Spiritual Armor

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 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" 

Ephesians 6:11-18

Ephesians 6 stands as a solemn warning that Christians are in a spiritual battle. As such, our defense is dependent on how we take on our spiritual armor. Our own flesh tempts us to take on the world on its terms and using its tactics. Then again, our flesh (the old man) is one of the enemies in Satan's tyranny of evil.

The world will attack. This should not surprise us. But our response is critically important. Our flesh wants to retaliate in the same way. Criticism, harsh judgement, sarcasm, cynicism.... are weapons of the enemy. 1 Peter 2 tells us that when Jesus was reviled, he did not revile in return. While the "world" culture is our spiritual enemy - its people are not. God loved them enough to send his only Son....we are called to love the unloveable and take them to meet Jesus.

The helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness are critical to survival. They protect the head and the heart. Salvation is the starting point. As simple as it sounds, you have to be a follower of Christ to wear his armor. The breastplate represents Christ's righteousness - not mine, for my righteousness is nothing but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6)

The picture of faith as a shield should tell us that "faith" is not a tool by which we satisfy our fleshly passions as the "name it - claim it" theology would have us believe. The shield protects us from the blows of the enemies' swords. Faith in a sovereign, loving, all-wise, and awesome God tells us we can trust him in any circumstance. Fear, discouragement, anxiety and temptation are the weapons of Satan. We do not have faith in our faith. We have faith in an awesome God.

The Scriptures, empowered and illuminated by the Holy Spirit is our most important offensive weapon. It has the power to destroy strongholds and the power to pierce the hardest of hearts. The sword should be in our hands at all times for Satan is no match for the Word of God. Remember that it was the weapon Jesus used against Satan in the desert.

The fervent effectual prayers of a righteous man has power. It is a two-way communication with the God who created the Universe from nothing.