S.W. In the Armor Part Two

S.W. In The Armor  Part Two 

“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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”   Ephesians 6:13-15 (ESV) 

So in order to continue on with putting “The Armor” we need some understanding of the daily spiritual conflict we will be engaged in. First thing to know that spiritual conflict is inevitable and that goes for those who do not want to believe it. Second, for those of us who understand this battle exists we need to muster up some strength for the struggle. We should prayerfully seek that our strength is coming from Christ, because our spiritual enemies are not human, but superhuman, Satan and all the powers of darkness. Third, we need more than human strength; we need the divine armor of God! 

So now knowing this we should introduce the armor of God but not by its piece but by its purpose. The armor’s purpose consists of…

1. The knowledge and reception of the truth

2. The righteousness of Christ

3. The zeal which flows from the peace of the Gospel

4. The consciousness of salvation

5. Faith

6. The Word of God.

7. Prayer gets an honorable mention here. 

With this list of purposes fitted together we can assemble the mindset for the spiritual warrior. So long as that mindset also realizes that not every purpose on this list is meant to be on the defensive but to also go on the offensive. A warrior who only defends and never attacks is more than likely unfit to go into battle. He is like a battle tank that has run outta gas and can only hold a position. When we go in the spiritual war that faces us every day our best defense is a good offense (this is also a great football cliché).  

^“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Even though this sounds like an ending it really starts off the section of Ephesians that names the pieces of armor.  We need to keep this in the fore front of minds as we put on “The Armor” because it is only though the redemption purchased by Christ that the armor fits us at all. This is not a figure of speech. It is something very real. Salvation, however gratuitous, is not to be obtained without great effort. Understand that your spiritual fitness is required as well!!  The Christian conflict is not only real, it is difficult and dangerous.  

We need to have spiritual strength and courage for our spiritual warfare and suffering. Those who would prove themselves to have true grace must aim at all grace; and put on the whole armor of God, which he prepares and fits for us. The Christian armor is made to be worn; and there is no putting off our armor until we have done our warfare, and finished our course. Which isn’t gonna be anytime soon. Stick around while we get into the armor piece by piece in the next Freedom Fighter. But before I close I’ll ask you this…How do you think you’d look in battle ready armor?  Hmmm…it ain’t no suit and tie is it? – Chris Hughes is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a member of the Freedom Fighter writing team

Team YOU: Joshua 4-6; Proverbs 20; Luke 1:1-20

Motivations:  “Practically speaking, when we read or hear “the word of God” we sense ourselves pierced. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. Is there marrow and life in our bones? Or are we only a “skeleton” with no living marrow?”---John Piper

Practice to Remember: Level 1:Ephesians 4:11-12; Level 2: Ephesians 4:1-6

Powered Up:  "Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers." Sidlow Baxter