Last week, we began looking at the spiritual armor provided by God to His children as they face the spiritual battels of this life. Today, I want to begin looking at the spiritual armor set forth in Ephesians 6.

Paul admonishes the Ephesians as follows: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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.” Eph. 6:11-13.

It is clear from the context that Paul is speaking to those who are already born of the Spirit: Let’s look at the verse immediately preceding this passage: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Eph. 6:10. He calls them “my brethren,” NOT “my unregenerated acquaintances”! The admonition to “put on” the armor of God was made to children of God who have the spiritual ability to serve God, and NOT to the world.

Notice as well that this armor must be “put on”; we are NOT automatically clothed with it when we are born again! The armor has been provided for every single regenerated child of God, but not every child of God avails himself of its protections. Roman soldiers – whose armor Paul is using as an analogy – were not born ready for battle! They had to practice constantly with their armor and weaponry before they were thrust into the heat of the battlefield. Likewise, God’s soldiers are required to wield and practice with their spiritual weaponry in order to successfully do battle against the enemy!

Moreover, Paul tells us to put on the “whole armour”. It isn’t enough to put on the helmet but not the breastplate, or the shoes but not the girdle. It isn’t enough to take up the sword of the Spirit without also wielding the shield of faith. ALL the armor works together as a unified whole; without one piece, the others will not suffice!

One last point before we move into a consideration of each item of armor: the battle we face is REAL, but the battlefield is a temporal battlefield and NOT an eternal battlefield! Eternity is not at stake in the warfare we face; if it were, the battle would be hopeless! Praise God, our Savior Jesus Christ has already stormed the battlefield of eternity and won the day!

But make no mistake: the spiritual battle we face is real, and it is indeed a battle! Our enemy is mighty, but our Captain is mightier! And the armor He has provided will help us win the day.

Next time: The Girdle of Truth!

May the Lord bless you is my prayer.

Elder Chris McCool, Pastor