"The Armor Series - Put on the Armor - Part 1 of 7"

 

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of HIS might. Put on the whole armor 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 armor 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;"

     The Bible instructs the child of GOD to "put on the whole armor of GOD." This must have been a challenging concept for the first century saints, just as it is for twenty-first- century saints. Most were not soldiers, so they had little or no practical experience with Roman armor. The same is true for believers in this era. The Christian should use the words of Galatians 3:27 (pictured above) in order to implement the armor of GOD: "For as many of you as have been baptized into CHRIST have put on CHRIST." In order for the believer to wear the armor of GOD, he must "put on CHRIST" every day.

     The saint lives out the Christian life by putting on the SAVIOR rather than giving in to the flesh (Romans 13:14 pictured above). How is this accomplished ?

(1) He emulates CHRIST. Believers are to be truthful because JESUS said, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" (John 14:6).

(2) He meditates on CHRIST's righteousness and the wonderful salvation HE provides (2nd.Corinthians 5:21) as he "grow[s] in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST" (2nd.Peter 3:18).

(3) He realizes the peace that CHRIST brings into his life: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Romans 5:1).

(4) He submits to JESUS, the living WORD, and the authority of the written WORD -- the Sword of the SPIRIT (v.17), which cuts deeply into sinners and transforms them into saints (Hebrews 4:12 pictured below).

(5) The focus of his faith is upon JESUS CHRIST.

     In the coming studies, we will see that the Christian labels of the armor are important, but what is just as significant is the bodily location assigned for each virtue. Pray earnestly regarding how you can appropriate these truths in the days ahead. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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