Whole Armor/Good Fight

Editorial 
By Marjorie Kinnee
(Dedicated to Matthew)

Text: Ephesians 6:10-17
Key Verse: Ephesians 6:11 - "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye might b e able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Over the course of the past several days, this subject has been captivating. The more I dug into it, the more layers of support I found for the absolute need. Every one who names the Name of Jesus Christ is defenseless if he tries to fight in his own strength. In fact, it appears that one cannot win the age-old battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil unless he takes on this "whole armour of God." You may think that's a given, but as these verses opened up, it became apparent that the tendency to "do it myself" is one that entraps us all more often than not.

To begin with, Romans 13:12-13 says to "cast off the works of darkness," and to "put on the armour of light." The description in our text speaks of a complete suit of armour -- which provides for both offense and defense. II Corinthians 10:4 says, "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty, through God to the pulling down of strong holds." Verse 5 goes on to describe how we are to do this.

• "Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and,
• Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 

Piece by piece, (verse by verse,) important facets of this "whole armour" become clear...

• Verse 14 - "loins girt about with truth" (see Ephesians 1:13, 4:21; II Timothy 4:2.) Note that the truth strengthens your back and gives you support that helps you remain upright. It also calls for the "breastplate of righteousness." [Isaiah 11:5 - "righteousness/loins; faithfulness/reins," and Isaiah 54:17 - "righteousness/breastplate; helmet/salvation; garments of vengeance/zeal as a cloke."] A breastplate covers vital organs (heart and lungs especially,) and serves to protect and support their vital functions.Note that we are to be clothed in His righteousness, not our own.
• Verse 15 - when we have our "feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace," our feet are "beautiful" because they "bring good tidings" and "publish peace" (Isaiah 52:7). We're to be instant in season, out of season and able to give an answer for the hope that is in us. (See II Timothy 4:2; I Peter 3:15.)
• Verse 16 - "the shield of faith"  is one of two moveable pieces of armour. It can be lifted and/or lowered to cover the face and body as needed. This verse says faith has the power to quench fiery darts; the fierce, painful, sudden/surprise/unexpected, vicious attacks by the enemy of our souls.
• Verse 17 - "the helmet of Salvation" protects our head. Because the head houses our brain which is the seat of our ability to know, the knowledge of our Salvation is a critical support factor. Our Salvation comes to us with abundant confirmation. Repentance is a manifest thing; you and everyone else can see a repentant heart and attitude. Baptism in Jesus Name is a public statement as well as evidence of a willing and obedient heart. The infilling of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is incontrovertible proof that His Spirit has come to indwell our heart, mind, and life. Jesus said His Spirit is a Comforter, a Teacher, and a Guide to lead us and reveal Himself to us. He said, "My sheep know My voice."  This verse closes with the other moveable piece - "the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." It is quick, (alive,) and powerful, and sharp. It pierces and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart (and mind). (See Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 147:15; Jeremiah 23:29; Revelation 1:16.)

Other study points revealed in our text include...

1. "evil day" - See Ephesians 5:6, 16; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Amos 6:3; Luke 8:13; Revelation 3:10.
2. "done all" - the word, "done" is in the sense of completed; overcome.
3. "to stand" - A.) I Malachi 3:2; Revelation 6:17 - "Who shall be able to stand?" B.) Luke 21:36 - "...before the Son of man?" C.) II Corinthians 2:4-5 - "in the power of God;" D.) Colossians 4:12 - "...perfect and complete in the will of God."
4. Paul's Instructions to Timothy Re: fighting, soldiering, and warfare in general... A.) I Timothy 1:18-19 - "This charge I commit unto thee... war a good warfare." B.) I Timothy 6:12 - "Fight the good fight of faith..." C.) II Timothy 2:3-5 - "...endure hardness as a good soldier," don't get entangled "with the affairs of this life, ...please Him who hath chosen" you, and, "strive for masteries... lawfully."

We are called to be soldiers in the battle of the ages. We've been chosen by God Himself. Our Commander has provided for our every need. The whole armour of God is a must if we're to fight the good fight of faith - and win! We need to keep track of every piece we've been given. Put them to good use and trust in His provision - not in the arm of the flesh, it cannot save us. Only Jesus can - He is faithful!

May we prove faithful to the end so that with Paul we can say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,but unto all them also that love His appearing." (II Timothy 4:7-8)