armor of God
Eph 6:11-17 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Paul the Apostle wrote the book of Ephesians during a time when he was in Rome under an unusual type of arrest. This arrest allowed him to reside in his own house, and come and go, but required him to be continually chained to a Roman soldier. For this reason, Paul became very knowledgeable about the armor and implements of warfare belonging to the man to which he was chained.
Paul refers to the whole armor (panoplia, pan-op-lee'-ah) as being one word as opposed to two, and seems to imply that the armor was an all or nothing proposition. Then he tells us what the armor is for. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. So the armor is for us to take a stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood. So it is not to be used against mankind. Unfortunately, the first thing some new believers do is to put on the armor and begin to do battle with unbelievers. Just as bad are the believers that do battle with other believers. But this is not what the armor of God is for.
He speaks of the wiles (methodeia) of the devil. Methodeia is a Greek word that denotes a path or roadway that is traveled over. This is because the devil continuously attempts to secure a foothold so that he may begin construction of a roadway to your mind.
Next we are briefed on who the enemy is.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (chiefs) against powers (authorities) against the (world) rulers of the darkness (obscurity) of this world (age or time) against spiritual (supernatural) wickedness (malicious hurtfulness) in high places (above the sky).
This is the hierarchy of the devil and all his lower level devils and demons. From his perspective, he is the god of this world and has a pecking order of intelligent princes and mindless grunts to do his works of oppression (influence, depression, oppression, obsession and possession).
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand (resist) in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, stand therefore
So here again we see that we are to take a stand of resistance against the devil and all of his cohorts. And by extension, we are to stand in resistance against all the works of the devil. James 4:7 says resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
I want to point out that this is the armor of an intercessor, and that intercession is much more than prayer! This is Jesus’ armor!
Isa 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
Isa 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.
Now let's examine each piece of the armor that Paul is describing.
The Belt (Girt) of Truth
The Belt is not the most noticeable piece of the armor, however, it is actually the central piece that holds all the rest securely in place and provides for every need during battle. The belt was broad and made of sturdy leather. From it hung an overlapping skirt of leather straps which on the inside surface were armored with small rectangular pieces of metal held in place by decorative rivets which showed on the outside. Also from the belt hung specialized hooks and holders on which to secure the scabbard that contained the sword at the proper angle, the quiver which held lances, and an apparatus on which to rest the large battle shield. Also, on the belt were clips with which to hold the breastplate in its proper place. Supplies of bread, oil and water were also on the belt.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.
Paul called this the belt of ‘Truth’. What could he have been referring to?
In John 17:17 Jesus says, “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth.”
The written Word (or logos) of God, the Bible is that ‘Truth.’ Does this mean the New Testament and the Old Testament? The first chapter of John also reveals that Jesus was (and is) the living Word of God, and that He, Jesus, was the God (Eloiem) of the Old Testament as well as the Incarnate Word of the New Testament.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
2 Cor 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Just as the belt is central to the armor of God, the written Word of God (the Bible) is central to all that pertains to spiritual warfare. Knowing by the written Word that we have been made and are the righteousness of God, will tightly secure our breastplate of righteousness. Faith (the shield) comes by hearing the Word of God. Also, we are to fill our hearts with the Word of God. In this case, the scabbard, which holds the sword, could represent the heart filled by the Word of God. And “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” When our heart is full of the written Word, we can unsheathe the sword of the spoken Word of God. When we hear the Word of the Spirit speak to our spirit, we can always test what was said by comparing it to the written Word. We can be confident that we are in the will of God by knowing, living by and walking in the promises of the written record of the Word of God.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:
Hold up your Bible and repeat this confession:
This is my bible.
It is the Incorruptible,
the Indestructible,
Ever-living seed,
of the Word of God.
I am what it says I am.
I have what it says I have.
I can do what it says I can do.
In Jesus' name.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Breastplate was really a work of art. Each breastplate was custom made for the soldier that wore it. Often a casting was made of the man’s torso. This negative casting was then used to make a positive of the torso. The positive was overlaid with brass that was beaten to conform to the details of the torso. Breastplates were often made very elaborate with additional decorations and polished to a brilliant mirror finish that was blinding in the sunshine. Despite its beauty, the breastplate was very functional, protecting the heart and other vital organs from penetration through its metal shell.
Stand therefore, … having on the breastplate of righteousness;
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Jesus, who was righteous, took on and bore every form of sin and darkness that belonged to us, and in exchange, placed on us His righteousness, making us (you and me) the righteousness of God!
What is righteousness? It simply means, “Right standing before God.” Or in legal terms it means being found innocent. Just as Justification is the act of being acquitted.
In 2 Cor 6:7 Paul first refers to righteousness as ‘armor,’ which most likely came from the book of Isaiah.
Isa 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate.
All too many Christians do not know that they have been made righteous. The majority of all Christians are right now walking in constant guilt and condemnation, feeling like failures and not ‘worthy’ to serve God or receive anything from Him. The devil is constantly bombarding man with missiles of lies and accusations and reminders of past sin. Without the breastplate of righteousness, these missiles will penetrate your heart.
Also, the devil will try to talk you out of your breastplate. He will 'tell' you that you are not righteous, not worthy. He will throw the sins of your past right into your face. The very sins that you have been acquitted of, the very sins that God has removed as if never existing.
Here are just a few scriptures on righteousness:
Psa 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
This is saying that the righteous will always be able to outlast the wicked.
Prov 10:30 The righteous shall never be removed:
Rom 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe
Rom 5:17 For if by one man's (Adam's) offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ
Man was an eternal criminal before God and could not approach His throne. But now, because Jesus graciously gave the believer His righteousness, then all the believer has to do is to receive it by faith, and it changes him! He has been found innocent of all charges and is righteous in the eyes of God. He can now boldly approach the throne of God.
