Combat Training With God – Ephesians 6:14-17 (ESV)

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

Soldier, you have been given your marching orders by your commanding officer.   Now stop by the armory and pick up your armor and weapons.  Wait – you only need to pick up the last two components of your armor and your weapon.  The first three you already have on!

Notice the verb tense in verses 14 and 15:

• having (already) fastened on the belt of truth
  • The Greek verb here (perizOsamenoi, meaning “girded about”) is past tense, indicating that it has already been done
  • Paul speaks of the Roman soldier’s armor because everyone at that time was familiar with it
  • The belt holds all of the Roman soldier’s armor together
  • TRUTH holds everything together.
• having (already) put on the breastplate of righteousness
  • The Greek verb here (endusamenoi, meaning having put on) is past tense, indicating again that it has already been done
  • The breastplate was designed to take the full force of the enemy’s blows that were directed at the vital organs of the body
  • This is the imputed righteousness of Christ, which was placed upon you when you were saved
  • RIGHTEOUSNESS of Christ, for no one is righteous
• having (already) put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace, which is the word of God
  • The Greek verb here (hupodEsamenoi, meaning sandaled) is past tense, indicating that it has already been done
  • The shoes of the Roman soldier’s armor were designed to thwart caltrops, a weapon of war designed to cripple foot soldiers.
  • With their shoes on, they could safely kick the caltrops away, clearing the path to their goal, and giving them a greater chance of victory
  • The WORD of God helps you to safely avoid the enemy’s tricks and insidious schemes to harm and cripple you in your walk with God

Now it’s your turn:

• take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one
  • The Greek verb here (analabontes, meaning taking up) indicates something you do and continually do
  • This is something that is present and that you must do.  Your faith is your shield against the accusations of the enemy (flaming darts)
  • Your inheritance is that none of these accusations will stick, because you have been forgiven of all sins. past, present, and future.
  • The Roman shield wasn’t one of those itty-bitty round shields; it was a shield that would cover the entire body from the enemies frontal attacks when the soldier knelt down and dug in (when we are called to STAND FAST).
• take the helmet of salvation
  • The Greek verb here (dexasthe,  which means “Receive ye!”) is an imperative command – Do it!
  • Know that you are saved.  This part of the armor protected the head from attacks.  Know that you are saved; don’t let the enemy gain any purchase into your mind.  Any attacks that get by your shield must be deflected by your helmet that are directed towards your head (your seat of intellect, judgement, will, and emotions).
• the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
  • When Jesus was under direct attack from the devil, how did He fight?  He used the scriptures (He may have been doing a devotion in Deuteronomy that day…).
  • The truth will always expose darkness and shine light to illuminate your path
  • The enemy prefers darkness for confusion and chicanery.  But when you use the word of God, it clears everything up.

Gird up, and soldier on.  It is now time to get our daily strategy from our Commander-in-Chief.

A short prayer of preparation:

Father in Heaven, You provide for our every need.  You have given us Your Word to help us, and great protection against the schemes of the enemy.  Help me this day to fasten on my armor, and to fight the good fight.  Show me this day, Lord, what I should do and how I should do it so that You may be glorified.  Provide to me today, Father, opportunities to share the gospel, and give me the strength, courage, and words to speak when these opportunities present themselves.  I know Father that this is Your will, and that You will joyfully provide this to me as I am obedient to You.  Give me a heart of obedience and submission to Your perfect Will.  May Your words be on my lips and penetrate deep into my heart, that I will be ready to give a reason for believing to anyone that asks.  This I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Want more?  Why not try A. B. Simpson or A. W. Tozer?