Ephesians 6: 10-19 The Full Armor of God

Ephesians 6: 10-11  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 

Paul goes on to tell us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (vs. 12)  These verses make it clear that we live in a world where we will encounter evil.  In verse 13 it says Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground....  He doesn't say "if the day of evil comes" he says "when" it comes.  There is no doubt that we are going to encounter evil and the only question is how will we face it.  Will we succumb to evil, join in the evil, run from it, or will we confront it with the Lord and in His power?

Paul tell us to stand firm with the Belt of Truth buckled around our waist, with the Breastplate of Righteousness in place.  When I think of the belt I picture a contractor with his tool belt.  In his tool belt, he has all the tools he needs to accomplish his work...everything is right there within reach.  Soldiers figure out how to carry their equipment and weapons so that in the heat of battle, they have what they need within reach.  That is God's Belt of Truth.  When we know God's promises and the truth of His love for us, we can face the work and the battlefield with confidence.  With His Breastplate of Righteousness, we know that he will guard our hearts, so that we recognize evil for what it is and we embrace the righteousness of God which helps us stand firm.  He Fits our Feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  That assures me that with the gospel message as our message, we will step into the battlefield with a purpose...to introduce peace and salvation to the world.

God also equips us with the Shield of Faith so that we can repel the attacks of Satan who tries to defeat us with lies, deception, doubt, and despair.  Faith in Christ, defeats Satan.  He also gives us the Helmet of Salvation...the promise and assurance of final victory...the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  God's word is more powerful than all the lies of this world.  If we proclaim His word, seek His word, and share His word, we will experience His Mighty Power.

As we wake up each day, we need to know that we will be walking in a world where evil exists and Paul tells us to pray in the Spirit on all occasions.  It is through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, that we will be clad in the Full Armor of God and live as victors...not victims.