Together # 49
A Together for Battle
A Together for Battle
Put On the Armor of God for Spiritual Battle
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
Take up spiritual weapons together, making sure that the many offensive instruments of war are available. Put on the armor of God together.
Matt 16:18; Rom 13:12-14; 2 Cor 6:7; 2 Cor 10:3-5; Eph 6:10-18; 1 Peter 4:1
Do we realize how serious it is that we put on the full armor of God? Do we understand that fighting Satan is part of taking hold of eternal life?
Fight the good fight of the faith.
Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . . .
1 Tim 6:12a
Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . . .
1 Tim 6:12a
Are we consciously aware that Satan is all around us causing havoc? Just because we cannot visually see the devil, are we blind to the fact that he is behind all the evil that surrounds us? Do we think that the devil and his evil forces are in other parts of the world, but not here? We need to realize that we are called to fight the devil right here, right now, in very real spiritual ways.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, . . .
Eph 6:10-18
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We might see it this way. If anyone we are close to is going through very difficult times, it is definitely related to the sin Satan brought to our world thousands of years ago. When we fight problems our friends and relatives are facing, we are defending them against the attacks of the devil. It might even be worse than a difficult problem, for example, demonic aggression. We must stand up together with others to defend those in our Christian Inner Circles.
Even if we cannot see Satan negatively affecting our family or friendship groups, we must know that we are still to be marching against the very gates of hell.
Even if we cannot see Satan negatively affecting our family or friendship groups, we must know that we are still to be marching against the very gates of hell.
. . . I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18
Matthew 16:18
Let’s pay special attention to the fact that the gates of hell cannot move. The gates are not marching against us, so defensive action is not the primary task of our warfare. If the devil is not presently attacking someone in our Christian Inner Circles, we must look to see somewhere else he is afflicting hurt. Then, together, dressed in the armor of God, we are to attack.
This is our offensive action against the gates of hell. We should look around with our eyes wide open and seek opportunities to advance against evil. There are thousands of evils from which to choose for battle, whether it be a simple thing like helping a youngster from a disadvantaged home do better in school to attacking such things as abortion and racism.
If we are to assertively fight evil, and we are definitely told to join Jesus in doing so, then we need to help one another put on the full armor of God.
Unfortunately, our individualistic culture leads us to believe we each dress ourselves for battle. But this instruction was to the Ephesian church. It is a church activity to get dressed for war. Therefore, we must try to picture an army rather than a soldier. We can see our friendships and families as army squads and our Christian Inner Circles as battle platoons. Organized churches we belong to are like battalions. Each of these powerful expressions of the church are to dress for battle.
Belt of Truth (having fastened on the belt of truth)
The belt of truth is practiced doctrine, which is truth tested and fully believed. It surrounds us with God’s truth. It protects us against Satan’s lies of falsehood as well as Satan’s persecution of those who hold to sound doctrine.
Knowing the truth through believing it, acting as if it is true, and then finding out in experience that it is trustworthy sets us free to go to into battle. Living out the truth of Scripture is what counts in the universal war between God and Satan. It is what will save us and those in our Christian Inner Circles.
This is our offensive action against the gates of hell. We should look around with our eyes wide open and seek opportunities to advance against evil. There are thousands of evils from which to choose for battle, whether it be a simple thing like helping a youngster from a disadvantaged home do better in school to attacking such things as abortion and racism.
If we are to assertively fight evil, and we are definitely told to join Jesus in doing so, then we need to help one another put on the full armor of God.
Unfortunately, our individualistic culture leads us to believe we each dress ourselves for battle. But this instruction was to the Ephesian church. It is a church activity to get dressed for war. Therefore, we must try to picture an army rather than a soldier. We can see our friendships and families as army squads and our Christian Inner Circles as battle platoons. Organized churches we belong to are like battalions. Each of these powerful expressions of the church are to dress for battle.
Belt of Truth (having fastened on the belt of truth)
The belt of truth is practiced doctrine, which is truth tested and fully believed. It surrounds us with God’s truth. It protects us against Satan’s lies of falsehood as well as Satan’s persecution of those who hold to sound doctrine.
Knowing the truth through believing it, acting as if it is true, and then finding out in experience that it is trustworthy sets us free to go to into battle. Living out the truth of Scripture is what counts in the universal war between God and Satan. It is what will save us and those in our Christian Inner Circles.
Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Tim 4:16 (NIV)
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Tim 4:16 (NIV)
It is not enough to agree with what the Bible says. Knowing about truth is not knowing truth; it is not sufficient for battle. Knowing truth is truth applied to life and proven
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James 1:22
James 1:22
Truth keeps us mindful of what really counts, what is truly valuable. Satan’s scheme both in the Garden of Eden and with Jesus in the wilderness was to offer things attractive if truth could be forgotten. Satan will continually offer us delightful opportunities to pull us away from war against him. He will offer frequent trips to peaceful places, non-threatening doctrines, good chances to make money. The truth exposes these deadly detours. The devil will openly attack our emotional and physical well-being. Truth helps us see beyond danger and death.