God has freely imparted righteousness to you and that righteousness serves you as a beautiful and effective breastplate.
It is a God-given righteousness. It will give a boldness and confidence you never thought possible.
When you know you wear the breastplate of righteousness, you will pray in power and authority.
See yourself as God sees you!
Say it! I am the righteousness of God!
I have on the breastplate of righteousness!
The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
The Shoes or sandals of the Roman soldier were no normal footwear. Great care was taken by Rome to supply the soldiers with appropriate footwear for their assignment. Their shoes (or boots) consisted of an elaborately cut and laced sandal of which the sole was layers of metal and leather with ‘hob nail’ spikes extending one-half inch, to in some cases ‘inches,’ from the sole to plant into the ground to keep them from being moved. Some had toe spikes and or built-in spurs with which to do damage to the enemy. The uppers of the sandals were often armored by small overlapping pieces of metal riveted to the leather straps. In addition, attached to the uppers of the sandal were removable metal greaves that extended up over the kneecap protecting the knees, shins and ankles.
Stand therefore, having … your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Before you go somewhere, you have to make preparation to dress and equip yourself for the occasion, climate and terrain. If you are going downtown, are you going to put on your mountain climbing boots, leather shorts, backpack and climbing gear? If you are going into the jungle swamps, do you wear your arctic parka, insulated long underwear and snowshoes? The same kind of preparation is required concerning the gospel. Which shoes do I need? How should I prepare them?
Where are we to go? What are we to do when we get there?
The resurrected Jesus said for us to, “Go into all the world.” And do what? “Go into all the world and preach.” Preach what? Preach the gospel.
That brings up a good question. What is the gospel? One organization seems to teach one thing and another teaches something else.
The Bible speaks of:
The Gospel of The Kingdom
The Gospel of God
The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The Gospel of Peace
The Gospel of your salvation
Confusing? It shouldn't be. The “Gospel” simply means “Good News.”
Jesus preached the “Good News!” He didn't preach that God was a harsh judge and if you do wrong He is going to kill you and send you to hell! Would that be “Good News?” He didn't preach that God killed your loved one to get you closer to Him. No, that's not “Good News” either.
This is the gospel that Jesus preached:
Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me (the Anointed One, the Messiah) to preach the gospel (good news) to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance (release) to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to [set at liberty] (send out as delivered) those who are oppressed (bruised, trampled and stepped on, crushed and broken down by calamity) to preach (proclaim) the acceptable, (and accepted) year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound (Isa 61:1-2)]. Then He said, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled, here and now!”
The ‘Good News’ that He preached was that God Himself, has come to earth, as a man called Jesus to remit our sins by becoming our sacrificial atonement, thereby providing our whole and complete salvation, if we become citizens of His Kingdom by making Him our personal Lord and King. In doing so, even more good news was introduced to us. We were introduced to God the Father. We were introduced to the Holy Spirit. It was revealed that Jesus was the God (Elohiym) of the Old Testament, which walked with Adam in the garden, and taught Moses and the prophets. We were shown by example, that complete salvation was more than spiritual, but also physical, mental, emotional, financial, educational, etc. That the God-given dominion and authority of mankind in the earth, lost by Adam, has been reclaimed by Jesus, and has been delegated to the subjects of His Kingdom through power of attorney to use His mighty Name. Oh and so much more!
Yes the Gospel IS the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! But is SO MUCH MORE!
Are you prepared? Are you prepared to save the lost? Are you ready to cast out demons? Are you ready to lay hands on the sick, and SEE them healed? Are you ready to take a stand against the oppression of the Devil? Because STANDING is what you are called to do. We are to prepare and equip ourselves (and others) to ‘stand’ as a ‘Peace Keeping Force.’
The devil (Satan) is an outlaw and even though he and his group of renegades have been defeated and disarmed by Jesus, they still come to steal, kill and destroy in the world. Therefore we are to prepare and equip ourselves (and others) to ‘STAND’ against them.
If I told you that your assignment was to take a stand directly in the path of the attacking enemy, you would want to be equipped and prepared. You would also want an army of like equipped and prepared soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder with you! Because that IS your assignment! Strap on your spiked armored boots with the metal greaves, so that once you balance yourself and plant your long spikes deeply into the ground you cannot be moved!
The Shield of Faith
There were actually two types of shields used by Roman soldiers of the day. One, a small (24”-36” diameter) round one, was for dress parades. The other, was a large (60”x30”) rectangular shield that in Greek was named, “a door,” because it looked like the soldier was carrying a full size leather covered door behind which he could safely stand. Each shield was made of six layers of thick animal hide specially tanned and woven together making them as tough and durable as metal yet relatively light weight. The leather shields could be soaked in water before battle so that in the event the enemy would rain fiery projectiles on them, the fire would be extinguished on impact.
Above all, we are to take (violently seize) the shield of faith, with which we shall be able (have the power) to extinguish all (every) flaming darts (arrows, spears, missiles) of the wicked (rotten, worthless Devil).
But what is faith?
Heb 11:1 Says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
We not only have to have and ‘seize’ the shield of faith, we have to know how to use it. When God began revealing the things of faith to me, He started with Mark 11:23-24.
Jesus speaking beginning in vs. 22:
Have faith in God.
Mark 11:23 Now listen, I telling you the absolute truth here, That whoever shall say directly to this mountain, (problem, situation, disease, etc.) “Mountain, Get out of my way, and go jump in the lake!”; and will not doubt in his heart, but will have faith that what he said will happen; he will have whatever he said.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
The Greek literally says:
Therefore, say what soever you suppose to ask. Pray, have faith, receive and you shall have (or, it shall come to pass).
Now this is the framework of how faith works! And we are talking about how to use the shield of faith!
Rom 10:17 Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the (rhema, or spoken) Word of God.
