Burley W. Moore-Bible Teacher

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Volume 17, Number 2 April Spring 2022

Dressing for Warfare

(Eph. 6:10-20)

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Introduction

In recent weeks, our attention has been drawn to the war that Russia has declared against Ukraine. It’s been a reminder of how Scripture tells us that there will be “wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6) in our troubled sinful world until Jesus comes again. When we think of war, we usually only think about those such as WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Revolutionary War, or the Civil War (just to name only a few that have occurred down through history). However, as devastating and terrible as those wars were, war can raise its ugly head in various ways whenever “the devil” tries to manifest himself as the major opponent against God and God’s people. The truth of the matter is that war of one type or another has been breaking out ever since Creation itself. War has been defined as a state of competition, conflict, or hostility between different people, groups, nations, or forces. Its purpose is to conquer the opponent who is considered an enemy, putting an end to the dislike, and sustain one’s objective goal of change. With that definition in mind, we could say that a personal war broke out resulting in “Cain” killing “Abel” as recorded in the Book of Genesis (Gen. 4:8-15). From that personal war, it can still be seen, breaking out among families, businesses, nations, churches, and even within ourselves (Lk. 12:51-53).Every person is born with an Adamic nature which is prone to sin, but in spiritual conversion/regeneration (the new birth), the nature of Christ takes up residence within our soul and a war begins raging in the believer until death (Rom. 7:15-25).

I. The Fact of Warfare (v.10-12)

Christians are involved in a spiritual war and apart from the “armour of God” we can never be victorious over the opposing enemy of our souls (v.10-11). To begin with, Paul (who is writing this letter to the Ephesian church) makes it perfectly clear that he’s writing to Christian “brethren.” One doesn’t know what Satanic opposition is all about until he gets “saved” (Acts 16:31) and begins living for “the Lord.” The enemy is not always down on skid row fighting his own crowd, but he’s fighting those who “stand … strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” (Eph. 2:1-22). God’s command is for believers to be strengthened in the “power” of the Holy Spirit because He knows that we don’t have “power” within ourselves to confront Satan. I like what one professor told a class that I was attending, he said “when the devil rings your doorbell, send Jesus to answer it” because we’re no match for “the devil.” For that reason, we are told to “put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” In this verse we discover the word “stand” being used for the first of 3 times in our text (v. 11,13,14) all reminding us to “stand” without hesitation. At this point, the Bible doesn’t tell us NOT to fight “the devil,” but neither does it say for us to attack him. Satan is the one who does the attacking and when he attacks us, we are NOT to run, retreat, sit down, cave in, give up, or surrender, but we are to “stand” and confront him in the “power” of Almighty “God” just like “David” did to the giant, “Goliath” (I Sam. 17:38-54). Just to be able to “stand against the wiles of the devil” is a great victory for any child of God. The word “wiles” refers to the cunning deceit and trickery of Satan who is declared to be “the god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4). Sin began in the heart of “Lucifer” (Isa. 14:12) when he lifted himself up against God before the creation of Adam. He was so powerful in personal persuasion that it’s generally believed that he led a “third” (Rev. 12:4) of the angels to follow him in his rebellion. He was and still is a master when it comes to deceptive strategy and manipulation.

Therefore, Scripture identifies the real adversaries of Christians as “the devil” and his demons (evil spirits/fallen angels) and not merely those whom we might consider wicked people (v.12). Wicked people are wicked due to their inherited depravity, but those who are literally demon possessed have taken their wickedness to another level. The Bible plainly teaches that “the devil” and the demons of Hell work behind the scenes in the unseen world doing battle with God’s people. Satan’s kingdom of wickedness appears to be molded into a complex military-like structure as we see speculated in our text. “Principalities” may be a classification of the top-ranking spirits of Satan on earth. “Powers” could be Satan’s officers of lower standing who demonically indwell individuals. “Rulers of the darkness of this world” could be evil spirits who influence worldly governments. “Spiritual wickedness in high places” may represent the host of demons who occupy the domain of Satan in the “air” and are the worst of all. As you can see, our conflict is “not against flesh and blood” but “against” supernatural powers that are greater than we are. We cannot seize our enemy with our hands nor destroy him with human artillery. The real enemy merely uses “flesh and blood” as instruments to obstruct the Lord’s work and make life hard for Christians. Our real conflict has its roots in the spirit world above us, beyond us, around us, beneath us, and within us. Just because they are spirits doesn’t mean that we do not come into contact with them. They are so personal to us that there are times when we’ll even “wrestle” them. Wrestling is what we call a contact sport which speaks of our hand-to-hand combat with “the devil” and his demons. Wrestling is a contest between two people until one hurls the other down and holds him in defeat. Our confrontation with “the devil” is not something far removed, but very personal and real.

