Everyday – Put on the Armor of God
When I read Chapter 6 of Ephesians, it takes me back to some of my childhood pictures that many of our mom’s kept. There were the outfits that we got that might included cowboy holsters and boots, or Superman, Batman, or another superhero. The occasion for those costumes might have been a birthday party or Halloween or just to get us out of the house and playing in the yard with neighbors. Paul writes these words to the believers in the Ephesus church, “ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6: 10-11 I know that we are not immune from the trials and heartbreak of everyday life, but I am thankful God provides us with protection from the pure evil that infects this world. The fantasy of the superhero found in the books and movies that we enjoyed playing and pretending as a child were welcomed entertainment. They are of no help against the evil one that is constantly trying to keep us from our relationship with our God.
Paul wants to make sure that the believers of the church in Ephesus, (like ourselves), are alert and on guard for an enemy. As Alistair Begg said, “Who is wicked, powerful, cunning, deceitful”, that we know throughout the Bible as the devil, Satan, or the evil one”. This enemy knows his foes and is in full attack mode day and night. So when a person has made a commitment to surrender his or her life to the Lord, to follow the commands and leadership that He teaches, then he or she will be under a barrage of evil that is like fiery arrows in an ancient battle. The bond that is between us and God formed on the foundation of the saving grace of Christ can be fragile, especially in the early years. As Peter writes, we are “like newborn babies, we long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.”
1 Peter 2:2. So, how can we strengthen this faith of ours?
First, we must realize we cannot do it alone. We need to know it is “the strength of His might” that gives us the perseverance and endurance for the battle against evil. If we believe that great wealth, physical or athletic talent, political influence, a brilliant mind, elite social status or any of the other worldly or human gifts we acquire or possess will shield us from a tragic failure, then we are fooling ourselves. We need only read about the downfall of the many “successful and talented men and women” in every walk of life that have risen to great prominence and just as quickly crashed after a spiral of disastrous decisions.
Next, we need to be encouraged and surrounded by fellow believers of the faith and followers of the teaching of the Word. In the writing to the Hebrews we read, “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called today, lest anyone of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13. We need to be constantly aware that this journey with Christ is a slow and steady trek that needs others. How? When we worship, pray, study and sing together in small or large gatherings to glorify God. This particular time in our history in the midst of a pandemic virus and people who are fearful for so many other reasons, makes it very difficult to gather and thank God. But was it much more different during the time when believers were suppressed, oppressed, and tormented by the Roman authorities and the Jewish elite of Pharisees and Saudducees? We are fortunate to have the technology and creative ways to still be together “virtually” and receive encouragement, so don’t try to do it alone. The evil one is extremely pleased when able to attack you when you are alone.
Lastly, we are to stand firm and continue the renewing of the mind and heart. Everyday we will be engaged in the battle as we strive forward in our walk with the Lord and fellow believers. Jesus will lead us and provide the armor for the war against evil, but we must put it on everyday. Without this guidance and protection we can be vulnerable to the temptations and “schemes of the devil.” We cannot make excuses for our misbehavior or the recurrence of transgressions . We all formerly walked in accordance with the worldly ways of the flesh and were “dead in our trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1. Paul’s warnings and God’s judgement for our actions are described in Chapter 5, verses 3-6. These should be enough for us to seek only what is pleasing to our God. Even with our armor from God intact, we are not to give the devil the opportunity for this evil that dwells around us each day. Be committed to Christ as He is to us. Walk carefully, making wise decisions on this path with other believers,and be thankful for each day and night that our Lord gives us. Amen
A classic hymnal – https://youtu.be/zhMFifugZ8o