based on the Love God Greatly study, The Armor of God / w1d3
Scripture/SOAP: Ephesians 6:13-14
For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness,
Ephesians 6:13-14 NET
First Things First
Before we jump into the first two pieces of armor let’s not miss the reason and instruction that come with the armor.
The Reason is found in verses 10-12, namely to stand against the “schemes of the devil”, our real and present enemy, He is evil (the ruler of darkness, part of the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens…) he is dangerous and deadly to those caught unaware and unarmed. However, when we follow the instructions Paul gives, specifically “putting on the full armor of God, we will be able to withstand the devil’s plots and schemes and all manners of evil meant to steal, kill, and destroy the children of God.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
Ephesians 6:13-14 NLT
Not a Three-Piece-Suit
I especially appreciate the NLT version of this verse, as it makes clear that our armor is not to be treated like a three-piece-suit where you can wear the pants and jacket and forego the vest or the pants and vest and forego the jacket. No, Paul stresses that it is to be, as the NLT translates, every piece, that is if you want to still be standing when the battle is over – and not just standing – but standing firm – unwavering! We are to be covered from head-to-toe, specifically and intentionally covered and ready for warfare.
It takes the whole “suit of armor” to successfully stand against the enemy – me, from the inside-out
The Belt and BreastPlate / truth and Righteousness
- The Belt of Truth is listed first, which I love because ‘truth’ is not only one of the names applied to Jesus in John 14:6, but it is also the name applied to the Word of God in John 17:17. It seems to be that God’s Truth is the very foundation of our salvation since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word [truth] of God as Paul discloses in Romans 10:17.
- Here’s something interesting though. This piece of the armor isn’t simply about the truth, but rather how the the truth helps and protects us – which is seen most clearly when we understand why Paul used the metaphor of the “belt”. I read it somewhere, years ago but found it again today on the Billy Graham website . The writer explainsthat – “In ancient times, a warrior’s belt was essential for survival. It not only held his weapons; it cinched his tunic at the waist, allowing him to move about freely.” The writer also included this analogy, “Just as a belt gave the warrior freedom of movement and a way to defend himself, the belt of truth provides spiritual freedom and protection for those who belong to Jesus Christ.”
- Putting it on: Simply start with Scripture. Read it, listen to it, study it on your own or with a group, sit under the teaching of it, keep it open on your app or written on cards and post-it-notes where you will see it often. The idea is to be saturated with it and just as a belt holds up pieces of clothing it is meant to have an affect on the rest of the armor.
- The second piece of armor that Paul mentions is the “breastplate of righteousness” which we study in-depth in our second week.
Going Further:
Don’t forget to check out today’s LGG Blog Post