August 4, 2014

Armor Mondays: Series Introduction

I mentioned in a previous post that I would consider writing a series on the armor of God.  So here I am, having prepared little, ready to take on the project for a couple of reasons: I want to learn more and I want to write more.  Here, I can do both!

Since Mondays can be like, well, Mondays, let's make Mondays "Armor Mondays."  Over the next many weeks, I will share some thoughts about a piece of the armor each Monday.  My hope is that we will be strengthened and feel empowered by knowing better how God has equipped us, for our battle is not against flesh and blood.

You know, I have been feeling the intensity lately, aware that I'm up against a foe greater than I first imagined.  The enemies of ingrained (bad) habits, habitual sins, and crippling guilt are shooting fiery darts at my heart and mind, while they cackle with delight.  If I don't put on the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, and hold high the shield of the faith, I'm doomed.



Praise the Lord!  Because of Christ we are not doomed!

 May this series serve to remind us that we are not doomed: God is good; we are held together by truth and covered by salvation, righteousness, and faith; we carry the Word-of-God sword and have the gospel of peace to share!


Here are our verses for Armor Mondays, my friends - Ephesians 6:10-18.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Two things to highlight before closing:
  1. Paul goes into very little detail about these things.  He must assume that the Ephesians would know what he meant by truth,, righteousness, faith, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and word of God.  Do you?  We'll unpack them in this series!
  2. Twice as many of the pieces of armor are defensive as offensive.  God provides us with so much protection from the evil one, things we cannot muster up on our own - truth, righteousness, salvation, faith - but must put on (claim, take advantage of) if we are to emerge victorious from the battle!  He also seems to think that all we need to fight back are His Word and the Gospel, which is part of the Word, so maybe it is better to say we only need one thing to fight back the enemy, God's Word.

A soldier is always ready.  A soldier puts on the armor his commander provides.  A soldier knows the risks of battle and prepares.  A soldier trusts his commander and follows his commands.

Christian, are you always ready?  Are you daily putting on the armor God has provided?  Do you know the enemy and are you prepared for battle?  Do you trust God and follow His commands?

Our gracious God has provided for us so we can be strong in Him and His mighty power and stand firm against the devil and his schemes.  I don't know about you, but I am in awe of God's thorough provision and care.  I am also hungry to learn more and be strengthened, because my answer to all those questions above is, "No."

Let's do it!  Will you join me for Armor Mondays?  Grab a cuppa, pull up a chair, and open this site.  So simple!

See you next Monday,
Heather


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