After You've Done Everything to Stand...

Okay, it’s another day of battle soldiers, and we’ve been commanded to be strong in the Lord’s mighty power.  Our enemy has been identified as the Devil, who we are to stand against.  His tactic is schemes.  Don’t be misled by focusing on the tangible.  Human resources are not fitting for this struggle.  Our battle is not against flesh and blood.  Understand, our battle is spiritual against rulers, authorities, powers, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  We are instructed to put on the full armor of God, so that we may be able to stand our ground, and after we’ve done everything to stand, we’re told to stand some more, but it must be with God’s full armor (Eph 6:10-14):

Belt:  Make sure every piece of armor is bound with truth, as well as the loins of your mind, so that nothing is ensnared.  Without a secure belt, you will not be able to move freely, and you’re in danger of stumbling and falling (Eph 6:14; 1Pe 1:13-16 KJV) .

Breastplate:  Make sure you’re righteous, both in status and in character.  Let your righteous character be the defense of your vital organs, such as your heart (Eph 6:14; Ro 3:21-23; Pr 4:23).  Don’t be like King Ahab, who’s questionable character caused a flaw in his armor, which was pierced by an arrow, resulting in his death (1 Ki 16:30; 21; 22:31-35). Without a strong and secure breastplate, any attack can prove fatal, but with it, strikes will merely graze the armor.

Feet shod:  Walk in peace, as Christ did, promoting unity (Eph 2:14-16; 6:15).  Reconciliation to God is offered to all.  And those who accept it have the peace of mind to walk freely as one approved by God (Ro 5:1; Mt 5:9; 1 Jn 1:9).  Peace protects the soldier of God’s feet, as the legionary wore heavily reinforced sandals that were as protective, and possibly more comfortable, than today’s combat boots.  They were made with thick leather soles studded with hobnails, enabling them to have secure tread on almost any terrain.  Leather thongs could be laced calf-high, and stuffed with wool for warmth and protection.

Shield:  The large, leather-covered shield, which is your faith, is to be soaked in water and carried to extinguish fire-tipped arrows (Eph 6:16 Heb11:1, 6; Pr 26:18).  Your shield itself -if not accompanied by a will to carry it- is useless (Jas 2:17).  Although it may be heavy, it offers a great deal of protection.  Don’t put it down!  A Roman soldier’s shield was curved to deflect the full force of an attack.  In the center was a metal knob, which enabled the shield to be used as an offensive weapon, by knocking the Enemy back.

Helmet:  Salvation is to cover your head as a helmet (Eph 6:17).  God designed this gift to be received, not earned (Eph 2:8-9).  The purpose is for reconciliation to Him, for the purpose of his predestined work for you (Eph 2:10).  Bronze, on iron, on leather, absorbed shock.  A back shield protected the neck.  A front ridge protected the face.  And pieces at the cheeks protected the face and ears. (I’m sure Malchus wished he had a helmet when he came across an angry Peter [Jn 18:10].)

Sword:  Success in battle depends on skillfully wielding our sword, which is the very Word of God (Eph 6:17; 2 Tim 2:15; Heb 4:12).  Don’t worry about how you will perform.  The Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance all that you’ve trained in (Jn 14:26).

Prayer:  And don’t forget to communicate continuously with God, who will, lead, encourage, and ensure your victory (1 Co 15:55-57).  By (praying) God’s word you have the power to speak and make the Enemy flee, the power to speak and move mountains, the power to bind and loose (Lk 4:1-13; Mt 11:23; 18:18).

We’re more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Ro 8:37).  Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ (2 Co 2:14)!  With Christ we are guaranteed victory!  So, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, and stand, then stand some more (Eph 6:10-14).  With him we are able!