Breastplate of Righteousness (having put on the breastplate of righteousness)
The breastplate of righteousness is Christ’s righteousness that covers and protects us from God’s just wrath and makes Satan’s accusations powerless. Christ’s righteousness, not our own, shines forth from us and repels Satan as light does darkness, protecting us from the evil one’s presence no matter how close he comes.
Breastplate of Righteousness (having put on the breastplate of righteousness)
The breastplate of righteousness is Christ’s righteousness that covers and protects us from God’s just wrath and makes Satan’s accusations powerless. Christ’s righteousness, not our own, shines forth from us and repels Satan as light does darkness, protecting us from the evil one’s presence no matter how close he comes.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin,
so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Cor 5:21
so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Cor 5:21
We are to go out into battle, not in the dirty rags of our own goodness, but in the shining breastplate of Christ’s righteousness. Acting consistently with this piece of armor, we will be righteous. Righteous behavior repels evil, disregards evil, and finds no attraction in evil.
Shoes of Readiness from the Gospel of Peace (as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by
the gospel of peace)
The shoes of the armor of God make us ready to go to battle with God’s agenda. This footwear is made of the solid material of God’s peace within us and dispels the fear of battle. Without fear we can attack the devil so that our God can defeat him and his evil.
Shoes of Readiness from the Gospel of Peace (as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by
the gospel of peace)
The shoes of the armor of God make us ready to go to battle with God’s agenda. This footwear is made of the solid material of God’s peace within us and dispels the fear of battle. Without fear we can attack the devil so that our God can defeat him and his evil.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Rom 16:20
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Rom 16:20
Without these shoes made of the peace that comes with the gospel, we will not have the fortitude to stay firm against evil. We will want safety. We may desert the battle when harm or rejection looms. We will meet resistance, but we need to stay on God’s agenda of war against evil.
Shield of Faith (take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one)
The shield of fhaith is the certainty the Holy Spirit has placed in us that Jesus really did die for our sins, that we are forever in the kingdom of God, and that we can completely entrust ourselves to Jesus Christ.
Shield of Faith (take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one)
The shield of fhaith is the certainty the Holy Spirit has placed in us that Jesus really did die for our sins, that we are forever in the kingdom of God, and that we can completely entrust ourselves to Jesus Christ.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Heb 11:1
Heb 11:1
The shield of faith eliminates the power of Satan to harm us. It helps us remember what we cannot see – glorious life beyond death. What we are certain of about God Himself and about His protection is a shield. Faith is certain belief, belief in what is certain.
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:4-5
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This shield mentioned in Ephesians 6 was four feet in length and two-and-a-half feet in width. The shield of faith keeps us safe from anything Satan throws at us.
Helmet of Salvation (take the helmet of salvation)
When we attack, our head is exposed. The hope of our certain salvation is the helmet that protects us when we are in one way or another attacking the gates of hell.
Helmet of Salvation (take the helmet of salvation)
When we attack, our head is exposed. The hope of our certain salvation is the helmet that protects us when we are in one way or another attacking the gates of hell.
. . . and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
1 Thess 5:8
1 Thess 5:8
How else can we take the risks associated with charging the enemy than to be sure of our salvation and heavenly destination? The certainty of our salvation makes us bold.
Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God)
No one thinks Satan can be defeated by bare hands. No, we need a weapon that outmatches anything the devil can use to defend himself or attack us.
God’s Word brought everything into being from nothing. How powerful is that! Nothing can stand against the word of God recorded in the Bible.
Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God)
No one thinks Satan can be defeated by bare hands. No, we need a weapon that outmatches anything the devil can use to defend himself or attack us.
God’s Word brought everything into being from nothing. How powerful is that! Nothing can stand against the word of God recorded in the Bible.
For the word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Christians, working together as a team, are to get to know this weapon well. Just like with a sword, practice must be often. Study and meditation of the Bible is crucial, both alone and together .
Satan is repelled by the words of God recorded in the Bible. Remember that Jesus quoted God when the devil tempted him in the wilderness. In fact, Jesus did nothing more. And, it is the good news of salvation, the gospel, that defeats Satan.
Prayer in the Spirit (praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication)
We wield our weapons with the power of prayer when it is inspired by the Holy Spirit. We use the word of God ignited by the prayer we acquire from our Great Helper, the Spirit of God. In essence, we express God’s will through prayer before, during and after battle.
Satan is repelled by the words of God recorded in the Bible. Remember that Jesus quoted God when the devil tempted him in the wilderness. In fact, Jesus did nothing more. And, it is the good news of salvation, the gospel, that defeats Satan.
