Well, with all my computer issues (which have pretty much been resolved until I earn enough money for a new laptop) as well as our not-so-faithful Otto (the auto [get it? "Auto - Otto"? Never mind] music shuffling program) messing up over at Radio CIA, I haven't posted a new study in Ephesians in a bit. This will actually be the last installment I'll do for this epistle, covering chapter six, verses 10 through 20. The last few sentences of the letter are Paul's farewells to the church, and I wanted to concentrate on doctrine and exhortation.
"Wait!" you say. "What about chapter six, verses one through nine?" Well, I confess that I never posted that study, and recorded the show off of my notes instead of a full-blown, written essay. I will try to write it out soon, but if you ask me in a week or two (once the Beloved Husband grabs all the data off my old hard drive), I'll send the show's file to you via YouSendIt, all right?
By the way, I would love for my readers to let me know which book of the Bible you think I should go through next. I had been leaning toward Philippians, but 1 John is looking very interesting, too.... and then there's always James... Don't ask me to tackle Romans yet - I'd never leave it! Oooo, but Galatians might be a good beginning... So, please do let me know which one you think would be best, even if I didn't list it.
At any rate, let's jump in to the section about the Armor of God:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Paul opens this section by reminding us that it's all about God. He DOESN'T say “be strong in yourself” or “use your own power!” He says rely on God's strength and God's power. God Himself called us out of the kingdom of sin and darkness; as Paul exclaims in to the Galatians in chapter 3, verses 2-3:
This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law [I.e. by your own power and ability], or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
God began His work in us; it is His power which will complete it (see Philippians 1:6). Therefore we must continue as we began: in God's power, not our own!
Consider also the scope of God's might – is there anything He cannot do, once He has decided to do it? He is omnipotent! He is also faithful, and thus all that power is brought to bear on fulfilling His promises. When we rely upon His power, when we step back and cooperate with Him and let Him work through us, we will be changed and transformed from the inside out – and we will be able to change the world because of His power in our lives.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Now, as a metaphor for all this, Paul turns to the concept of armor, something which would have been very familiar to his readers. Look at what he says: it is GOD'S armor, not ours. God has provided it, just as He provided His Son to bear our sins, and just as He provides all that we need each and every day. Since God knows exactly what we need, each piece of the armor that He gives is important and works as part of the whole. But never forget that the ultimate purpose of the armor is stated right here: that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Satan has been trying to deceive – and has succeeded, by and large – the world since the beginning. All the way back in Eden, he got Eve to question God's word and God's goodness. He was a liar from the beginning, and he loves nothing better than to twist God's truth so that people believe a lie. Even as Christians, we are susceptible to his temptations, because they line up so well with the desires of our sinful nature and the call of the world's laissez-faire attitudes.
For us to have any chance to stand against the devil and defeat him, we must don the equipment provided by God, and fight God's way in God's power – any other method will cause us to be deceived and defeated. Now, Paul expands upon this as he continues:
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Paul outlines the type of evil we face. Now, Paul is not saying that flesh and blood are not a problem whatsoever; I certainly know that my taste buds wage a very effective war against me whenever I meet up with really good chocolate! But the focus of our armor is spiritual, and that is because all our problems stem from our spiritual disease of sin.
Now, when Satan was forced out of Heaven after daring to try to usurp God's place, one third of the other angels went with him. They rebelled against their Creator and work now with Satan to pervert God's word and to keep people in spiritual blindness. You need to remember that Satan, originally called Lucifer, was created as the highest of angels. He was beautiful and wise... and powerful. I believe that he still has the vast majority of that power. And, it is all focused on trying to destroy the people of God and to deceive everyone else. As Jesus said in John 10:10,
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
Satan doesn't care a rip at who he has to ruin, he doesn't care about collateral damage, and he will do anything he can to lure us into the pit of Hell for all eternity. After all, that's where he's going to be, and you know the old phrase, “Misery loves company!”
