With the assistance of our own Ross Greer, kitted out head-to-toe in full Roman armour, Luke Barker introduced the topic by explaining the need for Christians to be equipped with the resources that God offers. One of those is the Armour of God.
Luke began by asking the question: who is our enemy? The world is our enemy, distracting us from focusing our attention on God with the bright lights and entertainment it offers. We are our own enemy: our inner, sinful desires are not toward God, and so need to be...
With the assistance of our own Ross Greer, kitted out head-to-toe in full Roman armour, Luke Barker introduced the topic by explaining the need for Christians to be equipped with the resources that God offers. One of those is the Armour of God.
Luke began by asking the question: who is our enemy? The world is our enemy, distracting us from focusing our attention on God with the bright lights and entertainment it offers. We are our own enemy: our inner, sinful desires are not toward God, and so need to be overcome. The devil is our enemy: as the enemy of God, the devil will try to bring down anyone who sets out to live for Christ.
The passage in Ephesians 6, which in detail cover the six parts of the armour of God (demonstrated throughout by Ross), also stresses the importance of watching (being constantly aware of the enemy) and praying (being in constant communication with God).
There are only two sides which we can be on, and that is either the Army of God or the Army of Satan. All those who have placed their trust in Christ for Salvation are on the side of God. All those who have not, regardless of how good-living, religious or open they may be, are on the side of Satan.
Luke proposed that those who are on the side of Satan have 'armour' also. Instead of the Helmet of Salvation, it the Helmet of False Hope. The Arm of Flesh instead of the Sword of the Spirit. A Breastplate of Selfrighteousness, not Righteousness. The Belt of Truth is replaced with False Teaching. They wave around a Shield of Unbelief and walk in the Shoes of a False Message. As Christians, an understanding of this can be a very useful tool when trying to reach the lost for Christ.
So, to the armour...
THE BELT OF TRUTH
The belt held everything together and avoided everything else from going out of control. It was to keep the shame and decency of the soldier intact. In the same way a Christian requires the truth of God to keep their integrity and maintain their testimony. The truth comes from the Word of God, and just as a solider must diligently fasten the belt, so a believer must diligently read the word of God.
THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
The top part of the body of a Roman soldier was protected, front and back, by the breastplate. His vital organs were protected from the attack of the enemy. Our vital organs, in the spiritual sense, the functions by which we have life, are protected by righteousness. The righteousness of Christ has been imputed to every believer, covering the sinful heart of man with the precious protecting blood of Christ.
FEET SHOD WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
The sandals of a soldier were not a fashion accessory, but a practical, always-ready, resource to protect their feet from the rough footing of the journey. If wet, they would dry off quickly. If dirty, cleaned without hassle. They were always ready. In a similar way we, as Christians, must be always ready with the message of the Gospel and be prepared to answer questions regarding our faith.
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
The shield added further protection to the body of the soldier, in particular protecting him from the 'darts' or arrows of the enemy. Although it is important to be aware that the devil will relentlessly attack us, we have no need to fear. The faith that God has given, that free gift, cannot be breached by the firey darts of the evil one.
THE HELMET OF SALVATION
A natural protection for the head, ultimately protecting the brain from injury. So the helmet of salvation protects the wisdom, knowledge and discernment that God has given to us. In Ephesians 6, the helmet is described as the hope of Salvation. The hope is an assurance of the knowledge that we are saved. It is the assurance that we belong to God, and no-one can take that away from us.
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
The Roman sword was shorter than we may have imagines, allowing for quick and close combat. The battle against the enemies of God is a very real one and can, at times, feel very close. The sword of the spirit, the Word of God, is not for defense, but for attack. It should be our tool of choice when we feel the presence of evil in our lives. We must therefore know it, learn it, and be ready to fight back with it. In the same way, the Roman solider stepped forward with his sword always by his side - ready.
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Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