Prayer in the Spirit (praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication)
We wield our weapons with the power of prayer when it is inspired by the Holy Spirit. We use the word of God ignited by the prayer we acquire from our Great Helper, the Spirit of God. In essence, we express God’s will through prayer before, during and after battle.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27
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It would take too many words and pages to explain how we dress one another in each item of the armor of God. So, let’s just use the example of the shield of faith. We help one another pick up and position our shield of faith when we have honest conversations regarding the trustworthiness of God, the certainty of who He is and that He will do what He says He will do. It is sometimes difficult for an individual to take up the shield of faith with an unwavering belief in God and His promises. However, when an individual is in doubt about those things of faith, his Christian friendship groups, his Christian family, and his Christian spouse will hopefully not waiver. The individual who has doubts will be protected by the group's continuing shield of faith.
As an army going out to battle at the gates of hell, Christians are to put on their armor and pick up their weapons together. We are to assure that fellow soldiers are protected and that weapons are prepared, not for retreat, but for the advance against evil. As good soldiers, we should admonish one another to practice using our weapons for the time when we will need them. In spiritual battle, well-armed, well-trained and committed Christians together will always be much more effective than a lone soldier.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
As an army going out to battle at the gates of hell, Christians are to put on their armor and pick up their weapons together. We are to assure that fellow soldiers are protected and that weapons are prepared, not for retreat, but for the advance against evil. As good soldiers, we should admonish one another to practice using our weapons for the time when we will need them. In spiritual battle, well-armed, well-trained and committed Christians together will always be much more effective than a lone soldier.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Evelyn and Lonnie have been attacked viciously in their philosophy class at the University of California at Berkeley. Verbal attacks from their professor because they are Christians even have some of the unbelieving students expressing support for them.
The two girls developed a friendship after both of them were singled out for professorial ridicule. They discussed their painful situation. It was too late for them to drop the class, but they could quit and flunk it. They were not sure what to do and Lonnie suggested that they take the problem to her InterVarsity Christian Fellowship group. The IVCF group quickly realized the spiritual battle Lonnie and Evelyn were in and decided that they needed to dress them more thoroughly in the armor of God listed in Ephesians 6. After that, they all sought the Holy Spirit’s prayer for the situation. It was finally decided that since they were going to fail the course anyway, they would stay in the class and continue to take abuse from the professor for the sake of those non-Christians who were becoming curious. Later the two girls were quite glad they did not quit because they could see themselves becoming more like Jesus who knew of His security with God and did not avoid public scorn. |
Jesus protects us. When we see to it that others are protected in this spiritual warfare facing us, we become like Jesus. This involves helping one another dress for battle. And, like Jesus, we must keep a constant eye to make sure everyone is ready to fight and is protected by the full armor of God.
One of the keys to being like Jesus in seeing that we are protected is to never leave or forsake those in our Christian Inner Circles as Jesus never leaves or forsakes us.
One of the keys to being like Jesus in seeing that we are protected is to never leave or forsake those in our Christian Inner Circles as Jesus never leaves or forsakes us.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Heb 13:5-6 |
We must count the cost of being like Jesus by being available to others. It means that we must be so involved with those Christians most special to us that we make sure they have fastened on the belt of truth with practiced obedience and doctrine, have put on the breastplate of righteousness to repel Satan, have fastened their shoes to make their feet ready to march into battle, taken up the shield of faith to eliminate ultimate harm from the evil one; taken the helmet of salvation for protection when attacking evil, and have practiced using the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, so that they can effectively address evil with God’s own words, and that they are praying at all times with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Soldiers in war never forget that they might come under attack. And, they are ready to go on the offensive when the time is right. We are on the attack when we take seriously our responsibility to proclaim the gospel in both words and actions. And, again, if we are to be like Jesus, we never take our eyes off of one another to assure battle preparedness.
Soldiers in war never forget that they might come under attack. And, they are ready to go on the offensive when the time is right. We are on the attack when we take seriously our responsibility to proclaim the gospel in both words and actions. And, again, if we are to be like Jesus, we never take our eyes off of one another to assure battle preparedness.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matt 28:19-20
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This battle for the souls of men is our greatest fight against Satan and his kingdom of darkness. Although we seek peaceful ways to proclaim the gospel, we will still meet opposition. When we are firm in what we believe, many will become hostile.
How do we handle opposition and rejection by people? The armor of God has all we need. But, those in our Christian Inner Circles have to continually help us dress for battle. Let’s be like Jesus and see to one another’s protection and courage.
Opportunity to Worship God
How do we handle opposition and rejection by people? The armor of God has all we need. But, those in our Christian Inner Circles have to continually help us dress for battle. Let’s be like Jesus and see to one another’s protection and courage.
Opportunity to Worship God
Ben and Alyssa had a very rough marriage for over ten years. They both came from horribly dysfunctional families and getting along was a terrific challenge. They continually said and did things that triggered either anger or depression, when what was said or done should not have elicited conflict.
