The 6:13 you knew I’d share on 6/13.
Ephesians 6:13
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.
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To really grasp this, we have to understand the armor that Paul is telling us to “take up”, or in other words, put on.
Picture how a soldier of that day would look, what he would wear, and how he would prepare for battle.
The first three pieces of armor (found right after in verses 14 and 15) would be worn by the soldier at all times.
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Ephesian 6:14-15
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
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Note the word used before each piece is named – “having”.
That indicates past tense – indicating that you’ve already put it on, and that it’s always on (HAVING girded, HAVING put on, HAVING shod your feet).
These are the things we are to have on at all times – truth, righteousness and the preparation of the gospel of peace.
We trust truth, not feelings that deceive us.
We embrace righteousness and we speak the gospel of peace – Jesus Christ.
The “girding”, truth – holds the armor together and keeps it in place. It gathers the garments and allows for movement and action.
The breastplate is one of the most important pieces – guarding our hearts. The breastplate – righteousness – covers us. Not our own righteousness but what we receive from Jesus Christ.
And on our feet, ready to take us where we need to go and to be taken with us wherever our feet may step, helping us keep our footing – the preparation of the gospel of peace - the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Note that word, preparation. We cannot be prepared for battle without the Gospel.
Notice that in the next verses Paul tells us that the remaining pieces are “taken” - picked up.
Typically, the soldier would put on his helmet, take up his shield and arm himself with the sword when they entered the field - when the battle draws near.
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Ephesians 6:16-17
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
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The shield of faith – Most shields in that day would be large enough to protect the entire body. So is our faith. It protects us wholly from the volleys of fiery darts or arrows that would typically be launched in the beginning of a battle.
The helmet protects our minds. The helmet of salvation, then would serve to protect us against the whispers of the enemy that cause feelings of doubt that lead to irrational fears. The helmet of salvation assures us of just that – our salvation, especially when we begin to feel those things that lead to fear and doubt.
And the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God – is our greatest weapon, but we have to know how to use it. Soldiers would practice to master the sword for long hours until they could use it effectively, and with confidence. We need to stay in the word and find confidence in it.
Jesus tells us in John 8:31-32 to abide in His word – that is – live in it. Make it a part of who we are.
Paul closes by telling us that once we’ve done all, to stand. Not to hesitate or to flee – stand.
One verse earlier, in Ephesians 6:12(a) Paul tells us
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…
Here is makes it plain that we are in the battle whether we choose to be or not. There is no avoiding it. He doesn’t say “If you enter the fight you do not wrestle against flesh and blood.”
You will have battles to fight, period.
Put on the armor, take up the sword, and stand.
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