The Armor of God

We must put on the full armor of God so we can “stand firm” in our faith; failure to do this can lead us to be unprepared to “fight the good fight of faith” (1Ti 6:12) in the world in which we find ourselves. I’ve also found that if I am not spending enough time (i.e., each day) in the Word of God—which is our “sword of the Spirit”—anxiety, worries, doubts, and fears can begin to creep in again, perhaps as Satan’s “flaming arrows [fiery darts KJV]” (Eph 6:16) try to take advantage of me at that time.[1]

This world is in the middle of a spiritual war[2] (Eph 6:10–17; cf. Gen 3:15; 1Pe 5:8; 2Co 10:3–5; Joh 8:44; Dan 10:13; 12:1; 1Th 2:18; Jas 4:7; Rev 12:7–17) between the forces of good and evil—with God, His “holy angels” (Mar 8:38; Luk 9:26; Rev 14:10), and “all His saints” (1Th 3:13; cf. Jud 3; Rev 8:3–4; 14:12; 16:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9; etc.) on one side and “the devil [Satan] and his angels”[3] (Mat 25:41), “fallen” men (Rev 18:2) who “are of your father the devil” (Joh 8:44; cf. Act 13:10), and the God-denying worldly institutions they create on the other side. Satan opposes everything good and of God, and since humans were created “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27), he also opposes humanity and wants to destroy as many as possible, including you (Gen 3:15; Luk 8:12; 1Pe 5:8; Jas 4:7; Eph 6:11; Rev 2:10; 12:9; 20:10; cf. Job 1:6–2:10; 1Th 2:18). He is described as:

• “A liar” (Joh 8:44; cf. Act 13:10),
• A “deceiver” (see Rev 12:9; 13:14; 19:20; 20:3, 8, 10),
• “Your adversary” (1Pe 5:8),
• Your “accuser” before God (Rev 12:10; cf. Zec 3:1; Job 1:6–12; 2:1–6),[4]
• The “tempter” (Mat 4:1–3; 1Th 3:5), and
• Your “enemy” (see Mat 13:39; Luk 10:19; 1Ti 5:14; cf. 1Pe 5:8; Eph 6:11; Jas 4:7; Rev 2:10; 13:6–8; 20:7–9; Job 1:13–22; 2:7–10).

He will do anything he can to “trick” (see Luk 20:23; Eph 4:14) and “deceive” (see Rom 7:11; 16:18; 2Co 11:3–4, 13–15; Eph 4:14; 5:6; 2Th 2:3; 1Ti 2:14; 2Ti 3:13; Tit 1:10; Jas 1:16; 1Jn 2:26, 3:7; 2Jn 7; Rev 12:9; 13:13–14; 18:23; 19:20; 20:3, 8–10; cf. Mat 4:1–11; Mar 13:22; Act 5:3; 8:9–11; 2Co 2:11; 11:14; Gal 6:7; Eph 6:11; Col 2:4, 8; 2Th 2:9–12; 1Ti 4:1; 1Pe 5:8)[5] you out of eternal life in heaven with God and cause your (eternal) death (1Jn 5:19; Joh 8:44; Eph 6:16; Jas 4:7; 1Jn 4:6; cf. Gen 3; Mat 4:1–11). Please realize that you can still be “tricked” or “deceived” even after you have been born again.[6], [7] Remember, this spiritual war is a battle for your eternal soul! Furthermore, please “do not be deceived” (1Co 6:9; 15:33; Gal 6:7; Jas 1:16), for even though you cannot see them, these “spiritual forces of darkness and wickedness [evil]” are very real (paraphrase; see Eph 6:12), and they are firmly set against you in spiritual warfare. They will lead you to eternal death if you let them!