Satan and his demons are smart, they're powerful, and they bear incredible malice against us. They are behind the evils of the world: the cruel dictators, the abusive parents, the dragging poverty, callous selfishness, drugs, abortion – you name it. Now, certainly they have a HUGE foothold in our lives because of our already fallen natures. We are inclined towards sin, which makes it very easy for them to get the better of us.
Paul is telling us to look behind the faces we meet each day and recognize the spiritual war - the real war - being waged in every person's soul. We are not battling against people, who are all made in God's image, but against the evil influences and deceptions which encourage us all to sin against God.
It is a spiritual battle, not a physical one. That makes it easier for our enemy, because we tend to think that things we can't see, touch, taste and feel aren't really real. Therefore we tend to discount the power of spiritual things, or - which can be far more dangerous - we think spiritual powers must be all "higher power" "guiding light" and "helpful." No. Satan himself can transform into an angel of light, and so can his demons (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Deception is his stock in trade.
With forces like these lined up against us, we need every possible defense that God gives us. Be very careful to heed the fact that TWICE in these three verses, Paul exhorts us to put on the WHOLE armor of God. Each piece is critical if we are to stand against the devil and defeat his deceptions. I believe it's almost like an exponential thing; yes, one or two pieces are helpful, but the sum of the whole far surpasses what each piece of armor can do individually or in groups. You must wear ALL the armor.
So, let's take a look at it. The armor is very simple – and very powerful, when we use it constantly.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Here we have the first two pieces, the “belt” of truth, and the breastplate of righteousness. These two items work together in unison. Everything in the Christian's life must be based on the Truth. All Truth comes from God; Jesus Himself said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by Me.”
If we do not live the truth in everything we say and do and believe, then we have no stable foundation to stand on. The Truth of who Jesus is – who God is – is essential to combat the lies of the devil. If you do not get this piece of armor right, you will not get the rest right, and you will fall to the wiles of Satan and his minions.
Now, one aspect of the Truth which is our foundation is that "there is none righteous, no, not one." Well, then how do we get the breastplate of righteousness? If none of us are righteous, this seems like an impossible part of the armor! Well, let's look at it...
The breastplate of righteousness is a picture of protection. The breastplate covers the most vital organs in a human body: the heart, lungs, and major arteries. It is a barrier to prevent weapons from inflicting mortal wounds. Our breastplate is a barrier of righteousness. The protection offered by a simple, honest, godly life is incredible – and it is one that is attacked frequently. How often have prominent men of God fallen because of a lack of righteousness? How often has the world rejoiced when a good person and the work they have done are destroyed due to a fault in their character? How often has a lack of integrity brought shame to the Church? We, in our human weakness, fail all the time.
But this is God's armor, so this is not OUR righteousness which is protecting us; it is the righteousness of Christ. Certainly, we are to yield to His will as God conforms us to the image of His Son; certainly we are supposed to become more and more godly as we progress in our Christian walk – but our little attempts at goodness are not sufficient to protect us from the weapons of the devil. So even when our righteousness fails and provides an easy target for Satan, Christ's righteousness, His holiness, is still there. Only the pure and perfect righteousness of Christ is capable of turning away the blows of the devil. Only His goodness will prevail 100% of the time – but we need to wear that breastplate and belt at all times.
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
The third piece of armor is sometimes a little baffling: the “preparation of the gospel of peace”? Well, what does that mean? So let's take a look – since this has to do with feet and walking – at some of the things God says about walking. Micah 6:8 asks
what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with y our God?
Deuteronomy 10:12 exhorts us to
...fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul
Second Corinthians 4:2 calls us to NOT
...[walk] in craftiness nor [handle] the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth [commend] ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God
Isaiah 52:7 proclaims
How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“ Your God reigns!”
and finally, Romans 12:18 says,
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
God wishes us to walk in humble love, putting others' needs before our own and showing God's grace and mercy in all that we do. We are not to be a contentious people, even when we earnestly contend for our faith. We are not to be bitter or mean spirited, and when we proclaim the Gospel and the Truth of God's word, we are to imitate the gentleness and kindness of God, remembering all that He has saved us from.
If people turn away from us in offense, we must be sure that they are offended for the right reason: the extravagant mercy of the Cross.
