Dressed for Battle

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Proper dress is essential. If you’re a football player, you put on shoulder pads. If you’re a state trooper, you wear a uniform and a gun. If you’re a Christian, only one wardrobe will do: the full armor of God with which we can resist and overcome Satan. The reason we are to put on and take up this military-sounding apparel is simple: We are in a battle against an unseen foe, and you don’t dress casually for warfare. The suit looks like this:

The loins of truth: This is the truth of what God’s Word says about you. You are accepted by Him unconditionally. You are His child. You belong to Him forever. This is your guard against deception.

The breastplate of righteousness: This is your standing with God. He has declared you innocent of all sin through the blood of Christ. This is your guard against guilt.

The preparation of the gospel of peace: This is your means for sharing the good news of salvation with others, bringing them to the offer of peace through Christ. Your guard against complacency and self-centeredness.

The shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit: This is commitment to and reliance upon the Word of God for every circumstance - refusing to yield to temptation or to falter in trials. Your guard against unbelief and doubt.

Be ready, be prepared, be dressed!

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood...” Ephesians 6:12