Scripture, therefore, tells us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Eph 6:10–17; cf. Rom 13:12; 1Th 5:8) so we are able to conduct ourselves properly in this spiritual war and to “be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1Co 16:13).[8] While Satan is your “accuser,” remember that Jesus is your “Advocate” (1Jn 2:1; cf. Heb 2:18; 7:25) and our “mediator” (1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). And how much greater it is to have Almighty God on our side as opposed to a mere created angel (Rom 8:31–39; 1Jn 4:4; Joh 10:29; Eph 3:20; 2Ti 1:12; Jud 24; Php 4:13). Remember that God and His Christ (and His saints) will prevail (Gen 3:15)—indeed, He has already prevailed! Christ won complete and total victory for us at the cross (“It is finished,” Joh 19:30; cf. Gen 3:15; Luk 10:18; Joh 12:31; 16:33; Rom 8:37; Eph 1:20–22; Col 2:14–15; Heb 2:14; 10:10–13; 1Co 15:24–27; 54–57; 2Ti 1:10; 1Jn 3:8; 4:4; 5:4; Rev 1:17–18; 12:7–13; 15:2; 20:14; 21:4), and there is nothing whatsoever that anyone or anything on, under, or above the earth can do to change that (Rom 8:37–39)! But you must still “put on the full armor of God” and “stand firm” in your faith and in truth, as the “spiritual forces of darkness and wickedness [evil]” are still active! Do not be lazy about this! Note that this also includes reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God, along with having a solid prayer life.[9]

COMPONENTS OF THE ARMOR

Note the tools that make up “the full armor of God”:

• The Belt of Truth (Eph 6:14): We stand for God’s truth (“the wisdom of God”), not man’s truth (“the wisdom of this world”).[10] We must, therefore, know “the word of truth” (2Co 6:7; Col 1:5; 2Ti 2:15; Jas 1:18; cf. Joh 17:17; 4:23–24; Rom 3:4; 2Co 4:2; Eph 1:13; Tit 1:2; Num 23:19; Psa 145:18)—which is “the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13), “the gospel of the grace of God” (Act 20:24), and “the faith which was once for all handed down [delivered ESV] to the saints” (Jud 3)—and we must know it exceedingly well so we can “stand firm” in it (1Co 16:13; Eph 6:11, 13, 14; Php 4:1; 1Th 3:8; 2Th 2:15; 1Pe 5:12). We must also “examine the Scriptures daily” (see Act 17:11; cf. Mat 4:4; Psa 1:2; 2Ti 3:16–17)[11] so we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Pe 3:18; cf. Col 1:9–12; Heb 6:1; Php 3:12–14) and so we are not “tricked” or “deceived” into following “fake gospels” (paraphrase) and thereby lose our “crown of life.”[12]^, [13]
• The Breastplate of Righteousness (Eph 6:14): We wear the righteousness of Christ in “faith and love” (1Th 5:8) and also in truth, honor, integrity, humility, peace, patience, kindness, compassion, gentleness, and forgiveness, by “walking [living] by the Spirit” (see Gal 5:16, 25) as we “abide in Him [Jesus] and He in us,”[14] while also loving and serving God and others (Php 2:4; Jas 1:22; 2:15–16; 1Co 15:58).[15]
• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Eph 6:15; cf. 2Ti 4:2; Isa 9:6): Having learned the Gospel, we follow Jesus’ commandment to share the “good news” with those who are still “lost” and wandering in the “darkness” of this corrupt and fallen world.[16]^, [17] Note that it is a “gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15; cf. Mat 5:9; 2Pe 3:17–18; Isa 9:6) and “love” (Joh 3:16; 15:13; 1Co 13:1–13; Rom 13:8–10; Mar 12:31; 1Jo 4:7–8; Gal 5:22–23), not one of force, threat, violence, or physical intimidation![18]
• The Shield of Faith (Eph 6:16): As it is written, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him [God]” (Heb 11:6), and “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7) along “the Highway of Holiness” (Isa 35:8; Jer 6:16) towards heaven. It is with our faith that we “will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows [fiery darts KJV] of the evil one [Satan]” (Eph 6:16; cf. Jas 4:7) and thereby “endure hardship,” “stand firm,” “persevere,” and “endure to the end.”[19]
• The Helmet of Salvation (Eph 6:17): We look back on and remember what Jesus did on the cross for us, and we also look forward to “the hope of salvation” (1Th 5:8; cf. Act 26:6; Rom 5:3–5; Gal 5:5; Eph 1:18; Col 1:23, 27; Tit 1:2; 3:7; 1Pe 1:21) and “eternal life” in Christ. It is this “blessed hope” (Tit 2:13; cf. 1Pe 1:3) that helps us to “press on” toward heaven and:
  • “Take up our cross” (see Mat 16:24; Mar 8:34; Luk 9:23),
  • “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1Ti 6:12; cf. 1Ti 1:18; 2Ti 4:7),
  • Be “a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2Ti 2:1–5; 2Ti 4:5),
  • “Finish the course [race NKJV] … keep the faith” (see 2Ti 4:7–8; cf. 2Ti 2:1–5; Act 20:24; 1Co 9:24–27; Heb 12:1), and
  • “Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:13–14).
• The Sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17): And lastly, we take up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Note that this is our only offensive weapon! This is another reason why you must study and meditate on God’s Word each day and why you must also memorize Scripture—you memorize verses when times are good so you have them stored up in you when times are tough, when you need to “resist the devil” (Jas 4:7) and his “flaming arrows [fiery darts KJV]” (Eph 6:16)[20] and when you “preach the word” (2Ti 4:2) to others.[21] We also wield “the sword of the Spirit” through prayer—we pray and trust in God for all victories (Eph 6:18; cf. Pro 21:31). Furthermore, we win spiritual battles “‘not by [our] might nor by [our] power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zec 4:6).[22] Brother or sister in Christ, I ask: Is your sword a polished, “sharp two-edged sword” worthy of battle (see Heb 4:12; Rev 1:16; 2:12), or is it a dull kitchen butter knife (Heb 5:11; Mat 13:15; Mar 8:17–18; Joh 16:12; Act 28:27; 2Ti 2:1–5; Luk 8:14; 9:59–62; 24:25; 2Ti 4:10; 1Co 9:25–26; 1Ti 6:9; 2Pe 2:20; Gal 5:7)?

STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH (ACT LIKE MEN, BE STRONG)

We are to “stand firm” against all of the following:

• Satan: While Satan may not have the same latitude to deceive as in the past, we are warned that he is still active today and that he “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1Pe 5:8).[23] Therefore, we must still “resist the devil” (Jas 4:7), “the snare [wiles] of the devil” (1Ti 3:7; 2Ti 2:26; cf. 2Co 2:11), “the spirit of error” (1Jn 4:6), and “deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1Ti 4:1).
• Spiritual Forces of Wickedness and Darkness: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness [evil] in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12; cf. 1Co 16:13; 2Co 10:3–4).
• Evil Men and Women: Who “are of your father the devil” and the worldly institutions and God-denying organizations they create (Joh 8:44; Act 13:10).
• False Teachers: The “wolves,” “vipers,” “false prophets,” “false teachers,” “unprincipled men,” and modern-day “Pharisees” who seek to turn you out of the way to eternal life and into following their false teachings and fake gospels.[24]
• Our Old Sinful Nature: We must still contend with “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1Jn 2:16; cf. Eph 2:3; 1Pe 4:1–2) while we are still in our mortal, fleshly bodies, “which wage war against the soul” (1Pe 2:11).[25]

We are to “stand firm” in all of the following:

• Christ: We remain steadfast, committed, and devoted to our “first love” (Rev 2:4), which is Jesus and “the truth” (see Joh 4:23–24; 8:32; cf. Psa 145:18; Jud 3) of God’s Word.
• Our Faith: We remain in the truth of the Gospel, which is “the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jud 3) in NT Scripture.[26] We also “fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1Ti 6:12), “endure [and suffer] hardship” “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” for the sake of the Gospel (2Ti 2:1–5; 4:5), “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:14), and “endure to the end” (see Mat 10:22; 24:13; Mar 13:13; 1Co 1:8).[27]
• Our Obedience: We are continually obedient to the commandments of Christ (and the instructions of His apostles).[28]
• Our Works: We remain active “doers of the word,” “doing good” (Gal 6:9) to others and “bearing fruit” for the Lord.[29]
• Our Morals and Ethics: We continue to uphold Christian morals and ethics and adhere to the standard of behavior that was set out for us in Scripture; this includes our actions, words (language), and even motives. We also abstain from sinful behaviors.[30]
• Our Worship: We remain steadfast in our “worship” of God and Jesus.[31]
• Our Praise and Thankfulness: We continually offer our “praise,” “gratitude,” and “thanksgiving” to God for all that He has done for us.[32]
• Our Brotherly Love: We remain vigilant in our love for one another (1Jn 2:10; 3:10–23; 4:7–21; 1Pe 1:22; 2:17; 4:8; 1Co 12:26; 13:4–8, 13; Rom 12:10; 2Pe 1:7; Heb 13:1; Joh 13:34–35; 15:13; 1Th 4:9; Col 3:14).
• Our Concern for the Lost: We remain passionate to reach the lost (Mar 16:15; Act 14:7; 18:25; Rom 1:15; 12:11; 1Co 9:16–18; Rev 2:4; cf. Gal 6:9).

