Ephesians 6: The Armor of God
Some weeks ago we studied the Book of Ephesians. I've always loved this book, but during this time I was particularly drawn to the information behind the Armor of God. What did were each piece used for on a Roman soldier? What did that mean compared to spiritual armor? Is it important to keep it listed in a specific order? What is the proper way to use this armor?
My time in class was limited, and we were having to break down both Ephesians and Colossians during the same week. My research was limited, but from what I did have to observe, this is what I have developed thus far. I only sited the one site where I got my 'background' info from. Their writing did also have heavy influence on the rest of my observations. After my Bible school is completed, I plan to do more research on the 'Armor of God.' I do not presume to have gained absolute understanding on this topic, and I have honestly not spent sufficient time reaching it. For now, I am only sharing this in hopes that it will encourage you to get started in your own research.
One concern I will address is that I have talked to many people over the years about being a prayer warrior. Most people (Christian's) I've talked to congratulate me on striving to become one, but say that 'isn't for them.' I've noticed the majority of people get really excited at the prospect of putting on 'God's Armor,' yet few have any interest in developing and maintaining a devout prayer life. But if you pay close attention to Eph 6:18 you will see that Paul concludes to his readers that, upon putting on the armor they need to be 'praying at all times.' If fact, if you read from the Old Testament through the New Testament you will clearly see that prayer is one of the most essential aspects of the Christian faith. I can write a whole book on why prayer is important (and there have been books written), but right now I would encourage you to read and find out what the Bible has to say about prayer.
Remember, the shepherd boy, David, refused Saul's armor because it was 'strange to him' (or had not 'tested them'). Later, David would wear armor in battle, but for this time he could not because he had not learned how to battle with the armor. He only knew how to use a sling and staff. But his confidence did not come from his own ability. It came from his faith and knowledge in the Lord. If you read 1 Samuel 16 through all of 2 Samuel and David's psalms, you will see evidence of David's prayer life and why he is still referred to as 'a man after God's own heart' (1 Sam 13:14).
Essay for the Book of Ephesians
The ‘Belt’ (6:14a) “known as the cingulum or balteus—played a crucial role in the effectiveness of a soldier's armor. It was the belt that held the scabbard, without which there would be no place to put a sword. In addition, the Nelson Study Bible says from the belt "hung strips of leather to protect the lower body." The Matthew Henry Commentary says the belt "girds on [secures] all the other pieces of our armor." Truth should cleave to us as a belt cleaves to our body.” Therefore, the very first thing a soldier puts on is his belt. For a Christian, the very first thing we need to armor ourselves with is God’s Truth. “If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) The enemy loves to distort God’s Word and hinder the Christian’s relationship with their Father. But when we know the Word of God, we are able to speak out Truth against the lies of the enemies. The very first thing we need before we can withstand an attack from the enemy is God’s Truth in our hearts and minds. Without that, we are defenseless.
The ‘Breastplate of Righteousness.’ (6:14b) “The breastplate was a central part of the Roman soldier's armor—it provided protection for the torso, which contains vital organs like the heart, lungs and so on. Without a breastplate, a soldier would be asking for death, as any attack could instantly become fatal. With a sturdy breastplate, the very same attacks become ineffective and useless, as blows glance off the armor.” For a Christian, to be righteous means to do what is right in the eyes of God. Once we have heard His Word and understand His Truth, we know that through our faith we have obtained righteousness. And we must live our lives upright and blameless before God. If we do not do this, we are opening up ourselves to extremely vulnerable attacks. Therefore, the second piece of our armor is our righteousness.
The ‘Shoes of the Gospel of Peace.’ (6:15) “A shoeless soldier could run into real trouble in the heat of battle. And debris may be nothing more than twigs and pebbles, but to a bare foot that can cause serious pain—and one of the last things you want to deal with in the middle of a fight is worrying about where you step. In short, shoes allow us to step freely and without fear while we turn our full attention to the battle at hand.” The Gospel of Peace is the ‘Good News’ of the salvation we have through Christ Jesus. The awareness that the Kingdom of God has come, and that we can be a part of it. This is the message of hope and love that can bring peace to a trouble mind and heart. Therefore, having known the Truth for ourselves, and living our lives holy and pleasing to God, we now become eager to go out and share this message with others.
The ‘Shield of Faith.’ (6:16) This is the first item Paul lists that is not an item to wear, but to carry. The first three items essentially hold themselves up with little effort on our part. But the shield is an item that must be carried. “The Roman shield—the scutum—was not the standard "medieval-esque" shield most picture in their minds upon hearing the word. It was instead a very large, slightly curved rectangular shield featuring at its center a large metal knob (called a boss). The scutum was an impressive line of defense. Because of its sheer size (some were three and a half feet tall and almost three feet wide), soldiers were afforded a great deal of protection from enemies. Because of its slight curve, it was able to deflect attacks without transferring the full force of the assault to the man holding the shield. Because of its boss, it was able to deflect even the more vicious blows and function in a limited offensive capacity as a means of knocking an opponent backwards.” For a Christian, we know that everything we have comes from our faith. ‘faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’ (Heb 11:1) Our faith is our shield. It is not something that depends on our emotions. It is a conscience decision we make every day to trust our Lord that He will carry us through the battles of life. Faith is what opens our eyes to be aware of the enemy and his attacks. Faith is how we step forward on the battlefield believing the Lord will have His victory. We have come to know His Truth, and our righteousness brings us closer to Him, we share His Gospel with the world, and we constantly face danger and attacks by holding on securely to our faith.
The ‘Helmet of Salvation.’ (6:17a) “The Roman helmet, like helmets today, protected the head from the attacks of the enemy. There is some evidence to suggest that the Romans had special ceremonial helmets used in parades that denoted rank and standing.” Our salvation is what gives us the right to stand in God’s army to begin with. But why is this listed 5th on the list and not 2nd after ‘Truth?’ This is not just in reference to the Salvation of Christ, but also the ‘doctrine’ of the Salvation of Christ. The helmet protects the mind from the lies of the enemy. Paul emphasizes in 4:1-6 repeatedly that every Christian is to be unified and one. There is ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.’ As we have taken up Truth, and live our lives righteously, speak the Gospel to the world, and stand up against the enemy in faith, we also must guard our minds against his lies. That is why the Helmet is mentioned later.
In conclusion, everything is listed in a particular order for a reason: The more Truth we learn, the closer we grow to the Lord, and the more we proclaim His Word and stand in our faith, the better we are to discern Truth from lies. And with the Sword of the Spirit we are able to drive away our enemy and penetrate their stronghold. It is the ultimate weapon that will destroy the enemy and set the oppressed free.
(Italic's from ‘freebiblestudyguides.org.’)
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