Ok, most of us know the verse in the bible that says, "Put on the full armor of God..." but do we really know what it means to put on the full armor of God? In real life, we don't walk around with belt of truth, a sword, shield, some sweet Jesus shoes, a breastplate, and a cool helmet. But spiritually speaking we should have those pieces of armor with us everyday.
That verse that we all kind of know is, Ephesians 6:10-18. (amplified bible) 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist andstand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitudeand right standing with God,
15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK, let's break this down now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK, let's break this down now.
- Belt of Truth: It holds everything together. The sword, shield, and breastplate are connected to it. It is GOD'S WRITTEN WORD. The Logos: God's written word. It needs to be read, studied, memorized, and meditated upon. It helps you recognize the lies of the enemy.
- Breastplate of Righteousness: Acquired thru salvation and by being in right relationship with God. It covers the internal places. Our heart, emotions, and feelings. It protects us from lies, doubt, and fear. (all of the enemies tactics).
- Shoes of Peace: You put them on thru prayer. Prayer will keep your peace. We can walk in peace when trouble comes.
- Shield of Faith: Faith is linked to your belt of truth (God's written word). "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Soak your shield with the word of God.
- Helmet of Salvation: It covers our mind and out thoughts. Allow God to renew you mind through worship. Worship takes your mind off of yourself and puts it on Him. Challenge yourself to think God thoughts.
- Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God. God's SPOKEN WORD. The Rhema: clearly and vividly spoken in certain, definite, undeniable terms. Study the written Word so that it can be spoken out thru you and into you. The Holy Spirit will make the Word real to you as you speak it. Defeat the enemy through the word.
This lesson was spoken at Church this past week and it really helped me understand the armor of God and the purpose for each piece of the armor in my daily life. I hope it helps you too.
No comments:
Post a Comment