Saturday, April 15, 2017

Discuss the different elements of the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). 531-1 - 4 - 1

Paul tells us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” and “If God be for us, who can be against us?” In Ephesians 6:11-13, “11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
“The helmet of salvation helps me to keep my focus positive by deflecting negative thoughts that Satan tries to contaminate my mind with. The “darts and arrows” of Satan bounce off my helmet which is reinforced by “The shield of faith.” Both “the helmet of salvation” and “the shield of faith” are defensive weapons to help us/ me in keeping our mind stayed on Jesus.
Ephesians 16-17, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Paul doesn’t mention prayer as a part of the armor, However, the “sword of the spirit”/ the Word of God provides authority to our/ my prayers.
“And prayer should be in the Spirit, that is, inspired and led by Him. Formal prayers recited merely by rote (without giving thought to their meaning)—of what value are they in combat against the hosts of hell? There must be vigilance in prayer: watchful to this end. We must watch against drowsiness, mind-wandering, and preoccupation with other things. Prayer requires spiritual keenness, alertness, and concentration. And there must be perseverance in prayer. We must keep on asking, seeking, knocking.”
[Believer’s Bible Commentary]
Our feet are to be “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” And in we are to “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” We are to walk in peace and our feet will stay on the path of righteousness.
Much as I try to keep on the Armor of God my helmet often slips a little and then devil inspired nagging doubts try to sneak in, thankfully the shield of faith comes to the rescue. My best offensive weapon is prayer and prayer wearing the whole armor of God.
Paul again makes his point in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” And in Romans 13:12, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”

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