ON WIELDING WORLDLY WEAPONS AND VIOLENCE[33]

While “the armor of God” is symbolically described using items and tools of this world (belt, sword, helmet, shoes, etc.), please understand that Christians are never to be attackers of other people, rulers, politicians, authorities, governments, and so on[34]—we are a people “of peace” (see Luk 1:79; Eph 4:3; 6:15; Rom 14:17, 19; Heb 12:14; Jas 3:17–18; 1Pe 3:11; cf. Mat 5:9; Rom 12:17–19; 15:33; Luk 6:29–31; 1Co 4:11–13; 14:33; Heb 10:30; 13:20; 2Th 3:16) and of “the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15; cf. Mat 5:9; Isa 9:6) and “love” (Joh 3:16; 15:13; 1Co 13:1–13; Rom 13:8–10; Mar 12:31; 1Jo 4:7–8; Gal 5:22–23). Furthermore, Christians are never called to pick up and wield (utilize) worldly material weapons—sticks, stones, knives, guns, tanks, bombs, and so on (Mat 5:38–39; 26:52; Rom 12:19; 1Co 4:11–12; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 2:21–23; 3:8–9; Rev 13:10; cf. Psa 11:5).[35] Moreover, those weapons are of no use whatsoever in the spiritual war we are in, for as it is written, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” (2Co 10:3–5; cf. 2Co 6:7; Rom 13:12; 1Th 5:8).

Furthermore, we are commanded to “never pay back evil for evil to anyone … [and] never take your own revenge” (Rom 12:17–19, emphasis mine)[36] for anything at any time, but instead, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21).[37] Remember that God is our Justice, so leave all “judgment,” “vengeance,” “revenge,” “payback,” retaliation, and “retribution” to the Lord (see Mat 5:38–46; 7:1; Luk 6:27–28, 37; 23:34; Act 7:60; Rom 12:14, 17–21; 16:20; 1Co 4:12–13; 13:4–5; 2Th 1:5–12; Heb 10:30; 12:29; Jas 1:19; 1Pe 2:23; 3:9; 2Pe 2:9; 3:7; Pro 25:21–22; Rev 14:7; 16:7). He will bring all things to light and all men and deeds into righteous and true judgment on the great Day of Judgment (Mat 10:26; Mar 4:22; Luk 8:17; 12:2; 2Pe 2:9; 3:7). Trust Him to do that, for He alone “will render to each person according to his deeds” (Rom 2:6).[38]

And still further, we are commanded to “bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (see Rom 12:14; Luk 6:28) and “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mat 5:44; cf. Luk 6:27; 23:34; Act 7:60; 1Co 4:12–13; 13:4–5; 1Pe 2:23; 3:9; Pro 25:21–22). Remember to show kindness, compassion, love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness to others at all times (even your enemies), for you are an “example” of and an “ambassador” for Christ Jesus here on earth (see Mat 5:13–16, 44; Luk 6:27, 35; 2Co 5:20; Eph 6:20; Rom 2:19; Php 1:27; 2:15; 1Th 1:7; Tit 2:7; 1Pe 2:21; 5:3; Heb 12:1; cf. Mat 5:48).[39] Wouldn’t the world be a better place if Christians actually followed the commandments of Christ![40]^{, [41], [42]}

Now, some may object to what I have just written, thinking (having their minds already made up) that Christians are told by Jesus to “buy a sword” (see Luk 22:36) and that this allows and justifies their use of worldly weapons (or even violence and war). But brother or sister in Christ, that just is not the case! Wayne Jackson writes on this verse, adding much-needed clarity of thought and logic:[43]

Question from Reader: “Would you discuss Luke 22:36 [ASV]—‘[L]et him sell his cloak and buy a sword’? Some claim this passage is in conflict with Matthew 5:39, which prohibits a disciple of Christ from exercising physical retaliation, while others allege that Luke’s statement authorizes the Christian’s use of carnal weapons in defense of the cause of Christ.”