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Now, this is a very interesting piece of the armor. After all, we already have the breastplate of righteousness, wouldn't you think that that would be enough? Well, not exactly. You see, here we have a different weapon coming against us; this isn't a heavy mace or a long spear – these are the little darts of doubt which harass all of us. These little darts are much more subtle that the devil's “big guns,” and they need a different approach. Whereas the breastplate will take powerful, obvious blows, the shield of faith bats aside the fiery flames of doubt before they can get too close to the Christian. It is the shield of FAITH because only faith can deal with the uncertainties that the devil loves to exploit. Hebrews 11:1 says,
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
It is true that there are a lot of things we don't KNOW, and Satan loves to try and use these and cause us to doubt God and His goodness. Through faith, we can say, “Well, I don't know what God is doing when He's allowed this sickness into my life (or whatever), but I do know that God is holy and good and that He loves me. Therefore, through all of this I know that He is making me more like His Son, and so I need to stay as close to Him as possible and let Him work His will in my life.”
If one of those darts had gotten through, how easy would it be to start wondering if God loves you? How easy would it be to go from that to doubting His goodness and then eventually walk away? How easy would it be to doubt His word, as Eve did, and disobey Him? Keep that shield of faith lifted up, ready to deflect those destructive darts, because it's very difficult to weed them out once they've taken root!
17 And take the helmet of salvation,
This is the last defensive piece of armor that God gives us. Now, why do you suppose that He gives us a helmet of salvation? Well, think about it... We know that these days people go with what they feel, and not necessarily with hard facts. “I feel that this is true... I feel that this is right.” While feelings are important and a God-given aspect of our personalities, facts are what give us a solid base of information to act upon.
Nevertheless, our though processes can be affected by our feelings. God has given us the helmet of salvation because it doesn't matter whether we FEEL saved or not; if we have
confess[ed] with [our] mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in [our] heart that God has raised Him from the dead, [we] will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Once our trust has been placed in God's work of salvation, nothing can take us out of His hands – not even us! Every time our head doubts our salvation, we need to go back to the facts: did we place all our hope and trust in God alone? Then the matter is settled, and we can rest on the word of God; it doesn't matter what we feeeeeeeel. Now there are other things which might cause us to doubt our salvation – and rightfully so! - but that's more associated with the book of James, and I'll wait until I start writing about James to discuss it.
Another reason God has given us the helmet of salvation is spelled out in Romans 12, verse 2:
...do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
That helmet is to help us train our minds, as well as our souls, to align with God's character and will. When we let God transform us, when we work with Him in renewing our minds, we show in a practical way who He is and how His power can bring life and joy and praise even amidst pain and sorrow. Each and every time we obey Him and conform to His will, He gives proof to us of the power and reality of His saving grace. Each time we bring our thoughts into conformity with His word we put another brick into the foundation of our character. Our obedience and transformation allows us to draw closer to Him, and the helmet of salvation is reinforced until there is a dedicated conviction that is unshakable.
Now we get into the only two offensive weapons God allows to us: His Word, and prayer.
(UPDATE: OK, rested and ready to finish this - here we go!)
... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
First and foremost, the most devastating weapon in the Christian's arsenal is the Word of God. I don't think American's realize how blessed we are to have the ability to have one full copy of the Bible, much less the several translations many of us have on our shelves. There are so many parts of the world where people are grateful for one copy for their church to share, if they're lucky. Even more frequently, Christians around the world may only have portions of the Bible to study and cherish.
But America has Bibles in pretty much every book store and most homes.
Do we understand this powerful weapon? Do we understand the wisdom, the guidance, the encouragement, the magnificent love and grace contained between the covers? Hebrews 4:12 says
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Psalm 19, which begins with "The heavens declare the glory of God" continues in verses 7 through 11 by saying:
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
Second Timothy 3:16-17 says:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Bible is the very Word of God - and God brought everything into existence, simply by saying "Let there be..." All that power, held in our hands - if we would only study it with an open and accepting heart, and determine to submit ourselves to its authority. This again is part and parcel of the armor of God; if we do not abide in His Word, how will we know His character? How will we know His will? How will we know what He commands and what He prohibits? How will we know His love and salvation? How will our minds be renewed and transformed with godly wisdom?
