(#896, Imperial, 1960)
Read Ephesians 6:10-17.
We often speak of the "battle of life." We live in a world of material, political,
personal and spiritual conflict. For the
Christian the enemies are the world (Jas. 4:4), the flesh (Gal.
5:17) and the devil (2 Cor. 11:13-14).
ƒ The warrior, vs. 10-11.
The command to believers is to "be strong". The enemy is powerful. But note that the secret of this strength is
"in the Lord". We are here
reminded of Paul's prayer in Eph. 3:16 as well as the words of Isaiah 40:31 (Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their
strength). Remember: His strength is
made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).
It is not our might but His might that wins the victory.
ƒ The warfare, v12.
The enemy is not material.
It is not human influence nor physical force. Rather it is spiritual, principalities and
powers, rulers of spiritual darkness in high or heavenly places.
ƒ The weapons, vs. 13-17.
"Having done all" means that we have been
strengthened by the Lord. Now we must
put on the whole armor (v11). We are to take the whole armor. The armor is ours for the taking. The whole armor is Christ Himself (Rom.
13:14) but specifically is...
1. The
girdle of truth. The loins keep the
body from folding up. Christians need to
keep from folding up under the stress of the battle. Christ is the truth (John 14:6).
2. The
breastplate of righteousness. This
protects the center of affection. David
prayed, Create in me a clean heart. So the believer's heart needs protection.
3. The
shoes. Feet represent our walk. We are, in our walk, to be messengers of glad
tidings. It is the gospel of peace
because Christ IS our peace (Eph. 2:14).
4. The
shield of faith. Faith is a potent
factor in victory (1 Jn. 5:4-5). But
again, our faith is linked to Christ (Gal. 2:20).
5. The
helmet of salvation. Here is
protection for our thoughts, through Christ, the author of eternal salvation.
So in all of this we must say...
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ!
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