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GOING INTO BATTLE (EPHESIANS 6:10-17)

REFLECTION

“Going into battle” is the theme for our reflection. Going into a battle means to engaging in a fight or struggle against an opposing force. We shall reflect on the fact that we need the armour of God before going into battle. Armour is the protective coverings and weapons worn by a soldier to protect the body before going into battle.

Beloved in the Lord, the armour of God is spiritual because the battle believers embark on is not a physical battle. It is for this reason, Paul said that “…be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, so 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 armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Paul used the imagery of a Roman soldier dressed for battle to admonish the Ephesians on how they are to be spiritually prepared for battle. The main elements that form the protective gear of a Roman soldier are a Helmet to protect the head, a Breastplate to protect the chest, a Shield to protect uncovered parts of the body from sword strikes and arrows or darts, Belt used to girdle the tunic and fasten the sheath for the sword, Sword for striking the enemy and shoes or sandals to run or walk swiftly. Paul would have used different imagery but a similar analogy if he had lived in the twenty-first century since military apparel and weapons have been significantly modified. Dear friend in Christ, Paul wants us to consider ourselves as soldiers of Christ dressed in Roman military gear or uniform ever ready for spiritual battle. For this reason, he admonishes us to “… 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. (Ephesians 6:14-17)

Helmet of Salvation – The helmet protects the head. The essential organ in the head is the brain which enables the function of the mind. The mind guides our morality, reasoning and understanding. When we have made up our mind to follow Jesus as our Lord and Savour we must protect our minds from temptations and going back or following the things of the world. Paul knows the power of the mind and its importance to our salvation so he admonishes the Romans, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2). We must always wear the helmet of Salvation to keep our minds protected from being corruption and temptation of the world.

Breastplate of the Righteousness – Our hearts play instrumental roles in what we yearn for, and what we yearn for will determine whether or not we are righteous or pure in heart. Jesus teaches us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matthew 6:21). To this end the Psalmist passionately appealed to God to “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalms 51:10). We put on the breastplates of righteousness to prevent satan from coming into our hearts to corrupt our hearts. Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Belt of Truth – The Truth is knowing the Word of God and living by it. Without the Truth, we shall be in darkness and the Holy Spirit will not live in us. Remember, it is the belt that girdles the tunic and most importantly holds the sheath properly in place to house the Sword of the Spirit. In other words, we must hold fast to the Word of God to enable the truth to live in us. Jesus admonishes us “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Shield of faith – Our relationship with God is built on faith therefore we need the shield of faith to overcome the challenges and attacks of the enemy that may make us lose hope and faith in God. Let us remember that ” without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6)

Sword of the Spirit. This is the power of the Word of God to defeat the enemy through the enablement of the Holy Spirit. Jesus used the Word of God to defeat satan in Luke 4:9-11. Jesus has taught us to always say “It is written…” making reference to the Sword of the Holy Spirit to overcome the enemy. Jesus again confirmed that “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63). The writer of Hebrews having experienced the Word of God as a power of the Spirit concluded that “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). It takes only the sword of the Holy Spirit to pierce our soul and spirit to discern our thoughts and intentions of the heart. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we use the Word of God which is the sword of God to break and overcome any hardened hearts and temptations. Those who do not know the Word of God and use it as the sword of the Spirit are to be the most pitied, for they become vulnerable to the temptations and attacks of the devil.

Shoes or Sandals of the Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is to spread to every corner of the world and it is a Gospel of peace that brings salvation to all who repent, believe and are baptised. We must not allow the schemes of the devil to prevent us from going to the rough and hostile places where sin has taken dominion over people. We are to rescue the perishing and revive those who are spiritually dead. To save those who are still beyond the wall of salvation, we have to wear the shoes or sandals of the Gospel, Jesus commissioned us, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

In summary, we have reflected on the theme “Going into battle” We have discovered that it is impossible for a Christian to go into battle or spiritual warfare without the full armour of God. It is for this reason that we must put on the full armour of God by guarding our salvation, upholding righteousness, living by the truth, being empowered by the Word of God, having faith in the Lord and preaching the Gospel.

PRAYER

Almighty God, we are grateful to you for providing us with the armour required to live a victorious life in Christ Jesus, may we always be ready for battle when we are attacked by spiritual forces. Amen.