When circumstances threaten to swallow us up with despair, will we be pulled under, or rise above?
The answer lies largely in how we’ve been training.
It’s the training in peacetime that prepares a soldier for when the battle rages. Does he stand in the front lines of combat without knowing how to use his weapons?
Of course not!
Why should we expect to be strong and prepared spiritually, if we haven’t been devoting time to “training”?
Ephesians 6:12 gives us the crucial reminder that the “fight” we’re in is not person against person, but spiritual. Life is a spiritual reality, and we’re in a spiritual war against real enemies of the spirit realm.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
The verses preceding this show how we’re to follow Christ—by being strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. It goes on to say we’re to “put on” the armor of God to be victors in this life, and to show Christ to the world.
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-11,13-17)
Applying God’s armor ensures success in the spiritual battle of this life.
These are pieces of armor we’re told to “put on”:
Belt of TRUTH
Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
Shoes of PEACE
Shield of FAITH
Helmet of SALVATION
Sword of the SPIRIT
The armor of God is more than just a protective covering—it’s the very life of Christ Himself!
As Jesus Christ is all of the armor, He is also each individual part:
Jesus Christ is the truth
Jesus Christ is our righteousness
Jesus Christ is our peace
Jesus Christ is our faith
Jesus Christ is our salvation
Jesus Christ is the word of God
Just as putting on new clothes each morning is habit, putting on Jesus Christ and connecting with Him throughout each day becomes the bedrock of our lives—preparing us to be ready when battles come.
Though we may face struggles, living with the armor of God—the presence of Christ—strengthens us and brings victory in the midst of our trials.
It also allows us to present Christ to the world.
When Roman knights prepared for battle and donned full suits of armor, it was nearly impossible to see who they really were. Their knightship became their new persona.
As Christians living with the armor of God, we should so present Christ to the world that our own selves are hidden from view!
Putting on the armor of God each morning, and staying in His presence throughout our days, is the best training we can practice, not only to be spiritually prepared for life’s battles but also assuring us of victory!
Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton
Good message! Your picture of the knight in armor says it all. He is so “clothed” with armor that he has totally lost his identity. Just like you said in your book about being clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ.
I agree, it’s a great mind picture! Thanks Rich.
Another dual anadiplosis is in 1 Thess 5:7 “For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. ” We are to walk in light (Christ gives us light Eph 5:14).
I like what you say about Christ being our armor. We are to be “clothed with Christ” as it says in Galatians 3:27 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (NASB)
Yes, that’s a great verse. Romans 13:14 says similarly “clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Both these verses and more are covered in my book in the chapter on Ephesians 6 called “A Royal Wardrobe.” Thanks Ken!
The KJV verse has Ephesians 6:13-14 as “and having done all, to stand, STAND therefore…” This is a figure of speech called anadiplosis, when the same word or phrase ending a verse repeats to start the next. The second word STAND indicates something like stand stock still, do not budge. It’s an attitude, a mindset.
Anadiplosis is the same figure used in the first two verses of Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth became without form and void . . . .”
Thanks for sharing this insight, Fred. From what I understand, figures of speech are used in the Bible to show emphasis, so it’s interesting that here God is emphasizing that we STAND strong for Him – and from the context of course, we do this through Christ.
Another anadiplosis is used in 1 Thessalonians 5:7 – actually it’s a dual anadiplosis: “For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.” Neat figure of speech!
Thank you Cheryl for the reminder of the warfare we are involved in and the encouragement to make sure our armor is firmly in place. Regards, Diane
You’re welcome, Diane! God’s blessings to you.