The Whole Armour of God

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from
Genesis 11-13 and Ephesians 6.

Incidentally, bro Yong Yaw touched on concepts in both passages!

In Ephesians 6, we are quite familiar with the "Armour of God". As bro Yong Yaw, emphasised, Paul exhorted us to put on the WHOLE armour of God. Not a single part can be left out! We note that the purpose, as outlined in v. 11,13 was to withstand the wiles of the devil. And to the effect of being strong in the Lord (v.10).

Just a quick run through the component parts, which again we emphasize, is not to be taken individually. Again as bro Yong Yaw pointed out, the Armour essentially represents or alludes to the Word of God.

1) Girdle of truth
Bro Calvin will attest to this! A weightlifter or an individual attempting to do some heavy squatting will almost always wear a weight lifting belt. The purpose is to give additional support to the lower back which is very susceptible to injury under heavy stress. Our core muscles (lower back, abdominals) are one of the most important as all movement involve them. Thus is the nature of truth. It is what gives us the necessary support in our spiritual endeavours. Without which, we would not be successful and indeed doomed to crumble under worldly pressure.

2) Breastplate of righteousness
Nothing more important that protection for the vitals! But as we've discussed in class on several occasions, we need to make sure this righteousness is not of our own but of God. (c.f. Rom 10:3)

3) Shoes of the Gospel lived
Again, we are reminded that all our effort in attending classes, listening to sermons, taking notes, personal study is only useful if fleshed out in our lives! We need to constantly examine ourselves - are we "walking the talk"? Are we walking worthy of our vocation? (Eph 4:1) Be sure we are doers and not just hearers! (Jam 1:22)

4) Shield of faith
Truly, "the just shall live by faith" (Rom 1:17). As we often sing "Faith is the Victory"! We once again take comfort in the great men of old we read of in the "Faith Hall of Fame" in Hebrews 11. A analogy that would have been vivid and well appreciated by the audience in those days since both the Greek and Roman armies employed shields to great effect. In fact, to the Spartan, to lose a shield is to be a deserter!* Indeed, losing our shield of faith will not only cost us our spiritual lives but very well the lives of others...

5) Helmet of salvation
Paul puts it in another angle - hope of salvation (1Th 5:8). It is with this hope that we can stand tall and not bow before the enemy. It is with this hope that we need not fear the wiles of the devil. It is with this hope that brings us peace and comfort and blessed assurance of that heavenly reward as long as we make sure it stays on!

6) Sword of the Spirit
Paul couldn't have made it clearer, since he gave the very definition just after it! The Hebrew writer gives a vivid description of the all discerning Word of God (Heb 4:12). It is often said, the best defense is a good offense! Nipping all sources of problems at the bud with swift strokes, certainly puts the Christian at a much better position to defend himself. Wherefore we need to not only constantly sharpen our sword but be adept at wielding it.

The Lord be with us all to put on the Armour and put it on well! That we may be well preserved and be wholly acceptable in the Day of Reckoning.

In Him
Paul


*http://www.ancientgreekbattles.net/Pages/47931_Spartaquotes.htm


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. ~ 2John 9