The Whole Armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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…” (Ephesians 6:10-14)
When we realize the truth of our authority in Christ it almost certainly happens that thoughts come. How can we exercise our authority when we are plagued in our minds? The devil works in many ways to deceive believers, most often with thoughts contrary to the word of God. In order to stand firm in our faith (our ground) Paul tells us to first, buckle ourselves with the truth.
Just as a Roman soldier would wear his armor daily, we too must daily take up our spiritual weapons and defenses in order to stand firm and overcome.
He says to first buckle the belt of truth around our waist. Every Roman solider wore a wide belt about his waist to hold all his pieces of equipment. There were loops for daggers, swords, and ration packs. These belts were often tied in several places so they never shifted, and would remain in place even if cut during battle. The belt also carried insignias indicating rank, specialty, and identity of its wearer. When the army conquered a city they would empty their sacks and fill them with treasures.
Paul is telling us something intrinsic to our Christianity in these verses. We must first be secure and solid in the truth of God’s word. Tie it to yourself in many ways, reading it, speaking it, confessing it, praying it. Apply it daily. In the truth of God’s word all our weapons will hang. They must be in place and ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Also important was how to wear the belt. If it is skewed by improper ties the sword could harm its bearer while being drawn, and it would make the soldier ineffectual against surprise attack. These improper ties can be anything that hinders our understanding of the word, religious mindsets, past failures, questions about his will and plan for our lives. Improper ties can be eliminated when we understand who we truly are in Christ.
Truth in the mind means having clarity of sound doctrine. What do you believe? Are you aware of what Christ has done for you? Does the mental knowledge of Christ’s victory on the cross translate into your daily life? The truth will set you free.
Freedom is free domain for the Holy Spirit to work effectually in and through us. Our identity in Christ not only strengthens us but also guides us. When we understand our right-standing with God through Jesus the lies the enemy brings will be easily overcome because we are built on the truth of our identity.
When we overcome and see victory in areas of our lives we see the treasures. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Not lacking anything. The rich treasury of His glory is boundless. It holds answers to prayers past, present, and future. It holds supernatural treasures of peace, joy, love, righteousness, and healing, all the things riches of this world could never buy.
The word encourages all of us to apply the truth daily. Let us all make it our goal during the busy summer months to daily read, pray, and speak the word over our lives and families, and we will see the Lord move on our behalf.
-Sarah Neisen