(Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (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. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) 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: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
10) The Strength and Authority - We have commended previously that both are IN Christ alone.
11) The Position - We are to stand fast, facing the enemy and not fleeing from him.
12) The Enemy - The enemy is not flesh and blood, but the manipulators of such. Spiritual powers of this spiritual war.
13) The Equipment - The equipment provided is all that is needed and there is no provision for flight; no cover for the back.
14a) The Belt of Truth - Jesus is the TRUTH
14b) The Breastplate of Righteousness - Jesus is our RIGHTEOUSNESS
15) The Sandals - Jesus is our PEACE and we are to pursue and promote peace through the gospel.
16) - The Shield - Believers should never be without the shield of faith. The large body-shield usually measured about 4 feet high by 21/2 feet wide. It normally was constructed of alternating layers of bronze and oxhide. Many of Rome's enemies used arrows dipped in pitch which would be set aflame and propelled toward the Roman soldiers. The shield would break the arrow's force and cause them to fall harmlessly to the ground. Just as the soldier could not afford to be without this protective shield at any time, the follower of Christ cannot for one moment afford to be without faith.Complete Biblical Library, The - The Complete Biblical Library – Galatians-Philemon.
This is more that a mere small hand shield, for it is a large body covering shield that was covered with leather and doused with water to extinguish any fiery arrows. It is referred to as the shield of FAITH for we live by the faith of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. This faith shield enables us to move freely forward without fear as we "tear down satanic strongholds" and provides protection for us against the enemies onslaught.
17) - The Helmet - the helmet, was made of bronze with leather attachments, or of leather strengthened with metallic plates. It protected the head of the individual. First Thessalonians 5:8 makes another reference to this piece of equipment, calling it "the hope of salvation." It seems to refer to the fact that a person's will, a very important part of his intellectual process, is involved in the hope of full salvation. Christians must continue to will to serve God if they expect the ultimate consummation of all His promises. The head may also symbolize the mind which needs protection. Complete Biblical Library, The - The Complete Biblical Library – Galatians-Philemon.
The Sword of the Spirit - this is clearly the Word of God, and is the only offensive weapon listed. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He did not use some memorized formula in response to the devil's attack, but He used the Word of God. We are to do the same. It is the Sword of the Spirit used skillfully by the child of God at which hell and it's demons must yield. The Spoken Word from the Written Word empowered by the Living Word!
18) - The Constant Line of Communication - No successful military operation is without constant communication with command. Command has privy to intel that may not be accessible on the field, so just as communication is vital on the battlefield, constant prayerfulness is vital in the warfare in which we find ourselves as believers. It involves praying and watching! Keep your heart toward heaven and your eye on the enemy.
BLESSINGS!
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