The Armor of God: Looking to Him for the Tools (Part 2)

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places. Therefore take up the whole armor 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,” (Ephesians 6:12-14)
Beginning in verse 12 Paul begins to elaborate on what we are standing against, and it is
explicitly emphasized that it is not the physical realm that is being fought against. Isaiah 2:1-4 is
prophecy that the church would be established, and physical confrontations would no longer be
the means by which God would advance His people. The passage speaks of turning weapons of
war into devices that would yield a harvest. This can be taken both literally and figuratively in that
Christians ought to be working to provide for themselves and their families physically but also the
spiritual aspect would be that of planting the Word and seeing the fields white for the spiritual
harvest (John 4:35). The spiritual warfare that is taking place can result in casualties that make
those of physical war look minor. As was referenced in the previous article, the devil is doing
anything and everything to separate the souls of men from the God of Heaven. The devil utilizes
his minions to do his dirty work and oftentimes his minions can have great influence in the hearts
and minds of those who we believe to be our closest friends. This is the reason the extended
explanation of the spiritual adversary(s) is given to imprint this image in the minds of Christians.
Verse 13 begins the explanation of how to protect oneself against the evil forces faced in this
life. Paul says to take up the whole armor of God, but makes significant emphasis on the aspect
that wearing this armor requires the Christian to be standing. It is not for the faint of heart nor is it
of any effect if the one wearing it is sitting or laying down. As will be seen in the description of
the armor itself, Paul likens it to that worn by Roman soldiers. This is what he was most familiar
with as he was imprisoned by the Romans and saw it on a very regular basis.
Now, the phrase in the middle of verse 13 “the evil day” is not a specific date in time but
rather any day/time that Satan tempts/tries a soul. Everyone will encounter “evil days” throughout
the course of their life, but it is the individual’s decision whether or not they will withstand those
days.
As verse 14 begins, it is seen that Paul once again emphasizes “stand therefore,” which is to
emboss in the minds of Christians that any position, other than standing, is non-negotiable in the
spiritual battle(s) taking place. He follows up with “having girded your waist with truth” which is
crucial in order for the remaining pieces of armor to function properly. A Roman soldier would
put on his belt which was wide and thick in order for him to tuck into it the corners of his tunic. It
was also made sturdy enough to hold the soldier’s sword, which would weigh a considerable
amount. In comparison, think of a duty belt that a present-day police officer or a soldier would
wear. This belt not only holds clothing in place and carries weapons to be used in battle, but it also
provides support to maintain proper posture at all times. For the Christian the belt is truth, or God’s
Word, which is essential for spiritual survival.
The second half of verse 14 says “having put on the breastplate of righteousness” which is
meant to protect the trunk of the body. All of the major organs are contained in the trunk of the
body, thus with no protection fatal injury(s) would be extremely possible. The breastplate was
made of either metal plates bound together with woven chain mesh or a solid piece of metal and
would cover the entire torso ensuring full protection. Proper wearing of the breastplate by the
Christian will ensure that the fiery darts being launched by the devil have no chance of wounding
the heart. Righteousness ought to abounding in the heart and mind of every Christian as every
effort is made to follow Godly righteousness (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22). To be continued…