The eventual recognition that the devil was the one trying to destroy their relationship made them more angry at him than with one another. They studied Bible passages about Satan and discovered the armor of God. Once they made their decision to fight the devil and not one another, they together put on each piece of God’s armor. All the armor helped, but it was the shoes made from the peace of God that calmed their hearts when they reacted poorly to one another. Then, with the covering of the breastplate of righteousness reassuring them that they were covered by Christ’s righteousness, they were empowered not to run from their own unrighteousness any longer. They began feeling okay to admit their sins toward each other and sincerely apologize. And they decided to get professional help from a Christian marriage counselor. God was worshiped when they submitted to Him and donned the armor to do this aggressive battle with Satan. |
As God goes into battle with his people, so his people can together go into battle for God. Therefore, God has given us resources in our closest Christian relationships to arm ourselves for battle. When we do so, we worship God by reflecting back to Him his own almighty power.
These are the armor of God – His armor given to us. They are more mysteriously powerful than any magical wand from any fairy tale.
His protection is for our offensive and defensive warfare against the evil one. The armor of God is the power of God to protect us. God gives us armor and to use this armor is worshipful. But, to set it aside only for emergencies is dishonoring to the One who loves us and let His Son die for us.
Actually, the armor is our triune God Himself. He is our truth (the belt). He is our righteousness (the breastplate). He is our peace and our gospel (the shoes). He is our faith (the shield). He is our salvation (the helmet). The sword is His word and the prayer comes from the Holy Spirit.
To clothe ourselves in God has to be worship!
These are the armor of God – His armor given to us. They are more mysteriously powerful than any magical wand from any fairy tale.
His protection is for our offensive and defensive warfare against the evil one. The armor of God is the power of God to protect us. God gives us armor and to use this armor is worshipful. But, to set it aside only for emergencies is dishonoring to the One who loves us and let His Son die for us.
Actually, the armor is our triune God Himself. He is our truth (the belt). He is our righteousness (the breastplate). He is our peace and our gospel (the shoes). He is our faith (the shield). He is our salvation (the helmet). The sword is His word and the prayer comes from the Holy Spirit.
To clothe ourselves in God has to be worship!
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, . . .
Romans 13:14
Romans 13:14
There are two ways to understand putting on the armor of God together, and both are correct. We might have heard that a soldier is well armored. And, we have also heard that an army is well armored. So, we help individuals within our Christian Inner Circles dress up for battle. And, together, we make sure that every soldier is armored so that the whole army is ready to go into battle together.
Small friendship groups need to see that everyone is ready for battles that will come their way, battles for which God has activated them. Families certainly should help individual members be prepared to face the evil that will be thrown at them. And, husbands and wives need to look one another over and make sure that each piece of armor is in place for the battles of each day. In these ways in these relationships, individual warriors will be dressed for battle.
However, the battle units, not just the soldiers, need to be dressed for battle. Christian Inner Circles need not just to offer to help others get prepared for battle, they need to insist that everyone put on the armor of God. If one person falls in battle needlessly, it will take others off of the front lines and make the warfare harder.
Christian families need to make sure every member has on the armor of God and knows how to work together to take on battles far too big for any individual family soldier. If there are hostile neighbors, each member of the family needs to know how to do battle and not get in one another’s way. It is the same for Christian marriages.
When a parent buys a warm jacket to protect her child from severe cold, if that child does not wear it, the parent is disregarded and dishonored. Similarly, God has spread out armor for us to wear. When it protects us from attacks of the enemy or helps us conquer some kind of evil, we will praise God and worship Him.
Let’s wear God’s armor and honor Him in battle against “the cosmic powers over this present darkness.”
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
Small friendship groups need to see that everyone is ready for battles that will come their way, battles for which God has activated them. Families certainly should help individual members be prepared to face the evil that will be thrown at them. And, husbands and wives need to look one another over and make sure that each piece of armor is in place for the battles of each day. In these ways in these relationships, individual warriors will be dressed for battle.
However, the battle units, not just the soldiers, need to be dressed for battle. Christian Inner Circles need not just to offer to help others get prepared for battle, they need to insist that everyone put on the armor of God. If one person falls in battle needlessly, it will take others off of the front lines and make the warfare harder.
Christian families need to make sure every member has on the armor of God and knows how to work together to take on battles far too big for any individual family soldier. If there are hostile neighbors, each member of the family needs to know how to do battle and not get in one another’s way. It is the same for Christian marriages.
When a parent buys a warm jacket to protect her child from severe cold, if that child does not wear it, the parent is disregarded and dishonored. Similarly, God has spread out armor for us to wear. When it protects us from attacks of the enemy or helps us conquer some kind of evil, we will praise God and worship Him.
Let’s wear God’s armor and honor Him in battle against “the cosmic powers over this present darkness.”