Several observations regarding this matter are in order.

First, one cannot take one passage that appears to contain a difficulty and array it against an almost encyclopedic collection of information that leads to an opposite conclusion. That is not a legitimate approach to biblical interpretation, and it reveals more about those who argue in this vein than is complimentary to them.

It is rather analogous to the procedure of the skeptic who ignores the vast conglomerate of data that argue for the unity of the Bible (hence its divine origin) by the appeal to a single text that superficially appears to imply a contradiction.

It also is similar to the Protestant who disregards all the texts that require immersion in water as an act of faith in obtaining the remission of sins, and focusing only on such passages as mention “faith” as a condition of salvation.

Second, the immediate context (Luke 22:35–38) pertains to the instructions concerning how the disciples would be treated as they would embark upon their dangerous mission of proclaiming his gospel. They were to go forth trusting in God to care for them.

The Lord reminds them of the providential care that surrounded them in their previous evangelistic labors. As they initially went forth, were they abundantly provisioned? No. God took care of them day by day. Did they lack anything? They conceded that they did not.

Christ then quoted from Isaiah 53:12 [ASV], where the prophet foretold that he, Christ himself, would be “reckoned with transgressors,” i.e., treated as a common sinner. The larger context of Isaiah 53 reveals that in implementing Heaven’s gracious plan of redemption, the lamb of God would do “no violence” (Is. 53:9 [ASV]). His example in dealing with hostility was to be their model.

Third, when the authorities came to arrest Jesus, Peter attempted to defend his Master with his sword, and the Savior sternly rebuked his apostle for the effort (Mt. 26:51–52).

Fourth, with reference to Luke 22:36, I introduce the testimony of the late William Arndt, professor of New Testament exegesis and hermeneutics at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Incidentally, he was one of the esteemed editors of the world famous Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, in collaboration with Gingrich and Danker.

In his book, Does The Bible Contradict Itself?, he wrote regarding Luke 22:36:[44]

“It is a warning to the disciples that troublous times, days of suffering and persecution, are coming for them and that they will have to arm themselves to withstand the onslaughts that are impending. The connection makes it clear that our Lord is not speaking of swords of iron or steel in this admonition. The disciples thought that He was referring to such physical weapons, and they said, v. 38 [ASV]: ‘Lord, […] here are two swords.’ Jesus, seeing that they are still very dull in their understanding of the spiritual teaching He has been giving them, says: ‘It is enough.’ He does not pursue the instruction any further, leaving it to the Holy Spirit to open up the full meaning of this matter to them later on. To put it briefly, the words of Jesus, Luke 22:36, are a figurative way of saying: Perilous times are coming; prepare for them. The swords He has in mind are the spiritual weapons of strong faith, fervent love of the Savior, fortitude, patience, and hope. This text, then, treats an altogether different subject from the one touched on in Matt. 5:39, and a collision of the two passages is out of the question (1955, 147–148).”

It is a regrettable circumstance that far too many Christian people have their minds made up on a variety of biblical themes before ever carefully studying the matter.

Such individuals are easily disposed to sweep under the carpet much evidence pertaining to a subject, and then almost frantically search for a single text that will justify them in what they already want to believe. This is a common though sad situation.

JESUS LED BY EXAMPLE

Jesus showed us how to conduct spiritual warfare when He was in the wilderness, facing the attacks and temptations of Satan (Mat 4:1–11; Mar 1:12–13). He didn’t pick up and use sticks and stones (or knives, guns, tanks, bombs, etc.) in His fight with the devil, nor did He get into a physical altercation with Satan. He only used “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:17; cf. Heb 4:12). Our weapons are spiritual (2Co 10:3–5), and we engage the enemy through faith, prayer, kindness, service to Christ (and to others), and the “preaching of the gospel” (see Mar 1:14; Luk 20:1; Act 8:25; 10:36; 15:35; Rom 1:9; Php 4:15; 1Co 2:4; Col 1:25), by which we also “destroy [the] strongholds” of the devil (2Co 10:3–5 ESV).[45] Jesus always and exclusively used “the word of God” as His only weapon, and He will do so once again at the end of time on the Day of Judgment (2Th 2:8; Rev 1:16; 19:15, 21). We are to do likewise! Amen.