ARMOR

By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the ARMOR of righteousness on the right hand and on the left – 2 Corinthians 6:7

We must “put on the whole ARMOR of God” if we are to stand against the devil’s schemes and live victoriously to the glory of God (Eph.6:11). God expects us not only to be aware of the elements of His Armor, but also to put them on.  This was the conclusion to the great truths and revelations that Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph.6:10). They were to apply the doctrines earlier taught by being strong in the Lord.

To be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might is to put His Armor on. A soldier need not be told to dress for battle! Every soldier knows that when he goes to fight, he must be prepared, fully geared in his armor, with his weapons and wits at the ready. Similarly, we who believe in Christ are soldiers! We are at war. We are in a conflict with eternal consequences. There is the war between the spirit and the flesh; and there is the battle for our will – choosing between doing what we want to do or doing what God would have us do (Gal 5:17). Moreover, we are in combat with principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and wicked spirits (Eph.6:12). The devil, like a roaring lion is roaming around stalking his prey; seeking those whom he may devour (Pet.5:8). Satan seeks to lure you away from the truth into deception; but you must resist him.

Fitted with the armor of God you can stand against the cunning, deceptive methods that Satan uses to attack, confuse, discourage, and accuse. His methods include: appealing to fallen flesh through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. He plays with and preys upon human desires, driving them into areas where they do not belong. He tempts one to depend on the arm of flesh rather than walk by faith. He deceives by diffusing false doctrines and giving false hope. He lies about what is good, and substitutes what is evil. He uses the works of the flesh to entice one into pursuing selfish desires. In place of the fruit of the Spirit love, he offers fornication and adultery. He tries to substitute divine joy with uncleanness and lewdness; and offers mind- and mood-altering drugs for true peace. With each fruit of the Spirit there is a counterfeit work of the flesh.

You stand against Satan’s wiles by putting on the armor God provides. In David’s confrontation with Goliath, before standing for the Lord and Israel, King Saul offered young David his royal armor, but it did not fit. David found his defence in the power and might of the Lord. He rejected Saul’s armor, and went on to fight and win the battle, armed only with a sling and five smooth stones (1 Sam.17). Be ready to stand in the fight but not wearing another’s armor. Put on God’s armor that is made to fit! You cannot rely on the faith, doctrine or works of a spouse, parent, pastor, friend, teacher, or mentor. You must stand before God and stand against Satan armed with what God gives you – not with what others around you offer.

It is not enough to be aware of your spiritual armor; you must put it on permanently! It is to be your lifelong companion. You have been given His armor, to stand firm in the fight that rages around you. You are in the midst of a battle that does not depend on your ability, might, intellect or smartness. The battle is the Lords: “…by My Spirit,’ says the Lord” (Zech 4:6). When you are armed by the Lord you have nothing in this world, or in the world to come, to fear. Have you put on the whole armor of God – His Armor of Righteousness? If so, you are ready for battle, and you will be able to withstand, and stand!