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
Abe Kingston, who attends Grace Church, works at a tire factory. At lunch he would eat with a friend who is deeply involved in a deceptive cult. Soon Abe began bringing some strange interpretations of Bible passages into the fourth grade Sunday School class he taught. When one of the children mentioned these ideas to her parents, they contacted their small group leader who in turn talked to the elder in charge of church fellowship and community. Grace Church leaders handpicked a team of two men to meet with Abe and explain how Satan had deceived those in the cult to which his friend at work belonged. This kind of straying away from the truth and coming up with untrue interpretations and applications of Scripture is usually caught early in the small community groups of Grace, but Abe had been resistant to attending a small group. Now, seeing that he was very vulnerable to the teachings of cults and false religions, he has joined a small group and attends diligently.
Abe's small group then made sure that he was fully armed for battle. They fastened around him the belt of truth by asking him to memorize critical doctrinal Bible passages. They would test him on these at their meetings. Since he was particularly vulnerable to accusations from the evil one that he was not good enough to share his faith with his work friend, the group placed on Abe the breastplate of righteousness. They taught him that it was Christ's righteousness, not his own goodness, that cleared the way for him to share the gospel. |
In the cleanup after a war, there are enclaves of the enemy not yet defeated, strongholds still not conquered. The battle against Satan was won when our Savior died and rose again from the grave, but there are still forceful areas of enemy defiance not yet brought into control. We face true guerrilla warfare with terror cells embedded in every place and culture.
For this godly combat, we need powerful weapons. Thanks be to God, we have them. They are weapons designed to defeat invisible enemies. But, we cannot put on the armor of God or wield our weapons without one another’s help.
Where, we might wonder, does the sex slave trade worldwide get its power? Do we truly think that simply the nastiness of man is that powerful? If we pay attention to Scripture, we know that there are cosmic powers over this present darkness we must fight. This is not to be frightening to us. It is an exciting partnership with Jesus to destroy the work of the devil (1 John 3:8). We are up to it! Or should be.
For this godly combat, we need powerful weapons. Thanks be to God, we have them. They are weapons designed to defeat invisible enemies. But, we cannot put on the armor of God or wield our weapons without one another’s help.
Where, we might wonder, does the sex slave trade worldwide get its power? Do we truly think that simply the nastiness of man is that powerful? If we pay attention to Scripture, we know that there are cosmic powers over this present darkness we must fight. This is not to be frightening to us. It is an exciting partnership with Jesus to destroy the work of the devil (1 John 3:8). We are up to it! Or should be.
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
However, there seems to be a requirement to meet before donning battle garb
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Rom 13:12-14
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We soldiers must meet the requirements of enlistment. We must leave behind any darkness we have chosen to carry with us. We should want to do this anyway, since all that sin does is drag us down.
So, once we are ready, once we have shed the filth of darkness, we help one another put on the armor of God. Not just once, but continually.
So, once we are ready, once we have shed the filth of darkness, we help one another put on the armor of God. Not just once, but continually.
The Christian’s armour is made to be worn – no taking it off until you have finished your course. Your armour and your garment of flesh come off together. Then there will be no more need of shield or helmet, no more late night watches. In heaven you shall appear, not in armour, but in robes of glory. Nevertheless, for the present you must wear your assigned suit night and day. You must walk, work, and sleep in it or you are not a true soldier of Christ.
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from The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall, in the year 1655.
Let’s want to be soldiers outfitted with the armor of God. And, let’s remember to help everyone put it on.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
The Booker Family realizes the world is a treacherous place. Their neighborhood has many dangers. Therefore, it is very necessary and easy for all family members to remember to watch out for one another’s safety. Although doing so is commanded throughout Scripture, they need no such biblical reminder. They continually dress one another in the armor of God for daily battle against the evil they each will confront.
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Helping one another put on the armor of God so that a more complete battle force is assembled and ready to go will yield good things in heaven for each of us and all of us together.
To look out for God in the way of making sure everyone is fighting evil and defeating Satan is great preparation for looking out for God’s desires in heaven. Without Satan, his evil spiritual forces and sin in heaven, there will still be the call to get dressed in righteousness and go about the King’s business as both individuals and as the bride of Christ.
Today God might give us a nice day for a family picnic. Because we have to work around sin and the consequences of the curse of God after Adam’s disobedience, we will work with limited funds, rush to get ready, risk car trouble getting to and from our destination, cope with poison oak and ants, have to deal with moods and tempers and selfish behavior, among other troublesome things. We will need to make sure that all family members have on the right clothes for the weather and the picnic destination. Forgetting one person’s swim suit might cause problems and spoil some of the fun. In this illustration parallel to Christians putting on the full armor of God, we can see the need for the full armor in the same way we can see the need for all swim suits to be packed.