This is how faith comes! This is how to take or seize the shield of faith, by hearing the spoken Word of God. So, the Word of God is what faith should be based upon. Now, back to how to use it. Jesus told us to speak aloud directly to the situation based upon what the Word says. He said that if we do, and have faith in what the Word said, and do not doubt, that we will have whatever we said! Now how do we express to God, that we have faith and do not doubt, during the time we are waiting for the manifestation of what we said to arrive? We praise God and give thanks for it as though it had already manifested! This is not particularly easy when what you are wielding your shield of faith against is a sickness or disease that is causing severe pain or discomfort, but without the shield of faith you are an open target to the enemy. So what I am saying is that the shield of faith in application is praise and thanksgiving.
Why does it say ‘above all’ take the shield of faith? Simply for the reason that salvation (the helmet) righteousness (the breastplate) the gospel (the shoes) and both the written Word of God (the belt of truth) and spoken Word of God (the sword) must all be received by faith. Healing, deliverance and forgiveness must also be received by faith.
The shield of faith is movable to deflect attacks no mater from which direction they come. For if the devil cannot get to you directly (from the front) he will attack from another direction. If all personal attacks on you fail because of the strength of your faith, he will often attack you through another person to attempt to provoke fear or offense to allow him a foothold. Refusal to fear or be offended will foil even these attacks.
Individuals can even combine their shields of faith together by joining their faith with that of other believers, creating a wall and or a roof of protection during a mass attack.
The Helmet of Salvation
The helmet was the most noticeable piece of armor. It was often ornate, intricately decorated and plumed with brightly dyed feathers or horsehair. Some parade dress helmets had course horsehair plumes that would extend to the waist. The Roman helmet was designed so that blows from sword, hammer or ax could not pierce it but would be deflected and yet allow the soldier maximum visibility.
And take the helmet of salvation...
We are to take (receive) the helmet of salvation, (wholeness, deliverance, health). Without the helmet of salvation, we would spiritually, loose our head. The helmet of salvation protects the mind. If your salvation is not tightly strapped around your head, all the benefits, (Psalm 103:2) and manifold blessings are vulnerable to being surgically removed from your theology. The enemy will come and knock your helmet sideways by telling you that healing, deliverance and wholeness (spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, etc.) is not really included in the redemptive work of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus on the cross. All the enemy will allow you to retain of salvation is heaven, and will then proceed to send you there as quickly as he can first steal and destroy everything you have.
[Don’t get me wrong, nothing is wrong with heaven! In fact I plan on being there myself. But even if eternal salvation IS the most important part, it’s still not the only part! If you attend a church that ONLY teaches salvation or the new birth some call it, they may be sending you into battle with a beautiful helmet strapped on your head, but otherwise you are standing there stark naked! With nothing to protect you from the fiery darts of the enemy, you are wide open to every attack of the devil.]
The Devil knows that to control you he needs to control areas of the mind. The old saying is that if you give the Devil a ride, he will end up driving the car. If you allow him access to your mind (even just a tiny foothold) he will attempt to begin construction on a four-lane freeway into it. Don’t get me wrong, nothing is wrong with heaven! In fact, I plan on being there myself. But even if eternal salvation IS the most important part, it’s still not the only part! If you attend a church that ONLY teaches salvation or the new birth some call it, they are sending you into battle with your beautiful helmet strapped on your head, but otherwise you are standing there stark naked!
The Sword of the Spirit (The Word [Rhema] of God)
The sword of a Roman soldier of that day, was a feared weapon. Short, lightweight and well balanced, it was quick and deadly. The two razor sharpened edges of the broad blade could easily slice a roast. And, the flared and tapered point was designed to easily penetrate and disembowel the enemy. It was well known that if a Roman soldier ever unsheathed his sword -- he would use it.
And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...
We are to take (receive) the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word (rhema, or spoken) of God. This is another instrument of spiritual warfare that we need to learn how to use.
The rhema Word, in the context of the sword, is you, the soldier, speaking (or quoting) aloud the logos (written Word) or the rhema (spoken Word) that was sown into your heart.
Remember the parable of the sower?
Mark 4:3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
Mark 4:4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
Mark 4:5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
Mark 4:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
Mark 4:7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
Mark 4:8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
Then Jesus explained the parable, adding, “If you don't understand THIS parable, you won’t understand anything I say.”
Mark 4:14 The sower soweth the word.
Mark 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Mark 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
Mark 4:18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold (3000%) some sixty (6000%) and some an hundred, (10,000%).
So the Word is sown into the heart.
Remember that the scabbard that held the sword hung on the belt of truth, the logos, the Bible, the written Word of God. The Bible is the source of the Word that needs to fill your heart, (the scabbard). Then when needed, the sword (the rhema Word) can be smoothly extracted from the scabbard (heart) and wielded effectively.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure, (deposit) of his heart produces that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure (deposit) of his heart produces that which is evil: for (out) of the superabundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.
We are to use the very same sword of the spirit that Jesus used on the Mount of Temptation! Now, the devil has been tempting, Jesus for forty days while Jesus was fasting.
Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. (i.e., “Do what I say do!”)
Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God, [Deu 8:3]. (i.e., I do what GOD says to do, not you devil!”) The sword was so sharp that I don't think the devil felt the cut.
Luke 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Luke 4:7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Again Jesus slices the devil!
Now, the Devil has already been sliced left and then right with the sword of the Spirit cutting a big “X” on his chest which he now feels then sees. So now Satan pulls his own sword and tries to copy and twist what Jesus is doing!
Luke 4:9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
Luke 4:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:
Luke 4:11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Jesus deflects the attack and plunges His sword of the Spirit deep into the Devil’s heart of hearts, leaving him seriously wounded.
Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
After this the Devil retreated to lick his wounds for a while.
