Living in Central Texas I yearly experience the truth of the statement, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” Though I cannot see the wind when I experience the March “lion gusts” I am reminded that like the wind, Satan is my unseen enemy (Eph. 6:12). He is portrayed in Scripture as a “roaring lion” who consistently looks for opportunities to overwhelm the believer with temptation, persecution, and discouragement (1 Peter 5:8-9). If I plan to be outdoors, though the sun may be brightly shining, I need the protection of a jacket or sweater when I step out into the March wind. As well, I need the spiritual protection described in Ephesians 6:10-20 to deal with the predatory tactics of Satan.
Paul established foundational instructions for dressing for spiritual service in the early portion of his letter to the Ephesian believers:
First, he uses the statement, “seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (Eph. 2:6) which is the essence of a true Christian experience. God has made us to sit with Christ in the heavenly places. As believers, we begin our salvation experience in a position of resting in the finished work of the Lord Jesus. This instruction focuses on our maturing relationship with our heavenly Father and is the source of our strength for living a consistent, unfaltering life in the midst of enemy territory (the world).
Ephesians 4:1 describes our second instruction, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Eph. 4:1). We are challenged to daily display in our lifestyle conduct that aligns with our salvation. The instruction to “walk worthy” relates to our interface with people, both believers and unbelievers.
The final instruction relates to our attitude toward Satan, our enemy. Concise and uncomplicated in its application we are told to “put on the whole armor of God” and “stand firm” (Eph. 6:11, 13, 14).
It only takes a few moments to review the media’s reporting of the day’s events to acknowledge that we reside on a battlefield in enemy territory (Eph. 6:13-14). Surviving on the battlefield demands that we dress for service by intentionally putting on “the whole armor of God.” As we dress we acknowledge that only the front of our bodies is protected. The design of our armor suggests two battle strategies:
Since Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, we must keep focused that the Victor of the final battle is already decided (John 12:27-32, 17:4, 19:30; Heb. 2:14-15).
Our backs are not protected by the armor. Therefore we are to constantly move forward with no thought of retreat (Phil. 3:13-14).
It is critical that we acknowledge that Satan is a mighty foe that must be continually confronted. Only those who are “dressed for service” will be successful in resisting Him (James 4:7). Kelsey’s Korner provides valuable insight that will assist you in daily “putting on the full armor of God” (Eph. 6:14-20).
KELSEY’S KORNER
Close your eyes and picture an ancient Roman guard. Perhaps you see the worn metal armor covering their chest and lower legs. Maybe you can feel the tough bristles atop the helmets. Possibly, you can smell the leather or even hear the creaking and clinking sounds their gear must have made as they walked. Because of Paul’s time spent in prison, these images, smells, and sounds of the guards were exceedingly familiar to him. These experiences, along with his vast knowledge of the Old Testament, inspired Paul’s use of armor to represent a Christian’s protection against spiritual warfare.
13Therefore 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… Ephesians 6:13-17.
Belt of Truth
In ancient days, the belt played a critical role, serving two main functions: to hold tunics up and out of the way (girding the loins) to ready the wearer for action and to keep everything secure and in place, including weapons. Paul used this analogy to portray that, as Christians in a spiritual battle, truth is what readies us for action and holds everything in place. Conversely, without truth, everything falls apart! In His high priestly prayer, Christ reveals that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).
Cross References: Isaiah 11:5; Exodus 12:11
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate was perhaps one of the most important elements used in battle as it protected the wearer’s heart and other vital organs from the jabs of the enemy. Similarly, though our enemy may seek to take our life, for those who are saved, Christ’ impenetrable righteousness covers us.
Cross References: Isaiah 59:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Shoes of Readiness of the Gospel of Peace
The call to “stand firm” is given twice in Ephesians 6 (vv. 13, 11). Though the enemy may press in, we must not flee, falter, or fall. The gospel of readiness and peace (Romans 5:1) will act as shoes to our feet, giving us the traction needed to stand firm in battle.
Cross Reference: Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15
Shield of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Our assurance and conviction of the promises of God “extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one” (Eph. 6:16). No matter the warfare we may face, our faith preserves us and allows us to persevere to the very end!
Cross References: Genesis 15:1; 1 John 5:4-5; Hebrews 11:24-34
Helmet of Salvation
What is the purpose of a helmet but to protect the head from blows of the enemy? Because of the salvation given us in Christ, though we may stand at the frontlines of the battle, we will not be defeated. The serpent who wages war against us is not so fortunate—uncovered and vulnerable, Scripture promises that someday his head will be crushed, ending the battle once and for all!
Cross References: Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 59:17; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
The Sword of the Spirit
Armed with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit in us, we have all we need to defeat the enemy! Although it may seem like folly to the world (1 Cor. 1:17-31), “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…” (Heb. 4:12).
Cross References: Isaiah 49:2; Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16, 2:16, 19:15.
Arm yourselves, therefore, with the finished work of Christ. Only when we put Him on and fight in His strength will we be able to stand firm in the battle against Satan, our enemy!
THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER’S MONTHLY MEDITATION THOUGHT
God’s Word states, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Therefore, I may boldly say, “Since Satan is a confident predator, looking for easy prey to devour, I must be vigilant to put on the full armor of God.”
You might enjoy other of our spiritual warfare-related Posts:
“Do You Have the Techniques to Combat Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Fatigue?”
“Have You Been Immunized for Spiritual COVID-19?”
“Do You Have Spiritual Cataracts?”
“Are You Building Your Spiritual Immune System?”
“Are You Content in Your Tests and Trials?”
Blessings on your day as you focus on making your house a home!