II. The Furnishings of Warfare (v.13-18)

For many years Paul was guarded by Roman soldiers which gave him plenty of time to observe all the “armour” that the soldier wore upon his body (v.13). When soldiers are drafted into battle, they are not sent into combat unequipped. Neither does God call us to fight “the devil” without giving us proper provision to do the job. Therefore, no Christian should ever have a defeatist attitude during our journey through this antagonistic world (Phil. 4:13). We need to pay special attention as we study this portion of Scripture that all the “armour” is for the front and no provision has been made for the back. God never intends for a Christian to sound the trumpet of retreat when confronting “the devil” or his cohorts because a retreating Christian is open season for the enemy. It’s spiritually disastrous for any believer to turn his back upon “the devil” and run from him like a scared rabbit. By using a description of the Roman soldier’s “armour,” God teaches us that we can expect Satanic confrontation in the Christian life. Scriptural symbolism of the Christian life is filled with both war and conflict. In fact, Christianity was literally born in persecution as Christ Himself suffered execution on a cruel roman cross.

Since we are fighting a supernatural battle, we need supernatural provision that consist of both defensive and offensive equipment (v.14-18). There are FIVE pieces of defensive “armour” listed in our text as we’ll now look briefly at each one. The first piece of “armour” is the belt of “truth” (v.14a). In ancient times, we’re told that the soldier’s belt about his loins was the most basic part of the uniform because it held in place every other piece of the “armour.” This piece of “armour” symbolically represents salvation in Christ Who was “truth” (Jh. 14:6) incarnate. Before we can ever begin to do battle with “the devil,” we must be “in Christ” (II Cor. 5:17) and “Christ in” (Col. 1:27) us which we often refer to as being “saved” (Rom. 10:9). Unless we have come to know the “truth” of Jesus Christ as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit in regeneration, then we’ll have no base upon which to wear God’s “armour.” The second piece of “armour” is called the “breastplate of righteousness” (v.14b). A Roman soldier’s “breastplate” was not for decoration, but a protection of his vital bodily organs of the chest such as the heart and lungs. When a sinner is born again, the “imputed … righteousness” (Rom. 4:11-24) of Jesus Christ is credited to his spiritually bankrupt account, reminding us that we are changed from inside out (God’s grace) and not outside in (man’s works). The need of every Christian is to be a good soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ and live a godly life marked by “righteousness” (right with God). Our “filthy rages” (Isa. 64:6) of self-righteousness are a useless “breastplate” that serves no purpose. Unless we’re following after the “righteousness” of Christ, then all the other pieces of “armour” will prove meaningless. God wants our spiritual “heart” (Heb. 4:12) composing our “soul and spirit” protected from Satanic takeover when we are under attack. If Satan can find a lodging place in our hearts, then he can expose us to so much sin that we’ll get used to it and even become tolerant of it. Therefore, as Christians, we must give Christ His rightful place in our hearts so that we’ll be empowered to live a holy life and defeat the invasion of Satan into our lives. We don’t want it said of us what Christ said to “Peter” on one occasion, “get thee behind me Satan” (Matt. 16:23). The third piece of “armour” are the shoes of the “gospel” (v.15). A soldier’s “feet” were “shod” with heavy sandals or boots that would give him a firm footing. If we are to “stand” (v.13) like God has commanded us, then we need a good foundation. When the storms of life blow hard “against” us (which they will), then we’ll need our “feet” anchored upon the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 10:4). Also, shoes are associated with walking, which was a primary means of travel in biblical days. God expects us to “stand” upon the “gospel” thus sharing it with those with whom we come in contact during our daily travels. Our spiritual lives will deteriorate if we’re not living and sharing the “gospel” that we claim to believe. We must be vocal just like our “Lord” unashamedly identified with “the gospel.” It is at this point that we must notice that it’s called “the gospel of peace.” “Born again” (Jh. 3:3) believers ought to be “peace” loving people whereas evil possessed people do not respond to love, kindness, tenderness, nor peace-ableness (Matt. 5:9). Most people are looking for “peace” in all the wrong places because it can only be found in the One Who is known as the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). Fourthly, we come to the next piece of “armour” that is called the “shield of faith” (v.16). A soldier’s “shield” was large enough for him to stand behind and be fully protected in battle. When God says “above all,” He lets us know that all the other pieces of “armour” are insufficient without the “shield of faith.” Often, the arrows of the enemy were tipped with poison and considered “fiery.” Without the “shield,” a “fiery dart” could still prove deadly even with a full suit of “armour.” Genuine unquestioning “faith” in Christ is the believer’s “shield” against Satan’s “fiery darts.” Even when the days are dark and dreary and everything seems to be going against us, we must keep using the “shield of faith.” Apart from the “shield of faith,” worry and doubt will kill our testimony. Just as this “shield” protected the soldier in battle, “faith” puts God between you and the enemy (I Jh. 5:4). Let’s never forget that this “faith” is a divine “gift” from God that enables us to believe and trust Christ for our ultimate victory over sin, death, hell, and the grave (Eph. 2:8-9). The fifth piece of “armour” that claims our attention is the “helmet of salvation” (v.17a). In the same manner that a “helmet” protects the soldier’s head, “the helmet of salvation” is the protective gear for a believer’s thoughts. God not only appeals to our hearts, but also to our intellect, meaning that when we get saved, the Christian doesn’t dispose of his brains (Isa. 1:18). The “mind” of man is part of his “spirit” that is eternal whereas the brain is part of the physical which will someday decay, but both will function together while upon earth. The Lord not only wants us to have assurance of our “salvation,” but to have understanding of His “word” in order for us to “grow in grace and knowledge” (II Pet. 3:18). It is at this point that we must never forget that Satan is battling for our “mind” which has its origin within the “soul” and he who controls the “mind” controls the man (Phil. 2:5). “Salvation” has a guaranteed completion for every Christian, beginning with justification, continuing through our sanctification, and ending with our glorification.

