Armour
The Bible tells us to put on the Armour of God.
I think we need to get used to wearing it far more than the normal follower of the carpenter seems to indicate.
Roman soldiers lived in their armour, it was about them all the time. It was their second skin, and without it they were ineffective.
Like most things, when initially worn it hurts, rubs, and chafes, but this process needs to be endured for it to become part of who we are.
Most of us today don't wear armour, but we can experience the same process with a new pair of shoes.
It's not just the wearing of the item, it's becoming used to the purpose of it.
Training with a sword means when it comes time to use it in battle it is second nature. Using your shield gives you confidence that it will withstand a blow when you need it to.
Finally, working with a shield brother (or sister) lets you build the sense of unity need to protect and trust one another.
All of this means spending time with one another, appreciating each other moves and strengths.
We can tend to think wearing armour is an individual activity. The Roman army never saw it as such, I don't think Paul intended his readers to miss this point.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (NLT) A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
I think we need to get used to wearing it far more than the normal follower of the carpenter seems to indicate.
Roman soldiers lived in their armour, it was about them all the time. It was their second skin, and without it they were ineffective.
Like most things, when initially worn it hurts, rubs, and chafes, but this process needs to be endured for it to become part of who we are.
Most of us today don't wear armour, but we can experience the same process with a new pair of shoes.
It's not just the wearing of the item, it's becoming used to the purpose of it.
Training with a sword means when it comes time to use it in battle it is second nature. Using your shield gives you confidence that it will withstand a blow when you need it to.
Finally, working with a shield brother (or sister) lets you build the sense of unity need to protect and trust one another.
All of this means spending time with one another, appreciating each other moves and strengths.
We can tend to think wearing armour is an individual activity. The Roman army never saw it as such, I don't think Paul intended his readers to miss this point.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (NLT) A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
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