THE ARMOUR OF GOD
The words “PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD” speak to us of a serious conflict. They indicate that although we have been called into the service of the Prince of Peace, we must prepare ourselves for war. In this warfare, we must ceaselessly deal with the wiles of the devil who has great wrath because he knows that he has “but a short time.” (Rev. 12: 12)
He not only goes about as a roaring lion “seeking whom he may devour”, (I Peter 5: 8) but he also transforms himself “into an angel of light.” (II Cor. 11: 14). That is why Apostle Paul indicates that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, “against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6)
In describing this armour, St. Paul begins with the instruction that our loins are to be girded about with truth, and that we are to have on the breastplate of righteousness. These are the first essentials for our warfare. They speak to us of Christ, our Lord, the One who was successful in every conflict with Satan. He was never deceived by him, but overcame every temptation and obstacle with the Word.
If we are to overcome this enemy, we must also remember that although we yet walk here in the flesh (that is are still living in this body of clay) “we do not war after the flesh. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;)” (II Cor. 10: 3&4) God equips His own with His power—”By the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.” (II Cor. 6: 7)
Also named as part of the armour are the gospel of peace with which the feet are shod, shield of faith for use in quenching all the fiery darts of the wicked, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. After having enumerated these six essential elements of the armour, Paul added: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit,” (Eph. 6: 18a)
This communion with the Lord in prayer and in the reading of His Word is of vital importance to our spiritual health and success in this warfare. We must always be in contact (communion) with the One who leads us in this daily conflict so that we will hear and recognize His voice, know His leading, and abide in His will. In writing his final epistle (written to Timothy) Paul states: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts, shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (II Tim. 4: 3&4)
Jesus told His disciples to work while it is day because the night was coming “when no man can work.” (John 9: 4) On another occasion, He added that: “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.” In concluding His teaching regarding faithfulness and watchfulness, He asked the question: “Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18: 1&8)
In these deceitful and dangerous times, it is especially important for us “TO PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD.” Let the words of Jude inspire us to renewed obedience when He writes: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints.” “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 3&21)
"WATCH, MY SOUL, AND PRAY
ARM FOR LIFE'S AFFRAY.
WHEN THE DANGER LEAST THOU FEAREST
WATCH, THE TEMPTER'S SNARES ARE NEAREST
SUCH IS E'ER HIS WAY:
WATCH MY SOUL AND PRAY." From the Archives of the late Pastor A.C. Holmgren -October 1988
Submitted by Pastor Stan
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