Untitled Document

Scriptural Reference:
Ephesians 6:10-17

Contemplation:
6: 11 Put you on the Armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.

Sad to say, many people have lost touch with the reality that The devil or Satan does exist. In our Post Modern World where rationality rules, people tend to sarcastically brush off anything they cant see.

12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

There is and has been and always will be a division of Light and Dark. Of two very powerful Principalities. The constant battle between these two takes in the whole World. Dragging down one half while uplifting and redeeming the other. We need to be careful of this and decide quickly which side we will stand on. As there will be no room for spectators when the climax of battle comes.

13 Therefore, take unto you the Armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect.

Paul uses the analogy of the Roman Armour to good advantage. Each piece has a specific purpose. As with the Armour that the Roman Soldier relied on to maintain and save his life in battle; so to is the Armour that we can claim as our from God.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the Breastplate of Justice:

The Roman Belt was more than just something to hold ones leggings or lower garments in place. It held a variety of items. Such as Darts, Food and Coins. In this analogy Paul refers to it as the Belt of truth. Perhaps as with Truth we are prepared for the journey into battle.

He then refers to the Breastplate. This item covered the Roman Soldiers most vital organs. It was also a sign of respect and heritage as many of the more seasoned Officers would have their Breastplate made to size and adorned with images fitting their Military Status. The Breastplate Paul mentions is one of Justice. One that sets the believer apart from the World where strength was all that matters. Justice is to be our closest Armour to our heart.

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Roman Soldiers had a special Sandal. It was laced up to the calf. Had a firm and solid soul. And was both sturdy yet flexible to be manoeuvrable in battle. When a Roman Soldier entered battle it was said that he marched with the whole of the Roman Government with him. In other words, he went forth with the power of Rome's Political Might. What Paul tells us is to see our feet as being shod with the Gospel of Peace. A totally reversed view of the Roman Sandal. Our Sandals are made to bring Peace and Salvation. Not Blood and Dominance.

16 In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.

There were several Shields used by the Roman Soldiers. These were generally used for Parades and Celebrations. Rather light weight and highly decorated. Long Sojourns into enemy territory. These were medium weighted and either over or a similar shape. Then the standard Roman Shield which was rectangle and was heavily used in such field manoeuvres as what was called the Tortoise. A grouping of Roman Soldiers with their shields forming a wall and roofing over them.

Paul gives up the idea that our shield will not only protect us from a range of human attacks. But it will also afford us protection from the enemies Fiery Darts. I imagine these are invisible darts. Yet being invisible they are even the more deadly. As they are burning with the adversaries hatred for us. The enemy would throw such darts to diminish our witness.

As a note, Roman Soldiers used Darts made with lead points. The concept was to throw the dart at an enemy shield. It would become lodged in the shield. Bending slightly under the weight of the softer lead. And becoming heavy and difficult to remove.

17 And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

We get two analogies here. The first being the Helmet of Salvation. The Roman Soldiers Helmet was designed after many years of combat and conflict with a wide range of adversaries. So the design was very specific. Though there were two basic Helmets. Similar to the Shield. These were the Ceremonial Helmet which had plumes of horse hair and was colourful. And the standard battle helmet. Which was light weight and afforded the highest level of protection. While giving good visibility.

The Helmet of Salvation is one that fulfils a similar purpose to that of the Battle Helmet. We are protected by our Salvation, yet we are not blinded from the dangers that are present around us. We should not be wearing a fancy or ceremonial helmet. As our Salvation is won by the Lord Jesus Christ and not by our own merits. We have no reason to become weighed down with false pride.

The Sword of the Spirit is our strongest weapon and defence. The Word of truth cuts through any lie and deception. It defeats the enemy with the full force of the Gospel message. The Roman Soldier used primarily what was called a Roman Short Sword. Great for close battle. As it had a double sided blade. Could cut through the toughest of enemy Armour. And could be easily wielded with one hand. While the shield was held in the other hand.

Paul was a pragmatist in many ways. Using every day situations and examples to highlight his messages. We are grateful in these examples he has left us. As they develop for us and idea of the intensity of the battle that rages around us. It identifies the resources and forms of protection we have available for us. As it gives us an idea of how best to use these resources in battle.

How many useful analogies can you find in your day to day life? If Paul lived today, what do you think he might make use of to highlight his message? A Mobile Phone perhaps? Or some other form of Modern Technology we take for granted.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

We recognise the battle raging around us.
Please forgive us for becoming distracted.
For becoming tired and lazy in prayer.
For looking away and not seeing the enemy.

Help prepare us for each day,
Each battle with temptation,
Each confrontation with adversity,
And give us the strength to soldier on.

We trust in you alone as our Strength,
As our source of focus and courage,
As our spiritual sustenance,
And pray to be ever vigilant.

We pray this in your precious name,
Jesus Christ.

