“THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD!”

Ephesians 6:10-20                                   (ESV)

The Whole Armor of God

“[10] Finally, BE STRONG IN THE LORD and in the strength of HIS MIGHT. [11] Put on “THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”, that you may be ABLE TO STAND against the schemes of the devil. [12] For WE DO NOT WRESTLE AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, but against THE RULERS, against THE AUTHORITIES, against THE COSMIC POWERS OVER THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, against THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. [13] Therefore take up “THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on THE BELT OF TRUTH, and having put on THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. [16] In all circumstances take up THE SHIELD OF FAITH, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is THE WORD OF GOD, [18] PRAYING AT ALL TIMES in THE SPIRIT, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, KEEP ALERT with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, THAT I MAY DECLARE IT BOLDLY, as I ought to speak.”

A few years ago I wrote about “identifying the enemy”, being able to recognize “the great deceiver” even when he camouflages himself as a beautiful creature, which he has ALWAYS been more craft, cunning and deceptive (Genesis 3:1) than ANY of GOD’S Creation.  We are instructed to put on “THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”, that you may be ABLE TO STAND against the schemes of the devil”, for our enemy never relinquishes his onslaught!

Our struggles aren’t with a political party, a social class, nor any human, rather THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL are what we to be prepared for.  When we are bathed in “THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD” our protection is at its greatest.  But when I am consumed by the cares of “this world”, worrying about health, finances, and anything except the VICTORY we have in JESUS, I am allowing “the enemy” to have a stronghold in my life and he will use it to erode my FAITH that GOD IS IN CONTROL!

In my Spiritual immaturity, I am afraid that I have given TOO MUCH credit to “the enemy” at times in the past when GOD might have been using difficulties to increase my FAITH and DEPENDENCE on HIM?  Remember in Acts 9:15-16 when JESUS told Ananias “Go, for he (Saul) is a CHOSEN instrument of MINE to carry MY NAME before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I WILL SHOW HIM HOW MUCH HE MUST SUFFER for THE SAKE OF MY NAME.”  We are left here on earth for THE SAKE OF MY NAME, not to grow a huge bank account and horde wealth that HE can remove completely in one fell swoop!

My prayer is that my goal will forever be to live inside of “THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD” and not be swayed by what is happening all around me.  It is hard to SEE everything from “the enemy” when I am clothed inside “THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD”!!!