Back to Chapter 19
THE ARMOR OF GOD
Although God is doing wonderful things with the Christian, and is working out his eventual victory and salvation, yet for the time the victory is not totally recognized. The decisive battle has been fought, when Jesus lived a life free from sin and then entered Satan's stronghold and brought out his keys.
But Satan is still free, though within limits. Smaller skirmishes are being waged between the devil and the followers of Christ. D-Day is past but V-Day has not arrived.
God did not omit this phase of events in planning salvation. In this lesson we see how He equips the believer to withstand the enemy, and how each Christian can draw on divine strength for the battle.
Body
I. IT IS THE LORD'S WAR (6:12).
A. Not against flesh and blood (not a carnal battle).
B. But against spiritual forces of evil.
1. Principalities and powers (demonic rulers).
2. Rulers of the darkness of this world (Satan's agents in this world-system).
3. Spiritual wickedness in high places (literally, "In the heavenly places").
II. IT IS THE LORD'S ARMOR (6:11, 13-18).
A. "The whole armor of God."
1. "Whole armor" is literally "panoply." God has equipped us thoroughly. It is not a partial defense, it is the whole armor of God (see this same word in Lk. 11:22).
2. It is God's armor.
a. He supplies it.
b. He wears it Himself (Isaiah 59:17; 11:5).
c. Like David trying on Saul's armor, we put on the armor of our King (see 1 Sam. 17:38, 39). Unlike that case, this armor fits perfectly, regardless of the size of the wearer!
B. Description of the armor.
1. Truth = loin protector.
2. Righteousness = breastplate.
3. Preparation of the gospel of peace = footwear.
4. Faith = shield.
5. Salvation = helmet.
6. Word of God = sword of the Spirit.
a. "Word" here is "spoken word." The sword is to be used.
b. Word is the sword of the Spirit. The word is not the Spirit, but the Spirit's sword. Yet the Spirit does not act contrary to the word, or give directions opposite to it.
C. Posture of Readiness: "Praying always."
1. Prayer and supplication.
2. Watching with perseverance and supplication.
a. For all saints.
b. For Paul that he might fight gallantly and bravely with boldness.
III. IT IS THE LORD'S VICTORY (6:10,13).
A. This armor insures strength and power in the Lord for the battle (6:10, 11).
B. This armor insures victory when the battle is over (6:13). The picture here is that of the battle ended: the work is over, the dust is settled on the field of battle - and there is the Christian STILL STANDING. "Having done all to stand" means "when the job is completely finished, you will remain standing."
Conclusion
Let each Christian take strength from Christ, fight valiantly and boldly in the cause of God, and finally share the victory with the Lord, who already has won the major battle and is engaged now only in cleaning-up operations.