Ephesians 6:12-18 – The Whole Armor of God
There are two armies in this world, the army of God and the army of satan. As children of God, we are automatically enemies of the devil.
Ephesians 6:12-18 – The Whole Armor of GOD
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
From this verse we understand that we don’t fight against human beings, but against evil spirits. The words used in the scriptures (wickedness, high places, powers, rulers) suggest that these spirits are far more powerful than we human beings, and indeed if not careful, we will get hurt.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
As such, Paul continues by instructing us to take the whole Armor of God. The metaphor that Paul is using helps us to better understand that as Christians we are in battle against the devil and his forces. Notice the fact he didn’t instruct us to take up some of the armor, but the whole Armor of God, so as not to leave a weakness that such spirits may use to exploit, oppress, and abuse.
Loins Girt of Truth
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
This verse is often difficult to understand. We must first understand that as Paul wrote this letter, he was in Rome waiting for trial, so the armor that we writes about is based on roman armor. First of all, what are loins girt? In roman armory, the loins girt acted as a belt, it kept things in place, or in other words, it secured and fastened the armor.
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. Isaiah 11:4-6
When reading the scriptures, we must also understand that God is everlasting, and that his words are true and faithful (Revelation 21:5). In Matthew 24:35, we read that Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
If we use these scriptures to analyze Ephesians 6:14, we understand that if we stand on and secure ourselves with the Word of God, then we shall not be ashamed nor disgraced, the truth of God is divine security – it shall not pass away. As YAHUSHUA Jesus said, “…it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than for one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17
The Breastplate of Righteousness
…and having on the breastplate of righteousness…
The breastplate is a major defensive piece of the armor. It protect vital organs, as such, when the Bible tell us to put on the breastplate of righteousness it simply means that we as Christians must be righteous. An unrighteous Christian is an easy target for the enemy.And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. Isaiah 59:17
Those that we fight against are rulers of darkness, so to defend against them we must put on the armor of God, sealed by his Word, which is truth.
The Boots Of Peace
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Our feet direct our direction in movement, the path which we walk. When verse 15 tell us that our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel, it simply means that our feet should be directed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a sense, spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever you may go and move to Spread the Word.
The Shield of Faith
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
The shield is the most defensive piece of the armor. Without shield, you’re feeling unnecessary pain. To better understand verse 16, we will be looking at another passage in the bible in Psalm 91.He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
In this Psalm, David speaks of the security and protection because of his faith in God. Now, If one has faith in someone, we can say that they trust that individual. Therefore when the Bible tell us to take up the shield of faith, it’s telling us to believe, trust, and have faith in God.4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
If we look at the Psalm 91:4, we see the same concept of faith as a shield! If we trust in God as our refuge and fortress, he will protect us! The Armor of GOD does not rely on our physical, emotional, or intellectual strength, rather it relies on the Strength, Truth, and Spirit of GOD.
The Helmet of Salvation
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
The helmet of salvation meaning that our minds should not forget that we are working to secure our salvation and rewards in heaven. Not only so, the helmet of Salvation is the Word of GOD, it is truth that covers our mind. The enemy will often try to penetrate our mind with doubt, it is by the Word of GOD which encloses our mind that we rebuke and stand firm in our Faith.For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. Isaiah 59:17
The Sword Of The Spirit
The only offensive weapon in the Armor, The Word Of God! The Holy Bible!18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
The final verse speaks of using the sword of the spirit, which is used through prayer. The verse continues; “prayer and supplication in the Spirit“. Praying through the power of The RUACH ha KODESH, the Holy Spirit. Praying in Tongues or being led by the Spirit in Prayer. The Armor of GOD becomes perfect when based on the Power, Word, and Spirit of GOD.
BLESSED BY THE WORD?
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