Paul is writing these words while he is in prison -- very likely chained to a soldier who was wearing armor. As Christians, there is a different kind of armor than that with which ancient soldiers used to protect themselves. This is the armor of God; and in it, we are to stand firm! And even though we may often feel like we can't stand, he reminds us that we are not standing in our own strength. Our eyes are not to be on ourselves; but rather, on the strength of Christ Jesus.
Since this is God's armor, it is He Who puts it on us. First, He gives us the belt of truth, so that we may not be tripped up by the lies of the devil. Then there is the breastplate of Christ's righteousness; for without that, our heart and vital organs are exposed to Satan's darts. Third, our feet wear the shoes of the Gospel of peace, with which we are enabled to always be ready to give out the good news of salvation. Moreover, we are handed the shield of faith, which keep us from being attacked by the fiery darts of the devil. Then there is the helmet of salvation, which protects our head on all sides. And last but not least, we wield the sword of the Spirit -- that is, God's Word! The devil knows the Scriptures well, and he twists them in order to deceive us; therefore, the stated goal of the Church must be to know God's Word!
We have the armor of God, but we also need to pray for one another; for without prayer, this armor is of no use. Throughout Church history, all great revivals and movements of the Gospel have been in conjunction with an increase in prayer among the people of God.
Since God thus arms us, what do we need to be afraid of? Since He is on our side, who can be against us? |
