowledge of knowing we were hopeless and fallen, unable to save ourselves, but Christ came and saved us. We can trust that through prayer, thanksgiving and the daily devotion of studying his word, our heart will be strengthened. God will provide us with security and peace to free us from all anxiety, we just have to lean in and trust him.
SHIELD OF FAITH
The “scutum” or Roman military shield was the first line of defense when facing enemies arrows and sword thrust. The shields where nearly as tall as the soldier and depending on the time period varied in shape. Generally made out of sheets of wood glued together, wrapped in leather with a metal ornament in the center used for punching during close quarter combat. The shields would have been decorate in such away that anyone who saw a roman shield would have no doubts that the Roman military was coming towards them. Today the modern military does not often carry a shield, but a shield can still be seen in use with riot control from the National Guard and Police.
Paul tells us to carry our Shield of Faith, to block the fiery darts or arrows from the evil one (Satan). The first step of becoming a Christian is having faith, trust and belief in the unseen. Believing that Christ came to save you, and trusting that he is able, and willing to save you when you pass from this earth into the spiritual plane. Hebrews 11: 1-3 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” When we have faith we trust that God is committed to keeping us, keeping his promise to save us, Hebrews 7:25 “25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” God wants us to draw near to him, meaning having faith in him, growing in him through prayer and devotion. 2 Timothy 1: 8- 14 “8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of lthe sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard ithe good deposit entrusted to you.” It is through Christ that we are saved and kept safe when we die. We have no control of over what happens to our souls when we die. As a Christian we are entrusting our souls to God to be protected when we leave our physical bodies.
Faith is believing and trusting in something that you cannot control, which often is a scary concept for us. None the less we must seek God in Faith without doubting his ability to save us. James 1:6 “ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” If we pray in faith, for our salvation or for the tools to be given to us to survive on this planet and do the Lords will, He will honor that prayer and provide. Faith is the strongest weapon we have against the evils of this world, and it is through our Faith in Christ that we achieve victory over this sinful world. 1 John 5: 4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
HELMET OF SALVATION
The “Galea” was sturdy helmet usually made of bronze. They had different designs and features, but they all served the same purpose, to protect the head of the soldier wearing it. In many ancient cultures and religions the head, and eyes where represented as the source of life. Without a helmet for protection a soldier could resemble expect his chances of survival to be very slim. In the modern military we wear helmets made of kevlar designed to protect the head from shrapnel, concussions, and are designed in such a way that they are able to redirect the path of a bullet around the scalp instead of through it.
Similar to the physical helmet, the Helmet of Salvation is extremely important. Without Salvation we have no chance of surviving spiritual death. Salvation has been given to all those who believe in Christ and his forgiveness of sins. Acts 4: 11-12 “11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” It is by, and through the blood of Christ alone that we are saved from a death more gruesome than any we could ever imagine on this earth. Paul is telling us to not only protect ourselves with salvation, but to proclaim it for all to see. We must have faith, and live in righteousness, proudly living as an earthly reflection of Christ. Romans 1:16 - 17 “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew ffirst and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”” Salvation is freely given to us, but we must be the ones to accept this salvation.
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
The “gladius” or “machaira” was a double edged sword that when combined with a shield was one of the most deadly weapon combinations ever carried by a military force. The shields would cover the whole body for protection, while the lethal double edged blade sliced through everything in its path. In todays military we have moved away from the shield and the sword but have added a variety of new armament to the battlefield, from the M4 Riffle, to the 2010 Remington Sniper Rifle, all the way to rocket launchers and flame throwers
Paul refers to the Spirit as a sword because I imagine he is keeping with the theme God uses throughout the Bible referring to his word as a two edged sword. This sword is not one that we can pick up and start slashing and pruning the garden out back with. This sword is a dangerous piece of weaponry against all evil. The word of God is the Sword, His words are Truth and his truth slices through all evil. Hebrews 4:12 “ For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Jesus is the word of truth as we mentioned before, he is not only our salvation, he is our protection and our weapon against evil. John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Unlike the swords the romans used, this sword will never rust, it will never dull, and it will always be there for us. Matthew 24:35 “35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” We must take hold of this sword, and we can only do this (I’m sure you have already guessed) by daily prayer, thanksgiving and devotion with our God and King.
PRAYER TIES IT ALL TOGETHER
Verses 18-20 of this passage in Ephesians ends with not the mention of more armor, but the binding that holds all the armor together, and that is PRAYER. Im sure as you read through the various pieces of armor, you noticed a theme and a correlation. The theme: in order to wear the full armor of God we must daily spend time with him, this is done through prayer, devotion, thanksgiving and a daily commitment to be more like him. The correlation: is that all the pieces of armor Paul talks about in this passage are dependent on another. There is not one piece armor that can be used without the whole. To be a Christian is a full commitment, you cannot pick and choose what parts of Christianity you will follow and what parts you will ignore. You either accept Jesus as a whole or you never get to no him. With God there is no middle ground, no grey areas, God only sees in black and white. We have a choice, the choice to follow Jesus or remain in rebellion to him.
Perhaps you are reading this today, and you have realized that you are sitting in the gray zone. Maybe you have been wondering for years why your life is not coming together. You feel as if life constantly keeps falling apart. Maybe you are experiencing what I once did, growing up being taught fantasy stories about our God, thinking I was a Christian, but never actually getting to know God for myself. It’s time that we all fully commit ourselves to God. Go to him daily in prayer, study his word and put the lessons you learn into practice. If we have faith in Him and let his words work through us, imagine how much more his Gospel would be preached, how many more lives would see salvation, and our own lives would feel complete.
Thank you for joining us this week. Below are our focus questions, please feel free to comment below, or let us know how we are doing on Facebook, twitter or on the website. If you have questions about todays devotion or any of the past devotions, please reach out. If you need a bible, prayer, or just someone to talk with please reach out. We look forward to serving with you, and assisting you.
Are you fully committed to serving God, or do you only serve him when it is convenient for you?
Are you daily going to prayer, and studying Gods word?
One of the best aspects of being a Christian Soldier is the family of brothers and sisters that fight along side of us. Are you plugged in with a church?
Where are you weak? Hard to believe sometimes? Difficult doing what is right and just? Maybe you don’t know what to believe is truth and lie?
Who do you have in your life that could mentor you and show you how to become a better Christian?
What 3 things are you going to change this week, to make you a better soldier of Christ?
Thank you again for joining with us.
God Bless!
Kyle C. Statham
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