Whisper Of God Ministries

Comfort in the Armor of God
This week we finished up the book of Ephesians. Paul’s powerful words in this book have excited people since it was first penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The first three chapters of doctrine are followed by three chapters of practical insights. In the last half of the book, Paul puts flesh on the doctrines as he teaches us how to live out this idea of God’s purposes in the church. Notice that he talks about how we as children of God should live out the call to holiness in various relationships – the unity of the church, husbands and wives, and children and parents. Paul ends his letter with a section of scripture that we are all familiar with – the Armor of God. This armor has been taught to both adults and children for generations in Sunday School and from the pulpits.

As I was meditating on this section, my mind went back to an Old Testament story that also involved armor. In 1 Samuel 17, we have the story of David and Goliath. This is another favorite chapter. As you will recall, the Philistines and their champion Goliath had gather to fight the Israelites. Goliath taunted the Israelites and challenged them to send one man out to fight him. The winner would represent the entire army so whoever lost their nation lost as well. David had arrived to bring his brothers some food. David was so young that he was not yet in the army but he was a shepherd. When he heard the challenge against God and the Israelites, he naively asks why no one would fight for the nation against this giant of a man. Finally he volunteers to go out and battle Goliath. Saul accepts this boy’s request to fight and tries to give David his own armor. David puts on the armor and sword and tries to walk around in it to see if he can fight while wearing Saul’s armor. Verse 39b is the telling verse, “‘I cannot go in these’, he said to Saul, ‘because I am not used to them.’” So David takes the armor of the king off and takes his staff and sling and goes out and defeats Goliath in a great victory for the nation of Israel.

I mention this story because David can only fight in what he is comfortable using. As we come to the Armor of God in Ephesians 6, I must ask you, are you comfortable fighting in this armor? Does the belt of truth fit around your waist well? Are you comfortable in dealing in the truth or do you use little “white” lies when it works better for you. Does the breastplate of righteousness conform to your body? Are you a new creation in Christ Jesus so that the breastplate that is made to cover that which is vital fits well? Are you comfortable with it on? Can you walk around, fight, stand, and battle with it on or does it feel uncomfortable and bulky on you? Do the shoes of the gospel of peace fit you or are they too restrictive or too loose? Can you pick up your shield of faith and use it defensively in your life? Does the helmet of salvation cover your head or are you too proud to wear it? Finally, how comfortable are you with the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word. David could not use Saul’s sword for he was not comfortable or used to it. Are you comfortable with the Bible? Is it your constant companion in the times of trouble or battle? Do you know how to adequately use it for both offense and defense? To be comfortable with anything, you must devote time to it. How is your prayer life that covers all that you do?

Many Christians think that if they should need to battle, they are adequately equipped on their own to stand “against the powers of the dark world.” They do not spend enough time in their armor to be comfortable and know how to use it. When they need it, they put it on only to find, like David, that they are not able to use it because they are not used to wearing it. I encourage you today to put on the full armor of God. Don’t leave off a single piece because each one has a special purpose. Live in the truth and know that the righteousness you have in Christ. Be at unity in the peace of the gospel and use your faith so that when difficult times come, it will shield and protect you. Protect your mind with the assurance of your salvation and read and study the Bible so that you can use it in all circumstances. Finally, be a prayerful Christian. Pray daily in conjunction with your Bible reading so that you can be prepared for spiritual battle.