Spiritual Warfare: The Armor (Part 2 of 2)

Spiritual Warfare: The Armor (Part 2 of 2)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel pf peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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 (Eph. 6:10-18).

     The fourth piece of armor provided by God for his soldiers is the shield of faith. The shield, in addition to many other uses, was primarily used to protect the soldier from long range attacks. Likewise, Christian soldiers have to be prepared to defend against fierce and fiery attacks. They may be from long range, or they may be at close quarters. We must be ready for anything and everything. The shield of faith is a trust and dependence on God and the ability to quickly apply our beliefs to the present battle, temptation, situation, or circumstance. Faith points to God, to his promises, to his power, to his faithfulness, to the finished work of Christ, to the intercession of Christ, and to the indwelling Spirit.

     This faith, this trust, puts Christ between us and the devil. Believers acknowledge that they are hid in Christ. We also have learned to trust Christ in every situation and at all times. Christian soldiers also live by faith in Christ, rest in Christ, hear Christ, rejoice in Christ, surrender to Christ, cling to Christ, embrace Christ, love Christ, suffer for Christ, know Christ, honor Christ, serve Christ, and triumph in Christ. Christ is our all in all! This faith not only unites us to our blessed Savior, it also denies doubts, repels accusations, silences slander, smothers lusts, destroys sin, and seeks to glorify God in all things. Our faith accomplishes all this only because of the fact that our faith is a trust in and reliance on the sovereign God of the universe.

     The fifth piece of armor is the helmet of salvation. Obviously, the helmet protected the head and neck of the soldier. The Christian soldier is to protect his head, or his mind and guard his understanding, his attitude, and his thinking. So often attacks are aimed at the believers security and assurance of salvation. These attacks take different forms. Sometimes they come when we are fatigued or weary. At other times we may have doubts or experience trials that hamper our assurance or cause us to take our eyes off of Christ. It must be mentioned that the devil is not to blame for all attacks, as we have seen, we are at war with the flesh and world as well. Other sources of doubt or lack of assurance may come in the form of being preoccupied with details, looking at the faults of others, growing depressed and discouraged at the condition of the church, obsessing over the sin in the world, becoming distracted by non-issues, focusing only on the negative, or becoming apathetic and complacent.

     Christians are to dwell on their salvation and future hope when under distress and attack. Remember that whatever is against us may be used by God to perfect us and draw us closer to him. We also have hope and look forward to being with him in glory. This places the war in the proper perspective. Another truth that propels us along is the fact that Christ is interceding for his warriors and will come again.

     All of this means that believers must guard their minds, thoughts, understanding, and attitude by dwelling on the amazing salvation afforded them by Christ. Soldier, are you confident and assured of your salvation? Do you realize that you are being saved (being sanctified or conformed into the image of Christ)? And, that one day they will be completely saved (glorified)? Putting on the helmet of salvation means that the believer understands and trusts that salvation will be completed in heaven. Because of this truth, we know that conditions on earth are not perfect. There will be ups and downs, bumps and bruises, and maybe even death for the sake of the gospel. But, our hope is not on this earth. Our hope is in heaven and he is seated on his throne!

     Putting on the helmet also means that the believer knows, trusts, and is assured that the benefits of Christ are freely given to him. It also means that the believer can rest assured that the love of God will never let him go. Believers are secure. Not because of anything in them but because of who our great God is. God cannot fail. He will not fail. He will not lose one of his own. Be assured! Trust!

      The sixth piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit. The sword was both an offensive and a defensive weapon. As a defensive weapon, the believer wields the sword to ward off attacks by trusting in the words of God and his promises. As an offensive weapon, the believer is directed, motivated, captivated, equipped, instructed, and encouraged as he confronts the enemy. Believers are to know and apply the scriptures when being attacked, but also in every circumstance of life.

     It is the Spirit that gives us the word and the ability to understand and apply it. He teaches us how to use it properly and effectively. Hence, the Bible must be read, known, treasured, stored in the heart, applied, lived out, memorized, quoted, meditated upon, heard, obeyed, trusted, studied, and sought. Christians are to be saturated by the scriptures; all of the Bible.

