Our New Testament reading for today is a passage many might be familiar with, that of the spiritual armor the Lord has provided us with. You might wonder why we would need armor, as that is for soldiers in battle. The Christian life is not one of ease. We have a powerful and organized enemy. The battle we are in is real, not figurative, and so is the enemy. God has not left us defenseless. He has given us the Holy Spirit, and has provided spiritual armor in our battle against Satan.
Even though Satan has been ultimately defeated through Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection, there are still fierce battles that Satan fights against believers. We must be prepared and equipped, using every weapon God has given us (vs 10-13). Satan uses crafty and clever methods. He is cunning and deceptive. His ways are used by the evil system of the world over which he rules through sinful and immoral practices, worldly enticements, and false theology and religions. The demons under Satan’s control and leadership have the goal of defeating the Church. Those we fight against are the powerful evil forces of the fallen angels who united with Satan (vs 12). They try to turn us against Jesus, and back into sin. Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord’s side.
Now that we know we are in a real battle against a powerful and hateful enemy, what are we to do? What chance do we have? God has given us some very special armor and weapons. We must be ready and willing to use it, though. To withstand the attack of the forces of evil, we must put on and use every piece of armor God has given us. We mustn’t fight in our own strength, but in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. The word “stand” is repeated in this passage three times. We are to stand firm against our enemy without wavering or falling.
The first piece that God has given us is the Belt of Truth (vs 14). A belt goes around the waist, keeps excess clothing from getting in the way, and holds everything up and together. In just the same way, God’s truth will hold everything together.
The second piece is the Breastplate of Righteousness (vs 14). For a Roman soldier, a breastplate was a fitted piece of armor, constructed in segments, and protected vital organs. God’s righteousness and holiness is what protects us. It is our chief protection against Satan. A lack of holiness leaves us vulnerable. The breastplate was not heavy or cumbersome. Jesus’s righteousness is an easy yoke (Matthew 11:28-30).
Our third item are the Shoes of Peace (vs 15). Soldiers need good, sturdy boots. They provide a good foundation, and ability to carry out the soldier’s duties. Our foundation is the good news that through Jesus we have peace with God, and He is on our side. This allows us to stand firm against Satan, knowing we have peace with God through our salvation.
God has also provided us with the Shield of Faith (vs 16). Roman shields were large enough to shield the whole body. The soldiers could crouch behind them and be safe. The word “faith” here is not the body of doctrine, but basic trust in God. Trust and faith is absolutely necessary to protect us from temptations, which are the fiery arrows Satan shoots at us. Doubt and fear are some of the fiery darts of Satan, and they can wound us. Faith is our strongest defense against them. Faith and trust in God keeps us safe.
Our fifth item is the Helmet of Salvation (vs 17). The head is a major target, as hitting it is often a death-blow. Paul is speaking to people who are already saved, so this is not attaining salvation. Satan seeks to destroy a believer’s assurance of salvation with doubts and discouragement. Knowing we are saved keeps us secure against doubt and despair.
The last item is our only offensive weapon, and that is the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (vs 17). God’s Word is our only weapon against Satan. It is used both to fend off Satan’s attacks, and offensively to destroy the enemy’s strategies. As good soldiers of God, we need to really learn the Word of God, just as a Roman soldier had to learn to use his sword.
Satan does still put up a fight, but the battle has already been won by Jesus. It is easy to forget that an invisible war is raging around us. Our inattention makes us prime candidates for attack. We need to recognize Satan’s attacks, and know his goals. Be trained for battle, and don’t give the enemy a foothold. Christians need to hold on to the Word of God, standing firm in righteousness. Evil will not prevail!
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