So then, to properly wield the sword, you must be knowledgeable of what the Bible says (particularly the promises and statements of fact) and receive that word into your heart. Keep receiving to the point that your heart begins to overflow out of your mouth, in the power of the Holy Spirit and authority of the Name of Jesus. So when the devil comes and gets close enough to attack your mind, pull the sword and perforate his stony heart.
The Lances of Prayer
Roman soldiers carried an assortment of lances. Long and short lances. Lances with single head, duel heads and trident lances. Some were for throwing like spears. Others were for close quarter combat. Each lance had it’s function and purpose.
By analogy the lances fit nicely as Paul continues by says:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication.
Paul is referring to prayer of all types. For instance, the prayer of intercession, the prayer of faith, the prayer of thanksgiving, the prayer of supplication, the prayer of agreement, the prayer of petition, corporate prayer and of course praying in the Spirit, (or tongues). It is important to understand and keep in mind that prayer, all prayer, is about relationship and not ritual. In the Old Testament, prayer was often compared to sweet incense, showing that our prayer is a personally pleasant experience to God.
1 Tim 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands.
The Hebrew word ‘towdah’ is used throughout the Old Testament translated as thanksgiving, praise and confession. The word itself refers to the extending or lifting of hands.
The New Testament word ‘aiteo’ is translated “I ask or demand.” At first glance these concepts of demanding my seem offensive to some, but consider what John 15:7 has to say, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask (aiteo, demand or require) what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” The concept is one of a covenant, conditional to the first half of the verse.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
What is the confidence that we have? And, how do we know what the will of God is? Let's go back a few verses.
1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
The ‘record’ he is referring to here is the written Word of God, the Bible! So, what is the confidence that we have? And, how do we know what the will of God is? The will of God is simply what God has already SAID in the Bible through promises and statements of fact! If we know what God said his will was and what he promised us, we can have confidence and boldness to ‘aiteo,’ ask or demand these things.
The problem is on many levels. Most Christians do not know what God has promised in his word, therefore they do not know God’s will and have no confidence to receive what God has for them. Religious tradition has taught all too many that they are unworthy worms lower than snail spit, and as a result, people are actually afraid to ask for anything, let alone know how to receive from God.
And then we have the ever popular “Suffering doctrine,” which is a ‘doctrine of devils’ designed to keep mankind in sickness, disease, poverty and ignorance, (to the “glory” of Jesus!)
Conclusion
Now it’s time for you to put on the whole armor of God.
As you repeat after me, envision that you take each piece of the armor and put it on.
I put on:
the belt of truth,
the breastplate of righteousness;
shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, I take the shield of faith, wherewith I will have the power to quench every fiery darts the devil fires my way.
I take the helmet of salvation
I take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
I take the lances of Prayer which is all types of prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
Now I have the power to withstand evil, and take my stand as a solider in the army of the Almighty God.
My duty and assignment is to stand in the gap shoulder to shoulder with the other soldiers of the Lord as He places me. Resisting every attack of the devil. Holding the ground, refusing to be moved, healing the oppressed and destroying every work of the devil.
Remember to put this armor on each and every day, and like the credit card commercial says, “Don’t leave home without it!”
Title: The Whole Armor of God
Issue: Spiritual Warfare
Rev.Date: 06/25/2000
The Armor of God
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.
(Ephesians 6:11-18)
-Belt of Truth-
(John 8:44) ... ... He (devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
-Breastplate of Righteousness-
(2 Corinthians 5:21) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
-Shoes of the Gospel of Peace-
-Shield of Faith-
(1 Corinthians 10:13)... ... And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear... ...
(Habakkuk 2:4) ... ... but the righteous will live by his faith - (It meant that righteous people must patiently trust God in a difficult time)
-Helmet of Salvation-
(Roman 10:13) for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
(John 3:16) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
(Isaiah 56:1) This is what the Lord says: "Maintain justice and do what is right for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
-Sword of the Spirit-
(Galatians 5:16) So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
FATHER, TODAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS,I PUT ON MY:
1. HELMET OF SALVATION:
For protection of my mind and thinking against the lies of the wicked one.
That I respond today, under all circumstances out of my mouth and in my actions according to Your Word.
2. BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS:
For the protection of my emotions and my heart, so that I will be able to respond spiritually, not emotionally!
3. BELT OF TRUTH:
That I may be reminded that I am a child of Christ and he is in control of my Life.
4.FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS:
That wherever I go that I may be available to be used as an instrument of peace.
5. SHIELD OF FAITH:
To be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one. To walk in faith trusting in you and not
in myself.
6.SWORD OF THE SPIRIT:
That I speak your word with strength and accuracy.
Let it flow from my inner most being to penetrate and abolish the enemy.
IN JESUS NAME I PRAY
AMEN!
Now you will be ready to go out into the world,
"prepared and protected"
The Armor of God
There is a time coming very soon that the servants of God will be called upon to stand before the dragon, and give a testimony for the Lord Christ Jesus. Are you properly dressed for the occasion? What is this gospel armor anyway and what is the purpose of it? What we have described in the Bible provides both defense and offense for a battle. The armor of God is designed for a very specific battle, yet most would view the armor as being something for every day life. Where it does have its role in daily life, that can not take away from the prophetical aspect of the armor. Let’s take a good close look at this armor.
Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." (KJV)
Strong - 1743 endunamoo (en-doo-nam-o'-o); from 1722 and 1412; to empower: (Strong’s Concordance)
Power - 2904 kratos (krat'-os); perhaps a primary word; vigor ["great"] (literally or figuratively): (Strong’s Concordance)
Vigor \Vig"or\, n. 1. Active strength or force of body or mind; capacity for exertion, physically, intellectually, or morally; force; energy.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Might - 2479 ischus (is-khoos'); from a derivative of is (force; compare eschon, a form of 2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively): (Strong’s Concordance)
There is really nothing too difficult about this verse. Empower yourself in the active strength of our Father. Just remember, that it isn’t according to your own power or strength that you are able to do anything. It doesn’t matter what you think you can do, or what you think you are capable of, because all our strength comes from God. As it says in Zechariah 4:6, it’s not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God. Be strong in the strength of Yahovah, through the Holy Spirit. Let’s take a closer look at this strength we have through God.
II Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (KJV)
Grace - 5485 charis (khar'-ece); from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): (Strong’s Concordance)
Sufficient - 714 arkeo (ar-keh'-o); apparently a primary verb [but probably akin to 142 through the idea of raising a barrier]; properly, to ward off, i.e. (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory): (Strong’s Concordance)
Our Father’s strength is made perfect through man’s weakness, because it is through man’s weakness they will begin to look to him with all their heart, rather than trying to retain whatever strength they may have in the flesh. I’m sure you know the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", that is essentially what is meant by God’s grace "warding off". It is not that your life is kept clear of all problems, just that they are not a problem with our Father’s grace in your life.
II Corinthians 12:10 "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (KJV)
Now, I know this will be a little bit of a side trip from the armor of God, but we need to take a very careful look at what Paul is taking pleasure in, because of our Father’s grace. You could say it is a side benefit of wearing the armor properly. We also see through these things the strength that our Father gives to each and every one of us, IF we trust in Him.
Pleasure - 2106 eudokeo (yoo-dok-eh'-o); from 2095 and 1380; to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing): (Strong’s Concordance)
When we have Yahovah on our side, there is nothing we can’t overcome. When trials and tribulation come our way, it is for our benefit. A little of that refining fire to burn away the things which do not belong, so that pure gold fit for our Father’s use will remain. So when things seem bad, thank Father for it! Don’t cry in your soup and say, "Oh Father, why did this happen to me?" Stand up and plow through it. Be a "can do" type person for our Father. Remember He works all things for our benefit, even the situations that seem bad at first. (Romans 8:28-33)
Infirmities - 769 astheneia (as-then'-i-ah); from 772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty: (Strong’s Concordance)
Most anything that can make you weak in the flesh can be considered an infirmity. If it is a sickness that affects your flesh body or even your mind, that can make you weak in the flesh. It doesn’t even have to be a sickness, it could be something along the lines of fatigue or heavy duty stress. Find the goodness of our Father within these things and learn how to work for Him no matter what "cards" you have been dealt.
Reproaches - 5196 hubris (hoo'-bris); from 5228; insolence (as over-bearing), i.e. insult, injury: (Strong’s Concordance)
Insolent - 1. Deviating from that which is customary; novel; strange; unusual. [Obs.] 2. Haughty and contemptuous or brutal in behavior or language; overbearing; domineering; grossly rude or disrespectful; saucy; as, an insolent master; an insolent servant. ``A paltry, insolent fellow.'' --Shak. 3. Proceeding from or characterized by insolence; insulting; as, insolent words or behavior.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Anyone ever call you a name or do something to hurt your feelings? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Stick with our Father’s word and keep your trust in Him. What matters is what He thinks of you, not what man thinks of you.
Necessities - 318 anagke (an-ang-kay'); from 303 and the base of 43; constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress: (Strong’s Concordance)
Got anything you are in distress about? Maybe your groceries didn’t stretch as long as they should have this time? Maybe your car suddenly gave out in the middle of no where? Perhaps a tornado carried your home away? None of these things are major problems when our Father is concerned. Just be patient, work through the situation, and allow Yahovah to take care of you during these times.
Persecutions - 1375 diogmos (dee-ogue-mos'); from 1377; persecution: (Strong’s Concordance)
1377 - dioko (dee-o'-ko); a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb dio (to flee; compare the base of 1169 and 1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute: (Strong’s Concordance)
How many of you reading have had some genuine persecution in your life? It never is fun when someone "chases you down" for being a "cult" simply because you don’t believe according to their doctrines or traditions. Even Christ Himself was subject to persecution from the scribes and Pharisees who were the religious community of His time. They "chased after" Him ever chance they had. Consider it a joy if it happens to you.
Distresses - 4730 stenochoria (sten-okh-o-ree'-ah); from a compound of 4728 and 5561; narrowness of room, i.e. (figuratively) calamity: (Strong’s Concordance)
Ever feel like the world has come crashing down around you? At times, things can get so rough it seems it is hard to even breathe. Don’t ever forget who is able to help you in a situation like that. Get your eyes off the problems and focus on the answer as you seek to resolve the problem.
Weak - 770 astheneo (as-then-eh'-o); from 772; to be feeble (in any sense): (Strong’s Concordance)
772 - asthenes (as-then-ace'); from 1 (as a negative particle) and the base of 4599; strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral): (Strong’s Concordance)
Strong - 1415 dunatos (doo-nat-os'); from 1410; powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible: (Strong’s Concordance)
Man’s strength fades rather quickly, especially when a little heat is applied. There are many that would seek to destroy you in this age, and tell you many things that might hurt your feelings. However, ask yourself this question and you will find the strength you need to go on. What is the "suffering" you might have to endure, compared to that which Christ suffered? Consider Christ, lest you be wearied, and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:2-4). Our source of strength comes from God alone and it is our weakness in the flesh that makes His strength more apparent. We simply must take our eyes off ourselves, and focus on Him. Now that we can more adequately see the strength our Father gives to His children, let's go back to Ephesians now and see what this armor is all about.
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (KJV)
Whole armour - 3833 panoplia (pan-op-lee'-ah); from a compound of 3956 and 3696; full armor ("panoply"): (Strong’s Concordance).