     The seventh and final piece of the armor is prayer. Now, technically prayer is not a piece of armor. But in this context, Paul clearly taught that prayer was to be an integral part of the soldiers uniform. Prayer is critical, it is crucial. The armor would be useless without it.

     Christian soldiers are to pray at all times. This means that we should have a set time of prayer. We should pray in every season of life. Prayer ought to be exercised when we are tempted, filled with joy, discouraged, lonely, being tried, excited, thankful, depressed, weak, confident, in trouble, at peace, when alarmed, fearful, doubting, prayerless, hopeless, etc. Pray for long periods of time. Pray short petitions throughout your day. Pray when you feel impressed to pray. Pray with other believers and at appointed times of prayer. Pray privately and publicly. Continually be in the presence of God and be conscious of him.

     Pray with supplications. Pray with all your heart and plead with God in prayer. Perseverance in prayer is paramount. Remember, you are at war. You need to be in constant communication with the King. Pray with all prayer. Bring all of your prayers to God. Pray about needs, pray as worship, intercede when you pray, pray in loud cries, pray in soft whispers, pray deliberately, pray kneeling, standing, lying down, or on your face, pray for God to be glorified, pray for his kingdom to expand, pray for his will to be done, pray to God for forgiveness for you and on the behalf of others, pray to God for guidance and protection, pray to God for your sanctification, pray that God make you holy, and pray about spiritual warfare.

     Pray in the Spirit. Pray in the name of Christ. Pray consistently with the nature and will of God. Pray sincerely and with faith. The Spirit will teach us and enable us to think properly about God. He will lead us in prayer, and when we don't know how or what to pray, the Spirit groans on our behalf, interceding for us and bringing our prayers to God. The Spirit also convicts and reveals our sinfulness. He grants us faith as we pray. Our hearts and thoughts will be guided by the Spirit as we pray. The Spirit often warms our hearts as we pray. What sweet communion! It is the work of the Spirit to make us lean on Christ and make a priority out of prayer.

     Alertness and perseverance are two things no soldier can be without. Things to be aware of as Christian soldiers are: your own sinful heart, your family, needs in the church, conditions of fellow believers, weaknesses, strengths, needs in the community, spiritual condition of church leaders, problems in the church, and current events. Make supplications for the saints. They too are battling the flesh, the world, and the devil. They are fighting right along side of you. Pray for them. Intercede for leaders, church members, the sick, those who are struggling, those who are being tempted and tried, those who are facing difficulties, family, missionaries, the lost, etc. Pray specifically.

     A good soldier perseveres in prayer. Do not give up. Be determined and consistent. Also, be watchful. Look for answers to prayer and remember to thank God. Watch for snares and traps for yourself and others. Watch for warning signs of sin in your life and the lives of the saints. Watch your heart. Watch what you are putting in your mind. Watch what you are feeding your soul. Watch out for apathy and spiritual lethargy. Watch for pride. Watch for discouragement. Watch that you don't fall asleep and take your eyes of off Christ. Part of watching is repenting. Repent when you sin against God. Do not delay repentance. Repent at once. Always be repenting because you will always be sinning.

      We serve an amazing God. Not only has he saved us, but he has provided so wonderfully for us. We have a responsibility to take up the armor of God. We must put it on and put it to use. Thanks be to God who gives such great gifts.

      It must also be mentioned, it cannot go unsaid, this armor that God has provided is nothing else than our Christ. He is the truth (Jn. 14:6), our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30), our peace (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14), the source of faith (Heb. 12:2), our salvation (Heb. 7:25), and the Word (Jn. 1:1, 14). In other words, by putting on the armor of God we are putting on Christ. This is commanded in the New Testament (Rom. 13:14; Gal. 3:27). Christ truly is our all in all. He is our everything. With Him we have everything. Without Him we have nothing. With Him we need nothing. Without Him nothing is everything. Worship, trust, obey, adore, glorify, treasure, magnify, honor, enjoy, and proclaim the excellencies of our Christ. He is eternally worthy of all praise, adoration, exultation, and worship! Praise him, praise him, tell of his excellent greatness. Be strong in the Lord. Put on the armor of God. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.