Have you ever realized that you do not really need to practice wearing armor? The defensive equipment is worn rather like clothing; once it's on, it eventually becomes a normal part of your body and you forget about it. Weapons, however, take practice and training. They take effort and concentration so you know how to use them, so they become familiar. You need to learn and review the skills needed to wield the weapon effectively - and you need to keep drilling with them over and over and over so that your skills remain sharp.
God has promised that His Word will not fail. When we live in His Word and commit to obeying it, we are practicing the skills needed to handle this weapon accurately. When we memorize and meditate on the Word, we internalize its precepts and build up a store of God's infinite wisdom and knowledge that the Spirit will bring to mind when needed.
Do you remember when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness? Three times, the devil came to Him and tried to get Him to act outside of God's will. Did Jesus say, "You're lying"? Did He argue with the devil about proper nutrition? Did Jesus mention that it would be selfish to brandish His power by stepping off the Temple roof? No. Each and every time, Jesus parried the devil's thrusts with "Thus saith the Lord!" and Satan was forced to retreat.
Never underestimate the importance and power of God's Word. Put it in the center of your life, live in it, study it, obey it, let it transform you - and you cannot fail to use the Sword wisely and well.
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
The second weapon God gives us is prayer, and when paired with the deep and rich reservoir of the Word of God, along with praise and worship, it never fails. Lives are changed, Satan is flummoxed, faith is strengthened - all through the power of prayer.
Now, too many people treat prayer like a visit to Santa Claus at the mall, and if they don't get what they ask for, they think it has failed. But what does the Bible say? James is pretty specific in chapter two verses two and three that
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
In contrast, he says in chapter five, verses 13-16:
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
John notes in his first epistle -
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.[emh. mine]
This is a reference back to what Jesus had said to the disciples (John 15:7)
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, [then] you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.[emph. mine]
The promise is conditional; God will not grant a prayer which goes against His will. Therefore, when you pray for something that is clearly wrong, don't expect God to give it to you all tied up in a bow and pretty paper. Christians need to be in the Word of God so that we can practice righteous prayer in accordance with His will. Because, again, this armor and these weapons are not ours, but God's! We must do it His way and in His power if we are to use them properly and effectively.
But righteous prayer, God-focused prayer, transforms everything! It brings peace, it encourages our faith, it gives us the power and confidence to walk in obedience, it fills us with God's love, it guides us... Yet, it doesn't just work in us! I don't know how God does it, I don't pretend to understand why He does it, but God uses our prayers to influence other people for their good as well. He uses our prayers to bring healing and salvation. He uses our prayers to provide for those in need. He uses prayers to guide countries into peace and prosperity. He uses prayers to reveal Himself and His truth. He uses prayers to strengthen other saints.
He uses our prayers to confound the wiles of the devil.
The prayers of a dedicated heart, steeped in the truth of God's Word, partnered with the righteousness of Christ, the humility and wonder of the Gospel, and the strong clear faith of an obedient disciple of Christ bring the power of God Himself against Satan... and Satan cannot withstand it.
The very gates of Hell come crashing down when the saints of God wear His armor, fight with His weapons, and allow His power to work through them.
In fact, Paul is so convinced at the power of prayer, that he closes with a request that they pray for him in particular:
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul asks the Ephesians to pray so that he may speak God's truth boldly and effectively. He asks that he may be given the grace and power to proclaim the Gospel even while he is imprisoned.
Paul is praying that he may serve God wherever God has placed him, however God pleases, so that God may be glorified.
It is no wonder that God inspired Paul to write about His armor; after all, Paul was well-practiced in wearing and using it to worship God and vanquish Satan.
This is one of my favorite sections. I'm going to have to pore over this later when I have more time to concentrate! Thanks for the time you spent to put this together! Wonderful!
Posted by: Cao | February 03, 2008 at 10:05 PM