If we are to put on the full armor, that means we can’t pick a peace here and there and leave the rest untouched. We must put on the entire suit of armor with all the accessories intact. You can not have one piece of the armor without the other pieces. It all works together.
Wiles - 3180 methodeia (meth-od-i'-ah); from a compound of 3326 and 3593 [compare "method"]; travelling over, i.e. travesty (trickery): (Strong’s Concordance)
Satan’s "method of operation" is to deceive the nations into thinking that he is Christ Jesus. He will trick many into believing that he is Jesus, when in reality he is nothing more than a dragon in shepherd’s clothing. The basic most fundamental design of the gospel armor is to stand against this deceit, this trickery.
Devil - 1228 diabolos (dee-ab'-ol-os); from 1225; a traducer; specially, Satan [compare 7854]: (Strong’s Concordance)
There should be no mistake made in who this individual is. Our armor is designed to stand against this evil one, this wicked one, who is Satan… the enemy to the throne of God.
Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (KJV)
This verse is so easy to forget especially when we deal with flesh man and woman each and every day. After all, we do live in an age of flesh. When you have things like persecutions come your way, who is it that you point the finger at? The individual throwing around the accusations? Perhaps you blame God? Or do you focus on what is really happening and realize that we are not fighting a flesh battle with the armor of God? Let’s take a close look at who our fight IS against.
Principalities - 746 arche (ar-khay'); from 756; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank): (Strong’s Concordance)
Commencement - \Com*mence"ment\, n. [F. commencement.] 1. The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start. 2. The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities, upon students and others.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
"Arche" is a very specific word and it is used here for a reason. Very soon, Satan will be on this earth pretending to be Christ Jesus. How many people will be "graduated" by him? How many people will suddenly be made prophets and evangelists (false ones) when he is here. How many will be married to the false husband with great processions and Church services? Make no mistake as to what this gospel armor is for. It is to stand against Satan in his role of worldwide, mass deception.
Powers - 1849 exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah); from 1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: (Strong’s Concordance)
Magistrate - \Mag"is*trate\, n. [See Master.] A person clothed with power as a public civil officer; a public civil officer invested with the executive government, or some branch of it.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
We should already know that Satan will be changing times and laws as according to Daniel 7:24-25. He will be using the power of the first beast in the book of Revelation to accomplish this task. (Revelation 13.) We were given an example of these "powers" again in Daniel with king Nebuchadnezzar as a type. King Nebuchadnezzar created a false idol for the world to worship, and made it against governmental law to worship anything other than the idol. (Daniel 3:1-6) Rest assured, it will happen again according to the examples provided in our Father’s precious word.
Rulers - 2888 kosmokrator (kos-mok-fat'-ore); from 2889 and 2902; a world-ruler, an epithet of Satan: (Strong’s Concordance)
Epithet \Ep"i*thet\, n. 1. An adjective expressing some quality, attribute, or relation, that is properly or specially appropriate to a person or thing; as, a just man; a verdant lawn.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Getting the idea yet? This "kosmokrator" not only refers to Satan, it also refers to those ten "one world" kings that are referenced in Revelation 17:12. It is these same ten kings that receive power one hour with the beast… with Satan and his system. The phrase, "rulers of the darkness of this world", would better translate as, "the world rulers of this darkness."
Darkness - 4655 skotos (skot'-os); from the base of 4639; shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively): (Strong’s Concordance)
This should also raise a flag in your mind. According to Revelation 9:2, when the bottomless pit is opened and the locust army is set free from their prison, what comes out of the pit? That would be the smoke of a great furnace, which darkens the light from the sun. Through their doctrine and deceit, they will darken the light in our Father's word… so that one can not see it so clearly. Yet, to the untrained eye, it will look like a worldwide revival has come to the earth… "Let's all go meet Jesus". The only problem is that it isn't Jesus and it is not the ministers of righteousness. It is a smoke screen, which will steal you away from the true Christ, from the true light of the world. Put on the armor of God and let your light shine through the darkness!
Spiritual - 4152 pneumatikos (pnyoo-mat-ik-os'); from 4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (demonically) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious: (Strong’s Concordance)
It isn't flesh man and woman we face. It should be absolutely clear it has nothing to do with the flesh or the things of the flesh. It is the supernatural, spiritual beings that will come to the earth in a disguise to fool you as according to II Corinthians 11:14-15.
Wickedness - 4189 poneria (pon-ay-ree'-ah); from 4190; depravity, i.e. (specifically) malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins: (Strong’s Concordance)
They may appear to be the ministers of righteousness, but on the inside they are full of dead men's bones. Will you run to them and embrace them? Or will you stand against them and make proper use of your gospel armor?
High places - 2032 epouranios (ep-oo-ran'-ee-os); from 1909 and 3772; above the sky: (Strong’s Concordance)
Right now, Satan is in heaven held there by Michael. He would be the source of the spiritual wickedness in high places, the one whom our fight is against. So, to summarize, our fight is not against flesh man, but against magistrates, against world rulers, against Satan himself, and his "locust army" of fallen angels. Let’s continue.
Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (KJV)
Withstand - 436 anthistemi (anth-is'-tay-mee); from 473 and 2476; to stand against, i.e. oppose: (Strong’s Concordance)
We do much more than simply "stand" with the armor of God. This armor is not intended for defense, but rather quite the opposite. We are to stand against and oppose Satan in the evil day. This is much more than merely "endure" or "suffer through", you take an active part in this battle IF you have your armor on.