Complete preparation for war in donning the full armor of God together now will help us develop the habit of thinking about getting ready for events once we are in heaven. There, God will give us an even more spectacular day to have a picnic. Even if a swim suit is forgotten, there will be no disappointment either because such feelings are absent or because there are unlimited days to swim in the future. Yet, preparations need to be made. Without sinful self-centeredness, everyone will be able to think of the good of all the others. With the ability to focus on everyone without leaving out oneself, people will think of what others might want to enjoy at the picnic destination and make certain that the person knows of the opportunity and brings along whatever would be needed to enjoy that adventure.
But, the picnic parallel might provide more understanding. When we see to it that all of us are dressed in the armor of God plus the sword of the Spirit and prayer, we envision the bigger picture of how we all need to work together for success in battle. So, now and in heaven, we can not only think of possible things individuals might want to do, but also what opportunities for all of us together might be achievable at a picnic on a great day.
Before death, the prospects are fraught with thoughts of what might not work. Some potential adventures might seem too much trouble. Volleyball at the picnic site might not have enough level terrain. A hike might have to deal with rain. It is this kind of thinking that can also make us reluctant to put on the full armor of God in our Christian friendships, marriages and families. Satan might throw something too dangerous at us just as the picnic might bring up problems that we might not be able to solve. So, now before death we have to make sure that everyone has on the armor as well as bring along all needed for a great picnic adventure, just because either might get difficult. But it will not be too difficult for all of us together with Jesus present as He promised.
In heaven, because we made sure to put on the full armor of God for any potential danger, we will not shy away from tremendous picnic possibilities. Freed from worry that something will go wrong, since nothing is game-ending in heaven, we will bring along the volleyball and net as well as everything needed for the hike. We will not see problems in everything, only difficulties we can face together. We will know that if rain prevents the hike, God just has something He would like us to enjoy instead.
Let’s prepare to be those who get things ready for ourselves and others in heaven for great service to God as well as wonderful adventures. To prepare to be able to do this, we need to put on the armor of God for spiritual battle together during this present life.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
To look out for God in the way of making sure everyone is fighting evil and defeating Satan is great preparation for looking out for God’s desires in heaven. Without Satan, his evil spiritual forces and sin in heaven, there will still be the call to get dressed in righteousness and go about the King’s business as both individuals and as the bride of Christ.
Today God might give us a nice day for a family picnic. Because we have to work around sin and the consequences of the curse of God after Adam’s disobedience, we will work with limited funds, rush to get ready, risk car trouble getting to and from our destination, cope with poison oak and ants, have to deal with moods and tempers and selfish behavior, among other troublesome things. We will need to make sure that all family members have on the right clothes for the weather and the picnic destination. Forgetting one person’s swim suit might cause problems and spoil some of the fun. In this illustration parallel to Christians putting on the full armor of God, we can see the need for the full armor in the same way we can see the need for all swim suits to be packed.
Complete preparation for war in donning the full armor of God together now will help us develop the habit of thinking about getting ready for events once we are in heaven. There, God will give us an even more spectacular day to have a picnic. Even if a swim suit is forgotten, there will be no disappointment either because such feelings are absent or because there are unlimited days to swim in the future. Yet, preparations need to be made. Without sinful self-centeredness, everyone will be able to think of the good of all the others. With the ability to focus on everyone without leaving out oneself, people will think of what others might want to enjoy at the picnic destination and make certain that the person knows of the opportunity and brings along whatever would be needed to enjoy that adventure.
But, the picnic parallel might provide more understanding. When we see to it that all of us are dressed in the armor of God plus the sword of the Spirit and prayer, we envision the bigger picture of how we all need to work together for success in battle. So, now and in heaven, we can not only think of possible things individuals might want to do, but also what opportunities for all of us together might be achievable at a picnic on a great day.
Before death, the prospects are fraught with thoughts of what might not work. Some potential adventures might seem too much trouble. Volleyball at the picnic site might not have enough level terrain. A hike might have to deal with rain. It is this kind of thinking that can also make us reluctant to put on the full armor of God in our Christian friendships, marriages and families. Satan might throw something too dangerous at us just as the picnic might bring up problems that we might not be able to solve. So, now before death we have to make sure that everyone has on the armor as well as bring along all needed for a great picnic adventure, just because either might get difficult. But it will not be too difficult for all of us together with Jesus present as He promised.
In heaven, because we made sure to put on the full armor of God for any potential danger, we will not shy away from tremendous picnic possibilities. Freed from worry that something will go wrong, since nothing is game-ending in heaven, we will bring along the volleyball and net as well as everything needed for the hike. We will not see problems in everything, only difficulties we can face together. We will know that if rain prevents the hike, God just has something He would like us to enjoy instead.
Let’s prepare to be those who get things ready for ourselves and others in heaven for great service to God as well as wonderful adventures. To prepare to be able to do this, we need to put on the armor of God for spiritual battle together during this present life.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
My first intergalactic trip fell short of what it could have been. It was to a planet in the XFT10784 Galaxy. It was so far away, but there are fast ways of travel here in heaven that were unimaginable before arriving here. The problem was not getting there, but being grossly unprepared when I arrived. I did not have half the equipment I should have brought to explore some of the most exciting places in that strange and fascinating world.
