-Putting on the Armor-

I was reading Ephesians 6 today and noticed something unique about the armor of God. Listen to the different parts of armor listed in verses 10-20: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of Scripture. I did some research and realized that these pieces of the armor aren’t all that soldiers wore. Often soldiers wore metal “socks” around their legs to protect the back of their calves. They also wore a back plate to protect their spine from weapons. Why aren’t these two important parts of the wardrobe mentioned? Was it that Paul ran out of catchy comparisons of Christianity to pair with the armor? I don’t think so. Look again at the list of armor quoted in Ephesians. What do all of these things have in common? They are all frontal armor!

Paul is telling the church at Ephesus how to fight against the devil’s schemes. Even though Satan has already been defeated, he is a strong fighter and desires nothing more than to make you and other believers fall to sin. It is a hard battle that must be fought everyday. The battle with sin is tough, but the pieces of armor show us the strength and reliability of God. I think the meaning behind the frontal armor is this: God does not want us to turn around and run away, but to move forward in faith. God does not mention armor for the back, because we don’t need it. He wants us to go forward in faith, not backward in fear. You can face and defeat all of the temptations that Satan throws your way, as long as you trust God and rely on his strength. Satan will never overcome the church, so stand strong, fight hard, and know that as a Christian you are already on the winning team.

-Spending time in the Word-

“You have all of eternity to enjoy your victories, but only one life to win them.”

1. 1 Peter 5:8-11 shows the characteristic of Satan as a strong fighter, but also the keys to defeating him.

2. In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus empowers Peter and promises that Satan will never overcome the church.

3. Read for yourself in Ephesians 6:10-20 about the armor of God. Do you see any pieces that aren’t frontal armor?

-Hiding the Word in your heart-

Memorize these verses as you continue to learn and study the Word of God daily.

1. James 5:16 – “Therefore confess yours sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

2. 2 Corinthians 4:5 – “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”