Having done - 2716 katergazomai (kat-er-gad'-zom-ahee); from 2596 and 2038; do work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion: (Strong’s Concordance)
All - 537 hapas (hap'-as); from 1 (as a particle of union) and 3956; absolutely all or (singular) every one: (Strong’s Concordance)
The armor of God is meant for you to don in order to do battle against Satan in the "evil day", as he is on this earth in the role of Instead of-Christ. After you have gone on the offensive, and "fully done absolutely all the work on your end", then is your defense to stand. You won’t have the defense, if you don’t do what your Father instructed you to do in His word. He has instructed you to stand against the wicked one and all his devices. How is it that we manage to "have done all"? Prepare yourself with the word of God. That is how you come to wear the armor in the first place, preparation in the truth of our Father’s word. If you just listen to man teach and never check out anything for yourself, then you won’t be very prepared.
Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" (KJV)
Loins - 3751 osphus (os-foos'); of uncertain affinity; the loin (externally), i.e. the hip; intern. (by extension) procreative power: (Strong’s Concordance)
- \\ Girt about* - 4024 perizonnumi (per-id-zone'-noo-mee); from 4012 and 2224; to gird all around, i.e. (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or figuratively): (Strong’s Concordance)
Truth - 225 aletheia (al-ay'-thi-a); from 227; truth: (Strong’s Concordance)
227 alethes (al-ay-thace'); from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2990; true (as not concealing): (Strong’s Concordance)
Having your loins girt about with truth means much more than simply putting on a "protective cup". It has several applications that need to be addressed. First and foremost, in the old days men would wear a skirt, such as the kilts in Ireland and Scotland. To "gird" yourself up, would be to take the back hem of the kilt, bring it up between your legs, and tuck the hem in your belt. That way, your kilt would not get in your way as you run or do battle. Secondly, to gird your loins with truth would be quite literal for strapping on a chastity belt. To be true to your life partner, or be chaste. In other words, to not whore around with everyone you meet. Thirdly, there is the spiritual level. Satan is coming as a false husband. Keep your mind grounded in Yahshua’s truth so that you will not accept Satan as your spiritual husband. Remain a virgin for the true Christ. This would be a reference to the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Five of those virgins had enough "oil of truth in their lamps to go into the wedding feast with Christ. The other five virgins did not have enough "oil of truth", and were left out of the wedding. They did not wait for their true husband.
Breastplate - 2382 thorax (tho'-rax); of uncertain affinity; the chest ("thorax"), i.e. (by implication) a corslet: (Strong’s Concordance)
Righteousness - 1343 dikaiosune (dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay); from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification: (Strong’s Concordance)
How about the breastplate of righteousness?" What does a breastplate cover? Well, of course it would cover your breast, but what is beneath your breast? That would be your heart. There are two types of breastplates. One is indeed a piece of armor that would form a protective covering for your chest, and protect some very vital organs. The breastplate of righteousness would also be related to the breastplate of judgement described in Exodus 28:15-30. Only instead of making "judicial decisions", we are now to be righteous as our Father is righteous. (I John 3:7-12.) We can’t put on this breastplate unless we rely solely on the grace found in Christ Jesus. Be strong in Him and study His word.
Ephesians 6:15 "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" (KJV)
Shod - 5265 hupodeo (hoop-od-eh'-o); from 5259 and 1210; to bind under one's feet, i.e. put on shoes or sandals: (Strong’s Concordance)
What is it you do with your feet? Well, you stand on them among other things. You also walk or even run. As you walk along the path of life, it is our feet that Christ instructed us to keep clean in John 13:5-10. Why would this be? Because as you walk the path of life, it is your feet that collect all of the dirt, mud, the occasional pile of dung, so on and so forth. Those things get mixed with the sweat on your feet and make a really nasty mess. For this reason, we bind under our feet the good news of Christ Jesus and keep the sin cleaned off your feet, through Christ, as you walk down the path of life.
Preparation - 2091 hetoimasia (het-oy-mas-ee'-ah); from 2090; preparation: (Strong’s Concordance)
2090 - hetoimazo (het-oy-mad'-zo); from 2092; to prepare: (Strong’s Concordance)
2092 hetoimos (het-oy'-mos); from an old noun heteos (fitness); adjusted, i.e. ready: (Strong’s Concordance)
Gospel - 2098 euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on); from the same as 2097; a good message, i.e. the gospel: (Strong’s Concordance)
This verse is summed up so much better in II Timothy 2:15. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman of the gospel that needs not be ashamed. In other words, if you are not studying the word of God, then your feet are not shod with the preparation of the gospel. In order to be shod, you need to be prepared. In order to be prepared, you need to study. In order to study, you need to set aside the traditions of man and study the word for yourself.
Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (KJV)
Shield - 2375 thureos (thoo-reh-os'); from 2374; a large shield (as door-shaped): (Strong’s Concordance)
2374 - thura (thoo'-rah); apparently a primary word [compare "door"]; a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively): (Strong’s Concordance)
Faith - 4102 pistis (pis'-tis); from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: (Strong’s Concordance)
It is this shield of faith that provides the doorway into our Father's presence through faith in Christ Jesus. Obviously, if you don't have faith, then you won't be drawing near Him. It seems that so many people want to have just this shield, and let all the other bits and pieces of the armor fall by the wayside. "Oh, it will be all right if I just hold that shield of faith". If that is the case, then none of these other parts of armor would be mentioned. Quite frankly, you can not have one without the other. You must have the "full armor" to be effectual. As far as shields go, back when this was written, there were very large shields that would be about the equivalent to a door. It had two main purposes. One would be to hold high above your head, and angled slightly in front of you. Then, as you are advancing against the enemy, it will stop all the arrows that are "rained" down upon you. The only problem is that most often these shields were made of wood. Because of that when the "fiery darts", or arrows, came at you, they would catch your shield on fire. However, with the shield of faith, the flaming arrows are extinguished. The other use for this large shield would be to jam it into the ground, and stay behind it while returning a folly of arrows. However, just as arrows are basically useless in hand to hand combat, a shield of this size and bulk would be quite useless as well. On the positive side, the shield of faith is of course weightless and protecting you regardless, so long as you have faith in God. The key to this piece of armor would be to have faith in God’s ability to protect you, and keep you from harm.
