Quest for Hope
Armed with Agreement 3-5-16
Ephesians 6:10-18
Yesterday, we read about how the people of Light shine in a world that prefers darkness. Christ’s followers demonstrate a different way to live; a way that pleases God. Today, we will look at Paul’s advice about putting on spiritual armor, because if we are determined to live in agreement with God we are going to encounter a battle for allegiance.
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
God has issued all the standard equipment we will need for this spiritual battle; we can be successful in living to please God if we will focus on the Lord and His strength. The armor God issues is actually His armor, so let’s get armed with agreement. The battle is with evil and no manmade equipment will serve in this resistance. Paul mentions the following spiritual armor that is made available to us from the arsenal of heaven: belt of truth, body armor of God’s righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Word of God). The belt of truth readies us and keeps us secure for every activity. The body armor of God’s righteousness protects our hearts from the accusations of Satan. The shoes of peace help us march through any conflict. The shield of faith protects our whole being from the strategies of evil. The helmet of salvation serves us well as we remember we are raised from sin and death into a new life. The sword of the Spirit is the spoken Word of God and it comes with penetrating power to defend us. God is for us and not against us, so let’s remain steadfast in prayer so we can be faithful to His purpose.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for providing a strategy and your supernatural spiritual protection for my life; I can stand in your mighty strength, Lord. The enemy has no power unless I fail to put on “all” of your armor. I can put this armor on and remain faithful to you no matter what is going on in my life. The battle is not with people. The battle is with the spirit of evil. Help me to stay in the battle to reflect your goodness and holiness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.