After examining the FIVE pieces of defensive “armour,” we now turn our thoughts to the TWO remaining pieces of offensive “armour. The first piece of offensive “armour” is called “the sword of the Spirit” (v.17a). A Roman soldier’s “sword” was usually a short, deadly, two-edged weapon. Our major weapon against Satan is no other than the very “word of God” (Heb. 4:12). When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He skillfully used the “word of God” by telling “the devil” that “it is written” (Matt. 4:4-10). Just like a soldier who needed training to use his “sword,” believers need to be learned in God’s written “word” so that we can properly apply it at the most necessary moment. The final piece of “armour” is “prayer” and it’s one many don’t recognize because it’s intangible (v.18). In actual military combat, communication between the battlefield and headquarters is essential. Likewise, we must maintain contact with God through “prayer” if we’re to be effective and efficient soldiers of the Cross. “Praying”, or making “supplication in the spirit” is not the same as turning in a grocery list of wants to God. “Supplication” is depending upon God for strength and submitting to His total control. It means to be fully committed to your Commander-in-Chief and to turn your enemy over to the Lord. While we’re busy “praying,” we also need to keep our spiritual eyes open and be “watching.” In other words, be like a guard on sentry duty “watching” for enemy attack (Mk. 13:33). “Prayer” gives us the spiritual energy to use all the other pieces of “armour” and empowers us to win the battles of life in the strength of the Holy Spirit. Someone once put it this way, to be clothed in the “whole armour of God” is being clothed in the Holy Spirit.

III. The Fatigue of Warfare (v.18-20)

“Prayer” is a weapon with which we not only protect ourselves, but the entire body of Christ (v.18-19). Paul was wanting his fellow believers to pray for him so that he could “boldly” proclaim the “the mystery of the gospel.” A biblical “mystery” is often considered to be a “gospel” truth revealed by the Holy Spirit to God’s redeemed people. He didn’t ask for the church to pray for his release from prison, but for courage to overcome “the devil,” his and our number one deceiver and antagonist. “Supplication” (v.18) may also refer to specific requests of which Paul was making in accordance to God’s will like Jesus taught us to pray (Lk. 22:42, I Jh. 5:14-15). Believers need to learn how to band together in “prayer” and join forces “against” the enemy of our souls instead of going around shooting our own wounded.

Paul knew from personal experience the difficulty involved in doing battle with “the devil” (v.20). At the time Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians, he was “an ambassador in bonds” which referred to his suffering imprisonment in Rome and experiencing the onslaught of the enemy. Nobody ever said that the Christian life was going to be easy and in fact, one doesn’t know what enemy attack is all about until regeneration. Living for Christ is not a bed of roses (so to speak), it’s not a playground but a battleground (II Thess. 3:13). You’ll never hear a warrior in his right mind come back from battle talking about how much fun it was. After a sinner is converted to Christ, he had best be warned and prepared for Satanic opposition.

Closing

Since the Christian’s enemy is spiritual and not merely “flesh and blood,” we need God’s supernatural “armour” to withstand his evil attacks. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that “the devil” is a mild-mannered funny man in a red suit with a pointed tail and a pitchfork in his hand. He appears to us as an “angel of light” (II Cor. 11:14-15) seeking to destroy everything that is holy and dear to God. There is a very real demonic world all around us and it’s manifesting itself more all the time. People are being enslaved and led into all sorts of demonic activity beyond our wildest imaginations. It seems like “the devil” knows his days are limited and works overtime antagonizing the work of Christ.

The sad part is that many Christians are not even aware of the fact that there is a spiritual battle taking place all around us. Unless we “stand” clothed in “the whole armour of God,” we’ll be overcome by these Satanic forces and lose our testimony for our “Lord.” Today, are we victims of Satanic defeat, or victors living in the “power” of the Holy Spirit (I Jh. 4:4). Without knowing Christ as personal Lord and Savior, there is no dealing with “the devil” and without being clothed in the “whole armour of God,” there is no protection against the enemy.

I close with these words of admonition from the Old Hymn, Onward Christian Soldiers.

1 Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before! Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle, see his banner go! 2 At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise! 3 Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod; We are not divided; all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. 4 Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song; Glory, laud, and honor, unto Christ the King; This thro' countless ages men and angels sing. Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before!