Spiritual Armor
Ephesians 6:11-12
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.
The battle is real and the battle is fierce. As Paul concludes his letter to the Ephesians, his call to arms underscores the reality of our spiritual battle and the necessity of being fully equipped for it. This is not a suggestion for believers but a command; an absolute necessity. We must put on the full armor of God. Neglecting to do so isn’t just folly; it’s fatal. A Roman soldier in ancient times would never go into battle half-dressed; he would ensure that every part of his body was covered and free from vulnerability. Similarly, the armor of God isn't a collection of optional accessories; it's a comprehensive, God-given suit that prepares us for the spiritual warfare we face daily. It’s also a great gift of grace, fitted perfectly to every believer, regardless of age, size, or strength.
The key message in this passage is the need for completeness. The Greek word used for "full" in the context of the "full armor of God" in Ephesians 6:11 is "panoplia" (πανοπλία). This word refers to the complete or whole armor that a heavily armed soldier would wear, signifying that every piece of armor is essential for protection in battle. The term emphasizes the importance of being fully equipped with all the spiritual armor provided by God. We can't afford to pick and choose which pieces of armor we think are most important or most comfortable. To be effective in our stand against the devil’s schemes, we need to be fully equipped, with every piece of armor in place. The full armor of God is not just a recommendation; it's a divine necessity for every believer in the spiritual battle.
Finally, verse 13 reminds us of the inevitability of facing evil and the fiery darts from the adversary, but it also reassures us of the power and provision of our 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." Evil is not a distant possibility; it’s a certainty in the life of every believer. Yet, we are not left defenseless. Our Great General, God Himself, has provided us with armor that is not only designed for our protection but also to instill confidence and strength in both times of peace and war. This divine armor enables us to stand firm, even when the battle is fierce, reminding us that with God’s power and provision, we can withstand any assault and emerge victorious. The armor is a gift of grace, crafted by the One who knows every challenge we will face and ensures we are fully equipped to stand our ground.
