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 I
have been requested to write an article on “The Whole Armor Of
God,” but I would like to put Paul’s admonition in its context.
The text (Eph. 6:10-f.) is the concluding part of his message to the
Ephesians, and I may be so bold as to propose an outline and
paraphrased commentary.
Paul
says: PRAISE GOD who, IN His Son JESUS CHRIST, has blessed
us, chosen us, predestinated us, accepted us,
redeemed us, given us wisdom, told us the mystery
of His will, given us inheritance— that we Jews who first
trusted in Christ, and ye Gentiles who later trusted in Him, should
together praise His glory.
I
pray God He will give you wisdom and knowledge to know: (1) the hope
of His calling, (2) the riches of His glory, and (3) the greatness
of His power, wrought in Christ.
We,
Jew and Gentile alike, were once lost in sin, but are now ONE IN
CHRIST, being saved by His grace; and have become fellow citizens,
members of the same family (of God) and together make up the
spiritual temple which God inhabits. My (Paul’s) ministry is to
the end that we may give glory to God in the church by Christ.
Therefore,
walk worthy of this high calling! Keep unity! Grow to
maturity, using the means God has provided. Walk not as pagans, but
walk as children of light; remembering how Christ loves His church,
and gave himself for it. (for us!)
Finally,
PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR!! Partial armor will not be enough. Our enemy
is very strong—
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his attack is planned, methodized (wiles),
and is directed by (evil) spiritual forces. (This is no mere fleshly
combat, but a struggle for souls, for eternity.)
Put
on the belt of truth, whereby all efforts are unified and the laxity
of falsehood dispelled. The good life, righteousness, as a
breastplate, will protect you when false charges are hurled. Right
living builds character, an ingrained fortification against
unexpected, unjust darts.
The
gospel is not self-propelled, and we can not march with it without
preparation. Meyer says that the preparation “is conceived of as
the foot-clothing itself.” When the attack is launched it is too
late then for preparation. We must “stay ready.”
“Above
all” we must have faith, the result of an objective
approach to God’s word; thought out, honestly and completely
accepted. Superstition and traditional dogma will not shield us from
Satan’s darts. Many are being burned today because their shields
are flimsy material, borrowed from parent or preacher— easily
pierced. And lacking real faith, there is no real hope. Salvation
does more than look back to remission of past sins. It must anchor
the soul, a protecting helmet against life’s cruel blows.
Then,
we must wield the instrument of the Spirit if we are to overcome
spiritual wickedness. God’s word will put to flight an enemy that
thrives on philosophy, degrees, and human reasoning, And prayer
completes the equipment, so that we glorify our God.
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