No butt plate

Feb

08

2012

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Feb

08

2012

I’ve often advised people who are struggling with issues to put on the “full armor of God”. I’ve also advocated not reading the Bible like a novel, but instead s-l-o-w-i-n-g down and examining verses and/or series of them and meditating about their meaning and listening to the Spirit’s further explanation.

I would advise you to read this most important passage written by Paul in just such a manner.

Eph 6:10-17 – “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The Bible assures us all that we will be attacked by satan. He wants to discourage us, frustrate us, and take away any joy, peace, love, and hope from our being. According to the Bible he is a liar and a murderer. It also states that he is a powerful enemy with supernatural powers and was created higher than us. In fact he was created second to God and is beautiful and intelligent. So forget about him looking like some dude with a pencil mustache and red horns on his head who is donning a black cape.

He is real, he is a serious opponent to our well being and we shouldn’t take him lightly. On the other hand we shouldn’t fear him and we should always keep in our minds that he can and will be defeated. “We” will not defeat him and that is not our mission; Jesus Christ will do that. Our job is to “resist” him, (see above: “STAND YOUR GROUND”) and the Bible states that if we do so, then he will “flee from us”.

Note that there is a belt, a breastplate, feet armor, a shield, helmet, and sword.

Hmmm… I don’t see anything to cover our backsides?

Why?

Because God does not want us to tuck our tails and run from satan, rather to boldly face him head on and “stand”. Satan is the one who will high-tail it over the hill like a scared rabbit when faced down by Almighty God. The Bible tell us that the demons shudder at the mere mention of the name of Jesus Christ – Remember that!

If you are down this morning, perhaps sick, grief stricken, out of work, having marital problems, facing addictions, undergoing serious financial problems, broken hearted, or facing other seemingly insolvable problems, put on the full armor of God and put yourself into God’s capable hands. Resist the evil forces that surround you and allow your armor and your God to do their job, especially your shield of faith and Sword of the Spirit, (God’s word)…

There is eternal hope in Jesus Christ; don’t let satan steal it from you.

Phil. 4:13

I can do all things through God who strengthens me.

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