July 15: The armor of God #2

Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.    (Ephesians 6:17-18 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Roman helmets were intricately designed, protecting a soldier’s head and making him look taller and more imposing. In battle no warrior would ever have gone without one. It’s no coincidence that salvation as a piece of armor is linked to the head. Knowing that we are saved, that our lives are in God’s hands, and that our future is guaranteed makes us bold and confident. What most people in the world fear — death — we do not fear, and so the devil is deprived of one of his main weapons.

Roman swords were short and designed for close combat, and when used by a trained soldier, were deadly. This is the only offensive weapon in Paul’s description of our spiritual armor. The Word of God as a weapon means that God’s teaching and promises make us deadly in our fight against the fear and lies of the devil and his demons. It gives us perspective, the power to defeat temptation as Jesus did during His 40 days in the desert, it is an instruction manual for life, and it offers countless other benefits. The Bible is not a magical book; it only works when we believe, practice what it says, and allow God’s Spirit to speak through it.

One of Satan’s most dangerous, modern-day techniques is to keep us so busy with the news, internet, phone calls, texting, Facebook, our jobs and everything else that we don’t have time for His Word. When we fall for this trick, we are like Roman soldiers of the past marching into war without their swords — we will become casualties.

After describing the six pieces of armor, Paul urges us to prayer at all times, in different ways, and to stay alert through prayer. This is a perfect ending to the pieces of armor. Through prayer we can change any situation, conquer any problem, and bring God Himself into our lives as our Helper, Defender, and Provider. The Old and New Testaments are full of miraculous answers to people who prayed.

Start using these pieces of armor. The more we use them the more effective we will be.