Amen

The Armour of God
HOME SCRIPTURE POETRY	Scriptural Reference: Ephesians 6:10-17 Contemplation: 6: 11 Put you on the Armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. Sad to say, many people have lost touch with the reality that The devil or Satan does exist. In our Post Modern World where rationality rules, people tend to sarcastically brush off anything they cant see. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. There is and has been and always will be a division of Light and Dark. Of two very powerful Principalities. The constant battle between these two takes in the whole World. Dragging down one half while uplifting and redeeming the other. We need to be careful of this and decide quickly which side we will stand on. As there will be no room for spectators when the climax of battle comes. 13 Therefore, take unto you the Armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect. Paul uses the analogy of the Roman Armour to good advantage. Each piece has a specific purpose. As with the Armour that the Roman Soldier relied on to maintain and save his life in battle; so to is the Armour that we can claim as our from God. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the Breastplate of Justice: The Roman Belt was more than just something to hold ones leggings or lower garments in place. It held a variety of items. Such as Darts, Food and Coins. In this analogy Paul refers to it as the Belt of truth. Perhaps as with Truth we are prepared for the journey into battle. He then refers to the Breastplate. This item covered the Roman Soldiers most vital organs. It was also a sign of respect and heritage as many of the more seasoned Officers would have their Breastplate made to size and adorned with images fitting their Military Status. The Breastplate Paul mentions is one of Justice. One that sets the believer apart from the World where strength was all that matters. Justice is to be our closest Armour to our heart. 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Roman Soldiers had a special Sandal. It was laced up to the calf. Had a firm and solid soul. And was both sturdy yet flexible to be manoeuvrable in battle. When a Roman Soldier entered battle it was said that he marched with the whole of the Roman Government with him. In other words, he went forth with the power of Rome's Political Might. What Paul tells us is to see our feet as being shod with the Gospel of Peace. A totally reversed view of the Roman Sandal. Our Sandals are made to bring Peace and Salvation. Not Blood and Dominance. 16 In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. There were several Shields used by the Roman Soldiers. These were generally used for Parades and Celebrations. Rather light weight and highly decorated. Long Sojourns into enemy territory. These were medium weighted and either over or a similar shape. Then the standard Roman Shield which was rectangle and was heavily used in such field manoeuvres as what was called the Tortoise. A grouping of Roman Soldiers with their shields forming a wall and roofing over them. Paul gives up the idea that our shield will not only protect us from a range of human attacks. But it will also afford us protection from the enemies Fiery Darts. I imagine these are invisible darts. Yet being invisible they are even the more deadly. As they are burning with the adversaries hatred for us. The enemy would throw such darts to diminish our witness. As a note, Roman Soldiers used Darts made with lead points. The concept was to throw the dart at an enemy shield. It would become lodged in the shield. Bending slightly under the weight of the softer lead. And becoming heavy and difficult to remove. 17 And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). We get two analogies here. The first being the Helmet of Salvation. The Roman Soldiers Helmet was designed after many years of combat and conflict with a wide range of adversaries. So the design was very specific. Though there were two basic Helmets. Similar to the Shield. These were the Ceremonial Helmet which had plumes of horse hair and was colourful. And the standard battle helmet. Which was light weight and afforded the highest level of protection. While giving good visibility. The Helmet of Salvation is one that fulfils a similar purpose to that of the Battle Helmet. We are protected by our Salvation, yet we are not blinded from the dangers that are present around us. We should not be wearing a fancy or ceremonial helmet. As our Salvation is won by the Lord Jesus Christ and not by our own merits. We have no reason to become weighed down with false pride. The Sword of the Spirit is our strongest weapon and defence. The Word of truth cuts through any lie and deception. It defeats the enemy with the full force of the Gospel message. The Roman Soldier used primarily what was called a Roman Short Sword. Great for close battle. As it had a double sided blade. Could cut through the toughest of enemy Armour. And could be easily wielded with one hand. While the shield was held in the other hand. Paul was a pragmatist in many ways. Using every day situations and examples to highlight his messages. We are grateful in these examples he has left us. As they develop for us and idea of the intensity of the battle that rages around us. It identifies the resources and forms of protection we have available for us. As it gives us an idea of how best to use these resources in battle. How many useful analogies can you find in your day to day life? If Paul lived today, what do you think he might make use of to highlight his message? A Mobile Phone perhaps? Or some other form of Modern Technology we take for granted. Prayer: Lord Jesus, We recognise the battle raging around us. Please forgive us for becoming distracted. For becoming tired and lazy in prayer. For looking away and not seeing the enemy. Help prepare us for each day, Each battle with temptation, Each confrontation with adversity, And give us the strength to soldier on. We trust in you alone as our Strength, As our source of focus and courage, As our spiritual sustenance, And pray to be ever vigilant. We pray this in your precious name, Jesus Christ. Amen

The Armour of God