Before death, I took my Christian life for granted and did only that which was comfortable. That included not taking much notice that the church was at war with Satan and never even paying attention to the need for the armor of God. As a result I did not put it on, either by myself or with the help of others. And, of course, I never thought of helping others put on the armor for battle, even though I saw evil things come their way. In short, I did not gain the skills or inclination to prepare myself or help prepare others. Unfortunately, I wanted an easy faith, and it hurt me when I came here to heaven. Before that trip to XFT10784, a few others going on the trip made suggestions for things I should take. But I just did not have the history of letting others help me be prepared. This second trip will be different. I will join others going to a different galaxy, and this time I will let others dress me, so-to-speak, for the trip. I don’t want to miss a thing this time! |
When we see a travel brochure, many possibilities for fun are listed. Such a brochure for heaven would be a thousand pages long. If we can come up with 200 fun things to do now, in heaven there will be thousands of new things not available before death. To dream a little, 20 years of data from the Hubble Telescope has revealed 2 trillion galaxies and counting, each with thousands of stars, each with hundreds of planets. In heaven, we will be able to go exploring endlessly.
Today we cannot go just anywhere in the world and walk safely down the street. There are places where we can, but many places would require a death wish. However, in heaven we will be able to go anywhere and be safe.
Today, a trip to New York City can be safe but has the slight potential for danger. If there are five of us going, each of us would have to pack our own bag. And together we should consider if everyone is ready before we head off to the airport. Such a successful trip would give us a little preparation for a similar trip in heaven. However, preparing to engage the devil in war increases the seriousness of preparation. Because it is far more complex and dangerous fighting against invisible evil forces (“cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” Eph 6), deeper attention to the preparation of ourselves, the others, and the fighting group as a whole will develop advanced skills for getting ready for heaven’s safe and marvelous opportunities.
How wonderful it will be in heaven that some of us will have the ability to think of self, others and the whole group when an opportunity arises.
Let’s imagine that one day while four of us are eating lunch at some street café in the New Jerusalem, an angel pulls up a chair and joins us with a message from Jesus, our King, the Anointed One who saved us and brought us to heaven. The angel tells us that we are to go to a certain place and make ready a picnic for some saints whom our Lord wants to honor because before death they forgave others exceptionally.
Without any harassment of sin, we would not consider whether or not we would do this for Jesus, whether or not we were comfortable with whatever this assignment would require, or if it was too much for the four of us to accomplish. We would just begin planning.
Because of obedience before death to various Togethers, we each would have varying levels of strengths needed for the assignment. In fact, the reason we would have been chosen would be that combination of skill sets developed before we came to heaven. Therefore, at least one of us will have needed to have been skillful in making sure that everyone had on the armor of God to fight the devil. That person would be invaluable in seeing that the four of us brought along whatever we each as well as all of us together would need to prepare the special picnic our beloved Lord wanted.
It really will be better for us if we now help one another put on the armor of God for battle with the devil’s evil.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
Today we cannot go just anywhere in the world and walk safely down the street. There are places where we can, but many places would require a death wish. However, in heaven we will be able to go anywhere and be safe.
Today, a trip to New York City can be safe but has the slight potential for danger. If there are five of us going, each of us would have to pack our own bag. And together we should consider if everyone is ready before we head off to the airport. Such a successful trip would give us a little preparation for a similar trip in heaven. However, preparing to engage the devil in war increases the seriousness of preparation. Because it is far more complex and dangerous fighting against invisible evil forces (“cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” Eph 6), deeper attention to the preparation of ourselves, the others, and the fighting group as a whole will develop advanced skills for getting ready for heaven’s safe and marvelous opportunities.
How wonderful it will be in heaven that some of us will have the ability to think of self, others and the whole group when an opportunity arises.
Let’s imagine that one day while four of us are eating lunch at some street café in the New Jerusalem, an angel pulls up a chair and joins us with a message from Jesus, our King, the Anointed One who saved us and brought us to heaven. The angel tells us that we are to go to a certain place and make ready a picnic for some saints whom our Lord wants to honor because before death they forgave others exceptionally.
Without any harassment of sin, we would not consider whether or not we would do this for Jesus, whether or not we were comfortable with whatever this assignment would require, or if it was too much for the four of us to accomplish. We would just begin planning.
Because of obedience before death to various Togethers, we each would have varying levels of strengths needed for the assignment. In fact, the reason we would have been chosen would be that combination of skill sets developed before we came to heaven. Therefore, at least one of us will have needed to have been skillful in making sure that everyone had on the armor of God to fight the devil. That person would be invaluable in seeing that the four of us brought along whatever we each as well as all of us together would need to prepare the special picnic our beloved Lord wanted.
