The Armor of God
It's time to do an in-depth analysis of the Armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18. The apostle Paul in his writings are talking about six pieces of a spiritual armor that Christians wear in their daily battle. So he pleads that Christians are to be always ready in their spiritual battles which is not against flesh and blood but rather against Satan and his forces, in the quest to set captives free. 1 Peter 3:14-19 pretty much fits the whole situation of being ready always to explain the hope of Christianity to put those who accuse Christians to shame. So what are these six pieces in battle?
V. 14- First, it's all about the belt of truth
As said, all form of falsehood must be put away. The truth must always be told and be known. Hosea 4:6 addresses the fact that people are destroyed by their lack of knowledge. Proverbs consistently pleads with the reader to get the truth. Ecclesiastes also pleads with the reader to get the truth. Pastor Armando C. Borja quoted in one of his expository sermons, "A person who knows not the truth and does not speak the truth fights in battle without a belt." Without the truth, one cannot be ready. As painful as the truth is, one must know it. Ignorance always leads to destruction and it's no excuse why one gets into destruction. In the Art of War, it's always know yourself and know the enemy and you will succeed in every battle. That's why Christians as much as possible are to know the heresies and compare them with the truth to prepare them to face the spiritual forces that bind people to them. That's why the Bible which contains the truth has been locked away during the Dark Ages, its proper reading is discouraged in many ways resulting to the persecution of Bible scholars, misinterpreted and even attacked directly by non-Christian forces like the Catholic Inquisition and Communism.
V. 14- Second, it's about the breastplate of righteousness
By default, man's righteousness is but nothing more than filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Paul said in Philippians 3:8-9 that no work he does counts to win for Christ and that he is found doing good works not by his own righteousness but by Christ's righteousness. Romans 4:5 is clear that salvation is without works and it will result to righteousness because it was counted for righteousness. Ephesians 2:8-10 is clear that salvation results to good works even if it's without works. The breastplate in battle is a protection for the vital organs and man's own righteousness is nothing more than sheer hypocrisy and a weak defense. Many try to establish their own righteousness and Romans 10:3 has people ignorant of God's righteousness and they wear but a fragile armor which can be evidenced by their sinful lifestyles which they are proud of. Not so with the Christian- God's righteousness is in them resulting in good works and an anger towards sin which can also be displayed by repenting every time they sin only because they are saved. However to be fully ready, one must refer to Philippians 2:12-13- they are to work out (not work on) their salvation with fear and trembling for it's God that works in them, that is to bring out their salvation and how the world they are far different with a godly life. Of course, works do not do anything to get saved or stay saved but rather it's always the inevitable result of being saved and it's only for God's greater glory.
V. 15- Third, the sandals of the readiness of the Gospel of peace
Again, 1 Peter 3:15-16 comes to place asking Christians to be always ready to give a reason. Feet can be associated with Romans 10:15 which quotes Isaiah 52:7 saying that how beautiful are the feet that bring the good news of salvation. Christians must always be ready to give an answer of the Gospel. How? Well, Joshua 1:8 is clear that the Christian must not let the Book of the Law depart out of their mouth but rather meditate upon it day and night and observe to do all that is written therein for success in the Christian life. It's always quoted by Pastor Armie F. Jesalva in his Bible study classes and in many of his great sermons. Also, it means to be in harmony with Ephesians 5:16 that is redeeming the time. Sadly some Christians redeem the time inconsistently and God always uses punishment to get them back on track with their work. Also, it's necessary for Christians to adhere to Hebrews 12:14 that they are live peaceably so they can prepare people to receive the Gospel. How can a Christian be effective in the spiritual warfare if he/she is riotous? A riotous individual is never ready to fight a real battle, that person either rushes hastily or is too distracted to defend himself/herself from a real threat.
V. 16- Fourth, the shield of faith
In spiritual warfare, there is always doubt. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. This is NOT blind faith but rather this faith results to real action and evidence. Satan loves to throw doubt like he did on Peter in Matthew 14:27-31 which caused Peter to sink. Christians can sink with their doubt. It means that a Christian must always keep their eyes on Jesus and not the waves to extinguish the very darts of Satan. Satan can use many darts like the very false teachings and the annoying works salvationists who can put Christians in a rock and a hard place. A Christian who is not to side between a Catholic and a Pentecostal will be accused of siding with the other if he doesn't side with the other. However if a Christian just focuses on Jesus, never mind the harsh critics (2 Timothy 3:1-7, 2 Peter 3:4), they will really win in the long run. The apostles did not mind their critics, they just got forward winning more members into the Church founded on Jesus Christ.
V. 17- Fifth, the helmet of salvation
Of course, Christians do have their salvation and they need to realize that they are secure. Satan can cast doubts about a Christian's salvation but they still remain saved (2 Timothy 2:13). How is salvation like a helmet? The very truth is every Christian has their helmet on their head as protection. The very fact of being saved changes one's way of thinking in the new man. It gives a new outlook in life that is far different from the old man. Titus 2:11-15 is clear that the salvation brought forth by the grace of God teaches a new life, a new outlook and once a man is saved, this helmet is there to stay.
V. 17- Lastly, it's the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God
The Word of God is like a sword. Hebrews 4:12 calls the Word of God as something sharper than any two edged sword that reveals the very truth that one cannot see by their eyes. The Word of God cuts through deception and in warfare, uncovering deception is a vital process to win in the battle. Revelation 1:16 has the Lord Jesus Christ releasing a two edged sword from His very mouth. The very figure of the sword is that it's the weapon Christians use in spiritual warfare. How can this be won? Again Joshua 1:8 comes to mind about always being ready with the Word of God. Christians must study the Bible both individually and by groups. Fellowship in worship services and Sunday schools strengthen the Christian's mind and prepares their swords sharp enough to uncover any form of deception no matter how slick they are. Even the best infiltrators cannot withstand the Word of God and former Jesuit priests like Victor Affonso and Bob Bush could not have seen themselves as deceived if the Word of God did not release them from their blindfolds- that is proof that God's power is greater than the very oath that bound them. When a pulpit is strengthened in the Word of God, the sword will always be sharp and cutting the chains will always be possible because of the full knowledge of application of Scriptures.
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