Paul wrote in Ephesians 6, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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” (10-13).
What is the armor of God? Well, it certainly is not any type of physical armor. While Paul uses the metaphor, mentioning shields, swords and helmets, he is of course not talking about physical pieces of a literal suit of armor. This is because of the nature of the conflict waged between the child of God and the forces of evil we fight. We must stand against the wiles (devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants) of the devil. A literal shield or sword is of no use in such a conflict.
Physical conflict in the passage is contrasted with our conflict, which is against, “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places…” While movies may want to portray such conflict in temporal terms, and literalists want to do the same with prophecy, in reality our battle is a spiritual one.
Nevertheless, there is armor that is useful in our spiritual conflict. Paul identifies it, using the physical analogue to draw the picture:
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Truth as a girding of the waist (vs 14). The belt or girdle was a foundational piece of the soldier’s armor. It tied together his dress, the items of armor, and held his weapons in their proper place. Likewise, truth is foundational in the Christians battle. As we strap on the belt of truth, we have that which is able to thwart error and false doctrine. The facts found in the narrative of Christ’s person and life are absolutely unassailable. Paul said that our weapons are able to cast down “arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:5). In this the truth is indispensable.
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The breastplate of righteousness (14). The breastplate physically protected the chest of the soldier. The Greek term is thoraka, from which we get the terms thorax and thoracic. God is righteous. The life we live in response to God’s declared will is a righteous life. God defines the term. Live for God. Live like God. If you do so it will protect you against the efforts of the devil to destroy your soul.
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The shodding of the feet with the gospel of peace (15). Interestingly, the idea of shodding seems to deal with what is under the foot, rather than the protection of the top of the foot. Apparently, the shoes of the soldier were equipped with spikes so that the soldier would be prepared, no matter the ground. It would be similar to a baseball player, track runner, or golfer using specific shoes in preparation to excel in their sport. If we are diligent (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15), in studying that gospel, our peace (reconciliation) with God is not in danger.
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Above all, the shield of faith (vs. 16). The solid shield of the soldier offered him full protection. It could repel lances and spears, and even the fiery darts likened to Satan’s efforts to destroy us. Faith is trust in what God has said and done. It comes from God’s word. If it is steadfast, it repels temptations, fear and doubt. All else in our battle against the devil is dependent upon the strength of our faith. True faith equips us for battle.
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The helmet of salvation (17). Of course, the soldier’s helmet supplied protection against blows to the head. One commentator noted that the helmet can be tossed aside. This is done from time to time. While it may seem to be freeing, it brings destruction. We have the security of salvation. The enemy can’t strip it away. However, we can voluntarily cast it aside!
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The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (17). A sword in an offensive weapon. It is the only overtly offensive weapon in Paul’s description. It is also the only one that is needed!. God’s word is capable of equipping the Christian for every purpose or need (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is effective in its purpose. Rather than depending upon our own reasoning, or the words of other men, we know that we can gain the victory by fighting the devil with God’s word. “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
In our text, though prayer is not listed officially as a piece of the Christian’s armor, it does accompany the Christian “always” in his efforts to gain the victory over the devil. As we persevere in prayer, praying for ourselves and one another, our victory over Satan is assured. When we put on all of these, we are “able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (13).
Put on the whole armor of God!