It really will be better for us if we now help one another put on the armor of God for battle with the devil’s evil.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
Don’t get me wrong. I am very happy here in heaven. But I cannot help noticing that I am not invited by God to some of the fancier events. Once I asked one of the angels who carried invitations to others, why I was not getting invited.
The angel referred to a parable Jesus told us that is in the Bible. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’
Matt 22:12 Then the angel said, “It’s okay. The King did not know if He could trust you to be appropriately attired since you paid no attention to the armor of God when you were to be at war when sin florished. He did not want you to be embarrassed here in heaven if you dressed improperly. You will be invited to many events where this will not be an issue.
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Those going into battle with Satan without the armor of God will meet defeat or only have limited victory. God will be pleased that battle was entered, but very sad that His warrior did not put on the armor He had provided.
It would seem that in heaven God would be closer to the one who had honored His loving concern in providing armor for safety during attack on evil. He had given of Himself and the gift of armor was ignored. That is not a recipe for closeness in a relationship.
Perhaps someone gives us a gift that is thought out well. Consideration and care has gone into the selection of the gift. Even though the gift might not be desired, the love behind the gift is the primary thing. We say, “It’s the thought that counts.”
But what if the gift is not only considerate and caring but absolutely necessary? What if a 55-year-old daughter gives her 87-year-old mother a sturdy walker so she won’t fall, but the mother does not use it, falls, and breaks her hip? Not only is the daughter disappointed, she is irritated, frustrated, and saddled with extra responsibilities with her mother in the hospital.
This daughter will still love her mother, but the relationship will have been damaged in some way or other. It will likely be the same with God if we neglected His armor and both disappointed Him and needed extra help from Him because we were injured unnecessarily.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need You to rescue us from the stranglehold of individual faith, for to be loyal to You we need to put on the armor of God and do spiritual battle together. Change our spirits to want to be in Your battle with Satan and want everyone to be prepared.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and not leave those in our Christian Inner Circles unprotected without the armor of God. As Jesus is out to destroy the evil works of the devil, empower us to the same resolve.
May our lives worship You more because we reflect Your mighty power through courageous spiritual warfare protected and readied by Your armor. Forbid us through the work of the Holy Spirit to take lightly the armor You have given us. Let us honor You by being constantly dressed for battle under Your banner and for Your glory.
Make me and those in my Christian Inner Circle strong in Your power and dressed in the armor of God to defeat the devil. May the Holy Spirit continually remind our spirits that the armor is not to be used just to defend ourselves from Satan and evil, but to attack evil, to go on the offensive somewhere significant.
Help us all to prepare for heaven by growing more completely to put You and Your purposes first, no matter what the danger. We want to go to heaven, retired from fighting evil on earth, but to continue to put Your agenda first, starting at the level we have achieved by being ready for whatever You have for us to do dressed for battle in Your armor.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.
It would seem that in heaven God would be closer to the one who had honored His loving concern in providing armor for safety during attack on evil. He had given of Himself and the gift of armor was ignored. That is not a recipe for closeness in a relationship.
Perhaps someone gives us a gift that is thought out well. Consideration and care has gone into the selection of the gift. Even though the gift might not be desired, the love behind the gift is the primary thing. We say, “It’s the thought that counts.”
But what if the gift is not only considerate and caring but absolutely necessary? What if a 55-year-old daughter gives her 87-year-old mother a sturdy walker so she won’t fall, but the mother does not use it, falls, and breaks her hip? Not only is the daughter disappointed, she is irritated, frustrated, and saddled with extra responsibilities with her mother in the hospital.
This daughter will still love her mother, but the relationship will have been damaged in some way or other. It will likely be the same with God if we neglected His armor and both disappointed Him and needed extra help from Him because we were injured unnecessarily.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need You to rescue us from the stranglehold of individual faith, for to be loyal to You we need to put on the armor of God and do spiritual battle together. Change our spirits to want to be in Your battle with Satan and want everyone to be prepared.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and not leave those in our Christian Inner Circles unprotected without the armor of God. As Jesus is out to destroy the evil works of the devil, empower us to the same resolve.
May our lives worship You more because we reflect Your mighty power through courageous spiritual warfare protected and readied by Your armor. Forbid us through the work of the Holy Spirit to take lightly the armor You have given us. Let us honor You by being constantly dressed for battle under Your banner and for Your glory.
Make me and those in my Christian Inner Circle strong in Your power and dressed in the armor of God to defeat the devil. May the Holy Spirit continually remind our spirits that the armor is not to be used just to defend ourselves from Satan and evil, but to attack evil, to go on the offensive somewhere significant.
Help us all to prepare for heaven by growing more completely to put You and Your purposes first, no matter what the danger. We want to go to heaven, retired from fighting evil on earth, but to continue to put Your agenda first, starting at the level we have achieved by being ready for whatever You have for us to do dressed for battle in Your armor.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.