Buckle On Your Armour

by HYLAND, D. T. | Category: Battle Briefing | Feb 1994

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:10-17 NKJV).

When writing to the Ephesians Paul makes it clear that he is a prisoner. He refers to himself as "I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles" (3:1), as "the prisoner in the Lord" (4:1), and as "an ambassador in chains" (6:20). On two other occasions he refers to himself as a chained prisoner (2 Tim. 1:16; Acts 28:20). Prisoners were often chained to walls or the floor of their cells; the Romans sometimes chained a prisoner to a soldier. It seems probable that Paul was at times chained to a Roman infantryman, and this explains the vivid imagery of Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10-20. He had a visual aid before him as he wrote!

Peace with God is one result of the reconciling work of Christ to be enjoyed by the believer. While enjoying the fruits of the Crosswork of Christ, there is also a clarion call to arms; a summons to engage in spiritual conflict with the powers of evil. It is imperative to respond to the exhortation to put on the complete suit of armour which God provides; the five defensive items and the one offensive weapon are essential for spiritual conflict.

Some knowledge of the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, and the strategies likely to be employed, is essential to gain the victory in warfare. One of the greatest mistakes the believer can make is to underestimate the strength of our great spiritual Adversary. To attempt to engage in spiritual conflict in our own puny strength will result in failure and defeat. Drawing upon the vast resources of divine strength and equipped with the panoply of God, the believer will be ready "to stand against the wiles of the Devil". The use of the Greek word methodia which has been variously translated "wiles", "designs" or "schemes" indicates that the Adversary's attacks are premeditated, systematic and relentless. A malevolent being, he can appear as an angel of light. In this guise his objective is to tempt believers to compromise and so deceive them into error. It should not be forgotten that his first encounter with human beings was with the subtlety of a serpent. Paul, who was a veteran of spiritual conflict, exclaimed, 'we are not ignorant of his devices"! (2 Cor. 2:11).

The believer's conflict is not against human powers, nor is it solely in opposition to the Devil; it is also against his minions. Satan is the leader of principalities and powers who have embarked upon and continue in opposition to God. These demonic beings are powerful and they use their power destructively. The darkness of falsehood and sin is now their natural habitat; they shrink from light which they abhor.

Paul's statement "having done all stand" implies the necessity for total preparedness for a continuing onslaught; using every item in the divine armoury, and taking care that there are no chinks in one's defences. In total dependence on God, we should strive to be on our guard against moments of weakness.

HYLAND, D. T. | Feb 1994
Battle Briefing