Quench - 4570 sbennumi (sben'-noo-mee); a prolonged form of an apparently primary verb; to extinguish (literally or figuratively): (Strong’s Concordance)
Fiery - 4448 puroo (poo-ro'-o); from 4442; to kindle, i.e. (passively) to be ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication), or (figuratively) to be inflamed (with anger, grief, lust): (Strong’s Concordance)
Darts - 956 belos (bel'-os); from 906; a missile, i.e. spear or arrow: (Strong’s Concordance)
The "fiery darts" of the wicked, would be the lies directly from Satan and all his groupies. When you stand before Satan, he will be sending a barrage of "flaming arrows" at your mind and at your heart in an attempt to persuade you that he is Christ. However, with the shield of faith and the knowledge of truth in your mind, those flaming arrows won’t even come close to hitting their mark. They will be extinguished and rendered totally useless. An excellent example of these "fiery darts" can be found in Matthew 4:1-10, where Satan tempted Christ with ever so slightly twisted Scripture. Rest assured you will see some of these fiery darts yourself, if you are a servant of the true Messiah. Are you properly prepared in the word of God to spot a Scripture reference that has been slightly twisted or verses taken out of context?
Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (KJV)
Helmet - 4030 perikephalaia (per-ee-kef-al-ah'-yah); feminine of a compound of 4012 and 2776; encirclement of the head, i.e. a helmet: (Strong’s Concordance)
Salvation - 4992 soterion (so-tay'-ree-on); neuter of the same as 4991 as (properly, concretely) noun; defender or (by implication) defence: (Strong’s Concordance)
What does a helmet do? It covers your head, and within your head is your brain. Now, most people really don’t need an explanation of what a helmet would be as far as armor is concerned, but let’s look at a biblical example of this helmet. I Corinthians 11:4-15 states that women need a covering for their head because of the angels. What angels you might ask? That would be the fallen angels, spoken of in Genesis 6. It also states that it is a shame for a man to have his head covered, but take this in a spiritual sense. The Church is the bride of Christ. Christ is our husband, and we are His bride. Man, woman, or child it makes no difference. When the false messiah comes to this earth, he will be seeking to take the bride of Christ for himself. If you have the covering of Christ, that is His salvation, then the false husband will not be able to touch you. That is your helmet of salvation. Remain a virgin, and wait for your true husband to return. Do not accept the first "messiah" that sets foot on this earth.
Sword - 3162 machaira (makh'-ahee-rah); probably feminine of a presumed derivative of 3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment: (Strong’s Concordance)
The sword of the Spirit is of course, the word of God. The word of God is your main offensive weapon with which you will do battle with the enemy. If you do not study the word of God, then you will not know how to use the sword. Without the sword, you will not be able to stand against the wicked one. As far as that goes, without the sword you will not have any of the other bits and pieces of the armor of God on, as it all comes from being prepared in His word. In other words, you will be totally exposed to any attack the enemy can throw at you. If you rely solely upon what man teaches you, and you don’t study the word of God for yourself, then you will have weak links all over in your armor. Speaking of a link, always remember a thick chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If you have a very weak spot in your "armor", you can bet that your enemy will exploit that weakness. Stay in the word, keep your faith in God, and wait for the true Husband to come for His bride. To wrap things up, I want to take a look at your armor in one other place in the word of God. In Isaiah 59:15-21 it speaks of God’s armor. Not the armor of God, but rather the armor that God Himself wears. It is very interesting to check out. I just want to examine one brief verse.
Isaiah 59:19 "So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." (KJV)
Enemy - 6862 tsar (tsar); or tsar (tsawr); from 6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in 6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding): (Strong’s Concordance)
There is only one enemy that is a "pebble" to the children of God. You could even say this enemy was a pebble in the shoe of Christ that bruised His foot. When this false rock comes to the earth in his role of deception, there will be many that flock to his side. It is for this reason that the Song of Moses specifies, "their rock is not our rock". Our Rock is the Rock of Christ. (Deuteronomy 32:30-31.)
Flood - 5104 nahar (naw-hawr'); from 5102; a stream (including the sea; expec. the Nile, Euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity: (Strong’s Concordance)
There is a very specific time that this will be happening. It is when the 4 angels are loosed from the river Euphrates, after the elect of God have been sealed as according to Revelation 9:14-15.
Standard - 5127 nuwc (noos); a primitive root; to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver): (Strong’s Concordance)
There is a time coming soon that our enemy, the dragon of old, will come in like a flood. (More like a flood of lies issuing out of his mouth according to Revelation 12:15.) The standard that our Father will lift up against Satan will "vanish" Satan away. This is game time, and Satan knows he has but a short time. (Revelation 12:12). A standard in the old days was a banner. You could also look at this like a flag, or a coat of arms. When you "raise" a standard against someone, that means that you have gathered an army against that someone, and you have your "standard" in front of the troops leading the way. Now, Satan will come to this earth pretending to be Christ, and start spewing out his lies of twisted scriptures. If you have studied the word of God, and you have the full armor of God on and in place, then YOU will be the standard that God raises against the dragon. Are you prepared?
God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "[P]ut on the armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place, and shelter in the storm--just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield, He also fills you with His life.
"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with Jesus, we can expect to share His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God has promised us victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from pain. So "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ..." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Christian heroes who have been tortured for their faith continue to testify to the supernatural strength--even joy--that enables them to endure unthinkable pain.
They affirm with Paul -
"that in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers.... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)
This wonderful truth has become reality to all who b elieve and follow Jesus. When you put on His armor, His life surrounds you, keeping you safe, close to Himself, and free to be His precious friend and trusted companion. So "put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) He is your victory!